Schöngrün

Article in collaboration with the team at Schöngrün

Eating with soil awareness

The Schöngrün restaurant in Bern, situated in the picturesque surroundings of the Zentrum Paul Klee, represents an oasis of culinary art where nature and culture harmoniously blend. Since its reopening in June 2021 by Nina Christen and Julia Schmid, it has evolved into a meeting point for enthusiasts of exquisite, regional cuisine. The philosophy of Schöngrün is rooted in the appreciation of local products and a close connection to the surrounding nature, which is reflected in the meticulous selection of ingredients and the design of the menu.

In this context, Schöngrün not only stands for gastronomy at the highest level but also for a profound engagement with the principles of sustainability and regionalism. The proprietors embrace a "small but exquisite" philosophy that emphasizes the quality and origin of the ingredients. Through direct collaboration with producers from the region, Schöngrün succeeds in crafting a menu that celebrates the seasonal highlights of local agriculture while simultaneously minimizing the restaurant's ecological footprint.

The integration of Schöngrün into Bern's cultural and social life, enriched by its proximity to the Zentrum Paul Klee, adds an extra dimension to the restaurant. It is not just a place for culinary discoveries but also a space where art, culture, and gastronomy intersect in unique ways. The commitment to excellence and sustainability, combined with the creative use of regional products, makes Schöngrün a shining example of modern Swiss cuisine that harmonizes tradition and innovation.

FOCUS TOPICS

Seasonal & Regional Cuisine
Schöngrün primarily sources its ingredients from small-scale producers in the vicinity and adjusts its menu according to the seasons to offer fresh and regional products consistently. This approach not only supports local agriculture but also guarantees an authentic culinary experience.

Food Waste / Food Utilization
Through precise calculation and avoiding excess purchases, Schöngrün actively engages in reducing food waste. Food items are utilized optimally to minimize food waste.

Organic Products and/or Other Sustainable Labels
Schöngrün places great emphasis on the use of organic products and those with sustainable labels, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to environmentally conscious and ethical cuisine.

Use of Fresh and Minimally Processed Ingredients
Approximately 80% of the ingredients at Schöngrün are processed in-house, including homemade stocks, salad dressings, mustard, and jams. This practice highlights the importance of freshness and minimizes food processing.

Close Relationship with Regional Producers
By collaborating with numerous small-scale producers in the area and offering a season-dependent menu, Schöngrün promotes local partnerships and ensures the quality of its ingredients.

Vegetarian / Plant-Based Cuisine
The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes and can also prepare vegan options upon request, especially for banquets. This demonstrates Schöngrün's flexibility and awareness of diverse dietary needs.

Whole Animal Utilization
In cooperation with "Hornochs," Schöngrün purchases and processes whole animals. This practice promotes sustainable utilization and underscores the restaurant's ethical commitment to meat processing.

Existing Partnerships with Associations
Schöngrün collaborates with the association "Wasser für Wasser" to offer its guests purified tap water for a flat rate of CHF 3.00 per person. This partnership promotes sustainable resource management and supports water projects.

Fair Working Atmosphere & Compensation System
Schöngrün fosters a fair working atmosphere without strict hierarchies; all employees communicate on equal terms and in a friendly manner. Tips are distributed fairly among all employees, strengthening team cohesion.

Employee Well-being
Employee well-being is highly prioritized at Schöngrün. Regular team meetings and individual discussions foster an open communication climate and provide an opportunity to address personal concerns.

Sustainability in Kitchen and Restaurant Equipment
Schöngrün prioritizes sustainability in its kitchen and restaurant equipment. Table mats made from grass paper and in-house washed napkins are just a few examples that demonstrate the restaurant's commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

THEIR PRODUCERS

Ingredienza

Pasta Manufacture

The partnership with Ingredienza brings the creativity of Schöngrün into the creation of unique ravioli fillings, while Ingredienza takes care of the artisanal production of the pasta. This long-standing collaboration emphasizes the outstanding quality of the products and the joy of working together.

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Glädu

Try, enjoy, spread the word!

Julia Schmid's personal history with Glädu, since she was a little girl, led to a natural collaboration. Glädu's handmade ice cream and sorbets, made with passion and dedication, enrich the culinary offerings of Schöngrün in a very personal way.

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Hans Rudolf Mühlheim

Diversity of grains - including risotto rice, lentils, and chickpeas

The agricultural farm of Hans Rudolf Mühlheim in Schwadernau supplies a variety of grains, including risotto rice, lentils, and chickpeas. The Mühlheims contribute with great dedication to the increasing popularity of such products in Switzerland.
Espro Sprossen

Sustainable microgreens, sprouts and shoots

Since the opening of Schöngrün, Espro Sprossen has been supplying high-quality fresh herbs, flowers, and microgreens. Frederic and his team consistently guarantee excellent quality, making their products a valuable addition to the restaurant.

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Rubigenhof Fischzucht

Fresh fish from the region

The Rubigenhof fish farm supplies Schöngrün with sustainably farmed fish such as rainbow trout, trout, and char. The freshness and high quality of the fish, personally picked up by Nina, testify to the excellent work of the team in Rubigen.

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Adrianos Kaffee

We can coffee!

Known for its fine coffee, Adrianos Kaffee delivers weekly to Schöngrün by bicycle courier. This collaboration underscores Schöngrüns commitment to quality and local partnerships.

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