Stalled Opening of Munich's Chillest Al Fresco Café – What's the Hold-up?
Delay in Opening: Construction on Munich's New In-Cafe in Sendling Halts; Anticipated Summer Ambiance Postponed
Summer's call for a refreshing Aperol Spritz on the rooftop terrace at Café Backsteinchen, nestled at Luise-Kiesselbach-Platz, remains unanswered. In its place, anticipation hangs in the air like a humid Pozzoti mist. But fret not, my friend, as the Steinke sisters—the brains behind the thriving open-air café Steinchen in Laim—have vowed that the wait won't be eternal.
The red-brick edifice at the foot of St. Joseph's Home, flanked by those iconic yellow towers, stands abandoned, much like a decrepit pirate ship in desperate need of patchwork. This very same scenario played out during the last AZ visit last fall when Alexa and Laura were locked in lease negotiations with the city, who, as you may know, own the cozy 30 square meter house in the park.
The Long Road to Renovation
The sisters had already envisioned a fabulous remodel, complete with a glazed rooftop terrace, state-of-the-art windows and doors, sleek electricity and piping, a swanky kitchen, and a modern toilet container—all ready to make its grand entrance come summer.
What's the Delay?
So, why the awkward silence since fall? Will the sisters finally play their twin aces, trumping the quarantine blues with a hefty dose of caffeine and alcohol? "Absolutely, it's a go!" exclaims Alexa. With a shrug and a roll of her eyes, she adds, "It's complex, but we're almost there." Alas, those lustrous Aperol Spritzes will have to wait until the year's end. In the meantime, they're pouring their efforts into concocting the perfect mulled wine recipe to warm hearts and lighten pockets.
The contract, inked just four weeks ago, still hangs unsigned. The sisters' journey has taken an unexpected detour due to a slew of new requirements that keep the construction train chugging further and further down the track.
The Gutter Problem
The latest obstacle: Compliance with some gutter regulations (apparently, dumping water into the meadow isn't too modern, y'know). A gutter must be fitted – after a thorough soil investigation clarifies the drainage's final destination. "We're anxiously awaiting the verdict," says Alexa.
Café Backsteinchen's Winter Offerings
The Steinke sisters have been on a mission to transform the house (formerly a gossip-filled kiosk and later a rustic biker clubhouse) into the park's vibrant heartbeat for over two and a half years.
So, what can one expect from the Backsteinchen during those frosty winter months? "Steaming soups, bowls brimming with comfort food, flammkuchen, ale, kiddie specials, coffee, sweet treats," Alexa lists with a smile. Naturally, there'll be Aperol Spritz too—as soon as that darned gutter is fixed.
The delay in the opening of Café Backsteinchen, once a gossip-filled kiosk, is due to new gutter regulations that require a fitting and proper soil investigation for drainage. Meanwhile, the Steinke sisters have been working tirelessly to prepare winter offerings, including steaming soups, comfort food, flammkuchen, ale, kiddie specials, coffee, and sweet treats, with Aperol Spritzes to follow once the gutter issue is resolved. This transition from a vibrant summer lifestyle to a cozy home-and-garden lifestyle has occurred as they transform the park's house into a bustling food-and-drink hub.
