Still today, the simple question for a vegetarian dish can drive some restaurant staff close to hyperventilation. But the least recommendable thing in German gastronomy if you want to enjoy the warm feeling of being loved and welcome is: Trying to order a vegan menu. Just sprouted out of such frustrating experiences has the brand new Blattgold Supperclub (gold leaf), run by Anja and Steffi. It’s Dusseldorf’s first vegan supper club and likely to be the only one of its kind between there and Berlin. Blattgold serves purely vegan food, but important to say: In a totally undogmatic way. Whatever species you belong to, vegan, vegetarian or omnivore: As long as you are open for culinary surprises and new inspiration, feel free to join! 6 or 7 events at different locations are planned this year, each time for 12 people or more, depending on space. First come, first serve, that’s the only rule.

No surprise, Anja and Steffi have both changed their nutrition to vegan some time ago – not the only thing they have in common. They have almost exactly the same age (Steffi was born only 14 days ahead of Anja), are both very lively and curious, perfectionists and a little bit obsessed with detailed organization. Google Docs has become their biggest friend when preparing for a Blattgold Supperclub event. Professionally they do however go different ways: One works in Social Education, the other as Creative Director Digital, meaning she thinks about future ways of using social media and all our beloved electronic gadgets like tablets and smartphones. Anja’s kitchen-related core interest was originally baking. Since then, vegan cuisine has become her bigger passion because it opens an entire universe of new ingredients, flavours, textures and preparation methods to play around with. On her Facebook page The vegan Foodnerd she shares all her recipes and latest discoveries with everyone interested. Another playground of hers will be her garden: From May on she will grow herbs, fruit and vegetables in accordance with the very tightly controlled Demeter standards. Soon, supper club guests might have the chance to taste what her green goldmine delivers.

Steffi, the other half of Blattgold, went the vegan way primarily trying to fight various heavy food allergies and intolerances – very successfully as she can say today. But in the beginning, the obvious downside for a keen amateur cook that she has always been was the growing number of restrictions, and the constantly recurring question: “Sh…, what could I prepare myself for dinner today???”. All the answers she collected over 3 ½ years can be found on her Kochtrotz blogsite. The good news for guests of Blattgold Supperclub with food allergies or intolerances against for example gluten, histamine, fructose or sorbitol, to name just a few ones: You will be able to benefit from Steffi’s vast personal experience and savour a seven-course menu specifically adapted to your individual needs. Just contact the hosts to discuss your specific requirements.

 

Blattgold’s beneficial approach goes further than that, the idea of sharing is important to both, Steffi and Anja. They have therefore decided to always donate a share of the revenues from their events to a social organization. The first cheque in early March went to the Düsseldorfer Kindertafel, for the simple idea that being able to enjoy a good time with good food is not to be taken for granted.

If you want to share the Blattgold Supperclub experience, get connected via the Facebook page or go to the Blattgold website that will be launched soon.