Blog - Life in a Berlin Minute

lockdown diaries: Laurel from Fine Bagels

Kim Benjamin — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 09:34:29 +0000

I was first made aware of Fine Bagels at one of the first breakfast markets hosted at Markthalle Neun. After the first bite I was hooked! Bagels were a staple of my breakfast life in New York and I hadn't found one that I liked in Berlin until that moment. Flash forward to last year, working on the Netflix show 'Unorthodox' I got to personally know Laurel as she was our food stylist. A side note: I am so addicted to challah, that I even did a challah making worship with her! (Challah available only Thursday to Saturday at the shop!)

Hi! Tell us a bit about yourself
I'm a baker and bookseller and I've been running a business in Berlin since 2011. I split my time between Berlin and Paris to maximise my bread consumption.

What brought you to Berlin?
I came to Berlin because I was living in Prague with my Czech husband. Berlin was close by and seemed ever so slightly friendlier. I think I'm the only person who ever moved to Berlin and couldn't believe how nice people were. The idea was to open another bookstore and split our time between Berlin and Prague.

What are your favourite things about this city?
My favorite things about Berlin are the lakes. But that's not really a good answer, is it? Like, my favorite thing about Berlin is how easy it is to get out of Berlin? So I guess my other favorite thing is the food community. This city is such a good incubator for food concepts. It's still pretty cheap to get something going and people are always looking to try new things.

Can you give us some recommendations of places to visit?
Eating out: My favorite meal in Berlin is Heno Heno over in Charlottenburg. After that, it's definitely Risa.
Outdoor escapism: Schlachtensee forever. If I have to go further afield, I go to Buckow. That's a solid lake.
Indoor escapism: Venus Nails on Kottbusser Damm. That's my indoor escapism.
Shopping...I have a new favorite second hand. Versa on Selchower Strasse. They get such good pieces and their prices are great.

Can you share any future plans with us?
Now that my store is stabilised and back to normal, I'm going to head to the south of France to help a friend open her new bakery. Working vacation. After that, let's see. Maybe open a new spot in Berlin.

How has your life/business been affected by the covid pandemic?
Like everyone else in gastronomy, my business dropped way down. I'm a pretty nervous person so I just did an overnight switch to takeaway and deliveries. We did the deliveries ourselves to keep costs down and we managed the takeaway window with just two staff members. Our regular customers were amazing with their support and in the end, things are really fine. I need a vacation though.

Did you have to change your work model to adapt to the new normal?
We had to make a lot of changes. Our supplier ran out of yeast and I had to switch to making a 100 percent sourdough bagel. It was kinda fun to put those skills to work. The delivery was the main change. It was pretty exhausting but also really satisfying.

Will you keep implementing the changes you made or are you planning to go back to the old model only?
Ideally we'll return entirely to the old model. Deliveries were only sustainable while people were isolating at home and we didn't have other things to do in the business. Now that things are back to mostly normal, we don't have the infrastructure or need to keep that up. We're ready to swing back into action though should there be more closures and a second corona wave.

Any realisations or important takeaways?
I guess the realisation is that we're all more vulnerable, especially in a business sense, than we'd like to think. It's making me think about diversifying my career and investing more time in having a safety net of some sort.

Fine Bagels is located in Friedrichshain. it’s open Monday to Sunday 8:00 - 20:00. Read our suggestions here!

COVID-19

Kim — Wed, 13 May 2020 16:50:58 +0000

It’s been a surreal time! We hope everyone is safe and healthy and surrounded by loved ones - in real life or virtually. We have been taking the last few months to recharge following busy working schedules. The current situation has also forced us to slow down, and change a lot of habits! Thankfully, we find ourselves healthy, stable and ready for the next chapter.

Life in a Berlin Minute will also change course slightly, to fit the current time. We continue to regularly post about the places and things which bring us joy over on Instagram (sorry, this is mainly for Kreuzberg and Mitte - since we are not managing to travel so far!) In the future, we plan on having more in depth chats with local Berliners and find out how they are adjusting to this new normal. We will also continue to populate the Workshop page, with exciting courses both online and offline.

If you are interesting in collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you!

Stay healthy,

Lou & Kim

Edible Alchemy

Kim — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 13:38:37 +0000

Edible Alchemy hosts both online and offline workshops, for the beginner and avid fermenter. their workshops are held in their homebase in neukölln, berlin. content ranges from sourdough, vegetable ferments, hot sauce, kombucha and many more hands-on courses. below we shared some of the different ferments you can learn to make both online and offline.

all upcoming workshops dates in neukölln as well as reservations can be made here. if you’re not in berlin, but would still like to learn more about natural fermentation, you can find out more about their online academy.

KIMCHI, KRAUT & PICKLES

Discover the science and unique flavors of fermented vegetables around the world. From classic sauerkraut and pickled Asian vegetables to the spicy and tangy flavors of South American cuisine. We will go through various vegetable fermentation methods so that your skills are accurate enough to ferment any vegetable!

