Cicerone

Hotel De Goudfazant

Frederique van Staalen — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:05:00 GMT

Associating this name with Jacques Brel’s chanson, De Burgerij (Les Bourgeois) I could not have been more surprised as friends took me to this amazing place in the north of Amsterdam last weekend. Situated along the IJ Channel a huge hangar, which used to store requisites and decors for a theatre company, is transformed into a realm of industrial grandeur.

On less windy nights you can sit outside and enjoy a breathtaking view over the outstretched IJ and the KNSM Island.

Sitting in the gigantic hall amongst a mixture of young downtowners, beautiful people and some parked cars, I had the feeling it suited all. Kids were playing billiards on a mezzanine, the emptiness of the hall filled with nothing else than our lifted spirits reflected in one immense chandelier above the bar and as if it is of any importance on such a night, the food was superb: fresh, tasty and handsomely composed.

Photo by *N*o*o*r

Being one of the hottest dinner places at the moment and always booked out, the staff is not arrogant at all. On the contrary, in an informal way they chat, are attentive and at night even cycle with you to open the fence.

I have to admit that it is almost impossible to find but in a way that is part of the charm. So be well prepared- study a map, take a cab or simply ask a local. Good luck!

Hotel de Goudfazant; Aambeeldstraat 10H; Amsterdam-Noord

Giant Beds In Former Prison

Frederique van Staalen — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Photo by Allard van der Hoek

Even if it's not far from the city centre, you don't come down here accidentally. For me - and people will hate me for this - it doesn’t really belong to the city. Of course it does, but it breathes a totally different spirit. Located in the Eastern Docklands area, the Lloyd Hotel, by my 'little Amsterdam' standards, is such a huge building that it makes me feel rather small. Nonetheless, the Lloyd - which was formerly a hotel for migrants, Nazi prison and later youth penitentiary - is a place to feel at home immediately.

Photo by Allard van der Hoek

Entering the lobby of the Lloyd, I was struck by the impressive space and the well-balanced mix of old and new design. I would be more likely to find this in a museum collection than a hotel, but it works. Each item has been selected with care and contributes to this wonderful ambiance of tranquility and authenticity.

Hidden tea-spot.

The building itself simply begs for wandering around, exploring the floors (with hidden spots to drink coffee or tea), striking stairs, little corners, and ensembles of furniture where you can admire the light, smell the abundant flowers or just enjoy space.

All 116 rooms (ranging from 1 to 5 stars) feature unexpected details and innovative elements (a hidden shower, an 8-person bed, a music room, etc.). Each displays a different character. My favourite is an attic room with its original wainscoting. Here, under the roof, I started dreaming right away.

Photo by Dorien Oxenaar

The aim of the Lloyd is to establish a meeting place for artists, businessmen and locals alike. Drinking a coffee on the terrace, I had the impression that the businessmen were more represented, but who can tell nowadays? The Lloyd Hotel offers 24-hour restaurant services – quite a rarity in Amsterdam - and has a nice bar. I do think that Lloyd keeps its promise and is much more than a hotel. The Lloyd is a cultural institution.

Lloyd Hotel; Oostelijke Handelskade 34; Amsterdam

Find more hotels in Amsterdam

My Favourite Monday Morning: The Hunt For The Perfect Piece

Frederique van Staalen — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:02:00 GMT

Admit it: most earthly pleasures are linked with envy. So when everybody else, exhausted from the weekend, has to go to work, some lucky ones can visit the Noordermarket.

Between the Korte Prinsengracht and the beginning of the Prinsengracht you’ll find a beautiful triangular square lined by the church (Noorderkerk) nice cafés and restaurants. The Noordermarkt was named after this church, which dates from the seventeenth century.

Here, every Monday morning, you can see people (mostly women) cycling or walking from the bridges, laughing, and flocking to this little spot. What is so much fun about this market that it has become a magnet for people over the years?

Aside from the envy factor, it may have something to do with the feeling that there is always somebody you know around, and indeed there is. Last time, I lost my little daughter Prune and started panicking. Soon after a woman found her, and as I looked her in the face I recognized my old roommate Roline.

