Bieberbau*

So this is just the fourth time we have dined in a Michelin-starred restaurant here in Berlin, as most of the time, we travel for these types of restaurants. But it was recently my husband's birthday, not to mention that it was a round-number anniversary for us, we wanted some sort of fancy dinner as a celebration. So we went to Bieberbau*. This is a restaurant in a neighbourhood that is close to where we live. In fact, we just walked there from home. I know of this restaurant, as I see it every now and then when we take walks, yet we never really had the chance to visit. So we went this time, as it has been awhile since we had a fancy dinner. The last time we dined in a Michelin-starred restaurant was when we were in Hallmann und Klee*, which was also in Berlin, last year.

The restaurant has a fantastic setting, and the interior is definitely impressive. We arrived on time, and were promptly seated.

We opted for the Menu I, which starts at 3 courses. We actually took the maximum version, which had six courses. In addition to that, we were greeted by the chef with a small bite, followed by the amuse-bouche, in the form of a little cup containing some amazing cream. Bread was already served on the table, which was also a fantastic affair.

We started with some kohlrabi and mussels. I was particularly impressed by this dish. The taste profile was rather complex, as there were many things going on, not only regarding flavours but also textures. But ultimately, they all harmoniously blended with each other in a meaningful way. I absolutely liked this first course.

The second course was a celery soup, paired with wasabi ice cream. Once again, the surprising mix of flavours and textures was impressive here.

This was followed by the two main dishes. The fish dish consisted of cauliflower and tuna, paired with white chocolate. The meat dish was rabbit with white beans and artichokes. Both of these dishes were executed marvellously.

This was followed by the cheese dish, a bowl consisting of creme fraiche and kimchi. Of course, it is worth noticing how the tasting menu is designed as an arc, with the "main dishes" positioned in the middle, as opposed to in the end, thus avoiding an abrupt finish with dessert.

Then of course, there was the pre-dessert, which was a small cup of ice cream. The dessert was again a surprising melange of flavours, primarily of rhubarb and poppy seeds, together with flamed merengue.

To finish, I asked for an espresso, which was delivered with a small collection of petits fours.

Overall, this was fantastic. It was an evening of refined food, delivered gracefully, in a magnificent setting.