YOGURT & CULTURED BUTTER

In this workshop you will learn the history of cultured dairy and the many forms it takes around the world. We will taste and work with different milk cultures in order to understand the various forms milk can take. You will discover the health benefits as well as the various ways to use cultured dairy in everyday practices.

SOURDOUGH

Learn what it means to become a yeast catcher! In this workshop we learn the technique and process of making sourdough bread from start to finish. We will discover how sourdough compares to store bought breads. We will feel and appreciate the textures of the dough in the process, and taste that fresh difference! Everyone takes home some of Cornelius, our 153+ year old sourdough starter that was picked up on the Microbial Circus Tour 2016 from Iceland and a handcrafted dough!

TEMPEH

In this workshop we taste and learn all about Rhizopus - the mold culture that makes our nutty tasting tempeh. You will go home with satisfied taste buds and a bag of your own tempeh to incubate at home and watch the wonders of mycelium at work!

WATER KEFIR

In this workshop you will learn about the delicious ways to make sodas that are good on our tongues and even better for our bellies. We will go through the process and care of water kefir crystals (also known as Tibicos) to create flavorful, bubbly drinks for the rest of those hot days, or mixing and matching for self-made cocktails. Take home your water kefir crystals to keep up the brewing with your own flavors at home.

GINGER BEER

So maybe you've made kombucha and water kefir before... and you're looking for something a little more exciting, spicy or even intoxicating. Something that gives you a buzz perhaps? Here we learn the natural way through wild and cultured fermentation how to make the original ginger beer. Get ready for some fizzing and popping and take home your own custom sodas.

VEGAN CHEESES, DIPS & SAUCE

We will also talk about the importance of soaking, sprouting and fermenting grains, legumes and seeds. Learn our recipe for wholesome, handcrafted cheese and crackers. Take home custom seed-cheeses and dips with new inspirations.

KOMBUCHA

Through taste, touch, sight, smell and discussion we will explore the fascinating microbiological processes that turns simple tea into something so much more. Everyone will have the chance to make their first kombucha brew and take home their own SCOBY for further brewing and beyond!

HERBAL TINCTURES

Ever wonder what a tincture was? How to use one? When to use one? In this workshop we learn the basics on herbal tincture making using the Folk Method of European herbalism. We learn the healing properties of various herbs, seeds, flowers and roots and how to extract them in the form of a tincture. Also ask about our herbal bitters & oxymels workshops.

NATURAL SODAS

Using yeasts in the air and on fruits, flowers and roots you will learn how to transform you favorite common smells and flavors into fizzy drinks. Think: kvass, shrub, wild-fermented sodas from roots, leaves, flowers and tree-waters…

KOJI & MISO

Taste, talk and explore the world of mold cultures! Here we learn about koji. The mold that helps us make miso & sake and many other delicious Asian delicacies. In this workshop we taste various kinds of miso, learn how the process is done, and mix together our own custom miso to take home and let ripen into an amazing umami taste-explosion!

SAN

Kim — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:32:14 +0000

Address: Weydingerstraße 22, Mitte
Opening Times: Monday - Friday 18:30-22:00, Saturday 18:30 - 23:00
Contact: +49 030 303 44140
Website: www.3berlin.com
Notes:
Type: Dinner
Price Range:€€-€€€
Place: Mitte
Come with: Friends, alone
Atmosphere: Casual
Something memorable:

Concierge Coffee

Kim — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:21:30 +0000

Address: Köpenicker Str. 55, 10179 Berlin
Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 17:00
Contact: info@conciergecoffee.de
Website: www.conciergecoffee.de/
Notes: There’s another Concierge Coffee, not far away on Paul Lincke Ufer 39-40 (Kreuzberg).
Type: Cafe
Place: Kreuzberg
Order: filter coffee, or espresso tonics in the summer
Come with: Drop-by
Atmosphere: Casual
Something memorable: It’s inside a shipping container, hidden in a backyard! If you fancy lunch, pop over to Salumeria Lamuri nearby, for some pasta.

Vincent Vegan

Kim Benjamin — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:14:03 +0000

Address: EAST SIDE MALL / SCHONHAUSER ALLEE ARCADEN/ THE PLAYCE
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 11:30 - 20:00 Except The Playce Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00
Contact: +49 40 89065567
Website: vincent-vegan.com/
Notes: Inside the East Side Mall
Type: Fast Food
Price Range: €
Place: Friedrichshain, Prenzlauerberg, & Potsdamer Platz
Order: Mountain Burger, Curry Vurst
Atmosphere: Casual
Something memorable: Also in Hamburg!