King Louie/Petit Louie

It's amazing as well that some market sellers have stayed there over the years. One of my favourites is the King Louie/Petit Louie booth, selling women’s and kids’ clothing from different collections.

Exota

The labels are cut out, but if you find this a problem they have a shop Exota Hartenstraat 10 where they sell the current collection. My most recent Monday treasure: the curtains of my youth, original 'Nijntje' (miffy) from the seventies.

Cafe WINKEL

To complete the morning, join the queue of cafe WINKEL (Noordermarkt 43) for a warm piece of apple pie. The rumor goes that they bake the best apple pie in town. I deserve to be stoned at once for revealing this myth, but actually the pie is delicious and don’t we all like to believe in fairytales?

On Saturdays, a part of the Noordermarkt joins the organic food market, but it doesn't have the same dazzling atmosphere given that for most hardworking people are off from work and there isn’t a soul who will envy you.

Noordermarket: Mondays market 9 -13. Saturdays: Organic food market 9-16.00

Noorderlicht: A Hard To Get Hangout

Frederique van Staalen — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:45:00 GMT

In small cities like Venice or Amsterdam it is easier to find a unique historical monument than to find a perfect hangout place. One of my favourites is indeed very hard to find because it’s located in the middle of a deserted shipyard.

To get there, take the boat behind the central station (direction NDSM Werf) or from the less crowdy stop at Distelweg. On the other side of the Ij-Canal, walk 50 meters straight ahead then turn to the right and walk for another 300 meters. Here, you will find yourself in the middle of the former shipyard where all kinds of artists have installed their ateliers. At the end of the docks, standing on a tiny little hill, you’ll find Café Noorderlicht. The semi-circular building recalls a greenhouse, and is especially beautiful when illuminated at night and is stunning by sunset.

Photo by Manou van der Noort

Friends tell me that it’s a bit alternative, but believe me Amsterdam was screaming for such a place. It’s still less cool and grungy than for instance Bar 25 in Berlin. On beautiful days when the terrace is overflowing, you can sit wherever you like. My place is directly at the waterfront where I can look over the water daydreaming, talk with friends or read a book undisturbed by yelling toddlers.

My hardcore city kids, when they are here, enjoy playing with dogs between the boats and exploring water plants. For me, this place has the sheer wildness and magic which I relate to an end-of-the-world mood. Not in an apocalyptic sense, but in the spirit of being liberated from everyday life; you can relax without getting bored. All kinds of people seem to be attracted by this café, so don’t worry that you’ll have to spend time with some utterly barbaric tribe.

Those who have a soft spot for flea markets will be happy that there’s a good one in this area (forget about Waterloopein). It’s not held regularly, so check this website for information.

CAFÉ NOORDERLICHT; t.t. Neveritaweg 33; Amsterdam

Dreaming On The Amstel: Amsterdam Boat & Breakfast

Frederique van Staalen — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:51:00 GMT

As a result of the omnipresence of the water, Amsterdam is even more beautiful seen from a water perspective. Recently somebody mentioned me that Daan and Jasmijn Stoelinga were hiring out a tiny motorboat for Boat&Breakfast purposes.

Sheltered by Daan’s house boat, the little white boat lays for anchor on the Amstel, the river that gave the city its name. In fact, at this top location, with the town hall and Opera (Stopera) in your backyard and the Waterlooplein at a stone’s throw away, you are right in the middle of the cultural heart of the city and from your private terrace you have a view over the most beautiful part of the river.

Puccini

Just across the bridge, the place to drink your morning coffee is Puccini on Staalstraat 17.

Personally I can hardly imagine anything more romantic: just me and my love in a tiny boat on the big river. Not owning a boat myself, I always enjoy the opportunity to accompany friends on a boat trip. Feeling the wind, sensing freedom, everything on the water becomes pure leisure. We often take a picnic with us, but normally we are too captivated by the water to climb ashore. For myself, the water is to filthy to feel tempted to swim, but lots of people go for a dive in the Ij channel or another muddy canal.

