Perfecting the Aesthetic: An Interview and Conversation with Kreshnik Berisha And Sihana

At the corner of Prospect and Ferry Streets, a restaurant had a quiet opening. The usual fanfare around grand openings had to wait. The Ironbound was in the grips of a pandemic that brought the usually bustling thoroughfare to a mute standstill. Nevertheless, Sihana set its tables and opened its doors to the community, presenting a fresh new take on a space to eat, hang out, and absorb art.

Kreshnik Berisha, one of the founders and owners of Sihana, joins the pod to discuss the unique mission of Sihana and what it is like to open a space during what may be the most challenging epoch in this city’s history—at least in the last 50 years.

Guest:

Kreshnik Berisha—Kreshnik is an owner and founder of Sihana. Originally from Albania, he grew up in New Jersey and has spent time in other cities like Boston/Cambridge. He is currently a Newark resident.

Background & Articles:

  • Sihana’s Facebook Page: here

  • Review of Sihana in the Newarker: here

Quote: “To tell the truth, this was one of the few cases in which she had not told him just what she was thinking. Usually, she let him know whatever thoughts happened to come to her, and indeed he never took it amiss if she let slip a word that might pain him, because when all was said and done that was the price one paid for sincerity.” Broken April, Ismail Kadare