Ceramic Kingdom

Kim — Sun, 28 Apr 2019 20:57:13 +0000

Ceramic Kingdom IS A SHARED STUDIO SPACE & ART CENTER IN BERLIN DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS & PROCESSES IN CLAY. THEY OFFER CLASSES, DROP-IN STUDIO TIME, MONTHLY PACKAGES, PRIVATE SESSIONS, KILN FIRINGS, AND EVENTS. CURRENTLY, YOU CAN FIND THEM AT THEIR NEW SPACE IN NEUKÖLLN (REUTERSTRASSE 20). ALL PHOTOS CREDITED TO IVO GRETENER

Beginning Wheel: Cylinders and Bowls

Learn the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel. Enjoy the rewards & challenges of throwing cylinders & bowls, trimming feet, and glazing.
Course length: 4 sessions @ 2 hours per session
Cost: €190 inkl. MwSt. Materials & Firing costs: €36,00 inkl. MwSt. +3.5% Processing fee
* Finished work can be picked up one week after final session. / more info & book

Wheel 2: Plates & Bottles

Improve your skills on the potter’s wheel by learning to throw Vase/Bottle Forms & Plates. Refine your trimming skills, and try some new surface techniques such as clay marbelizing, Wax Resist, or Engobe Texturing.
Course length: 3 sessions @ 2,5 hours per session
Cost: €130,00 inkl. MwSt. +Material & Firing fees: €26,00 inkl. MwSt + *+ 3.5% Processing fee
*This class does not include a glazing session. You can either glaze at CK during Studio Time, or glaze on your own to be fired at CK as an External Firing. Need to refresh your glazing skills? Bring your bisque-fired pieces to one of our Glazing Sessions.

*Previous wheel-throwing experience of at least 1-3 months working independently is required. Basic techniques such as centering, pulling, and glazing will not be covered. Wondering where your skills fit? Try first our Throwing Lab: Intermediate. Still working on basic techniques? Try our Throwing Lab: Basic.

Wheel 3: Lidded Forms, Handles, and Spouts

Learn to use the potter’s wheel to throw and assemble parts that fit together, such as Lidded Forms & Teapots. Learn to pull handles & make different kinds of spouts for Mugs or Pitchers.
Course Length: 3 sessions @ 2,5 hours per session
Cost: €130,00 inkl. MwSt. + Material & Firing fees: €26,00 inkl. MwSt + + 3.5% Processing fee
*This class does not include a glazing session. You can either glaze at CK during Studio Time, or glaze on your own to be fired at CK as an External Firing. Need to refresh your glazing skills? Bring your bisque-fired pieces to one of our Glazing Sessions.

Intro to Handbuilding

Embrace the imperfections and irregularities of handbuilding. Learn techniques such as slab building, pinching and coiling to create unique forms. Explore surface techniques such as texturing & engobe decorating.
Course Length: 1 Handbuilding session @ 3 hours, + 1 flexible glaze session @ 2 hours
Cost: €85,00 inkl. MwSt. (All materials tools, glazing & firing fee is €36,00 inks.MwSt) + 3.5% processing fee.
* Finished work can be picked up one week after final session. / more info & book

Flexible Glazing Class

Learn how to apply glaze to pieces that have already been bisque-fired. Bring your own pieces, or use “leftover” pieces from the studio. We explore techniques such as pouring, dipping, brushing, removing, and applying layers.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: 45€ inkl. MwSt. (Glaze materials, tools, & firing €18,00 inks. MwSt) + 3.5% processing fee
* Finished work can be picked up one week after session. / info & book

Private Sessions

One on One
Looking for personalized attention? Need a flexible schedule? Want to work on a specific technique? One-on-one Instruction matches you with the best teacher to meet your specific needs.

€110,00 inkl. MwSt + €18,00 Material & Firing Fee . / 2 hour first session + 3,5% Processing Fee
€55 inkl. MwSt + €9,00 Material & Firing Fee. / 1 hour follow-up session (trimming or glazing) + 3,5% Processing Fee

Two on One
Interested in a private session with a friend?

€80 inkl. MwSt + €18,00 Materials & Firing Fee. / per student / 2 hour first session + 3,5% Processing fee
€45 inkl. MwSt + €9,00 Materials & Firing Fee. / per student / 1 hour follow-up session (trimming or glazing) + 3,5% Processing fee

Three People
First Session (2 hours): €250,00 + Material & Firing fee €54,00
Follow-up Session with leather-hard Clay or for Glazing (1 hour): €125,00 + Material & Firing fee €27,00
+ 3.5% Processing fee
*inkl. MwSt.

Eis de Rix

Kim — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 19:20:35 +0000

Address: Böhmische Straße 48 · 12055 Berlin
Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 13:00 - 19:00
Phone: + 49 17686703246
Website: eisderix.de/
Seating: Indoor & Outdoor seating
Specialty: Ice cream
Classification: Eis Laden / Ice cream shop / Cafe
Price per Scoop: €€
Place: Neukölln
Something memorable: Ice cream shop in the charming Rixdorf in Neukölln, near S Sonnenallee. They opened in 2017, and have creative flavours, and in a very lovely local neighbourhood. Nearby to Hallman und Klee (if you are feeling hungry!)

