Basel Family Magazine Want to Thank You for the Overwhelmingly Positive Response That You Have Given Us Following the Launch of Our Magazine Last Month

C’est arrivé! Basel’s Stadtlauf: Celebrating So You Think You The Beaujolais A Running Tradition St. Martin’s Can Drive (in Nouveau 2012 Day Basel)?

Volume 1 Issue 2

MAGAZINE

A Family Guide to Discovering Basel for the Expat Community NOVEMBER 2012

LIFE TRAVEL EVENTS D I N I N G MAGAZINE LETTER FROM THE EDITOR NOVEMBER 2012 Volume 1 • Issue 2 Dearest Readers,

TABLE OF CONTENTS We at Basel Family Magazine want to thank you for the overwhelmingly positive response that you have given us following the launch of our magazine last month. It is Featured Event: Stadtlauf 2012 4 clear that the expat community of Basel is a strong and thriving population that is eager to make the most of their Basel experience. Basel is a vibrant city with so much to offer November Events in Basel 5 for children, parents, families, and singles. There are always major events going on, such as concerts, art exhibitions, numerous museums, as well as countless possibilities for Basel Traditions: Celebrating St. Martin 6 outings in and around Basel.

The month of November is no exception with the excitement Article: Thanksgiving in Basel 7 of the Herbstmesse (fall fair) already in full swing, the delightful indulgence of the Weinmesse (wine fair) and Feinmesse (gourmet fair), the AVO session with a hot line-up of concerts, Markets and Fairs in Basel 8 the charming Swiss tradition of the Räbeliechtli-Umzug (lantern procession) through the old town to commemorate St. Martin’s Day, the lighting of the holiday illumination Fun Family Outings: Beyond Basel 9 and opening of the Christmas markets in Basel, the magical atmosphere of the Basel Stadtlauf (city run), and the multitude of wine tastings, concerts, and shows to enjoy. Center Calendar: November 2012 10-11 In this issue we have attempted to summarize the highlights of these events, provide ideas for great family fun, explain Workshops, Tours, and Education 12 the cultural traditions and history behind some of the celebrations, as well as give you tips on celebrating Thanks- giving and driving in Switzerland. Don’t forget to pull out Sports and Recreation in Basel 13 the convenient “centerfold” calendar designed to hang on your wall and provide you with an instant visual of what is happening each day of the month.

The Info Desk: Driving in Basel 14-15 We sincerely appreciate your interest and continued readership of our magazine. As Basel Family Magazine is written by expats for expats, your feedback is most Entertainment: Parents Night Out 16-17 welcome! So feel free to drop us an email and let us know if the information we present is helpful to you and whether there are any other topics that you would like Eating Out in Basel: Beyond the Kids’ Menu 18 us to write about.

Sincerely, Wine Notes: Beaujolais Nouveau 19 Christine Mark Your Calendar: December 2012 20 Christine Pesold Editor-in-Chief Basel Family Magazine Contacts [email protected] Editor-in-Chief: Christine Pesold Advertising Manager / Editor: Susanne Hiller Art Director: Jon Hoefer

For more information: [email protected] www.baselfamilymagazine.com

COVER: St. Alban Tor is one of the many places that is fun to take the family during the fall in Basel. Not only is the 13th century tower (one of three remaining portals of the old city walls) worth a visit, but this location has a small park and a path that leads you through Basel’s “Little Venice” over the small canals that lead you to the Rhein. (Photo credit: © J. Hoefer ) photo credit: © jon hoefer credit: photo

Basel Family Magazine © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be duplicated in any fashion, or redistributed in any written language, without permission from the executive staff at Basel Family Magazine. It is our goal to provide valuable, timely information to the expat community of Basel. Though we make every attempt to provide accurate information, we cannot be held responsible if any event is cancelled, postponed, or modified. We encourage readers to contact the event organizers or their websites to obtain the most current event information. If you have any questions, please contact Basel Family Magazine staff at: [email protected].

