Hector’s second batch of 3 nights in Berlin within a fortnight ended this evening. With Marg for company this time, the original plan was for two nights only, however, Bräugier is presently open four nights a week, the last two were not them. A trip to Berlin and no visit Bräugier, no way, Pedro!
There was no Curry-Heute, last night’s extravaganza at the lavish – India Club – was – a night to remember. Instead, we had Brunch al fresco at Hackescher Markt, one of Marg’s favourite Berlin locations. We had markedly different ideas about that which was required to break our fast.
The DDR Museum was visited a while back, today it was the turn of the Stasi Museum located just off the always impressive Frankfurter Allee. TV and Movies have combined to make the interior of this building evocative of the tragic and the comedic practices associated with this complex.
Berlin, East and West, for reasons unknown, Hector led Marg further east and so she missed seeing the site of the former Beermeile and the flagship Communist architecture of Frankfurter Allee in daylight.
Back in the heart of Berlin, we took the tram up to Prenzlauer Berg. Two weeks ago we found that the Stone Brewing Taproom was no more. Hector was keen to see the rrebirth. A pleasant hour was therefore spent at Manifest Taproom, the sister shop to the excellent Protokoll Taproom.
At Manifest, the outstanding Zagovor – Against Milk at 6.5% was waiting. This NEIPA Milkshake just gets better and better. A wee Cantillon Kriek washed it down.
The ritual walk to Bräugier took us past Message in a Bottle – Craft Beer Cafe, which definitely requires further investigation.
There was a sigh of relief in finding Bräugier open. The optimum table in front of the bar was free. Brian was in situ behind the bar, Colin was doing whatever it is he does. Marg of course was remembered having been here in summer 2019.
Tonight the board had ten taps on offer, to sit all night drinking the outstanding God-Damn Zilla was tempting, but at 8.1%, maybe not a good idea. The Märzen Festbier at 5.3% was a new one. A strange tasting brew, not quite Deutsch, not quite US. I shall admit that one was quite enough. Back to the good stuff. Later, I had Nächtswarmer at 5.2%, a decent smokey Bier, however, God-Damn Zilla was always the go-to Bier.
Colin joined us and brought Alex from Yorkshire who has worked at a Sheffield brewery. Having spoken to no-one but Hector for three days, even Marg was happy to talk – Bier. I had heard the name – Friedrich – being mentioned, so when a couple joined us, I assumed this was he. But no, this was Thomas the baritone, whose name I’m sure was Friedrich in another opera. We had quite a table, tales were told, including how – Totalitarian Book Club – came to be named.
This was turning into a wild night.
Marg needed food.
We’ll get a Kebap on the way home. Marg fell for this.
Somehow, Amir, the owner of the dog spotted across the room had also joined us, Marg was in her element, this is Malibu.
We were well and truly in with – The Locals. Colin also outlined that prior to Lockdown, many had never spoken to each other, but when forced to drink outside, the inevitable happened. Sit at the bar – when possible.
The tram, minutes after midnight, took us down to Alexanderplatz. Never did I think I’d find Marg in a Kebap shop this late. Having learned the lesson two weeks ago, we shared a Donner. Marg enjoyed it.
Tomorrow Poznan, then Katowice, this is just the beginning.