Café Einstein Stammhaus, Old Fashioned Coffee & Lunch in a Villa, Tiergarten



There are a few Einstein cafés around Berlin.  Always opt for one of those coffees over Balzac and certainly over Starbucks (Only because I think the coffee is too milky not because I subscribe to the “Starbucks is ruining the world” movement.)

This Einstein is really special.  It’s in an old villa in Tiergarten.  Parts of the ceiling and faux columns are gilded, there are large mirrors set into the walls adding to the feeling of opulence.  The waiters/waitresses  wear black trousers, white shirts and are very polite.  There are even ‘stations’ for them to put down their trays.  It’s all very grown up and reminiscent of a bygone time when everything and everyone was more elegant.  
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Granola and Yoga

I have conflicting feelings about Yoga. On the one hand, all those un-pedicured bare feet, hovering bottoms and chanting and grunting in unison - well it’s just creepy. White people paying 7 Euro’s a class in Mitte (£12 at Triyoga in Primrose Hill, London) and then greeting each other with ‘Namaste’ seems contrived. On the other hand, it’s the only thing that stretches me out so effectively. One class is all it takes to uncurl my spine, push my shoulders back and make me more aware of my posture.

I found a modern, well-lit studio called City Yoga on Dorotheenstrasse (about 5 minutes from my house). I gave my husband instructions on how to keep our daughter alive and asked him to stir the trays of granola I had drying in the oven and off I went. Read more of this post

Anna Blume, Brunch and Cakes, Prenzlauer Berg

When I lived in Prenzlauer Berg for one month last March, I used to pass Anna Blume on a daily basis.  It had gotten so much coverage in the guide books and blogs that I had Anna Blume fatigue, before even visiting it.  That coupled with a lot of  bad reviews from people who had been hyped up by the profusion of write ups and then let down when they finally visited.  

On Tuesday I took a break from the 3 days of non stop hostessing and took the M1 tram up to Prenzlauer Berg, intending to go to Meierei.  A funny notice on a doily informed me that they would only be reopening on the 6th of January.  I decided to finally give Anna Blume a try.   Read more of this post

Ricotta Buttermilk Pancakes with Pomegranate Molasses Roast Grapes - Anna Hansen

Gwenyth Paltrow has this quality that I can’t describe that drives me bananas!  I don’t know why?  She must be really nice, although I have to question her decision to name one of her children Apple and insist he(?) subsist on a macrobiotic diet for 2 years but her kid, her decision.  I’m only bringing her up because of the 1998 film, Sliding Doors.  Where there are two Helens, one that catches her train and stays with her obnoxious, cheating boyfriend and the other who misses her train and as a result starts a new career and meets a wonderful caring man.

A few years back I had an opportunity to work with Anna Hansen.  She was in the preliminary stages of The Modern Pantry in Clerknwell, London.  Instead, I was offered a promotion at the deli I was working at and jumped at that chance.  Anna went on to open up The Modern Pantry to rave reviews!

I always wonder how my life would have turned out had I caught the Anna train?  I really love her food- it’s my kind of food.  Full of texture, color and unexpected surprises - pleasant ones!  I used to really enjoy watching her in the kitchen, she is incredibly intuitive and laid back.  In the moments before she served up the food, I would look at the counter top and think “OMG! Where is the food??!!!”  Then seemingly out of thin air it would begin to materialize, plate after plate of gorgeous original food.  She’s a wizard that Anna! Read more of this post

Soho House Berlin - Part 1

I was expecting to dislike the Soho House in Berlin.  The whole “club” thing was very big in London and I used to avoid it like the plague.

I just don’t like being judged!  Who does?  It means someone might deem you less than desirable.  Ouch! Rejection! It’s not fun when you are in kindergarten and it doesn’t get any better the older you get.

Plus who died and made the chick with the clipboard God? Read more of this post

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