SnowSymphony Designs - Husky inspired

SnowSymphony have started releasing some of their print designs, inspired by all things Siberian Husky related. In this time of Maskenpflicht (mandatory mask wearing) what better way to show your affection for these creatures, than to have a personalised mask or T-shirt. The designs look sleek, and you can request a personalised catch-phrase or design through the website. 

Check it out here:

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60904474

Mikkeller Opening

Mikkeller Opening 

If you have visited Rosenthaler Platz in the past two years, you will have noticed that it has been a hive of construction and gentrification activity. I have lost count of the number of eateries and shops that have opened, since closed, been renovated and reopened as other business since living in the area.

Long overdue, the stretch along Torstrasse from St Oberholz to Schmittz is having a face lift and an abundance of new businesses are on the verge of opening their doors. 

It was unfortunate to see "Jean and Lily" homewares depart the area, but a new trendy-looking Deli has since taken its place. And the outdated "Fleischerei / Currywurst" dive is having a complete overhaul after lying vacant for at least 18 months. 

Then there is Torstrasse 102. A large commercial space that has been everything from Vintage clothes, to aethiest shoes, to outlets, and also vacant for more than 12 months. Suffering perhaps from being on the curve of Torstrasse, one has to be just that bit more adventurous to walk further away from Rosenthaler Platz to find it. And until now there has not been anything specific to lure people to the location.

BUT THE WAIT IS OVER!!!

Tomorrow 18.03.2017 the Grand Opening of "Mikkeller" will introduce residents and tourists alike to the assortment of Danish-brewed craft beer. 

http://mikkeller.dk/event/mikkeller-berlin-grand-opening/

The friendly staff, builders and general manager have been working at an incredible pace to get the bar ready to receive thirsty Berliners on Saturday, and the work and design has indeed paid off.

A few progress pictures from their website give you an idea of how welcoming and astutely designed the place has been transformed:

http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-berlin/

http://mikkeller.dk/location/mikkeller-berlin/

For directions to Torstrasse 102, click here:

And to more information about their Grand Opening, have a look at their facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/mikkellerberlin/

One hopes that the venture is a success, and certainly we will be joining in the celebrations of the Grand Opening tomorrow afternoon to sample some of the Danish beers on offer. Prost!!

MJT.

Japanese food in Berlin: #2 Hashi

Hashi - Japanese Kitchen

Only two years ago the ground floor of a brand new building between Rosenthalerplatz and Weinbergsweg opened its doors as a Japanese restaurant, named Hashi. Directions here:

(C) MJT

We had frequented this new restaurant off-and-on during its beginnings - bento box lunch deals, tapas-like dinners and sushi.

(C) MJT

Glad to say, Hashi is still here and they have managed to adjust and cater very well to their clientele, and it is now a place that we go if we want to make it a special dinner out.

Rosenthaler Strasse (C) MJT

The effort that has gone into the design and decor must be mentioned, as the ceiling is an extremely admirable piece of art. Thousands of chopsticks have been sewn together so as to appear floating in mid-air, creating a forest effect.

Hand stained chopsticks (C) MJT

Wave of chopsticks (C) MJT

According to the details mentioned in the menu, the installation was designed by Bjørn Hoffmann and Sofia Borges of Affect Studio. The chopstick forest (Hashi Mori) is created out of 15,454 hand stained and threaded chopsticks, 57,400 knots and over 20 kilometres of nylon to suspend it all together. 

Chopstick forest (C) MJT

As for the food itself, most of the sushi and tapas plates are served on slate, which adds to the freshness of the food. The menu is quite extensive but it is worth ordering a couple of dishes, as it is quite like a japanese tapas. 

View towards Alexanderplatz (C) MJT

My favourite dishes worth recommending include the Ebimayo Popcorn (deep fried shrimps) for 4,90€ and the Avocado Salad with Pacific Shrimps, which has a generous serving of prawns and it very good value for 6,90€. The sushi dishes are extremely reliable and the cooked fish dishes are worth trying.

Front entrance Hashi (C) MJT

Overall it is worth a visit if only to appreciate the ceiling, however I would recommend it for a date night or special occasion. Take your time and try many various dishes. Service and meals are usually extremely efficient. 
 
Price: €€-€€€
Service: ★★★★
Food: ★★★★☆
Recommended dish: Avocado Salad with Pacific Shrimps 6,90€.