Wieder & Wider

Kim — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 21:16:53 +0000

Wieder & Wider (Again & Against) is a project looking for sustainable approaches to fashion through creative use and reuse of resources. They offer weekly sewing classes in English that teach you to create your own sustainable wardrobe. You learn to create from scratch, new, timeless pieces, to repair and restyle the clothes that lay untouched in your closet or to upcycle what you no longer use into cool bags and accessories. You can book your class by emailing, all classes can be viewed here.

Introduction to Fabrics & Sewing

This introductory class is the foundation you need in order to start making your own clothes and accessories. Learn about fabrics and their properties, how to take correct body measurements, understand the sewing machine and all its functions and practice the most used types of stitches. The price for this class is €68 / more info & book

Repairs, Alterations & Upcycling

Learn a set of useful basic sewing techniques by developing two simple and chic accessories: a zipper pouch and a bag which we can personalize for different uses: as make-up pouch, as fanny pack, as party clutch, as oversized day to day bag, or as backpack. All by creatively transforming the clothes and household fabrics that you don’t use anymore. €83 more info & book

Make Your Own Skirt (new or upcycled)

Get familiar with basic clothes making and fitting techniques, by creating a flattering item: an all-time A-line skirt tailored to your body (you can choose to create a new skirt or to upcycle an existing skirt/dress). €155 / more info & book

Learn to Sew a Kimono

Get familiar with basic pattern work notions and sewing techniques, by creating a unisex, size-flexible kimono blouse (you can choose to personalize your kimono into a blazer, a blouse or a kimono-dress). €175 / more info & book

Make Your Own Pants (new or upcycled)

Understand pants construction and patterns in relationship to the body, by creating a simple pair of pants (you can choose to create a pair of lounge, casual pants, a pair of pajama pants or a set of shorts). €195 / info & book

Plant Base

Kim — Sun, 17 Mar 2019 17:50:23 +0000

Plant Base hosts workshops and events focused on real-life veganism in theory and practice - from cooking classes to a vegan book club. The brand’s mission is to make veganism accessible, easy and fun for everyone. You can attend their events or book them for private/company classes, workshops and catering. IG and FB: @plantbaseberlin Email: plantbaseberlin@gmail.com

Kimchi workshop

Learn how to make this fermented Korean dish at home, from scratch, with no bacteria culture needed. At the workshop you’ll first taste kimchi at different ageing stages. Then you'll be guided step by step and will learn the process by doing. Naturally you will take your kimchi home along with the how-to notes. Around 23 EUR / video

Polish Dumplings workshop

Polish dumplings - called Pierogi - are the flag dish and the absolute pride of polish cuisine. At this workshop you’ll learn how to make them vegan, prepare your own dough and filling, and enjoy them freshly made (right around lunch time, yay!). You will also get how-to handouts, ideas for other fillings and insider tips that will speed up and ease the dumplings making process. Around 30 EUR / video

Dips & Bread Spreads workshop

Learn how to make delicious plant-based breads spreads on the spot, saving your time, food waste and using veggies to the fullest. We’ll start with tasting our house favourites - Nacho Cheese dip, Egg-like spread, Fishy dip, Cashew cheese dip and more. We’ll discuss the theory - ingredients, their preparation, techniques, texture, flavor pairing, nutritional values etc. And finally - you will be making your own bread spreads to take home, along with the how-to notes. Around 28 EUR / video

Happy Meal workshop

This workshop is a real treat for everyone that enjoys a little fast food every now and then. You will learn how to make super delicious finger food perfect for house parties, movie nights and get-togethers. We’ll make happy chicken nuggets, non-chicken wings and two dipping sauces: garlicky and smokey barbecue. We’ll enjoy the food, perhaps with a beer in our hands - a great way to spend Saturday afternoon:) Around 30 EUR

Drunk&Vegan workshop

Alcoholic beverages, consumed or used for cooking, become part of our diet. That’s why, the same level of vegan scrutiny should be applied to them:) In this workshop, we’ll go through main spirit categories, explaining why they might not be vegan and share which brands surely are. We’ll teach you how to veganize two of the non-vegan classics and how to make two other delicious cocktails. Around 28 EUR

Tofu workshop

At this workshop we’ll teach you to prepare tofu in 5 different ways - for breakfast, lunch or dinner! You will learn five different recipes in the best way possible - by doing. We’ll guide you step by step, providing advice, tips and help. Naturally, you’ll also enjoy what you’ve prepared in a great company of like-minded people. You will go home inspired, full and equipped with all the how-to notes. Around 40 EUR

