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: #14 Café Friedrich

Café Name: Café Friedrich

Care of www.cafefriedrichs.com

  
Address: Mierendorffpl. 2, 10589 Berlin

 
Google Maps: Maps

 

Transport (BVG): 
U7 (Mierendorffplatz)  
Bus M27 (Mierendorffplatz)

Website Link: Café Friedrich

Coffee selection: Espresso, Macchiato, Americano, Cappuccino, Milchkaffee, Caffe Latte, Hot Chocolate

Coffee sampled: Cappuccino with extra shot

Cost: €2,50 + €1,00 extra shot

Extra Shot: €1,00

Taste: Satisfyingly strong, full dark body.  

Wait-time: Table service, attentive without being disruptive.

Friendliness of Staff: Polite.

Facilities (Toilets): Yes.

Ambience and Seating: Large outdoor seating area on a street triangle. Inside very spacious and clean.

Dogs allowed inside: NN

Leitungswasser (Table water) provided: Only when asked for.

Wifi: NN.

Hint: Selection of fresh cakes to accompany coffee will satisfy most German's "Kaffee und Kuchen" requirements. The cheese cake was particularly delicious.

General remarks: I visited at a rather off-peak time, which meant that the Café was almost deserted. However I can imagine that when the University Semester is on, being opposite the UdK (University of Arts) means that it is thriving with University students. 

Score: 8,5 / 10

Kaffee in Berlin series: #12 Röststätte Berlin

Café Name: Röststätte Berlin

Care of pro-macchina.com

Address: Ackerstrasse 173, 10115 Berlin
(Near Rosenthaler Platz) 

Google Maps: Röststätte Berlin

Transport (BVG): 
U8 (Rosenthaler Platz)
Bus 142 (Torstrasse/Tucholskystr or Rosenthaler Platz)
S1, S2, S25 (Oranienburger Strasse)

Website Link: Facebook

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

Coffee sampled: Cappuccino

Cost: €2,80

Extra Shot:

Taste: Rich, creamy espresso blend. Very satisfying and fresh.
 
Wait-time: Though the cafe part is quite small, one can usually get a table either inside or out on the street, or occasionally can spill into the espresso machine shop area. (There is also a whole shop area dedicated for coffee lover courses). 

Friendliness of Staff: Very polite, multicultural, and efficient. 

Facilities (Toilets): Possibly one of the smallest toilets that you can find, but stylish and clean nonetheless. 

Ambience and Seating: Very stylish and smart layout. The coffee making area specifically, but for such a small space it is very well designed. Lounges, tables, benches and window seating. Plus outside on the street (a narrow, short street). Daily newspapers for perusal.

Dogs allowed inside: Yes

Leitungswasser (Table water) provided: Yes, from a specific filtered water tap next to the barista machine.

Wifi: Yes, ask at the counter. 

Hint: The Cortado is similar to an antipodean style Café Latté (less milk than a cappuccino, served in a glass). 

General remarks: One of my favourite and regular places. Take-away quite efficient with Keep-A-Cups available for purchase. Their Arabian coffee beans are fair-trade ethical and roasted on site. 

Score: 9.5 / 10

Care of www.foursquare.com

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!
 

 

MANNHEIM: Coffee

Mannheim Series

True, Mannheim is not that close to Berlin - in fact, it is essentially diagonally on the opposite side of Germany. However my work commitments now have me commuting frequently between the two cities. And while Mannheim is a significantly smaller city than Berlin, trying to find the best spots requires some patience and persistence.

After a couple of months of exploration however, I now have enough recommendations to impart. And as always, my first priority centres around coffee.

BEST COFFEE IN MANNHEIM 
Beste Kaffee in Mannheim

While I now have a couple of cafes to frequent, I will start with one of the most central and yet secret italian cafes:

CRASTAN KAFFEKULT & ANTIPASTI, SNACKS

This italian coffee house is contained within an arcade off the main mall within the Quadrat P7.