Grimburgwal

Before going home we make a little farewell tour, always passing my most beloved canal Grimburgwal, still unspoiled by city life. At night, when the streets are softly illuminated, it’s hard to choose which way to walk because touched by the light everything develops a certain splendor.

Café de Engelbewaarder

You can have your slaapmutsje, the famous last drink, in Café de Engelbewaarder on Kloveniersburgwal 59. Although with your cheeks rosy from the wind and sunshine, almost any café would do to prolong this relaxed mood.

Don't Go With The Flow Go For Jojo

Frederique van Staalen — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:02:00 GMT

Traveling with your sweetheart can become quite a challenge in a city full of wonderful shops and nice boutiques. In the neighborhood called De Negen Straatjes (Nine Little Streets), a much beloved shopping area in the centre of Amsterdam, you’ll find no mainstream stores but all highly individual shops. To prevent a quarrel that would spoil the trip, go for JoJo on Huidenstraat 23 right in the middle of De Negen Straatjes.

JoJo

My darling once went there and bought (without me) a cashmere coat that made him look middle aged. Since they don’t allow returns, we had a high amount of credit to spend and soon became regulars. Eventually he bought a gorgeous suit there and of course we got married.

JoJo

For anyone who is always looking for a Canali shirt or a suit from Zegna but unable to afford it, you’ll find it at JOJO for a bargain if you are lucky enough. In addition to selling exclusive Italian brands, there are English shoes and hats, vintage shirts, silk or cashmere socks and different kinds of scarves - all the bits and pieces of a gentleman’s wardrobe are part of their stock.

Laura Dols

Of course you should peep into Laura Dols on Wolvenstraat 7 because it’s always fun to dress up like a movie star, and don’t bother if you’ve forgotten your toothbrush - De Witte Tandenwinkel on Runstraat 5 will fullfill your kinkiest wishes concerning dental hygiene. For me, ever since Freelance left the city, Antonia By Yvette (Gasthuismolensteeg 16-18) is the best place for shoes. They sell for instance Sonia Rykiel, Spanish designers and have their own in-house label.

"thinking Of Holland....."

Frederique van Staalen — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:42:00 GMT

Thinking of Holland

The above quote from a well-known poem of Hendrik Marsman is the name of a brand-new shop in Amsterdam. Dorret Griffioen, the owner of the shop, had simply had it with all the junk that ordinary souvenir shops were selling. She believed that Holland, with all its internationally acclaimed designers and tourists alike, deserved so much better.

Thinking of Holland

The Passengers Terminal on Piet Heinkade 23, where all big cruise boats harbor, suited her strategy. In a posh interior, designed by Thomas Cruijsen, you’ll find several items that’ll remind you of Holland. Though not especially conceived as souvenirs, these high quality objects often have a twist and provoke memories of the Low Countries. Unfortunately 'Zealand sweetheart' doesn’t belong to the shop but you’ll definitely find related jewelry or motives from her attire.

Droog

Thinking of Dutch Design, I immediately think of Droog. A design label and platform for designers. Droog meaning dry, a reproach we Dutch are repeatedly blamed for, produces unpretentious, funny but functional objects.

Droog

In a historical building in the Staalstraat, Droog established its flag store and a gallery where young designers exhibit their creations. Here you can wander around, marveling a table, a kitchen or enter the lovely garden. For me, it feels more like visiting the new apartment of a friend than dwelling in a design shop. I always sneak in to see if they still have the big hare in their collection. It’s such a pity that my floor isn’t roomy enough to have such an opulent doormat.

Restaurant Open: Dining On A Railway Bridge

Frederique van Staalen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:01:00 GMT

For a while everybody had been talking about this place. So one Friday night I set out with a friend to scrutinize this new hotspot in Amsterdam. Without a reservation we had to wait for about an hour, so when we finally got our table I couldn’t help being a little bit tipsy. Café-restaurant Open (Westerdoksplein 20) is built above a monumental railway bridge. All sides are constructed out of windows and in beautiful weather it becomes quite literally open with a broad view over the water.

