One of the best parts about living in the neighbourhood in Berlin that I do is that there are so many incredible local establishments to support and love.
A favourite cafe of mine, which is located just a few minutes from my flat, is Monti Caffe Bar. A few months back, I got the chance to sit down with Meike to talk a little bit about Monti and local establishments…
LFB: Can you please tell me how a little bit about yourself and Alessandro, where you are from, how you both met, and how you guys got started with Monti?
Meike: Alessandro is originally from Italy (Rom) since almost 4 years in Berlin ,and I come originally from Germany (Stuttgart) since almost 7 years in Berlin. We met each other on a party at CDV since this moment almost always together 😉. Alessandro was working before in a hotel and in several Bars and Restaurants he already has a Caffe Bar in Rom and he directly had the intension to find a perfect place for open a Caffe Bar in Berlin (Friedrichshain) after 3 years we found the right Place and Monti was born 🙂!
LFB: What was the inspiration behind the menu offered at Monti?
Meike: The biggest Inspiration is the Italian Kitchen that is cooking with really good and pure food. But it’s as well a mixture of Italian Kitchen and German Traditions ( big breakfast) that normally in Italy the people don’t need 😉 . That means German breakfast with Italian Quality of food! Italian Pasta and Soups, Lasagne and Melanzane and Salads that are also made with typical Italian ingredients we have at Monti caffee ‘Bar.
LFB: I absolutely love brunching at Monti, especially because you guys also cater to vegetarians and vegans. Is this something important to you guys?
Meike: I don’t eat a lot of meat, Alessandro love it but we respect all the diverse styles of nutrition and if someone is missing something on our menu just feel free to ask and we try to create something that u will love.
LFB: Although I love a good starbucks coffee as much as the next person, I love supporting small independent coffee shops first and foremost. Can you tell me about some of the struggles when it comes to running your own independent cafe as well as the benefits of NOT being part of a long chain of cafes?
Meike: We Love to be independ because we love our concept that is very special and unique. We want to create our own things and not be a part of a big group that would also break the system here in Friedrichshain. I think this area needs unique Cafés;)! But of course it’s not always easy because u have to get more popular and loved every day and we have to give all of our energy and love to Monti that it can be what it is! ❤
LFB: As there are many tourists milling about Friedrichshain, would you say that you tend to get a more locals and repeat customers, more tourists, or a mix of both visiting Monti?
Meike: Our customers are really a mix of both and more :) during the week come more locals and of course a lot of repeat customers (is making us really proud). On the weekend come more tourists that want to enjoy and support the cozy flair of Monti and Berlin.
LFB: You also do the flower arrangements for the cafe. How did you get into flower arranging in the first place?
Meike: Yes I always do it because we love flowers and it’s a part of our concept …. it’s perfect in the combination with wood and beton! I just learned it on my own….. I love flowers since always and just started doing it :)
LFB: What is your favourite part about working in the cafe business and owning a cafe in Berlin?
Meike: U can meet a lot of nice and friendly people while working, it’s making a good mood working in a nice atmosphere and because of the good coffee all the day ☕
LFB: What can people do in order to help support local their local cafes?
Meike: Go to local places because it’s an individual thing with a personal touch that each cafe has and dive inside of this local cafe places attitude …. and also bring a positive vibe about this Cafés to your Friends and Family and bring them as well to feel this individual touch. Also tell all your lovely friends about us, come to celebrate birthdays, Christmas or unique events with us and if u are confident with our service give us a good rating 😉
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ATTENTION: If you are in Berlin, definitely pop by and be sure to mention LFB to get your FREE ESPRESSO as well!
Photography: Rae Tashman
Monti Caffe Bar – Simon-Dach-Straße 3 10245 Berlin
