24.07.2009 – Dussmann-Service operates the restaurant of the public authority building in Chemnitz

 

By: Gerd Hartmann
Photo: Olaf Haubold

»Nischel« observes the traffic turmoil before him with an austere expression. He looks just a little dispirited, our old friend Karl Marx. The statue, by the soviet sculptor, Lew Kerbel and erected in 1971, is the most famous monument in the city of Chemnitz: a seven meter high bust – and this is the origin of the nickname. Nischel is the word in the local dialect for head. Behind the second biggest portrait bust in the world – the philosopher in bronze is outdone only by the ancient Egyptian sphinx – looms a tall building like a stage curtain. This used to be the local seat of the city’s SED. Now, dozens of local authorities, from the tax office to the state child protection department, are accommodated in the eight-floor concrete block.  

To the side, where the monumental complex opens onto a rather windy square, there is an unassuming door which leads to an entirely different world. There is nothing in the restaurant of the public authority building which is reminiscent of the bombastic style of socialist town planning. Clear lines and deftly coordinated color themes transform the elongated area into an oasis of oriental simplicity and create a trendy lounge atmosphere.  

Dussmann has been operating this restaurant, with its pleasing interior design since the opening in 2008. The walls and ceiling are in pastel green and black, in contrast to the white chairs and tables with rounded legs, a retro-look that is evocative of the seventies. The rounded corners of the long bay windows reflect the same style. Only one architectural feature of the book shop previously accommodated here remains: a wooden wall mosaic made up of dark squares which covers the wall of the entrance area and integrates harmoniously into the composition. 

Ulf Weise’s culinary philosophy puts emphasis on the quality of the exceptional. Laughing, the 46-year-old kitchen manager describes his concept as »down to earth suffused with extravagance«. Solid dishes such as Grützwurst sausage – a local specialty, is among the three changing main courses. But stylish fish and pasta dishes are also included in the range. Various soups, side dishes and desserts in addition to the large salad bar ensure that every wish is granted. 

You can eat breakfast here from 7.30 a.m. onwards or just pick up a snack. And when there are receptions and meetings, the Dussmann Team is prepared with beverages and tidbits.  

Ulf Weise is passionate about cooking. »On the one hand, I have an eye on what the customer wants. On the other hand, I love to get them excited about new dishes« he says. This is why he prepares food in the Wok in front of guests several times a month. And he enjoys their amazement at how different vegetables can taste. Freshly prepared crêpes are also on the menu. 

In summer, guests can eat outside. A small interior courtyard surrounded by a wall is perfect for lunchtime relaxation. Reeds sway in the breeze – if it wasn’t for the sunshades, it would be easy to imagine it was a Japanese Zen garden. When it rains, the view of the garden is a comfort – from both sides, because what you see live in the courtyard is pictured on the windows towards the street – yet another astonishing detail of interior design. 

At the beginning of the year, there were two very special weeks. Dishes from the magazine Brigitte’s weight reduction program were presented under the slogan »enjoyment was never lighter«. More than 40 Dussmann staff restaurants take part in the annual promotion organized by the magazine’s publishers, Gruner + Jahr. In Chemnitz too, the promotion, which aims to help shed excess winter pounds, was a huge success. No wonder. Who would guess that dishes like apple-pangasius in cream sauce with red mash is part of a weight-reduction diet? Obviously men can. »There was high demand for the dishes – but almost exclusively from women« reports kitchen manager Weise, amused by the less experimental attitude of the stronger sex.  

Losing weight according to the energy-dense principle is a tasty business which truly stops you being hungry. This nutritionally recognized method is much more than counting calories. The idea focuses on the quantity of food in the stomach necessary to cause a pleasant sensation of having eaten enough. This year, in addition to the food in the staff restaurants and recipes to take home, for the first time there was also a bespoke diet plan in internet – the Brigitte diet coach – a virtual personal trainer which not only encourages healthy eating but also gives tips on sport and individual weight control. 

In the public authorities’ restaurant, the male of the species gets a second chance to prove that he has the ability to learn. The works council catering committee, which is in close communication with the Dussmann Service Team, was so impressed by the Brigitte promotion that, with immediate effect, the weekly meal plan will include a calorie-reduced treat. 

Ulf Weise joined the Dussmann Team right after the wall came down. Since then he has managed a number of outlets, but he has not been as enthusiastic about any of them as about this gem of interior design: »When I leave the mass of concrete behind me and come here, I feel exhilarated.« He is not the only one. Each day, around 200 diners enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.  

Outside, the bronze »Nischel« continues to observe the world severely. In the GDR there was a joke that claimed that Karl Marx’ expression was so grim because he couldn’t enter the Intershop opposite. That closed a long time ago. Perhaps the mood of the revolutionary philosopher remains unchanged because he can’t join the »workers« in the restaurant behind him for a trendy, delicious lunch.

 

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