The new kid on the block in the quarter north of Schönhauser Allee is a mountain child. Cosy, warm, and kid-friendly, Bergkind Cafe is run by the charming Carmen Garcia, who today donned bright pink sneakers and a high-topped bun and told me that the cafe opened just before Christmas last year. She’s decorated the intimate space in light, earthy colours, with tempting cake displays, a comfy sofa, lots of pillows, a stack of magazines, and jazz standards playing in the background. It’s tasteful and welcoming, and yes, the WLAN password hangs invitingly from the wall.
Bergkind got my attention on one of my frequent strolls down Greifenhagener Str. and I finally popped in for a bite to eat earlier today. The menu is simple and tasty, with a selection of breakfasts, Italian ciabattas, a couple of changing daily specials, and a respectable coffee selection. I opted for the Kassler. It was tender, juicy, and lovingly prepared, wrapped in a double-baked bread crust, topped with light horseradish sauce, and served with the best and freshest fried potatoes I think I’ve ever had, and a salad garnish.
On a whim, I passed the cake display and bought a banana chocolate muffin, intending to save it for later. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Minutes later, the muffin was declared one of the most delicious things I’d ever eaten, as evidenced by the traces of dark chocolate chunks all over my face. All the cakes are supplied by Wunderkuchen, located just down the road on Erich-Weinert Str. and known for fresh ingredients and high quality desserts.
If you’re at Schönhauser Allee, duck over to the beautiful Gesthemanekirche and then head north on Greifenhagener to reach Bergkind at Greifenhagenerstr 40. You’ll probably see me there.
About the Author: Kathleen Parker runs Red Tape Translation, dedicated to helping English speakers find their way through the bureaucratic nightmare that is living in Germany. Offering on-site and telephone interpreting services, Kathleen Parker can mostly be found at the Ausländerbehörde or the Arbeitsagentur in Berlin, helping Aussies, Kiwis, Canadians, Americans, Brits, South Americans, and other English speakers navigate through their appointments.
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