Sophie-Gips-Höfe / Gestalten Space

SOPHIE-GIPS-HÖFE / GESTALTEN SPACE

Between the streets of Sophienstrasse and Gipsstrasse in Mitte behind Hackeschermarkt lies one of the most peaceful and interesting spaces in Berlin. While many flock to the courtyards (Höfe) at Hackeschermarkt, this subtle gem known as either Sophie-Gips-Höfe or Gestalten Space is well worth the look in for numerous reasons.

Care of www.berlin.de

Care of Google Maps

First of all, the actual address is Sophienstrasse 21, and while there are two entrances, this is the easiest to find first, as it is directly opposite the back corner of the Sophienkirche and next to a musical instrument shop. Google map directions here. In the late 19th century it was a sewing machine factory, later becoming a bicycle chain factory and other shops. 

There are three courtyards between the two streets, each with a distinct artistic flavour, though subtle and refined. According to the official page of Berlin.de and the plaque on-site, the entire property was purchased by the family Hoffmann in 1995, who ensured that the thoroughfare would be opened up to the public and would patronise the light installations, garden works and artwork. The property was subsequently converted into individual apartments and lofts.

First Hof covered with Ivy (C) MJT

Antonyms Artwork (C) MJT

The first Hof from Sophienstrasse entrance is not unlike that of a normal Berlin Alt-bau (old-building/historical) except for the list of antonyms running down the wall from the top storey in clear simple typography, made intimate by the remaining walls covered in ivy. On closer inspection of the buzzers, one notices that many local business such as Ampelmann have their offices in the building.

Middle Hof with Loft Apartments (C) MJT

Gestalten Publishing (C) MJT

The second and middle Hof is by far the busiest, with Café/Deli Barcomi's filling out the courtyard with tables and chairs for coffee and lunch patrons, while the shop opposite - "Gestalten" is a homewares and bookstore, exclusively of the books that they themselves publish. The space at the back of the shop also changes regularly to accommodate artistic projects.

Recent "gestalten" purchases (C) MJT / franklovesellen

Third Hof (closest to Gipsstrasse) (C) MJT

Finally the third Hof is again subtle and is more open than the other two, and again features some writing on the top walls and what seems so simple yet brilliant, a geometrical designed lawn, that adds a subtle touch to an otherwise lawned area.

Simple yet effective (C) MJT

Peaceful space (C) MJT

I will write shortly about the café Barcomi's, as it makes a visit to the Sophien-Gips-Höfe well worth the effort. Plus there are so many boutique shops and locally made and designed products, that the area is extremely vibrant.

E & #Nikolaithehusky (C) MJT

Other entrance at Gipsstrasse (C) MJT

We love finding new spaces and investigating the Hofs of Mitte. Do you like it too Nikolai?

#nikolaithehusky (C) MJT

 

Berlin getaway series: #1.3 SZCZECIN - Buddha Thai & Fusion

EATING OUT IN SZCZECIN - BUDDHA THAI & FUSION

Thanks to the advice on TripAdvisor we discovered a very satisfying lunch and dinner place named "Buddah Thai & Fusion". As it transpired during our stay in Szczecin, this was one of three new asian restaurants under one umbrella company. They are clearly an  entrepeneurial company, with advertisements in all the tourist maps, bus shelters and all main traffic areas in the city. 

Care of TripAdvisor

 

"Buddha Thai & Fusion" is situated in the Stare Miasto - meaning Old City, and the square that the restaurant looks out onto is one of the most beautiful and well maintained areas of the city. It is conveniently the most densely restaurant populated area, so it is worth visiting regardless if looking for somewhere to eat. Directions here.

Stare Miasto from Buddha Thai (C) MJT

When we finally decided to try this Thai restaurant - not really expecting to find great asian food in Szczecin, we were wonderfully surprised an impressed. 

For lunch I ordered the small crispy duck dish, and E a mango and prawn salad. Now I love a good duck dish, but this was AMAZING. So fresh and tender in the meat but perfectly crisped on the outside. However I do believe the chili count was wrong, as it was only supposed to be one chili heat, as was E's - yet mine was at least 5 times hotter than the prawn/mango salad. Still I managed to get through and probably gave my immune system a boost. 

Stare miasto (C) MJT

Very happy with Crispy Duck Dish (C) MJT

We finished up by sharing a Thai Ice-Cream Sunday, helping put out the fire on my tongue and immediately agreed to come back for a dinner another night.

Ice-cream Sunday (C) MJT

Blue skies and sunny days in Szczecin (C) MJT

When we returned for dinner the following night we decided to sit indoors and admire the effort that had gone into the interior  decoration, atmosphere and attention to detail.

Dinner time at Buddha Thai (C) MJT

Happy dinner time (C) MJT

Over dinner we took advantage of the cocktails (approximately €4 each) and tried a few more absolutely delicious dishes. During both our visits to "Buddha Thai & Fusion" our waiters were friendly and attentive without being pushy or hurrying us on, and spoke english exceptionally well. While the price is on the higher side compared to competition in Poznan the conversion to euros is not excessive and well worth it for the service and quality.

Dinner time (C) MJT

Yummy Dishes at Buddha Thai & Fusion (C) MJT

Buddha Thai & Fusion was definitely one of the best finds for food in Szczecin, and further information can be found at their website: www.buddharestaurant.pl

Try the duck!

