Lucy's The Deli

Lucy's The Deli

Finally a new cafe has moved into the long-unoccupied space at Torstrasse 116 near Rosenthaler Platz. "Hermann's" had a couple of successful years, but has been vacant for quite a time, which has been a loss to the area, as it has one of the biggest physical spaces in the area. 

Thankfully "Lucy's The Deli" has arrived (moving down the hill from Brunnenstrasse) and the atmosphere is very calm, with friendly staff and good food and drink. Much of the layout, furniture, and ambience has been inherited from "Hermann's" - all the better though, since it is very open, spacious, and calming. There are even booths if needing to work a little. 

For all those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, you will find a great selection of fresh options. And there are a couple of Keto options too, if you ask nicely. 

Being summer, I can definitely recommend the iced-matcha latte and the protein balls (different flavours available).  

Here's wishing Lucy's The Deli a strong survival, but not at the loss of the current atmosphere and vibe. 

21 gramm

21 gramm

Looking for a great brunch place in Berlin? Wondering what to do on Sunday in Berlin when almost everything else is closed? Desperate for a decent flat white? 

You might be close to death trying, but only in location of this place, since it is part of the cemetery of St Thomas (St Thomas Kirchhof). 

21 GRAMM

A bruch place in the former chapel of the St Thomas Friedhof (cemetery), the wait-staff cannot afford to rest in peace, since this place is extremely popular, and it's not hard to understand why. 

As a former chapel, 21 gramm have managed to create a cosy ambience within quite an open space, while making the whole aesthetic quite unique and inviting. 

You can find their entire menu via their website here:

https://www.21gramm.berlin/

Though in the heart of Neukölln it is well located on the U8 (southern entrance of U-Leinestrasse) or a manageable walk from the S-Bahn_Ring via Hermannplatz.

Brunch is served 09:30 to 15:45 Wednesday through to Sunday (Monday, Tuesday closed) with dishes priced from €9,50 to €13,90 (without added extras). 

We shared dishes in order to enjoy more variety, but certainly the BBQ noodles were our favourite. Followed closely by the pancakes...

And most important, the flat white was just right: Slightly darker in colour, served in a glass with the correct amount of milk froth, and a strong brew without being bitter. €3,90

Kaffee in Berlin series: #11 Kaffee 9

Café Name: Kaffee 9

Address: Eisenbahnstraße 43, 10997 Berlin
(Markthalle Neun)

Google Maps: Kaffee 9 

Transport (BVG): 
U1 (Görlitzer Bahnhof / Schlesisches Tor)  
Bus 140 (Wrangelstrasse)

Website Link: Facebook

Coffee selection: Filterkaffee, Espresso Macchiato, Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Latte, Draught Coffee, Iced Black, Iced Latte

Coffee sampled: Cappuccino

Cost: €2,60

Extra Shot: €0,40

Taste: Smooth blend, ever so slightly watery, no bitter after taste.

Wait-time: On this particularly visit, surprisingly no wait time (even though midday).

Friendliness of Staff: Polite and efficient.

Facilities (Toilets): None as part of the Cafe, but next door inside Markthalle Neun

Ambience and Seating: Rustic chairs and tables, offset by rather trendy open space with floor to ceiling windows. Lots of space with varying table sizes. Essentially three shops transformed into one big space.

Dogs allowed inside: Yes

Leitungswasser (Table water) provided: Yes, collect from same place as coffees. 

Wifi: Not sure. 

Hint: Try the Anzac Biscuits (not technically called so, but essentially the same)  

General remarks: Didn't realise that one has to wait to collect coffees after ordering (no table service), but overall a solid choice, particularly good if meeting in larger groups (adequate seating and tables).

Score: 8.5 / 10

Kaffee in Berlin series: #10 Update

Kaffee in Berlin series (Coffee in Berlin) 

has been a very slow yet ongoing process for this blog for a number of years. In fact, usually when visiting another city, one of my first inspirations for a blog post is a recommendation of where to find good coffee. 

As such, I have decided to give myself a small challenge for a couple of reasons. 

Firstly, it was with great disappointment yet deep understanding that at the end of 2016 the owners of "Antipodes" on Fehrbellinerstrasse decided to make a life change and close what had become our antipodean sanctuary for the past six years. 

While we have a number of coffee shops to which we are loyal, Antipodes was not just a place to drink fantastic coffee, rather it fostered a community, and as such a significant history of our Berlin routine focused around this particular cafe. 

Secondly, while I like having a record of our history in Berlin, so many of my posts have only remained as drafts, due to not having dedicated enough time to refine them. As such there are huge (and I mean scarily huge) timeline gaps on this blog. I am keen to rectify this. 

Thirdly, I shouldn't be surprised at myself, but I really, REALLY like coffee. I'm not an aficionado or expert on where the beans have come from, and I don't go in for stupid craves (I could go on a rather offensive rant about the filter-coffee fad, but I wont ... yet). But I am very particular about what I recommend as good coffee and there is enough coffee-snob in me to actually forgo drinking coffee at the risk of consuming something unacceptable.

As such, my focus for the next few weeks and months, is to seek out, experiment and visit as many new coffee houses and cafes in my local Berlin habitat, and use a concise formula for reviewing and recommending for those looking for a good cuppa. If you are interacting with this blog, please feel free to leave a comment or a suggestion of where you think a good espresso/cappuccino is to be found.

Let's get the espresso steaming!
 

 

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

 

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

Berlin getaway series: #1.1 SZCZECIN - COLOMBUS COFFEE

SZCZECIN - COLOMBUS COFFEE

Since many of my blog posts revolve around coffee, it is perhaps apt that I start with an awesome cafe that we found in the middle of the street....

COLOMBUS COFFEE

(C) MJT

Granted this is a chain coffee store (I discovered that it was founded in 1999, and appears to only be in Poland), but the architecture of this particular café is SO cool.

(C) MJT

Located in the middle of an intersection between two discarded tram lines (now transformed into a paved narrow parkland), the use of the narrow space is compensated by numerous levels and an amazing open plan glass structure. A word to the wise however, the top level, where we made our regular table, is the warmest area - being a fully glassed enclosure with no windows to open - and in warm, summer temperatures I suspect the heat becomes overwhelming. 

(C) MJT

Nevertheless it is a very relaxing view looking out onto the Park towards the river.

(C) MJT

Otherwise the downstairs floor (beneath the service area) has very comfortable arm chairs, which provide secluded areas for private conversations. 

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

As for the coffee itself, we only tried the "poco cappuccino". It was a great relief to find a decent coffee. The price equated to around 2€. The array of African references, pictures and dedicated time-zone clocks suggests that is where their beans come from. So the coffee was good, even if it did remind me a little of Starbucks...

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

The selection of panini, salads and doughnuts were very good for picking up a cheap and quick lunch. And the staff were extremely friendly, courteous and spoke English surprisingly well.

(C) MJT

Obviously Colombus Coffee is a reliable place to pick up a coffee, yet this particular café is a definite stop if visiting Szczecin. They even have a facebook page, named "szczecin meeting point" - visit it here: www.facebook.com/szczecinmeetingpoint and for finding it on googlemaps here:

Oh, and if you are likely to be there for more than 6 visits, it is worth getting the loyalty card, so that you get a free coffee...!

(C) MJT