Einstein Unter den Linden: A look behind the scenes of the political café
Einstein Unter den Linden: A look behind the scenes of the political café
In the heart of Berlin is the well -known café house "Einstein Unter den Linden", which is not only popular with tourists, but also a meeting point for political sizes and networkers. Despite its importance - or precisely because of this - the latest developments take a look at the behavioral change of its guests and the changing atmosphere in this historical restaurant. On Thursday afternoon there was a meeting with an informant that offered some interesting insights.
The previous day, a survey among members of the Bundestag had delivered exciting insights into the current opinions about the "Einstein". The answers were consistently mixed nature. The CDU foreign politician Roderich Kiesewetter expressed little enthusiasm about the restaurant by noticing: "Whoever wants to be seen and wants to see who is there." He also emphasized that he would only go there if it cannot be avoided. His impression reflects a certain discomfort that many feel in the political arena when it comes to the social landscape of such hotspots.
The perspectives of politicians
The Vice Chair of the SPD parliamentary group, Dirk Wiese, who criticized the atmosphere in the café as "too much and being seen" also criticized. Although he liked the coffee, he also admits that he rather sympathizes with other locals. Interestingly, an employee of the Green politician Till Steffen, who is currently on vacation, was that it is simply not worthwhile for Steffen to go there; "Too far. Costs too much time," was the judgment. In contrast to these rather skeptical voices, FDP financial politician Frank Schäffler confirmed his preference for the "Einstein". "I'm always in the Einstein. Everyone knows the Einstein," he said. The central location and good Austrian cuisine speaks for him, which always pulls him there. These different perspectives clearly show how the "Einstein" is not only a restaurant, but also an indicator of the political currents and changes in Berlin.The culinary selection in the "Einstein" is of a quality that raises it far above the standard of many other restaurants. An example of this is the Viennese baking, served on a beautiful fabric napkin, accompanied by a classic potato salad. The price of 32 euros may appear high at first glance, but the taste quality and the presentation make up for this edition for most celebrants quickly. At such a price, guests not only expect good dishes, but also an appealing atmosphere.
On Thursday, however, the café was noticeably less visited than usual. It was a calm atmosphere, which made it easier to take the discrete conversation between the informant and his conversation partner. This is not only unusual for a restaurant of this kind, but could also point out that the political summer break demands its tribute - many tables remained empty, and the operating life was in a state of inertia.
The essential attraction of the "Einstein"
The "Einstein" remains a fascinating focus for business discussions and informal meetings. Two outstanding aspects are the possibility of discrete communication and privileged culinary delights. At an next table, a group of business people celebrated a success and the sounds of sparkling wine flew through the air, while no person is interested in the political elite at the large table. This atmospheric shift reflects the constant change in the values and priorities.
Whether the unbroken shine of the "Einstein Unter den Linden" can still survive the darker clouds above the political landscape of Berlin remains to be seen. One thing is clear - the place remains a fascinating chapter in city history and will continue to attract the curiosity of the guests, even if the guests are no longer as comfortable as it used to be.
The "Einstein Unter den Linden" is not only a popular café, but also a setting for informal political meetings. In the past, similar places in Berlin have played a central role in the political life of the city. These cafés acted as informal interfaces between politicians, journalists and business people, which promoted the exchange of ideas and information. While the "Kranzler" played an important role in the GDR in the 1950s, the "Einstein" has achieved a similar status in recent years.
The influence of gastronomy on politics should not be underestimated. Historically, other countries such as France, especially in Paris, have always used the culinary scene as a catalyst for political discussions. Here, there are also social and cultural influences that are embedded in the respective eating culture and thus represent an important element of the political discourse. The cafes and restaurants of a city often act as a barometer for the political climate, which is also reflected in the feedback from the MPs to the "Einstein".
visitors and customer structure
The "Einstein" not only attracts political decision-makers, but is also popular with tourists and Berlin entrepreneurs. A survey by the Berlin Statistics Office shows that, for example, 40% of the cafégästen regularly come from the business environment and often hold informal meetings. This mixture of clientele ensures that the "Einstein" always remains a place of action, even if things are calmer during the summer break.
Especially the prominent location of the café has contributed to the creation of a certain "observation and visibility culture". Whether consciously or unconsciously, the guests are often considered in large numbers to be seen. This dynamic has increased in recent years, which is also due to an increase in media reporting over the restaurant as a political forum.
gastronomic peculiarities and challenges
The culinary offer of "Einstein" comprises a variety similar to the political landscape in Germany. The restaurant is particularly known for its Austrian cuisine, which comes up with traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel. These dishes are not only popular with the guests, but also reflect a cultural connection that strengthens German-Austrian relationships through history.
However, the gastronomy, like many other industries, also faces challenges. The Covid 19 pandemic has had a massive impact for restaurants in urban areas. According to the German Hotel and Gastronomy Association (DEHOGA), over 50% Restaurants in Germany have to greatly reduce their sales during the lockdowns. The exact figures for the "Einstein" are not published, but it is known that restaurants that rely on local and institutional customers feel special pressure. In this context, the adaptation of the offer and services to the needs of guests is becoming increasingly important.
- Nag