MJT

Kaffee in berlin series: #7 Cuore di Vetro

CUORE DI VETRO

A new edition to the neighbourhood but on the quieter street of Max-Beer-Strasse (nr 33), which is parallel to Alte-Schönhauser-Strasse and near U-Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, this Italian run ice-cream store is fast becoming one of our favourite haunts for ice-cream, and the benefit is that their coffee is also great. Directions here.

Care of Cuore di Vetro Facebook Page

Outside Cuore di Vetro (C) MJT

I think I will have to save a blogpost just for the ice-cream, but in short they make their own flavours on-site and vary the menu from day to day. 

Selection of ice-cream flavours (C) MJT

Hard at work at the ice-cream making machines (C) MJT

As for the coffee, it is a very satisfying blend with an italian influence (understandably) and smooth non-bitter taste. 

Cappuccino (C) MJT

And the café itself is a very pleasant place to rest during a walk or shopping tour around the area, as it is on a quieter street. However be aware that directly opposite is a Kindergarten, so directly after school hours can become peak hour with after-school ice-creams being served. At other times however it is generally quiet and pleasant to sit outside if the weather is good, or inside opposite the ice-cream factory or upstairs on the mezzanine.

 

Outside Cuore di Vetro (C) MJT

Inside (C) MJT

In summary, CUORE DI VETRO comes in at a very high recommendation:

Coffee: ★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Recommended Drink: Cappuccino

Price: €2,30

Best Quality: The ice-cream!!! Yum-Yum!!

Weinbergsweg Park series: #1 Rose Garden

WEINBERGSWEG PARK - ROSE GARDEN

Just near Rosenthaler Platz in Mitte stands Weinbergsweg Park, or Volkspark am Weinbergsweg as it is officially titled by the District of Berlin. The name Weinbergsweg originates from its former function as a vinyard (Wein=Wine, Berg=Hill) on the outside of the city walls some centuries ago. It is now one of the most popular and beautiful inner city Parks in Mitte. Directions here:

Pond at Brunnenstrasse entrance (C) MJT

We visit the park regularly, particularly with dog, and it is stunning to see the seasons so clearly defined by the changes that the park undertakes during the year. 

#nikolaithehusky (C) MJT

I have taken many photos of the park in its various guises, hence wanting to start a series at Weinbergsweg. 

Weinbergsweg Rose Garden (C) MJT

Commencing with the current season, we are fortunate enough to be here while the rose garden is in full bloom. In previous years we have missed the sunniest months, but since spring arrived so early this year, everything has grown and bloomed for much longer. So here are some of the examples at the northern part of the park before the Children's Playground. 

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Plus there is a small cafe at the edge of the Rose Garden with only outdoor seating. Though we have never tried it... perhaps I smell the aroma of another coffee blogpost...

MJT.

Kaffee in Berlin series: #6 LA PREMIATA DITTA

LA PREMIATA DITTA

On Weinbergsweg (Nr 4) at Rosenthaler Platz in the smallest of Gewerbe (shop/commercial space) an extremely stylish italian deli recently opened its doors. Directions here. 

(C) MJT

La premiata ditta first opened less than a year ago, with the most drinkable espresso I had ever tasted, and a deli with multiple prosciutti and focaccia options to choose from. They have since updated their menu and lunch options to a more German palate, yet the freshness and flavours remain superb.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

Just opposite the tram stop at Weinbergsweg, this is an extremely small coffee house, but extremely well designed in all aspects. Clearly they have taken a lot of care, time and effort in their presentation.

(C) MJT

Since summer is now upon us in Berlin, the café now accommodates more than 8 people by spilling out onto Weinbergsweg - between Spätverkaufs and other restaurants and cafés. But for an espresso on the run while waiting for the tram, or a mittags/lunch menu with focaccia, coffee and freshly pressed juice look no further than this extremely well fashioned italian addition to the area.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

In summary, La PREMIATA DITTA comes in at a very, very high recommendation:

Coffee: ★★★★★

Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Recommended Drink: Espresso or Cappuccino

Price: €1,50 / €2,20

Best Quality: The most drinkable Espresso ever! The staff are extremely friendly and willing to please. The modified lunch menu (deal) is just right! 

Check out their website here:  www.lapremiataditta.com

Kaffee in Berlin series: #5 Five Elephant Coffee & Cakes

FIVE ELEPHANT COFFEE & CAKES 

Off to explore a different area of Berlin, we found ourselves in the leafy street of Reichenbergerstrasse (Nr 101) in Kreuzberg, parallel to Görlitzer Park. Directions here.

Here a subtle but clearly popular cafe and roasting house has established itself well into the hipster and ex-pat demographic of Kreuzberg. Five elephant coffee has a very nice taste; strong enough without being bitter. A very melbourne like blend. 

(C) MJT

The cakes part of their title is equally important, and an array of homemade cakes is yours for the choosing. However I cannot recommend strongly enough the chocolate cookies. A mix of white and milk choc-chips, the cookies are just the right texture and consistency to enjoy on their own.

(C) MJT

Sitting outside is extremely pleasant since the street has little road traffic. Nevertheless the various rooms and interesting interior would also make it a pleasant place to enjoy a coffee inside during the cooler months.

(C) MJT

In summary, Five Elephants Coffee & Cakes comes in at a good recommendation, particularly for the cookies and the smooth coffee, however I was disappointed to be ignored by three staff at the counter when trying to order...:

Coffee: ★★★☆

Service: ★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★☆
Recommended Drink: Cappuccino
Price: €2,50
Best quality: The cookies, but the coffee was indeed good too.

(C) MJT