Food Berlin 1

The first thing I always do upon entering is to look left at the hanging chalkboard, where owner Bardolf writes a different quote from classic German literature daily. Sometimes he picks a cheeky Berlin-dialect maxim. Very entertaining. And the coffee frappé and focaccia are fantastic too.

Food Berlin 1

I recommend the crepe with ham, cheese and egg. It’s the closest you can get to a ‘gallette complete’ in Berlin. Their homemade ice cream is delicious too and the lovely owner Kitti is quite the opposite of what we refer to as the unfriendly ‘Berliner Schnauze’. A good way to start the day.

Culture Berlin 1

A lot went wrong in terms of architecture when Berlin was finally re-united and re-built after ‘89. This one they got right. It’s modern, impressive and here to stay. Walking around the government area with my dog Vumbi always has a very eye-opening and relaxing effect on me. He has no concept of power as he seems to have no problem releasing himself in front of Mrs. Merkel’s office. Dutiful citizen that I am, I collect it under the eyes of indignant tourists.

Escapism Berlin 1

A vague taste of how Roman thermal baths must have been. Steam bath, sauna and a stunning swimming pool.

Food Berlin 1

Proper French cuisine in the middle of Kreuzberg 61. Worth every penny.

Escapism Berlin 1

Beautiful forest located behind Treptower Park. The experience of walking through this forest until you hit the banks of the river Spree makes you forget that you are just a stones throw away from a city with over four million people. Quite magical. The abandoned amusement park from GDR times that rots in the middle of it adds an interesting historic component to this hike.

Escapism Berlin 16

Probably the nicest park in the world situated in the center of a city. I challenge Central Park anytime. Every time I go I discover a new corner that I hadn’t noticed before. Best is to go early in the morning when the sprinklers are on. Rainbows a go-go.

Food Berlin 25

All you really need to know in German is: Ich hätte gerne das Wiener Schnitzel mit Gurkensalat. Pure class. Even my Neapolitan friends that live and breath quality food were impressed. It’s hands down my favorite restaurant/cafe in town.

Shop Berlin 27

The only record shop I know where the owners treat everybody the same, no matter if you are a Spanish techno-tourist, a regular customer or a superstar DJ. Always friendly and helpful. Take note: good selection of new and old dance floor weapons.

After Dark Berlin 36

A mixture of sweaty gay men and nightlife crazies ignoring the difference between day and night, dancing to quality music pumping from a monumental sound system unrivaled worldwide. Sounds almost like what Paradise Garage must have been to NY in the ’80s…