NOVEMBER 2012 3 FEATURED EVENT November Events in Basel

BuchBasel (Basel Book Fair) Basler Weihnachtsmarkt (Basel’s Christmas Market) November 9–11 November 22 – December 23 This book and literacy festival will take place at the Messe in The Christmas market in Basel, which will open in conjunc- Basel. Halle 4.0 will host Kinder BuchBasel (children’s books) tion with the lighting of the Christmas illuminations, this and Halle 4.1 will host BuchBasel. It will include exhibitions year will be located in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz and by hundreds of publishers, readings by authors of adult and runs daily from 12:00-20:00. It is a wonderful place to pick children’s books, workshops, book signings, arts and crafts, up some unusual Christmas gifts while enjoying the decorated and the presentation of the Swiss Literature Award trees, lights, and a warm cup of mulled wine. The Kleinbasel (Schweizer Buchpreis). In conjunction with the event, side of the Rhein will also host a Christmas market with vari- booksellers, museums, and other cultural institutions ous stands and foods in Claraplatz. Look for more information Basler Stadtlauf 2012 organize the 2nd Basler Buchnacht (book night) on about Christmas markets in and around Basel in the next issue (Basel’s City Run) November 9, with book stores staying open late and of Basel Family Magazine! Family Tips numerous special events throughout town. You can find more information and the full program on their website. Saturday, November 24 All races start at Münsterplatz and end Basler Wunschbuch (Basel’s Wish Book) at Marktplatz, with different age groups www.buchbasel.ch November 22 – January 4 starting and finishing at different times. This is a public wish book located in the front courtyard of the It is therefore advisable that you decide city hall at Marktplatz. Everyone is invited to come and write before the race on a specific meeting place Der Zauberer von Oz (The Wizard of Oz) their thoughts; what they are thankful for; lists to Santa Claus; for you and your children after the race. November 9–24 or wishes for peace, love, and health. It is also great fun to read The organizers also suggest you write your Theater Basel is presenting the family classic “The Wizard what other people are wishing for! cell phone numbers on the number bibs of Oz,” written by Lyman Frank Baum in 1890. This German photo credit: © jon hoefer credit: photo of your kids so that the Stadtlauf helpers production of “Der Zauberer von Oz” has been directed by www.wunschbuch.ch can quickly reach you to help reunite you Niklaus Helbling since 1999. At the end of November, on the Saturday after the lighting with your children, if necessary. www.theaterbasel.ch Family Concert of the holiday illuminations and opening of the Christmas November 24 market, Baslers gather for the largest running event of Warm-ups The Sinfonieorchester Basel is presenting a family concert Northwestern Switzerland—the Basler Stadtlauf. For this year’s Coffee Morning All runners are invited for a free entitled “Taucherglockenklang” (diving bell sounds). This 30th edition of this magical and cool run, approximately 9,000 professionally led warm-up session November 13 runners will gather at the Münsterplatz and race their way special concert will explore the fantastic sounds of the at the Münsterplatz prior to their race. The GGG Stadtbibliothek is hosting through the festively lit streets, lined with sparkling Christmas underwater flora and fauna and fascinate you with Warm-ups start at 16:30, 17:00, 17:20, a coffee morning for Basel’s English-speaking community trees and decorations as well as scores of spectators. There are dancing fish and iridescent beads. The concert takes 17:50, 18:20, 18:50, and 19:20. at Basel West Library (Allschwilerstr. 90, 4055 Basel, Tram 6 races for all age groups, from children ages 5 years to seniors. place at the Tinguely Museum and starts at 18:00. to Morgartenring) at 10:00. Children are welcome! For more Distances vary by age group, from 1.0 km for the youngest kids www.sinfonieorchester.ch Massage information, contact [email protected]. to 5.5 km for adults. There are also longer-distance runs for The Swiss Massage Team provides a free elite male and female runners, but participation in these is English Panto, Mother Goose by invitation only. massage service for all men and women runners in their respective changing rooms Basel Head November 29 – December 2 Children will start at the Münsterplatz beginning at 17:00 (Garderoben), which are located in the November 17 The Basel English Panto Group will be presenting the panto, and make their way through the old town, down Freie Strasse, Gymnasium Leonhard, Leonhardstrasse (for For the 8th time, Basel is the breathtaking setting for this inter- “Mother Goose”, at the Scala Basel, Freie Strasse 89. There will ending at the Marktplatz. Adult racers will also start at the men) and Holbein Turnhalle, Kanonengasse national regatta, which attracts 50 rowing teams from Switzer- be six performances, including two matinees. Tickets are CHF Münsterplatz and then run 2.5 circuits through the old town, (for women). land and abroad. The boats start at the Johanniterbrücke, race 30 for adults and CHF 20 for kids; they are available at many down Freie Strasse, across the Mittlere Brücke, through the quaint up-river to just below the Birsfelden power station, and then locations, including Bider & Tanner, Ticketino outlets, the Kleinbasel old-town alleys, back across the Wettsteinbrücke, and Registration come back down to the finish line at the Mittlere Brücke. You SBB, or online. The profits from the performances help fund along St. Alban-Graben to Freie Strasse, with the finish line at can partake in the festivities with an unobstructed view from schooling for several girls from disadvantaged families Marktplatz. The run down Freie Strasse with its lighting and Registration costs CHF 16 for kids and CHF anywhere along the water’s edge! Races begin at 14:00. in Kenya. hundreds of spectators cheering everybody on is an especially 32 for adults. You can register at the Basler wonderful experience! And Zeitung at Aeschenplatz during their open- www.baselhead.org www.baselpanto.org www.ticketino.com once you cross the finish line, ing hours (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, you are rewarded with hot Saturday 8:30-12.30), until November 2 for tea and a beautiful medal that bank or post payments, or until Novem- November 22 each year is specially designed ber 21 if you are paying cash. You can also Lighting of the Christmas Illuminations with a Basel motif. register online at www.baslerstadtlauf.ch until The holiday season in Basel officially starts on November 22 at 18:30, when the President of Basel’s November 21. With receipt of payment, you city government, Dr. Guy Morin, switches on the Christmas lights. Throughout Basel’s streets and So even if you are not an avid will receive a confirmation slip with which squares, some 100 Christmas trees will be illuminated simultaneously. Shops, businesses, and runner, this is one running you can pick up your start number before numerous facades will also sparkle in bright lights. After all, Basel reportedly has the longest event that you and your the race. Late registration on the day of the “Christmas street” in Europe! It begins at Aeschenplatz, leads via Aeschenvorstadt, Freie Strasse, family will enjoy! run will be accepted with a late-entry fee of and Eisengasse to the Mittlere Brücke, and from there all the way to Messeplatz. The official CHF 10 at the Turnhalle Rittergasse (by the lighting ceremony will be held at the Münsterplatz, where a brass band will be playing, and The finisher medals for the Münsterplatz) between 10:00-18:00. they will be giving out free tea, mulled wine or bouillon. The lighting of the Christmas lights Stadtlauf are uniquely crafted to represent a scene of Basel is also the official opening of the Christmas markets of Basel. and are keepsakes for years www.stadtlauf.ch

