Baking runs in Marcin Liera-Elkin’s family — his grandfather was a master baker in Poznań. Following in his footsteps, Marcin now runs the master bakery Babka & Krantz in Friedenau together with his husband, Shahar Elkin. There, the two pull crispy bagels and challah from the oven, fill rugelach with almond cream, and swirl babka with raspberry chocolate. The yeast dough rests for up to 48 hours before baking — a step you can taste in the soft, tender texture of their sweet and savory pastries. They’re served with coffee, just like Shahar’s grandmother Tamar used to make. And now you can enjoy their creations in Wannsee. In December 2024, the team took over the historic greenhouse in the House of the Wannsee Conference garden and has been serving post-exhibition refreshments ever since. The memorial commemorates the European Jews who were deported and murdered. The decision was made here in 1942, by ministry officials, members of the SS, and the NSDAP. A permanent exhibition tells the story using documents: protocols, statements, film and audio recordings. These records are chilling, precisely because of their faceless bureaucracy. It’s almost impossible to return to everyday life after a visit. Director Deborah Hartmann felt the same, which is why she brought Babka and Krantz to Wannsee. The result is a space for reflection, remembrance, connection and conversation.
Text: Laura Storfner / Photos: Haus der Wannseekonferenz, Michael Haupt; Babka & Krantz
Babka & Krantz at Haus der Wannsee-Konferenz, Am Großen Wannsee 56-58, 14109 Berlin-Wannsee; map
@babkaundkrantz
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