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THE LOTTA DAILY BAR — HOMEMADE SPECIALTIES WITH REGIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR EVERY TIME OF DAY

THE LOTTA DAILY BAR — HOMEMADE SPECIALTIES WITH REGIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR EVERY TIME OF DAY

Just behind Suarezstraße in Charlottenburg, known as the go-to destination for antique enthusiasts, Lotta Tagesbarreopened in spring 2024. Nestled in the basement of the Carlotta apartment building — a creation by Grüntuch Ernst Architekten, renowned for their transformation of the former women’s prison in Kantstraße into the Hotel Wilmina — the location is no coincidence. Both share a serene inner courtyard, enveloped by the old building’s ivy-clad walls. Within a light-filled, minimalist space, Lotta Tagesbar offers a haven where homemade specialties are crafted from regional ingredients, and guests are invited to linger throughout the day. Mornings commence with specialty coffees and indulgent brunch options: think grilled sourdough layered with pea mash, pickled and fermented vegetable delights, apple bread topped with orange cream, and fresh waffles with berries and crunchy buckwheat. All complemented by freshly squeezed fruit lemonades or their signature chai latte. On my visit, the “Croque Wilmina,” boasting homemade pastrami, Blomeyer’s cheese and kimchi sandwiched between grilled sourdough bread, immediately caught my attention.

Embracing the tradition of Italian day bars, Lotta caters not only to early risers but also to afternoon crowds with enticing aperitivos. Alongside the daily menu, a curated selection of wines, delectable cocktails and evening snacks awaits, featuring homemade vegetable pickles, cream cheese infused with chive oil, goat’s cheese paired with caramelized walnuts, and honey-salted nuts. On balmy summer evenings, Lotta offers a serene escape for early gatherings, tucked away amidst flowing courtyards and verdant foliage, yet centrally located within the city. For those infrequently visiting the West, Lotta Tagesbar beckons with offerings to bring home. Revering the regionality of its offerings, the bar collaborates closely with neighborhood suppliers, showcasing a range of selected products from nearby coffee roasters and Berlin producers, alongside their creations such as jams, granola and pickled vegetables.

Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen

Lotta, Pestalozzistr.55A, 10627 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map

@lotta.tagesbar

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UCON ACROBATICS X BAUHAUS: FORM, FUNCTION AND STYLE ON YOUR BACK

UCON ACROBATICS X BAUHAUS: FORM, FUNCTION AND STYLE ON YOUR BACK

They are loyal companions, the products from Ucon Acrobatics: durable backpacks slung on the backs of city dwellers worldwide. As I wait at traffic lights on my bike, I notice how many other cyclists carry Ucon Acrobatics backpacks. The Berlin brand is a local player with remarkable success — no surprise given the extreme functionality of their designs. This ethos aligns seamlessly with the renowned Bauhaus motto: “Form follows function”. The design of Ucon Acrobatics backpacks is tailored to the ergonomic needs of our backs and what we carry with us: laptops, lunch boxes, post-work shopping, sports gear… the list goes on. All of these items find their place in models like Jasper, Hajo and Niklas. Now, these three backpacks are available as part of a limited edition collaboration with the Bauhaus Foundation. In line with the ethos of the famous art school, the Ucon Acrobatics team has pursued innovative solutions. The backpacks are crafted from cork, the natural material is layered thinly creating a distinctive pattern. An outer waterproof layer ensures all belongings stay dry as you travel from A to B, and has a sleek but subtle silver shimmer. Combined with the silver tone, the cork resembles terrazzo, and the shimmering, reflective elements provide added safety during low visibility conditions. The Ucon Acrobatics x Bauhaus Collection is perfect for daily commutes and cultural outings. Imagine a trip to the temporary Bauhaus Archive, where you can explore the Otti Berger exhibition — another pioneer of textile innovation. Alternatively, you might journey to Weimar and Dessau, the birthplaces of the Bauhaus movement. One thing is certain: form and function inspire motivation!

Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Ucon Acrobatics

The Ucon Acrobatics x Bauhaus collection is available online directly from Ucon Acrobatics.

@ucon_acrobatics

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MAMAS ONLY — A YOGA RETREAT FOR PREGNANT PEOPLE AT THE MECKLENBURG LAKE DISTRICT

MAMAS ONLY — A YOGA RETREAT FOR PREGNANT PEOPLE AT THE MECKLENBURG LAKE DISTRICT

Nestled amidst the serene landscape of Mecklenburg Lake District lies the Alte Schule Liepen. A haven of tranquility and reflection, meticulously restored by its devoted owners. How apt that Sujin Lee, a yoga instructor specializing in Jivamukti and Khalsa Way Yoga, has chosen this secluded sanctuary as the venue for her upcoming retreat. From 18.–21.04.2024, expectant mothers will discover a haven of silence here, laying the groundwork for their journey into motherhood. Despite its idyllic rural setting, this enchanting retreat is easily accessible: a simple journey via regional train from Berlin Central Station to Kratzeburg takes us to a lush garden, a sauna nestled within a charming barn, free-roaming chickens, and unobstructed vistas stretching into the distance. Guests are accommodated in beautifully designed rooms and gather for communal meals in a cozy shared kitchen. The yoga sessions take place in the studio house, featuring a heated terrazzo floor and floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly blend the indoor space with its natural surroundings.

