
The House of Frette
March 3, 2010This Italian linen house, founded in the 1850s, has opened a boutique on Oak Street, Chicago’s haven for designer labels. It offers the company’s signature linens as well as its collection of fragrances for the home, scented candles, sachets and a recently introduced line of luxury at-home clothing. Suppliers to the Italian royal family, Frette is best known for ‘jacquard’ print bedding of 300-600 thread count Egyptian cotton and linen. Originally, the House of Frette introduced ‘jacquard’ looms as an efficient means of producing detailed luxury products.
Holy Year at the Palazzo della Cancelleria
March 2, 2010Although Palazzo della Cancelleria is in the city centre it is still Vatican territory, as these two concurrent Holy Year exhibitions testify. The first is devoted to Codex B and other priceless manuscripts from Vatican and foreign libraries which document the translation and the spread of the Gospels in the first centuries of Christianity. The second, entitled ‘History, Religion and Memory’, recreates the political and spiritual climate of the years of the Church, through the display of over 150 archaeological treasures.
Stand der Dinge (1)
February 27, 2010Taking a swipe at modern media, this new exhibition was put together by the renowned French curator Catherine David for one of the city’s hippest art venues, Kunstwerke. Filling every nook and cranny of the former margarine factory, ‘State of Play (1)’ brings together 12 artists from different cultural backgrounds and countries including France, Israel, Brazil, Germany, Lebanon, United States and China. Using mainly photographs and video installations, the artists employ a variety of methods to express their disapproval of clichés and oversimplification.
Small World Catering
February 23, 2010The home-base for this catering company who specialise in ‘gourmet dishes from around the globe’ is a tiny deli, giving the impression you are in the kitchen of the personable proprietor. You’re made to feel very welcome – your tastebuds in particular. Besides superlative coffee and fresh vegetable and fruit juices, one can enjoy salads, lasagne, quiches and foccacia bread sandwiches with a variety of topping choices. The one with a lightly grilled tuna with tomato tapenade and rocket is guaranteed to bring a tear of delight to your eyes.
Hungrige Herzen
February 18, 2010The celebrated drag artist and singer Sherry Vine jets in from New York City to make a special appearance at this popular midweek bash at Kreuzberg’s S036 club. Known for its upbeat atmosphere and euphoric beats, Hungry Hearts draws a happy and youthful crowd of (mainly) gay men and lesbians. Other music this week comes courtesy of resident house DJs Soulcamp and Marco Braun.
Linda McCartney’s Sixties
February 15, 2010She was Paul’s wife but Linda McCartney had a professional identity of her own. The champion of vegetarianism was also an accomplished photographer. ‘Linda McCartney’s Sixties: Portrait of an Era’ is a collection of pictures that she took during that turbulent decade. It includes portraits of many of the leading musicians of that time – Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones and, of course, the Beatles. Shot in stark black and white, McCartney was able to reveal a poignant side to these guarded celebrities.
Football: Lazio vs Roma
February 14, 2010It’s derby time in the Eternal City as Roma battles it out with Lazio. Despite Lazio’s Seria A championship win last year, Roma have been playing consistently better than their arch-rivals. The combined scoring talents of Totti, Delvecchio and Batistuta (one of the year’s most on-the-ball signings) have kept the team at the top of the league this season, though some pundits put Lazio doldrums down to Sven Eriksson’s mind being on other things. Like managing the England squad, for instance…
Café Kafka
February 7, 2010At this café you get jazz to accompany the drinks instead of food. The Kafka is a dark and gloomy establishment of the type that Brussels aficionados love. It’s worth passing by just to appreciate the long mirror that stretches along the wall at the back. Free jazz concerts are held on a regular basis, so watch out for posters or just call and check. Not surprisingly, there’s a slightly Kafkaesque feel to the place which can be alleviated by trying some of the 50 beers, 20 vodkas and 10 variations of genièvre.
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