We worked in Kate's studio all morning and then it was time to take a break. She told me a new Italian place had opened up a week ago so we rode our bikes up Müllerstraße. When I stepped into Da Baffi, I smiled. The lilies' shadow on the wall had the crispness of cut paper. The golden light filtering through the front window!
The friendly Bolognese man behind the counter explained he and his partners had considered locations in Friedrichshain and Mitte before they settled on this former hairdresser's shop in Wedding. It was, on that afternoon, empty, and oh so full of charm.
When I looked back on these pictures in subsequent days, a hesitation haunted me. A few years ago I would have posted them immediately, jubliantly. A new Italian place in Wedding! Exciting! Having seen how this story ends in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain and now Neukölln, the innocence of delighted discovery is alloyed with unease.
Nevertheless, Da Baffi, with its good food, solid style and winsome staff, now open for dinner only (lunch wasn't profitable enough) from Tuesday to Sunday.
Da Baffi, Nazarethkirchstraße 41, Berlin-Wedding (map)
Open Tue-Sat 6:30pm-10:30pm
Tel. 0175 692 65 45
Yes, Wedding is changing in a way that recalls the rise of other former no-go/unpopular parts of town, so I understand your hesitation. But I must say I happily welcome a good restaurant to my new(-ish) Bezirk. It's definitely still a bit wanting for delicious food, and this place looks and sounds so charming. Thanks so much for info.
Posted by: Michelle | 27 June 2011 at 09:48 AM
Ooh, that looks really nice, can't wait to try it out. I totally know your unease. But I also can't wait to take my in-laws there, long-time residents of Osloer Strasse... Double-edged sword, indeed. xo
Posted by: Luisa | 29 June 2011 at 11:41 AM
Don't you ever wish to bring back that time again..?
i'll just say on word for all your pictures..
"Memories"
Posted by: Online butchers | 29 June 2011 at 04:29 PM
Beautiful pictures, especially the second one! I had to laugh because I read this immediately following Luisa's blog post, which could have been subtitled "(Wedding in Italia)".
Posted by: Leslie | 01 July 2011 at 05:27 PM
Looks great! Beautiful photos!
Posted by: Sarah | 01 July 2011 at 06:19 PM
Michelle, Luisa, I think you'll love it. It's a great mix of people and not too calculated.
Online butchers, I can't bring myself to delete your comment.
Leslie, quite!
Sarah, thanks.
Posted by: Berlin Reified | 06 July 2011 at 07:21 AM