Cooking With Kimchi workshop

This workshop brings your kimchi skills to another level. We’ll teach you how to create simple, ready in no time, yummy dishes made with kimchi of our making. We’ll prepare four different dishes (probiotic shots, soups, omlette, fried rice) and enjoy them freshly made. Around 40 EUR

Vegan Starter Kit workshop

Dedicated to plant-based „beginners” and those who would like to adopt this diet but don't know how to start, this workshop focuses on the nutritional aspects of the vegan lifestyle. You’ll learn about the sources of all the nutrients, how to compose your meals and make sure your body is given everything it needs to thrive. You will also be provided with tips how to transition, advice how to keep your diet in less convenient situations, where and what to shop and where to find further inspiration/information. Around 10 EUR

Vegan Book Club

If you’re hungry for some food for though - join us and let’s get veducated! We meet every month or two to discuss different written pieces that shed light on issues that matter to the vegan community - animal rights, ethics, agriculture, health, environment, social/political matters. Every meeting evolves around a different book, so we ask the participants to read the required chapters beforehand. FREE

Knödelwirtschaft

Kim — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 21:28:38 +0000

Address: Sud: Fudalstraße 33, 12045 Neukoln / Nord: Stargarder Str. 3, 10437 Prenzlauer Berg
Opening Times: Mon – Fri: 5 to 11pm Sat, Sun & Holidays: 12am to 11pm
Contact: Neukoln: +49 30 9660 0459 / Prenzlauer Berg: +49 30 30642829
Website: knoedelwirtschaft.de/
Notes: be sure to book, indoor seating, maybe a table or two outside
Type: Late Lunch, Dinner
Price Range: €-€€
Place: Neukölln & Prenzlauer Berg
Order: 3 knödels & salad was more than enough for one, order the pilzsoße (mushroom sauce) to share! Also, the dessert knödel with apple sauce was amazing.
Come with: Friends, indulgent date
Atmosphere: Casual
Popular Dish: Any knödel (dumplings)
Something memorable: The atmosphere is quite lovely. Also, if you are feeling indulgent and want to eat knödels, it’s quite rare in Berlin to find a place which won’t be decorated in a tacky alpine way. They took something quite traditional and classic, but offer it in a cosy and friendly space.

Baraka

Kim — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:17:51 +0000

Address: Lausitzer Pl. 6, 10997 Berlin
Opening Times: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 - 00:00, Friday & Saturday 11:00 - 01:00
Contact: +49 30 612 6330
Website: www.facebook.com/restaurantbaraka/
Notes: floor seating, table seating, good for big groups
Type: Lunch, Dinner
Price Range: €-€€
Place: Kreuzberg
Order: Sharing platters!
Come with: Friends
Atmosphere: Casual
Popular Dish: Sharing platters, grilled meats
Something memorable: It’s great to sit on the floor in the back room, if your legs are alright with that. You can get cosy here, and have a very slow meal, with tea in between and an Arabic coffee (mokka) which is infused with cardamon.

Berlin Walks: Oranienplatz

Kim — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:01:25 +0000

On the corner of Adalberstraße x Waldemarstraße, there is always a week of pink dust. Hope you’ll see it in bloom!

With spring approaching us once again, the darkness of the city starts being replaced with more sunny days, clearer skies and wonderfully pink sunsets. The seasons and weather in Berlin is very different from my hometown, Sāo Paulo. There, the seasons cannot be distinguished as intensely as here; and although you have more days of heat and sunshine, I for one always took the yellow skies for granted. In Berlin, the weather and transition of seasons is a psychological, emotional and physical process. Humans residing in this city become like flowers. They fade away slowly with the entrance of winter, it’s an internal time to reflect and take in all that’s happened in the previous year. The winter time starts as a much needed moment of solidarity, of re-grouping, but soon lags onto into a painstakingly long hibernation. I moved to Berlin in February, it was snowy and the streets were deserted. Someone told me that soon the sun would begin showing its rays again, and that I’d see people standing on the streets - finding the patches of sunlight. Looking up to the sky, and feeling the warmth on their faces and hands. I always think about that scene, hence why I feel we’re much closer to plants and flowers. The spring comes and it’s wonderful, an abundance of colour, sensitive and warm natural light and a crisp air. New smells, people retreating from their winter caves, clothes become more colourful, the city in bloom. Instead of going onto summer, I thought I’d continue to reminisce about what’s to come by listing some of my favourite walks. Maybe we’ll make this into a series, and invite friends to share their best neighbourhood walks.

Start on Oranienplatz

This square holds important political significance in Berlin. The OPlatz Movement takes after it’s name and was stationed on Oranienplatz between October 2012 and April 2014. The square is still a common place for demonstrations and protests. In the warmer months, you can witness, partake or simply learn about the different struggles people face today on the square. Usually, demonstrations are beginning there, and going into the centre. The square is also one of the liveliest spots during the 1st May - Labour Day celebrations in Berlin, popularly dubbed “May Day”. From Oranienplatz you can follow the old canal passageways, either to Landwehr Kanal, or to Engelbecken. If you are using the map to guide you, you can either select the “Historical Walk” or the “Spree Walk”. Either can take from a half hour of your time to a whole afternoon, depending on the weather and how inclined you are relax and have a slow day.