photo credit: © susanne hiller credit: photo to come!

4 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 5 Basel Traditions by Susanne Hiller Celebrating Thanksgiving in Basel St. Martin’s Day and Räbeliechtli-Umzug The American Thanksgiving holiday is not celebrated in this part A wonderful fall tradition in Basel and surrounding areas, as well as other parts of German-speaking Switzerland, of the world. However, as there are enough Americans living in Basel, is the Räbeliechtli-Umzug (turnip lantern procession) to commemorate St. Martin’s day. many stores tend to cater to it. You can generally find whole turkeys lanterns in many parts of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria on in the freezer sections of many of the larger Coops and Migros start- or around November 11. In Basel, these lanterns are carved from ing in November. If you are looking for a whole fresh turkey, it is turnips that can then be illuminated with a candle or tea light. best to order one 10 days to 2 weeks in advance from a local butcher, These are hung by strings from a stick and carried around the such as Metzgerei Kuhn near Marktplatz. You will need to tell them town in a procession while singing traditional songs. The custom the date you plan to pick it up, as well as an approximate weight in of using lighted turnips, called Räbeliechtli (pronounced ray-bay- kilograms (1 kg = 2.2 pounds). (And you need to be prepared to pay leaked-lee), as lanterns supposedly originated at the end of the Swiss prices!) If you plan to make your own cranberry sauce, you are 19th/beginning of the 20th century, when turnips were a food in luck. Fresh cranberries are available in small bags in the produce staple in Switzerland and surrounding areas, similar to our section of most grocery stores in November. Simply boil them with potatoes today. They are harvested late in the fall, as one of the sugar and water or orange juice for about 20 minutes. If you prefer last fruit before winter comes. Therefore, the Räbeliechtli-Umzug to buy ready-made cranberry sauce, look for “Preiselbeeren” in the also symbolized the successful completion of the last harvest of import section of stores like Globus and Ikea. (These are the smaller photo credit: © ad meskens credit: photo the year and a kind of thanksgiving. European versions of cranberries.) St. Martin, or Martin of Tours, originally was a Roman Because of the connection with St. Martin’s Day, the Räbeliechtli- Marktplatz is also a great place to pick up fresh produce and soldier in the 4th century. After leaving the military service, Umzüge take place around November 11. There are several of goodies for your holiday dinner. Several local farms bring cart loads he primarily lived in France, in or near the city of Tour, where these processions in Basel and its suburbs. You can either just of vegetables, fruits, breads, meats, olives, cheeses, and many other he converted to Christianity and eventually became bishop. go and watch or participate. If you would like to make your own items that would be a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving He is best known for an episode that occurred while he was Räbeliechtli, several Migros stores offer kits containing every- feast. You also benefit from knowing that the food you purchase is still a soldier. Legend has it that he was riding near the French thing you need, including the turnips, sticks, string, candle, and supporting local growers and most items are organic (BIO) and free city of Amiens when he encountered a scantily clad beggar. a booklet with traditional songs (in Swiss German)—and all of of harmful pesticides. that free of charge! You can pick up these materials starting Because he didn’t have anything else to give, Martin cut his We wish you a very happy, healthy, and hearty Thanksgiving – October 30 at the following Migros locations, as long as supplies military cloak in half and gave one piece to the beggar. (The no matter where you call home! south tower of the Basler Münster is actually named after St. last: Claraplatz, Drachen-Center, Gundelitor, Stücki, Birsfelden, Martin and shows a relief of this scene, although without the Riehen, im Paradies in Allschwil, and in Liestal. recipe hint: beggar.) So if you didn’t get to carve a pumpkin this year, try your According to the legend, the following night Martin dreamed hand at a Räbeliechtli! Note that once you have hollowed out If you want to make a traditional pumpkin pie, you probably will have to make that Jesus came to him dressed in the half-cloak that he had the turnip, you don’t carve the pattern all the way through your own pumpkin purée as canned pumpkin is not readily available. This can given the beggar, and this episode and dream strengthened the wall like you usually do for pumpkins. You only remove easily be made by cutting a pumpkin in half, removing the seeds and associated his decision to convert to Christianity.—When St. Martin the outer, purple layer of the turnip skin but leave a layer of stringy stuff, placing it cut-side down in a baking pan with died in 397 AD, his body was transferred to Tours in a the inner flesh thin enough to let the light shine through but a little bit of water on the bottom, and baking it in the procession of lighted boats. provide some stability to the turnip. oven at 180ºC (350ºF) until soft (approximately 40-60 In modern times, St. Martin is honored in processions of lighted Good luck, and have fun with this delightful Basel tradition! minutes). Scoop out the flesh and purée (or smash) the desired amount; use this purée in your recipe as you Räbeliechtli-Umzug http://www.quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch/quartier-treff- would pumpkin purée from a can.