As we climbed the stairs to enter, lots of stylish people were gathered around the barwhere it was still possible to smoke (I went there before the 1. of July). The atmosphere was expectant and cheerful. Despite its architectural boundaries, the interior turned out to be spacious and modern. The light tables and floors with green, red and golden accents composed a magnificent setting. Unfortunately, I didn’t get permission to take pictures from the inside. Of course I can respect that but the way they explained this with a certain arrogance stayed in the back of my mind.

As I am vegetarian and supposed to live on vegetables, the main course didn’t please me; I missed carbohydrates somehow. In my desperation, I had to order French fries additionally, very welcome to my non-veggie friend as well. Even the kitchen is totally open here, and when I wasn’t too involved in conversation I would look for what I would be eating next.

I couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed about this place. Although the location is quite unique, I believe they missed the point. Open felt like a beautiful girl who casts a spell as long as she keeps her mouth.. Or is it just me not being open enough?

Eco Has Never Been So Sexy

Frederique van Staalen — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:57:00 GMT

One advantage of having children is that you come to know everyone regardless of class or profession. My daughter played in kindergarten with the son of the director of Mediamatic an (e)cultural institution operating in the field of new media, art and society. Right now the threat of a substantial cut in state grants forces Mediamatic to fight back with highly ludicrous activities in the city. Measures such as handing over their library to the public and several other protests recall the spirit of the activism of art movements like Cobra or the Situationist International.

Like a Comme des Garçons guerrilla store, their office hopped from one over the top location to the next. Having just left POST CS (the building where Club 11 used to be) they have now opened their doors in the former headquarters of the ABN bank.

This summer Mediamatic curated an exhibition IKIKIK=MEMEME with designer Andrea Crews, who is known for similar events in Palais de Tokyo (Paris) and Madrid.

During this interactive show on fashion and self representation on the internet, with what they call a big component of DIY=do-it-yourself, you can perform on several levels: you can join upcycle yourself workshops, professional catwalk workshops, buy retro basic clothes for 5 euro a kilo and sew them straight away into streetwear, participate in photoshoots to name but a few of them.

A huge pile of clothes in the middle of the ground floor of this old bank building dominates the space, flanked by sewing machines, a bar with a garden view and a catwalk. For those who are not ultimately creative themselves you can buy some piece of clothes and let Mediamatic takeover the complete the makeover.

Mediamatic Bank; Vijzelstraat 68

Exhibition 18 July-4 October 2008

Paradise Found At Huis Marseille

Frederique van Staalen — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:51:00 GMT

We Dutch are in a way obsessed with space. The Netherlands are the most densely populated country in Europe, and it’s impossible to find a decent apartment in Amsterdam if you’re not kin of Croesus. Because of this, I have developed a certain kind of spacio-mania: and than I found this museum.

Of course one can argue about the definition of a museum but most people since the nineteenth century would agree that, besides its conservational and collecting tasks, a museum should be open to public.

While there is no problem visiting Huis Marseille, it is less trouble-free to try and write about it or even photograph this lovely foundation. For me that’s exactly the point, is it really “open to the public” when only an excusive circle of well- informed culture dilettantes know of the existence of this collection?

At Huis Marseille they think this site is too commercial to their philosophy and they would prefer to not be mentioned. But I can’t withhold this heavenly place from you, so I’ll describe it without any reserve.

Huis Marseille, the first photo museum in Amsterdam, is located on Keizersgracht 401 in a canal house with the same name. After passing the reception it’s unlikely you’ll meet a lot of visitors. Hues of green, grey marble and honey colored wooden floors impressed me so much that I kind of forgot the current exhibition. A staircase leads into the backhouse, the most interesting part of this marvelous house.

Nothing is more appropriate to the garden room than Jacob de Wit’s Heavenly concept, an original ceiling painting from the eighteenth century. Viewing the garden with its ancient trees, a feeling of calm and serenity came over me. The best part is that you can enter the garden because they have put tables and chairs outside. So with a coffee or tea from the museum's 'media kitchen' you can pretend, since nobody else will be there, that you are sitting in your own garden.

