The centre of the creative world in Germany

I had 6 meetings in Berlin this past Wedensday, all with creative people from the web design scene there. In that case, there is only one place to go to meet all of them - the St. Oberholz, a fashionable »digital boheme« café with 2 stories. The place to meet each other - throughout the day the cafe is filled top to bottom with people working on laptop (Apple!) computers, headsets perched on their heads, shooting movies, eating and drinking endless streams of coffee. A real meeting point, and surprisingly comfortable even for an extended stay. Bit like Starbucks, but much cooler and… one of the very few places in town with free WiFi.

A must if you want to meet the in-crowd of creatives in Berlin.

Food: 6
Service: 7,5
Comfort: 8
Price/Quality: 8

A brandnew experience

Gallery Nico Koster, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 44, 1017 DG Amsterdam
T: +31 20 7769991

Mid 80’s I started collected art in earnest - mostly based on dutch art post World War II.
The core of my collection was the famous painter Jan Sierhuis, from Amsterdam - and via him I came into contact with a variety of other painters such as Karel Appel, Lucebert, Corneille and many others. Next to the paintings themselves, which to me enrich my ife, I also added many contacts over the years with Gallery owners, musea directors (Rudi Fuchs) and was I honored to cooperate with Jan Sierhuis and Peter Halley to publish books about their art. In all, I met many art-loving, likeminded people all over the world.

It shows that if you have a common interest, it isn’t actually that hard to make new connections. People in such an environment are often prepared to help you with new introductions. There are many passtimes that bring you into contact with a specific group, often a totally different then the one you would ordinarily speak to in your daily occupation. This is one of the reasons I always promote developing your general knowledge and broad interests so that you know a little bit more then average about things that come your way. Until today, I have hundreds of people around the globe that I know I can reach out to, whom I have gotten to know through our joint passion for art.

Hereby a short description of Jan Sierhuis,
Sierhuis grew up during the years of the post WW1 depression. His father died when he was only 2 years old. During his early youth he took to drawing and working with clay, and was given a painters set when he was nine. As a boy he often would make long rambles through Amsterdam. He grew up with the many city scenes we know from Breitner and Israëls, representing a city full of simple people, working hard to survive. But also a city with a lot of joie de vivre and solidarity. Whilst Sierhuis travelled extensively during his later years, he remains a true Amsterdammer at the core of his being.

Instead of going to the Academy of art, he was sent to a local trade school to become a house-painter instead. This vocational training gave him the knowledge and understanding of the materials he would use to his benefit later on.

He, together with Appel, Corneille and Lucebert, is at the centre of post-war developments in Art. During 1945 he is admitted to the evening study at the “Rijksacademie” which he leaves again after a falling out. He is involved with the Experimentalists in 1947 and the CoBrA group in 1948. He does not join them however as he is considered too young.

Development of his work

Jan Sierhuis is above all an expressionist. He finds his inspiration with the masters like Cézanne, Matisse, Van Gogh and Picasso.
In his early years, he paints naturalistic landscapes. Impressed by the sheer power of abstrahism during the 50’s and 60’s he works in abstracts for a period of time. His work up until the 60s s mostly classifiable as Expressionism. After that you see a period during which his work is overwhelmingly about human figures. After that Sierhuis changes into more figurative themes such as dancing figures, portraits and landscapes.

During the summermonths, Jan Sierhuis lives mainly in Spain with his family. He develops a passion for Flamenco there which dance influences his work greatly. The flamenco inspires him in the last years to start working in 3D.

Exhibitions

Jan Sierhuis has had tentoonstellingen in the Netherlands, France, Mexico, Argentinia, Switzerland, Dutch Antilles, Colombia, Ireland, United States, Sweden, Denmar, Norway, Germany, Poland and Japan.

For those of you wanting to see a real Sierhuis - you can currently find a number of his paintings at Galery Nico Koster on the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat - all from his Flamenco period, rich, expressive, full of colour and dynamic. Worth a visit.

A landmark amidst those that come and go

Dynasty, Regulierdwarsstraat 30, Phone: +31 20 626 84 00

When Dynasty opened its doors 28 years ago it was a true sensation. Even now though, it is still the place to go if you like asian food.

Every time I walk in, the gorgeous Walasse Tings on the wall take my breath away and the traditional umbrellas hanging from the ceiling contribute to the overall atmosphere. Dynasty has earned its fame due to its excellent Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese kitchen and you will always find a mixed clientele frequenting the restaurant, usually with a high percentage of VIPs in the mix.
Dynasty’s personnel usually have been there for quite some years, which shows in the professionality with which they advice on the dishes served. The owner also made me very happy yesterday by telling me that they prepare a lot of their food without butter or cream, which makes the food reasonably light

Not only is the decor stylish, it also suits and complements the food that is served. My starter yesterday were dim sum, and as a main I had a mixture of chicken, beef and fish - all prepared with the most delicate herbs, offering it a unique flavour.

Food: 9
Service: 8.5
Comfort: 8
Price/quality: 8.5

It’s always a pleasure to have dinner at Dynasty.

read about an interesting site about airport, since 1 travel one a week, i know many of the mentioned airports.

the site makes a good read and offers the oppertunity to give your opinion

Jimmy Woo and E.Factor - a dynamic duo

After many events with theme such as Green Energy, Fashion or (as we will host next week) doing business in Russia, India, Israel and the US - we thought it time for a easy-going network evening in the nightclub Jimmy Woo. Jimmy is an icon in Amsterdam nightlife and remains in the top 10 clubs worldwide. We did wonder in advance if E.Factor members would see it as added value to have us organise drinks and a start to the weekend here, but after last night - we are in no doubt they do!! About 150 members turned up, in the way they walked up to the door you could see they were very much in the mood for a good night out. The first reactions have all been very positive and many of the members stayed up dancing the night away. We’re considering making this a regular, perhaps monthly, evening and starting a similar arrangement with an exclusive nightclub in other cities around the world.