Over four days, expectant mothers will devote themselves to self-care and bonding with their babies. In addition to yoga and meditation sessions, activities such as Breathwalks, Yoga Nidra, and a sound bath led by musician and Healing Practitioner, Anneli Bentler, aim to ground participants and foster inner trust. Theresa Lange, herself a mother and photographer, will capture the essence of this unique experience through her lens. The retreat program is rooted in the Khalsa Way, a holistic method derived from Kundalini Yoga, specifically designed to prepare women for childbirth and motherhood. And what better setting could there be than a place that has been a second home to so many children?

Text: Stephanie Johne / Photos: Sujin Lee

Entering Motherhood 18.–21.04.2024

@sujinleeyoga

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KAKIGŌRI TO COOL OFF AT LUNCHTIME, RAMEN TO SIP IN THE EVENING — FUKAGAWA RAMEN AT TENZAN LAB

KAKIGŌRI TO COOL OFF AT LUNCHTIME, RAMEN TO SIP IN THE EVENING — FUKAGAWA RAMEN AT TENZAN LAB

It was abundantly clear when I traveled to Japan last year: there were to be no limits on my spending or appetite when it came to Kakigōri ice cream and ramen. Since then, I can’t imagine a summer without shaved ice. This is probably why Tenzan Lab has become a firm fixture in Berlin. Nothing soothes and cools a person down more than a Kakigōri ice cream at the bar on a late summer evening, and it serves the added benefit of instantly transporting me back to Japan. For ramen lovers, there’s even more reason to visit Tenzan Lab now that Leonardo Tsubasa has taken over the kitchen since March 2024 from 18h. with his Fukagawa Ramen pop-up. Masataka Namba, the founder of Tenzan Lab, discovered Leonardo’s ramen at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market and was so impressed he immediately gave him the chance to share his creations with a wider audience. “Fukagawa” is named after Leonardo’s father’s birthplace, who worked in the catering industry and ran several renowned restaurants in Berlin. With his untimely death, he passed on his passion for cooking to Leonardo — the pop-up’s name is a tribute to him. What makes it so special? He combines both of his parents’ countries of origin in his soups. His mother is Italian, and this is how the truffle ramen (shoyu ramen base) was born, straying from the classic version with a hint of truffle foam and finely chopped truffles. Alongside the “Shoyu Truffle,” the ramen dishes are made with a homemade broth, which he leaves to simmer and infuse for more than ten hours.

Some other options that jumped out at me were “Asari” with clams and garlic butter, and “Tsukemen,” where the noodles are served separately from the broth for dipping. Pair your meal with homemade yuzu lemonade or cold tea, and enjoy gyoza or Leonardo’s edamame special with chili, garlic and parmesan as appetizers. Dessert options may leave you spoilt for choice… Will you drop by in the afternoon and try the menu backward? First, the ice-cold cool-down with Masataka’s Kakigōri ice cream, followed by warm ramen to warm you up in the late evening. Or would you prefer to stick to the classic “first main course, then dessert” option? If the latter, you’re also in good hands at Fukagawa. A matcha or yuzu tiramisu is as perfect a way to round off a warm summer evening as a Kakigōri ice cream from Masataka.

Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen

Fukagawa Ramen, Wörther Str.22, 10405 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map

@fukagawaramen

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POLE FLOW BERLIN — DISCOVER THE ART OF POLE DANCE

POLE FLOW BERLIN — DISCOVER THE ART OF POLE DANCE

As a self-proclaimed gym grouch, I’m always on the lookout for sports that are fun activities rather than monotonous exertion. I spent seven years climbing and bouldering but wanted to take on a new challenge and pole dancing had been on my list for a while. My path quickly led me to the Pole Flow dance studio. With Pole Flow, I found a studio that goes far beyond simply teaching pole dancing. Founded by Lee Tom in 2015, the studio teaches the physical but also mental benefits of dance, while promoting inclusion and breaking down prejudices about the sport. Although pole dancing is trendy today, the sport is unfortunately still cliché-ridden. Pole Flow creates an environment where people from different backgrounds are encouraged to discover the art of dance and challenge social prejudices. Above all, pole dance is perfect for your body awareness and coordination — building strength and improving flexibility playfully. It doesn’t matter what age or gender you are, the important thing is that you enjoy it.

Covering more than 80 square meters, the studio is equipped with twelve poles and enough space for dance training, photo shoots and private events. In addition to technical acrobatic courses, Lee offers courses such as “Low Flow”, which focuses on musicality and lyrical expression through movement. “Sensual Flow” combines elements of Oldschool pole dance with snake-like movements inspired by belly dance. The regular workshops, such as “Sensual Masc” where participants are invited to explore their innate masculine energy, are also interesting. The one-hour courses begin with a short warm-up, stretch and strength exercises, followed by step-by-step choreography rehearsals. Pole dance is not only fun but offers a form of artistic expression and trains the body holistically. Whether you’re an experienced pole dancer or a beginner, there are courses for everyone, even gym-phobes like me.

Text: Laura Stoellger / Photos: Robyn Steffen

Pole Flow, Ziegrastr.11, 12057 Berlin–Neukölln; map

@poleflowberlin

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