ElbUferei: Festive dinner in the "Igloo Lounges"

DRESDEN When it gets dark, the festively decorated igloo lounges on the terrace of the ElbUferei at the ARCOTEL HafenCity Dresden light up beautifully. Two to six people can be seated at the lovingly laid table in the three cosy, warm and heated lounges. New this year are the elegant winter pavilions, which are characterised by even more comfort and spaciousness. As special as the unique location directly on the Elbe is the culinary accompaniment that chef David Schöbel and his team will be conjuring up until the end of February 2025. A 3-course sharing menu with 10 dishes from the ElbUferei kitchen, which has been awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, will be served. The bar team led by F&B Manager Max Kunschmann has created special wintery cocktails that will immediately put you in the Christmas spirit.

The evening begins in style with homemade mulled wine over a campfire. In the lounges, guests start the winter gourmet experience with spicy flower sprouts, Asian pork belly and prawns with lime and ponzu. The sourdough bread by Elias Boulanger, served with roasted onion butter and leek oil, is a delicious accompaniment. The main courses are also put together in such a way that both fish and meat as well as vegetable lovers get their money's worth. The zander with lentil & dill and the duck breast & liver with miso and mint are characterised by intense herbal notes, while the romanesco features fermented garlic and crispy chilli. Finally, tête de moine meets mustard, mandarin meets tarragon and blueberry meets macadamia - the flavours just dance on the tongue.

Typical of David Schöbel's culinary signature are dishes that he elevates to new spheres of flavour based on local produce with the help of unusual compositions, spices and textures. He incorporates flavours from Mediterranean, Asian and Oriental cuisine without overloading the taste of the high-quality, regional ingredients. "There must be New Year's Eve in your mouth" is the motto of the young talent from Dresden. "My aim is to appeal to all taste buds, from sour to spicy, from sweet to savoury. With extra textures such as crunch or spices like Japanese togarashi, I want to create a surprise and pop effect even with supposedly simple components."

As a native of Saxony, close collaboration with producers from the region is particularly important to David Schöbel. He wants to bring the culinary culture of his home region to life beyond simple roast dinners and bland home cooking. The in-house dry-ageing cabinet ensures perfectly cured ham and tender steaks. The vegetables and bread are sourced from regional farms. For the wine list, Max Kunschmann, IHK sommelier with WSET Wine Level 3, focusses on special, mainly Saxon wines and is happy to advise on the selection of the right wine.

Igloo Lounge: 10 dishes in 3 courses cost €69 per person. The minimum purchase is €180, and a maximum of six people can be accommodated in an igloo lounge.

Booking required under: +49 351 448 111 0 or hafencity@remove-this.arcotel.com