Paul Sullivan on a Prenzlauer Berg brunch institution…
Berliners love their bounteous breakfasts as much as their afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen—and any establishment that can offer both is justly venerated. So it is with Anna Blume, a Prenzlauer Berg institution that combines a strong breakfast and brunch menu as well as a separate “konditorei” (pastry shop) and an Art Nouveau-inspired interior.
Oddly the place only opened in 2005—it feels like it’s been here forever. Interior designer Thomas Seiffert has made good use of the fact the venue was named after a 1919 Kurt Schwitters poem: lines from the surrealist masterpiece spiral elegantly outwards from a reproduction of an Alphonse Mucha mural—a summer-clad Art-Nouveau woman (Lady Dada?) sniffing coquettishly at a flower—and unfurl along the walls behind the counter.
The doorway right next to the painted lady used to host a delightful flower shop, hence the floral design. But times move on and the room now just has extra seating and a few plants as decoration. But the Art Nouveau theme continues with the main room’s curving red leather banquets, which surround classic marble-topped tables, and are especially good for families and small groups. At the back you’ll even find a (surprisingly dramatic) semi-private salon with wooden columns, burgundy drapes and a red-beaded hanging chandelier.
Anna Blume’s menu begins with its breakfasts; alongside the usual offerings of muesli, butter croissants, eggs and fruit salads, are the set breakfasts. Fish fans will love the Anemone (salmon, scrambled eggs, shrimps in dill sour cream), while the hearty Alpenrose features Tyrolean ham and smoked pork loin.
Keeping up with the times, the cafe has also introduced the vegetarian Cornflower with Feta-creme, cottage cheese with rucola and marinated mushrooms) and the vegan Sundew, a platter of fresh fruits & vegetables, omixed antipasti, vegan spreads and
vegan cheeses and jams. The most famous of all though, is the elegant tiered breakfast, which is made to be shared and features a filling array of cheeses, sausage, hams, home made spreads, home-cured salmon, mixed antipasti, scrambled egg, fresh fruits and vegetables & jam.