If you’re eager for the city again, visit the nearby Cafe Walem on Keizersgracht 449, one of the first Grand cafés in Amsterdam. If you still have some energy left for art, drop in to Foam a neighboring photo museum (Keizersgracht 609) in the conventional way.

Bazar Amsterdam: No Cultural Bias

Frederique van Staalen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:29:00 GMT

There used to be three good reasons to leave the city and plan a trip to our rival town Rotterdam. First of all my dear friend T. lives there. Second the Boijmans Van Beuningen Collection and finally Bazar.

Approximately two years ago the owner of Bazar in Rotterdam decided to expand his empire to the capital. Since I always, when in Rotterdam, have lunch or whatever in Bazar, I was curious to see if Bazar Amsterdam had the same charm that would make a visit to the original restaurant redundant in the future. To emphasize the competitive element, I invited my dear friend T. who happens to be the general manager of Hotel Bazar in Rotterdam.

In maybe one of the liveliest streets in Amsterdam, the Albert Cuypstraat, where the famous market is daily held, Bazar houses in a former church. The beautiful fusion of different oriental elements -decorated tiles everywhere, even the toilets are cramped with red floral motives- gives you the feeling you’re lost in a palace from 1001 nights.

What I like so much about Bazar, this airy restaurant on two floors, is their ability to mix successfully. Besides its decorative combinations, I enjoy, the wonderful ambiance made out of the difficult balance between public and private. The kitchen serves dishes mainly from North Africa and the Middle East suiting Bazar’s Credo meet the world brilliantly.

Compared to Amsterdam standards, the food is a bargain especially breakfast is a good deal. Not a conventional one I agree but with Turkish yogurt, Algerian thousand-hole-crêpes with butter and honey, oriental bread and fresh fruit to name but a few items, you won’t be hungry for a very long time I bet.

To be honest I can’t think of anything against this vivid colorful place but as I’m quite fond of dear T. I’ll have to continue visiting Bazar Rotterdam.

Bazar; Albert Cuypstraat 182; Amsterdam

A Moving Beach: Blijburg Aan Zee

Frederique van Staalen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Summer is up and cities across Europe have planted palm trees and trucked in tons of sand to urban riverfronts to create the feeling of a lazy day at the shore. Urban beaches are a hit and Momondo guides you to our favourites.

AMSTERDAM

Happy beach is what they call Blijberg, the first real city beach in Amsterdam open since the summer of 2003. Maybe it doesn't have the sophisticated flair of Paris Plage or the glamour of a historical site as the Monbijou strandbar in Berlin, but at least you can swim here in the outstretched Ijsselmeer. Also different to a city beach in the classical manner Blijburg stays open all year.

Now moved to the new location some 400 meters further away from the original one, it’s not less cheerful but what is going to happen after 2009 to this wonderful beach pavilion nobody knows for sure. Locals and frequent beachgoers started a filmproject to force the municipality to make Blijburg stay but in a small city with big housing problems building grounds are rare... therefore you better go there before it’s too late!

Photo by ElCabron

Now that summer is slowly coming to an end and everybody, who’s not blessed to live in a southern country, is cherishing the last sunrays Blijburg is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. By now, all the noisy kids will be back at school and their desperate mums will be transformed into nice city girls again, so you can fully enjoy the relaxed mood which reigns here. But even unsunny days will have their charm. I like the feeling of a beach in the old fashioned way: not too tidy, wind and sails everywhere and a far reaching horizon.

Photo by BasL

Fridays and Saturdays are traditionally party nights with different kinds of music and bands; for instance the Generations of Love Festival. On Sundays, breakfast is accompanied with live classical piano music and from 17.00 - and if you bring your instrument, you can join the Blijburg jam. The Kitchen mostly works with organic products and besides breakfast and finger food, you will find national golden oldies like a bammetje hagelslag or drie in de pan which I last ate when I was a kid.

Blijburg aan Zee; Bert Haanstrakade 2004 ; Amsterdam

GO FURTHER:

Urban Beaching in Amsterdam

The Great Dutch Beach Rivalry: Bloemdal vs. Zandvoort

Is There Any Escape From Sodom And Gomorrah?