Google Maps directions here:

The capuccino is made in a true italian style, with a strong espresso taste, but well blended with the milk.

Care of Instagram Quiet Crystals / @quietcrystals

The staff are extremely friendly (feel free to chat in Italian) and welcoming, and attentive without being obtrusive.

Being within an arcade, it is possible to underestimate just how nice the ambience and experience is once inside the curved glass cafe. But the traditional italian decor, marble tables, smell of roasted coffee beans and numerous antipasti and desserts on display quickly helps one settle in to enjoy an extremely nice cup of coffee. For any Antipodeans searching for familiar coffee, Crastan Kaffeekult, is definitely a must.

Care of Instagram Quiet Crystals / @quietcrystals

For their news and updates, check out their facebook page at: Crastan Kaffeekult & Antipasti, Snack

Care of Facebook: Kaffekult & Antipasti, Snack

Coffee: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Recommended: cappuccino
Price: 2,60€

It's NOVEMBER ALREADY??!!

How on earth did that happen?!

It seems like October simply disappeared - between returning from Düsseldorf, being reunited with loved ones at home in Berlin, new opportunities and work places, more travel to and auditions in Copenhagen, Deutsche Bahn strikes, performances and Halloween; There just wasn't time to do any posts. 

So I now have some catching up to do.

Coming up this month - a few more recommendations about Düsseldorf. 

Upcoming performances of Menotti's THE MEDIUM:

Friday, the 14.11.2014 at 20:00

Sunday, the 16.11.2014 at 16:00

Hauptstadtoper Berlin, Landsberger Allee 61, Friedrichshain. 

www.hauptstadtoper.de

Tickets 18€ / 10€ for concession and freelance artists / 8€ Students

Plus some new culinary discoveries, coffee places and depending on the mood, perhaps some rants - but one should stay positive.

Thanks for reading!!

M

Berlin getaway series: #2.3 Düsseldorf - Best Coffee

il pastaio 

Though I can't claim to know all the coffee houses in Düsseldorf, I can certainly attest that after finding this particular place I have had no need to look further.

 

Il pastaio im Carsch-Haus Düsseldorf (c) MJT

Hidden away underground like a secret gem is this Italian espresso bar, alongside its cakes and pasta stores. But everything about this place feels like a genuine Italian coffee bar - sitting around 3 sides of the barrister, you are perched on stools to enjoy your espresso or espresso macchiato, and the service is friendly and quick, and the coffee is fantastic - it is like a piece of Italy tucked underground Düsseldorf.

Care of www.il-pastaio.de

So how does one find "il pastaio"?!
Firstly there is a department store called "Carsch Haus" (www.carsch-haus.de) and in the basement of Carsch Haus there is a food court, with a number of well presented and cosy places to enjoy some drinks and foods. Walking through on the right hand side is where you will find the three divisions of "il pastaio".

Care of www.carsch-haus.de

Conveniently the basement of Carsch Haus links to the subway station "Heinrich-Heine-Allee", so if arriving by train, simply continue walking in the subway towards Carsch Haus and then further into the food court. (www.delikatessa.com)

Espresso Bar - il pastaio (c) MJT

With an espresso macchiato costing 2€, it is the perfect afternoon pick me up, and I confess that the first time I found this place, I basically skipped with giddiness back to work, not for the caffeine, but that I had found somewhere that served excellent coffee.

Espresso macchiato - il pastaio (c) MJT

However if you prefer to take your time, as I have observed many pensioners around 2:30pm doing so, there is an delicious looking  selection of "dolce" desserts. The tiramisu was personally recommended to me, though it is a little too creamy for my taste. However the slice of lemon meringue was the perfect combination and ratio of all layers and flavours.