HISTORICAL WALK

The “historical walk” will take you through what used to be Luisenstadt Canal, and now is a walkway/ underpassage. It will lead you to Engelbecken, which translates to Angel’s Pool. Depending on when you do this walk, Engelbecken’s rosegardens might be in full swing. Enjoy the beautiful flowers, and take a seat around the pool, which has many swans, ducks and some turtles. In the winter, when the pool freezes over (it’s very shallow) many people put on their ski’s and ice skate here (but it’s somewhat a locals secret… so… shhh). Engelbecken was also right between the east/west divide. I used to live in a building which overlooked it, and one of the old-time residents of the building (he probably lived there since the 70’s) said that the pool was totally covered up, and there were watchtowers to control the border. He said it was quite an undesirable place to live because the watch tower lights would invade his private living space. I love to bring my friends here. When you stand facing the church, and look on either side of the street, you can see a stark difference in the architecture - and you’re reminded of how real the divide was. The next place on the map, is Michaelkirche (St. Michaels Church), which is just up ahead. Many people don’t notice on first look that this church is missing an integral part of it’s structure. It’s outerwalls still stand, but the majority of the churches interior was destroyed in the Second World War by air raids. Within the church, there is actually a garden, which I believe opens once a year to the public. Next, “D” on the map, take your to a building which stands on the corner of Engeldamm X Michaelkirchplatz. This building, called the Taut-Haus, now houses luxury apartments, but it’s history is equally as interesting at the other spots visited. Taut-Haus was built by Modernist architect Bruno Taut and his brother Max Taut in the late 1920’s. Bruno Taut’s legacy, his utopian vision and egalitarian beliefs can be see still echoed in parts of Berlin, especially though the social housing. Taut-Haus is far from that, but one can still appreciate its robust beauty, and read more about the buildings nine-lives. Next on the walk, is the Kinderbauernhof (Kid’s farm) which is marked as letter “E” on the map. It’s open on weekends and most weekdays, except Wednesdays I believe. There are 3 horses all over 30 years old (Max, Lola and Lolek) and an old but very mellow donkey (Pifke) who’s also over 30 and blind. The area the farm is in, was once occupied by squats, their way for them to remain on the grounds is to give back to the community. A dedicated team of volunteers works to care for all the animals. Besides the horses and Pifke, there’s also many goats, sheep, geese and a lazy cat. End your walk, by going next door to Bonanza Coffee, and treat yourself to their Cardamon bun.

Spree Walk

Spree walk is more focused around nature! It’s perfect for that really sunny day, when you want to relax along the water, and perhaps have a picnic on the canal. Start on the same spot, on Oranienplatz, and walk through the middle (old canal passage ways). The scenery begins to get greener and greener, until it opens up to the canal. This is a popular spot for lazing around whenever it’s sunny, until sundown. Stay and chill here a bit, or if you’re hungry, turn to the right and cross Admiralsbrücke (a lively bridge) where many people gather, and hang out. I’ve even seen people hanging out here on colder winter nights! There’s a great pizza place called Il Casolare, where you can either eat in, or takeaway and sit on the grass. All upto you, there’s actually quite a few other nice food option around here. End your walk, at Prinzessinengarten, a community garden which was once a junkyard! Now it has an amazing openair cafe under the trees, and a tall treehouse where I’ve sat down to read and relax.

yellow yoga

Kim — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 08:11:42 +0000

Address: They have 2 studios! The Gelber Raum is on Mariannenstraße 48 (Kreuzberg) & Studio Sonne is on Sonnenallee 67 (Neukölln)
Website: www.yellow-yoga.com
District: Kreuzberg & Neukölln
Notes: They have both english and german yoga classes, from a variety of different levels (absolute beginner to advanced). You don’t need to sign up in advance, just turn up. There are mats, blankets, blocks and any other prop you may need there. You can find the timetable for Studio Sonne (Neukölln) here, and the timetable for Gelber Raum (Kreuzberg) here. They also run courses and intensive programs, which can range anywhere from 3 weeks to 10 weeks; those can be found here.
Price: Depending on your monthly income, yellow yoga has different price ranges. Single classes cost 8€ / 10€ / 12€, 11 classes card 80€ / 100€ / 120€ and flatrate monthly fee of 60€ / 70€ / 80€.
Type: Yoga Studio
Classification: Wellness / Fitness

Café Mugrabi

Kim — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 12:58:10 +0000

Address: Görlitzer str. 58 10997 Berlin
Opening Times: Mon - Wed 10:00 - 16:00, Thurs - Sat 10:00 - 22:00 & Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
Contact: +49 030 2658540
Website :facebook cafemugrabi
Notes: outdoor seating, card payments accepted
Type: Cafe, Breakfast, Lunch
Price Range: €€.
Place: Kreuzberg
Order: Hummus Sabich, Eggplant, grilled Cauliflower (nice sharing amount for 2 people!)
Come with: Friends
Atmosphere: Casual
Popular Dish: Hummus Sabich, Mugrabi, Cauliflower
Something memorable: The Hummus Sabich and Cauliflower can also be made vegan (along with other dishes on the menu!) On a sunny weekend, the tables outside are a perfect spot to share some food.

