Shauna Eats Sunnyside

MAGMA at P.J. Horgan’s Pub

I’ve had my eye on the “Chocolate Lava Cake” dessert at P.J. Horgan’s Pub and Restaurant (on Queens Blvd. b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts.) for months, now. Usually, we end up too stuffed on Guinness and cheddar burgers to even consider their post-dinner sweets. And Starberry is just next door—further viable distraction.

The other night, we happened upon P.J.’s with local friends J & D, promptly pounced on burgers and pints, then FINALLY capped off the visit with shared plates of the volcanic confectionary a la mode.

Initially striking was the spherical structure of the cakes. Volcanos are cones, no? But no matter…

True to geological form, the gooey chocolate core oozed (as molten rock might) and fell somewhere between rich cocoa icing and delectable goop pudding. Secondly, the central eruption was piping hot, and melded into the dense cushiony (room-temperature) cake against chilled vanilla bean ice cream for an epically contrasting spoonful.

Needless to say, we inhaled.

Now, a discerning palate might scrutinize the mild palatial impact of the cake, which could’ve been lighter, more flavorful, or more lingering in its choco explosion. Surely a baker could improve on the lava cake’s shortcomings, but at this homey Irish pub, as long as the flavor can complement a heady pint of Guinness, it’s way ahead of the game.

And entirely lickable.

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P.J. Horgan’s Pub and Restaurant
42-17 Queens Boulevard (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts.)
Sunnyside, NY 11104
718-361-9680