Weinblatt is a mediterranean feinkost+café that i'm lucky to have on my street. the vibe is homey and rustic, with dried eggplants and peppers garlanding the ceiling, creaky wooden floors and simple shelves, and checkered tablecloths; in my view, much more welcoming than the polished italian feinkost across the street. the small seating room has low light, an eclectic mix of seating and lots of dark-colored drapery, making it feel like a curious love-child of a cozy lounge and a palm reader's lair. somehow, this ends up being both comfy and endearing for me, and i think others agree: i sometimes come to Weinblatt to curl up with a nice book and am surrounded by others doing the same or locked in thick+huddled conversation with friends.
in the larger front room, they sell a variety of groceries (good espresso, balsamic vinegar+olive oil, dried fruit and pasta, etc.), but the main reason i go to Weinblatt lives inside the large deli case. the vitrine is filled with turkish, italian, and some spanish foods, ranging from empanadas to sundried tomatoes to stuffed peppers and filled grape-leaves, all available to eat in or away. a mixed plate of these mezze and several spreads --my favorite is the fantastic and spicy chili-walnut paste-- served with fresh fladenbrot, makes a tasty, filling and affordable meal. they even have a great breakfast version of the platter that includes an egg and fruit.
the service is very friendly, although not usually fast, but while you wait you can have one of their fabulous smoky coffees and mellow out to whatever down-tempo trip hop is playing on the kitchen stereo, a nice counterpoint to the rural decor. in winter, Weinblatt is a perfect place for a good soup and tea --their fresh ginger+orange+mint+honey tea is one of my favorite cold medicines-- and in the summer, the benches outside give great vantage to watch the kiez roll by. read more