Afternoon Tea & Cake Part II : Hosted by Life in A Berlin Minute and Tausenseund

Kim Benjamin — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 11:04:45 +0000

Come join Life in A Berlin Minute along with our dear friend Laura from Tausendseund for our second Afternoon Tea & Cake event @ Souterrain - Bergmannstraße 58. From 2:30pm - 6:30 pm on June 24, 2018!

Menu:
Plum Cake (Vegan) / Rhubarb Crumble (Vegan) / Cardamom Buns / Scones / Other yummy treats TBC

We will also be serving Tea, Cold brew, Sparkling Lemonades and Punkt Genau Sekt from Gruber-Röschitz supplied by 8greenbottles! We look forward to seeing you there!

Afternoon Tea & Cake w/ Life in A Berlin Minute and Tausendsuend: May 26th, 2018

Kim Benjamin — Thu, 24 May 2018 10:25:28 +0000

Come join Life in A Berlin Minute along with our dear friend Laura from Tausendseund for our first Afternoon Tea & Cake event @ Souterrain - Bergmannstraße 58. From 1pm - 5pm on May 25, 2018!

Menu:
Brownies and Blondie Bites
Scones
Cardamom and brown butter swirls
Salt Caramel Bliss Balls (raw vegan and gluten free)
Meringue kisses (vegan and gluten free)
Rhubarb tatine cake bites (vegan)
Apricot Crumble (vegan)
Carrot Cake (raw vegan and gluten free)

We will also be serving Tea, Cold brew, Sparkling Lemonades and Punkt Genau Sekt from Gruber-Röschitz supplied by 8greenbottles! We look forward to seeing you there!

Top Vegan Ice Cream Spots - May 2018 Update

Kim Benjamin — Wed, 16 May 2018 10:33:00 +0000

Last year I wrote the below piece on my favorite Ice Cream places that serve Non Dairy/Vegan Ice Cream. A few places have closed or been sold and I have a few new places to add in their place. I will periodically add places as they are discovered.

Spring has sprung, the time when the ice cream shops around Berlin open for the ‘Eis Season’. Ice cream is an important part of the German culture but for those of us who are vegan or physically can’t have dairy in their diet, it’s the time we wonder if there will be more choices of the creamy variety or the usual fruit sorbet that we have always had available. Below are 5 of my favorite Eis shops I frequented last year along with some of their tasty varieties on offer for those who don’t eat dairy.

Mos Eisley Süß Sünde Meine Kleine Eiszeit Early Bird Rosa Canina Eis Azzurra Cuore di Vetro

Early Bird Gelato - New addition
Winsstrasse 68, Berlin
+491590 183 1615 / Website
Monday to Friday 7:00am - 18:00 Satruday to Sunday 08:00 - 20:00

Early Bird has been open for a few years, but it came to my attention only this year. They do artisinal gelato out of natural ingredients and offer a lot of vegan flavors that are not just fruit flavors but tasty creamy options.
Favorite flavor: Cardamom Almond
Other flavors worth trying: Pistachio, Guidina, other fruit flavors

Süß Sünde - New addition
Weinbergsweg 21, Berlin Mitte
Niederbarnimstrasse 21, Berlin F’hain
Am Goethepark 17a, Berlin Schöneiche
Website
Mitte: Monday to Sunday 12:00 - 22:00/ F’hain Monday to Sunday 13:00 - 22:00 / Schöneiche Monday to Saturday 12:00 - 20:00, Sunday 11:00 - 20:00

Süß Sünde is known for their tasty ice cream made out of regional bio milk and vegan sorbets all made out of natural ingredients. The vegan assortment is mainly sorbets with a very rich chocolate one that is almost always available.
Favorite flavor: Cocounut Rasberry
Other flavors worth trying: Dark Chocolate Sorbet, Mango

Meine Kleine Eiszeit (My Little Ice Age) - New addition
Weserstraße 45, 12045 Berlin
+49 30 68050633 / https://www.facebook.com/MeinekleineEiszeit/
Monday to Sunday 13:00 - 18:00