Frederique van Staalen — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:02:00 GMT

Photo: 800X600

Sex and the City: a dream combination. As everybody over six knows, sex sells and for quite a long time now the erotic industry has been an important feature of Amsterdam’s reputation. Even an enlightened journalist like D, who I know in Berlin, was astonished to see what the shops so frankly offer in their windows.

The Red Light District (de wallen), in fact a very picturesque part of the city, often causes its inhabitants nausea. Filth everywhere, the sleaziest characters you can imagine, women behind their windows, the drunks, the junks – they altogether make out this inferno.

A friend of mine, who organizes the best New Year’s parties, lives in the wallen. So every year after the party, dragging two little girls with me in the middle of the night avoiding disgusting blokes and suspect liquids on the street, I can’t help thinking: is there an escape from this living hell?

It’s hard to believe but it’s true. We have had a farewell party and the day after, a friend took me to Blauw aan de Wal, a restaurant in a former warehouse, which is the neighboring house to our party location. Only a small sign, I obviously failed to notice, shows its existence.

Tucked away, a little porch leads to an abundantly green patio decorated with small white tables that are lit by candlelights. Again, it’s the light that gives this place its heavenly atmosphere keeping in mind I had just left the street with the neonlights and hordes of tourists. I almost felt a foreigner in my own city, since it’s seldom you’ll find such old fashioned, decent, warm and professional service I somehow associate with books like The Remains of the Day.

Moreover the food and wine were superb, delicate in their choice and quality. To quote the owner, one day a really good meal the next day water and bread. Therefore it will not be a cheap dinner but for a night in heaven I would be willing to pay the double.

BLAUW AAN DE WAL, Oudezijds Achterburgwal 99, Amsterdam

Galerie Amsterdam: The Start Of Your Art Collection?

Frederique van Staalen — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:29:00 GMT

If you, like me, always dream about getting your own piece of art, checking the art market for your favorite artist or even better, hoping you’ll make a sensational discovery like finding a Jawlensky on a flea market. Then there are just a few options in Amsterdam you should consider.

Inside Foam. Photo: Nicole Blommers

For instance Foam Editions (part of the Foam museum, which I have mentioned before), is one of the best places in the Netherlands to purchase payable photos. At your disposal is a selection of signed editions from young talented international photographers and occasionally works from artists currently exhibiting at Foam. The people working at Foam Editions are highly competent and surely very friendly.

If you’re more into painting, sculptures or other three dimensional objects and without a too prefixed taste try Galerie Amsterdam, which is part of the Kunstwerkplaats on Lutmastraat 181-183. This center for outsider art - often called Art Brut - was recommended by my social responsible friend Sara. She brought me here and I have to confess that the art she has bought at the gallery suits wonderful in her lovely decorated apartment. Since the work represented by Galerie Amsterdam is rather miscellaneous not only in techniques but in quality as well, you’ll really need time to explore the works in stock.

For me the paintings bring back recollections of the Collection de l’Art Brut in Lausanne, and I have to confess that I’m not too fond of for instance Jean Dubuffet. But I was certainly struck by the ceramics. The vases and plates beautifully decorated with animal or floral motives are truly worth collecting.

For those really in to budget every Friday night in Galerie Amsterdam Café van de Kook provides a 3 course menu for ca. 10 Euro. Also there is the charming restaurant and traiteur Ratatouille on Ceintuurbaan 181 just a few streets away. Here you can drink a coffee on the terrace, take delicacies to go or have a rather intimate diner.

Local View Melissa Maldonado's Berlin

Frederique van Staalen — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:11:00 GMT

Melissa Maldonado is a dancer originally from Queens, New York. When love brought her to Berlin, she very quickly adapted to the city’s ongoing opportunities. She’s always on the move, dividing her time between earning money in an art gallery or giving children ballet and flamenco classes, as well as developing a career as a dancer and choreographer. She is currently working on her next piece to be performed for Inwent at a conference on women’s rights. This is her Berlin.

How long did it take you to discover Berlin’s beauty and which places you think are really beautiful here?