Tiramisu - il pastaio (c) MJT

I've been back most days for my daily fix of coffee and to practice some Italian, and the quality (of the coffee) never wavers. It is often crowded with people, but I've never had to wait more than three minutes to find a seat.

il pastaio im Carsch-Haus Düsseldorf (c) MJT

Coffee: ★★★★★
Service: ★★★★★
Recommended: espresso macchiato
Price: 2€

Directions here:

Care of www.delicatessa.com

Kaffee in Berlin series: #9 EINSTEIN in Quartier 206 (neue/wieder Eröffnung)

EINSTEIN in Quartier 206

As you may be aware if you live in Berlin, Einstein Coffee is a Berlin chain of Coffee Houses, starting I believe with the original Einstein Villa in Schöneberg.

Now in Quartier 206 (C) MJT

The Einstein new opening on Friedrichstrasse in Quartier 206 is a welcome return to the area, as it was one of my original haunts when I first moved to Berlin.

Kaffee Einstein (C) MJT

Living long distance, I would spend hours each day skyping back to Australia in the cosy Coffee Shop close to my work. However the manager/owner decided to move to Savignyplatz, and the lease was taken over by a watch store (a watch store!! really??!! it was the best coffee for blocks!) However, Einstein Kaffee have now re-opened after a number of delays on the opposite side of the street in the centre of Quartier 206 in a much bigger store with upstairs seating. Directions here:

Espresso macchiato (C) MJT

While this is still a chain, the friendliness of the staff (particularly the manager) and the loyalty cards, makes this an extremely reliable place to grab a quick espresso, or if you are on a skype date enjoy a larger beverage such as the hot chocolate, or even for a lunch of cous cous salad or panini.

A quick espresso macchiato date (C) MJT

My only reservation is that the prices are slightly too high for a chain (particularly on lunch food) and there are now more places around Berlin to get good coffee. Given that the location is tourist central and Quartier 206 is considered hoighty-toighty, this is perhaps not so surprising.

Care of www.einstein-kaffee.de

In summary, EINSTEIN Kaffee in Quartier 206 comes in at a good recommendation, particularly if you are in the area around Checkpoint Charlie or Gendarmenmarkt and need a refresher:

Coffee: ★★★☆

Service: ★★★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Recommended Drink: Espresso macchiato or Hot Chocolate

Price: €1,80 or €3,50

Best Quality: Wifi, Service (particularly the manager) and atmosphere (now upstairs seating and in Quartier 206)

Kaffee in Berlin series: #8 Barcomi's Deli

Barcomi's Deli

Tucked away in the Sophie-Gips-Hof is a treasured large coffee and cake house. Though not as busy as the Hackescher Höfe, this courtyard has a more local feel and is ideal for a weekend brunch or an afternoon coffee and cake. Directions here:

 

There is an abundance of seating inside for the winter months and outside in the calm courtyard opposite Gestalten.

Care of www.barcomis.de

I have previously written about the Sophie-Gips-Höfe, that it was originally a factory for bike chains and then sewing machines. The full post can be found here:

Barcomi's Cappuccino (C) MJT

The café itself seems to be based on an Austrian tradition with New York style feel. There is a page worth of coffee beans to choose from, and it has been one of the few coffee houses I have found to serve a condensed milk "cortado" (as they name it).

Cortado at Barcomi's (C) MJT

I can also recommend sharing the three dips lunch, or a bagel. To date I have resisted the temptation to try the cakes, though I'm sure that wont last long and I will follow up this post with a dedicated cake one.

Bagel at Barcomi's (C) MJT

Another great quality or touch that I appreciate is not having to ask for water, as each coffee drink comes with sparkling water to cleanse the palette. 

Espresso at Barcomi's (C) MJT

Overall a very calm, traditional coffee and cake house.

Coffee: ★★★★

Service: ★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★☆

Recommended Drink: Cortado (condensed milk)

Price: €2,80 (€3,80 doppel)

Best quality: condensed milk coffee "cortado" or the cakes

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