I stumbled upon this little gem when we where walking down Weserstrasse and where pleasantly surprised by the creative flavors on offer and the use of Oatmilk and Hemp milk in some of the Vegan offerings. Their fruit sorbets are also some of the best I’ve had in the city.
Favorite flavor: Lime Cucumber Mint Sorbet
Other flavors worth trying: Decadent Chocoalte, Blood Orange & Campari, Pomegranate Sorbet, Hazelnut Oat Milk Ice Cream

Gelateria Mos Eisley
Herrfurthpl. 6, 12049 Berlin, Germany
+49 30 64498900 | Website
Monday to Sunday 13:00 - 18:00

Mos Eisley is a great place in Schillerkiez with great dairy flavors, but just as amazing flavors for the non dairy lovers. I like stopping here after riding thru Tempelhofer Feld.
Favorite flavor: Soya Erdnuss Crunch
Other flavors worth trying: Apricot & Thyme , Banan & Chocolate chips, Campari & Grapefruit, Grapefruit & Estragon, Passionsfruit & Cocunut, Soya Haselnuss, Soya Matcha, and Spicy Mango

Kontor Eismanufaktur Berlin - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Danziger Str. 65, 10435 Berlin, Germany

Eis Azzurra - NEW OWNERS (not as good as before but plenty of vegan options.)
Kottbusser Damm 1, 10967 Berlin
+49 30 8329835 | Website
Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 21:00

Eis Azzurra was a pleasant surprise to me when it opened last year on Kottbusser Damm. It’s an unassuming spot, but it has my favorite vegan ice cream in the city at the moment. They usually have 3 creamy options and the rest are fruit based, but all worth tasting.
Favorite Flavor: Fleur de Sel (A rich dark chocolate ice cream with caramel topping, you wouldn’t believe it’s vegan) and Pistachio
Other flavors worth trying: Hazelnut, Pear, Blackberry and Mango

Cuore Di Vetro -
Max-Beer-Straße 33, 10119 Berlin, Germany
+49 176 84362199 | Website
Monday 12:00 - 23:00, Tuesday to Friday 09:00 - 23:00, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 - 23:00

Cuore Di Vetro is a gelateria but also is a full fledged cafe. Most of the ice cream on offer is not vegan, and they do not offer any of the vegan creamy variety of Eis that I prefer, but their Chocolate Sorbet is one of the best in the city. The last time I went they even did a new variety of the chocolate sorbet which included peanut and chilli. If you are in Mitte this is worth checking out.
Favorite Flavor: Chocolate Sorbet, or any other versions of it
Other flavors worth trying: Their very refreshing fruit sorbets are worth tasting

Rosa Canina
Markthalle Neun, Eisenbahnstraße 42, 10997 Berlin
Hufelandstraße 7,10407 Berlin
Pasteurstraße 32, 10407 Berlin
+49 163 8082002 | Website
Opening times vary, please check on their website.

Rosa Canina is a Bio Eis shop that is known for their full milk ice cream and specialty flavors, but worth noting is their non dairy Chocolate Ice Cream called Zotter Edelherb, this is a very creamy and flavorful chocolate non dairy ice cream with cacao nibs in it. Any time I am at Markthalle Neun, and the weather is nice outside, I always make a beeline here to have a scoop. Also note there are two other standalone shops elsewhere in Berlin.
Favorite flavor: Zotter Edelherb
Other flavors worth trying: Rhubarb, Strawberry with Mint, Rasberry with Basel

Babikyu

Kim Benjamin — Tue, 08 May 2018 19:09:00 +0000

Address: Bergmannstr. 1, Berlin
Opening Times: Monday - Sunday 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Phone: 0174 8143355
Website: https://www.facebook.com/babikyuberlin/
Notes: Accepts reservations, Credit Cards
Type: Modern Korean, Korean BBQ
Classification: Restaurant
Price Range: €€
Place: Kreuzberg/ Bergmannkiez
Order: Bimbimbap, Hameul Pajeon
Come with: Friends, Dates, Good for large groups
Atmosphere: Modern Casual
Something memorable: The wood interior is very special, the owner built the interior with old wood from the mountains.
Popular dish: Bulgogi / Korean BBQ / Short ribs

Early Bird

Kim Benjamin — Tue, 08 May 2018 10:27:28 +0000

Address: Winsstraße 68, 10405 Berlin
Opening Times: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:00am - 8:00pm
Phone: 01590 1831615
Website: https://www.facebook.com/earlybirdgelato/
Notes: Indoor and Outdoor seating
Type: Breakfast, Lunch, Ice Cream, Coffee
Classification: Cafe
Price Range:€
Place: Winvertiel
Order: Cardamom Almond, Pistachio, Raw Chocolate (all vegan)
Come with: Friends, Dates, Alone
Atmosphere: Casual
Something memorable: The logo/ typography for the store and all menu boards are designed by Slawek MIchalt. All ice cream is made of natural ingredients
Popular dish: All flavors :-)