Restaurant Momo,
MOMO Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
- www.momo-amsterdam.com
Hobbemastraat 1, Amsterdam, Amsterdam - 020 6717474

Having heard various unofficial (gossip) reviews, good and bad, about this restaurant - which any new, trendy restaurant seems to have to face - it was finally my turn to have a meal at MOMO’s.

On entering the space, it was the fairly extreme white decor that catches your attention. Although done tastefully, it doesn’t offer the “wow” factor since many trendy restaurants and bars around the world seem to aim for the same kind of style. Comfort though was excellent. Our waiter, Tommy, did a great job serving us - he was professional and friendly and took the time to explain various items even though the restaurant was packed.

The food at MOMO’s is based on the “sharing” concept and the menu combines Eastern and Western food - whenever a dish is ready it is served immediately so that diners can share the dish before moving on to the next one. I ordered crispy (Peking) duck - which was delicious and definitely highly recommended. I also ordered some sushi which were OK. As a main I had filet of beef, very tender, served with fresh asparagus - an excellent choice. Unfortunately, I once again had to forego dessert since I am still on my lifestyle change… but I am sure to return and try it another time. I do like a cappucino though, even though I know the Italians would faint hearing that, but who cares - I like it after my meal. But unfortunately that was the only bad piece of news at MOMO’s - no great cappucinos.

Overall - I had a wonderful dinner and would definitely recommend you visiting.

Comfort: 8
Service: 8.5
Food: 8.5
Price/Quality: 8.5

The Place to go for Brunch in Chicago

Oak Tree restaurant & bakery, 900 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

Located at the top floor of the Bloomingdale Centre, you will find the perfect place for brunch - Oak Tree. It is a place to sit down and rest your weary feet before, during or after your shopping. All food is freshly made and offers a wide choice for everyone such as great Salads and wonderful bread. Unfortunately the latter doesn’t fit into my (renewed) lifestyle change diet.
I have eaten here a few times and every time it’s been a good choice. The decor is tasteful and comfortable, service quick, professional and friendly.

Today I had a cup of Turkey Chili Soup followed by an egg white omelet - all in order to balance out the damage I did yesterday

In short, the Oak Tree is a nice place to go during your weekend with friends and catch up on things over a good lunch.

Comfort: 8,5
Service: 7,5
Food: 8,5
Price/Quality: 8

A Treat

The very nicest thing about a lifestyle change is the day at the end of the first period when you can eat whatever you like for one whole day. It leaves you fantasizing for days in advance what you will eat that day and in which order and where. Today was MY day - after a solid workout and an equally solid bowl of oatmeal to start the day, it was off to lunch at Marge’s Still, with a nice lunch of baked brie and baguette. It definitely met my expectations - see picture below.

Second on my list was a nice thin crust pizza, at Roma’s. I ordered a quatro formaggio, which unfortunately was found wanting - a bit low on taste and high on the chewing-gum factor. I only ate half of it which was rather a shame. Right next door to Roma’s is the Stone Creamery, where I had a well-deserved vanilla icecream, double scoop in a waver cone. It was outstanding! Every lick was worth the calories inhaled

As the proverbial icing on the cake, I bought some fudge in the FudgePot across the road. I had been there before, in my prior life, and knew it wouldn’t let me down. I ended up opting for the caramel, and some white chocolate which I furtively carried off home and am eating as we speak. Makes it rather hard to concentrate on the writing though.

All in all, this wasn’t an easy day - I am totally full and it feels as if I gained masses of weight. It is just as well that the next time is only in another month. And just maybe I need to think about learning to eat better full stop - one thing you do appreciate when you are on a lifestyle change is that you only want to eat food that is really excellent, rather then just any rubbish.

Marge s Still, 1758 N Sedgwick Chicago
Trattoria Roma, 1535 North Wells Chicago
Fudge Pot, 1532 N Wells St Chicago
Cold Stone s Creamery, 1533 N Wells St, Chicago

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Nan, 1350 Spring Street, Atlanta, Georgia - www.nanfinedining.com

During my stay in Atlanta, the concierge at the W hotel recommended the Nan, when I asked her what the best Thai restaurant in Atlanta was in her opinion. I have to say, that it is almost odd to find a gorgeous place like Nan amidst the concrete blocks that make up the city of Atlanta. The warm atmosphere of Thailand, between the highrise buildings and highroads of a city.

The restaurant was founded by chef Nan, who was taught her cooking skills by her mother in Thailand. She left her country at the age of nineteen and came to America, where she worked in various Thai restaurants before opening up her own restaurant in Manhattan, Tamarind. Nan moved to Atlanta with her family a number of years ago where she launched Nan fine dining, which has become a landmark in Atlanta.

Although in a rather large open space,  it has been beautifully decorated and as it has been separaed into a range of carefully secluded smaller areas inside the one large space, it gives you an air of comfort and intimacy. Service is as I recognize from Thailand, very friendly, professional with a hint of deference. I had Beef and Chicken Satay as an appetizer, and as a main course Kung Mung Kron or in plain English, baked lobster with lemongrass sea scallops. It melted in my mouth, the delicate flavours never overpowering one another. As I am still on my diet, this meal proved a highlight during my week and did not clash with my new lifestyle. I did not have any desserts, but the choice offered seemed delicious.

Comfort: 8
Service: 8,5
Food: 9
Price/Quality: 8

Absolutely highly recommended for anyone visiting Atlanta.