Algarve

June 8, 2018June 8, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

The Southern region of Portugal, Algarve, is dubbed as the ‘European California’ by Vogue. Well, I think there’s more to it. Not that I’m judging Cali – which I haven’t been to yet – but the raw, sun-drenched, yet immensely beautiful Algarve is truly one of a kind and can’t be compared to anything else. From Alvor‘s Praia da Rocha (that holds countless caves) to the wild beaches near Cape of St. Vincent (a seperate post is coming up!), you can laze around literally everywhere in here. Nearly every city in Algarve has something that will surely amaze you. Caldas de Monchique and its healing waters; Lagos and its slightly obsolete, yet charming churches; Silves and its pottery tradition. Not forgetting about the fish market in Portimão, which you can see more of here. If you chose one of the less busy cities near the coast-line, it’s guaranteed that you won’t have to fight with a bunch of tourists to get a seat on the beach (a tip: beware of Albufeira, which awfully contrasts with the idylic character of other places in Algarve). Also, in order to discover Algarve to the fullest, it’s really worth renting a car. So, who’s coming this summer?

One of the beach caves in Alvor.

The fish market in Portimao.

Those little sea finds!

Lobsters. Everywhere.

Nature’s perfection.

Another find!

The typical street view. in Silves.

Me and my new blanket, made somwhere in Algarve.

Mum and the cathedral in Silves.

Locals eat usual snails with pepper, oregano and coffee.

Caldas de Monchique.

Near the resort in Monchique.

Lagos.

Lagos.

Evening walks down the beach in Portimao.

Monchique.

The wild beach near Cape St. Vincent.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Hotel Paris by Isobel Gowdie

May 23, 2018May 19, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Isobel Gowdie‘s Hotel Paris is Mitte’s loveliest destination, supplied with vintage greats from Isabel Marant and true treasures from such off-the-radar labels like Les Mesdemoiselles. The spacious boutique, filled with boho delights, is a dream summer wardrobe made for long walks down the beach or the wandering in the countryside. Note the blanket selection, as well! Next time you’re in Berlin, take your time to go through all of those well curated must-haves.

Mulackstraße 4 / Berlin

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All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Blooming Berlin

May 14, 2018May 14, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Pomegranates at the Turkish market.

During the spring, Berlin is literally blooming. From the markets in Kreuzberg to local, neighborhood flower shops (like the delightful Blume & Raum with their front yard), the colours are everywhere! Undoubtfully, it’s the most beautiful season here. Take a look at some of the photos I took last Friday.

Roses blooming in Mitte.

Kreuzberg.

Blumen & Raum.

At the Turkish market.

Peonies!

And those!

Brunch spots in Mitte.

Torbjørn Rødland’s book starring Małgosia Bela at C/O Berlin Bookstore – perfectly matches the spring mood.

Blume & Raum / Lausitzer Str. 26a

Turkish Market / Maybachufer

C/O Berlin / Hardenbergstraße 22-24

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Sasaya

April 30, 2018April 29, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Ok, let’s make this clear: Sasaya is the best Japanese restaurant in Berlin. It’s just so pure in taste, and so Japanese in everything, from the simple interior to the way the asparagus tempura is served on ceramics plates (which are sold together with delightful pottery and rare sake next to the restaurant space). Sasaya doesn’t only serve sushi – which is perfect – but as well other traditional dishes and tastes like the tsukemono (pickled vegetables), the takana (fried vegetables), dashi broth or the kukiwakame (seaweed). The gyoza stick is a great addition to your portion of maki and nigiri, while green tea cake with matcha macchiato is an ideal desert (at least for me!). Really, Sasaya won’t disappoint those who look for Japanese cuisine, not some kind of philadelphia-cheee-stuffed hybrid.

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Photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Gallery Weekend Kick-Off

April 28, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Made some new friends. Thanks MCM for those pandas!

Even though I couldn’t stay for the entire Gallery Weekend in Berlin (which ends tomorrow), I managed to come for its very kick-off, which happenned at Andreas Murkudis. I’ve written about this store here and there, so I think there’s no need to explain once again why this place is one of the most incredible concept stores in the world. For the occasion, Andreas Murkudis organised an event called Seoul10Soul, which celebrates the leading designers from Seoul. From Blindness and Bourie to Ych and Munn, the magnificent bamboo rack construction placed in the front of the store presented the intricacy and innovative character of Korean brands. Along Céline trench coats and Dries Van Noten dresses, you can also view Murkudis’ personal collection of rare photography books from well-established artists including Larry Sultan, Wolfgang Tillmans or Walker Evans. Plus, every Berliner knows that a party at Andreas Murkudis is a party to be at. And, there’s a large probability that you will meet your Berlin-based Instagram friends, in real life. Nice to meet you, @iampatrickmason!

During Gallery Weekend, nearly every place you visit booms with art. Odeeh, which is just across Andreas Murkudis, had a small party celebrating a Berlin-based artist, Leonhard Hurzlmeier. In the nearby Blain|Southern gallery, which is located in a former warehouse, a private view of Frank Thiel’s Quinceañeras (that examines the tradition of the often lavish coming-of-age celebrations around a young woman’s fifteenth birthday in Cuba) and Liliane Tomasko’s A Dream Of (paintings that expressively describe the emotions triggered by the artist’s dreams) took place as well. But note: Gallery Weekend spreads across entire Berlin, and I’ve had a chance to see just a bit of it this year. Hope that my next April will be much less hectic and I will be there for all of it!