It’s difficult to discover beauty in cities, where concrete generally overshadows nature. But from the moment I arrived in Berlin I couldn’t help but be amazed by how green it was. Not only does nearly every street have trees, bushes or flowers, but there are also parks and gardens everywhere.

Summer at Wannsee Photo: Ax11

Berlin is also full of wonderful surprises like the Pfaueninsel, Britzer Garten and Wannsee. It’s a city that offers everything that a major metropolis would offer and then so much more.

Berlin gets quite cold and dark in winter. Where do you go to escape the grayness and keep your high spirit?

This depends on whether or not I’m hungry. I have two favorite and very different cafes in the city. Olivia, a very small café/chocolate shop in Friedrichshain, has the best tarts and cakes and amazing hot chocolate. If I want something more hearty, I go to Al Hamra at Helmholzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg. They have the best Halumi salad in the city, not to mention falafel, hummus…

If I’m not hungry, then I enjoy roaming around any of the major museums (they’re all free on Thursdays after 8pm) or galleries in Mitte.

Are there any places in this city which impresses a girl from New York City?

Yes! There are so many places that impress me! I love the canals that run through Kreuzberg with waterfront restaurants and cafes and people lounging on blankets when the weather is right.

Landwehrkanal Photo: Mikkelbreum

And then there are the weekend markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, flowers and so much more. And not to forget, the great boutiques with one-of-a kind clothing that would be completely unaffordable in NY, but is totally affordable here.

As a dancer you have a disciplined daily routine. Do you have a favorite place where you go after an exhausting training or to celebrate a premiere?

After an exhausting day of rehearsals or training I go straight to my bathtub for a muscle-relaxing bath. When I really want to indulge, I go to Die Wohfuehler on Kollwitzstrasse 75 for a massage or to Olivin, a quaint but very comfortable and relaxing sauna on Schoenhauser Allee. After a premiere I spend as much time as I deem necessary at the after party, generally organized by the venue or the choreographer, then I go to my bathtub. Most dancers will tell you that the best celebration is a hot bath and a massage!

There are many hip and trendy clubs in town. Where do you go dancing till dawn?

Surprisingly enough, I’m not a huge fan of going out dancing. Many people think that dancers like to go out dancing, but this is purely a myth. We do it all day, and that’s enough. If I want to spend a night out on the town, I prefer to hit up some of the great bars in the city. Goldfisch on Grünberger Strasse 67 in Friedrichshain is small and cozy. And, they make the best pina coladas!

Zu Mir oder Zu Dir Photo: Renaatje

If I want something a bit more lively then I go to Zu Mir oder Zu Dir on Lychener Strasse. I am also a huge fan of any bar with a football table!

You also like opera, but if you are not in the mood for a Wagner Opera which cultural event do you visit?

Although I love the German opera for its modern take on classical pieces, there are so many other wonderful and more contemporary venues with great performances. The Goldener Saal at Tacheles, though somewhat gritty and rough, plays host to some of the best choreographers and dancers working in the city. Sophiensaele and Dock 11 also offer emerging choreographers the opportunity to showcase their work.

Personally I don’t find Berliners particularly welcoming. What are your recipes to cope with them?

A good sense of humor and lots of traveling! And that’s all it really takes. My experience is that Berliners tend to get a bit more edgy as the temperatures drop, so that’s when I book flights to Cologne or anywhere in the South, where the people are generally a bit more welcoming! But, if I can’t get away, then laughter is the best medicine. What else can you do when someone yells at you for not having a bike light, honks a car horn because you’re crossing the street too slowly or nearly knocks you down when racing to the just opened cash register. A smile goes a long way here!

Go further:

Local view: Bob Stanley's London

Local view: Catherine Sanderson's Paris

Local view: Jerome Weatherald's London

Local view: Lauren Elkin's Paris

Local view: Sebastian Horsley's London

Local view: Gilles Valentin's Istanbul

Local view: Adam Kuban's New York

Local view: Christophe Abric's Paris

Local view: Maaike Gottschal's Amsterdam

Local View: Dana Boulé's Paris