Kannenfeldpark November 11 punkte-basel/kontaktstelle-fuer-eltern-und- © jon hoefer credit: photo kinder-4055/veranstaltungen-details/Raebeliechtliumzug. This will be a procession through the Kannenfeldpark with php Räbeliechtli and other lanterns and singing of traditional Basel Facts: Did You Know? songs. Afterwards there will be some Räbeliechtli-Umzug hot tea and snacks. Bring a flashlight so Old Town Basel November 14 Geschenk-Tausch-Aktion (Gift Exchange) you can read the song sheets.Time:17:45- 19:15. Meeting point: Entrance Kannen- About 1,500 children will meet at For the 15th year, a very special “gift exchange” is taking place in Basel to help poor children feldpark on Flughafenstrasse. Register Münsterplatz at 18:45 to sing some at Christmas time as well as protect the environment by cutting down on waste. To this by November 6 at kontaktstelle-stjohann@ traditional songs. The procession then end, children ages 3-10 are asked to donate at least two of their no-longer-needed quartiertreffpunktebasel.ch will start at 19:00 and wind its way toys in exchange for another toy of their choice. The children can http://www.quartiertreffpunktebasel. through Rittergasse, Bäumleingasse, bring their exchangeable toys to one of two locations: 1) Basler ch/quartier-treffpunkte-basel/kontak- and Freie Strasse to the Marktplatz, Kindernäscht (Gerbergasse 14) between 9:00-18:00 on Monday– tstelle-eltern-und-kinder-st-johann/ where everybody will be treated to Friday, and between 9:00-17:00 on Saturdays from November 19 to veranstaltungen-details/Rabeliechtli. some hot tea. Note: This is the main December 15, or 2) Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Elisabethenstrasse 14) php procession in Basel and is a magical between 14:00-17:00 on November 21 or 28 or December 5 or 12. experience for young and old. When they bring in their two toys, they will be given a coupon that Räbeliechtli-Umzug they can then exchange for a toy of their choice on the exchange day. Allschwilerwald November 13 Exchange day takes place at Offene Kirche Elisabethen on Wednesday, Räbeliechtli Carving November 15 This will be a short procession with singing, a campfire, December 19, from 14:00-16:00. All leftover toys will be donated to and some soup. The event will be cancelled in the event From 14:00-17:00 children (ages 5-14) can carve their own needy children. You can find more details on the project on their of rain. Time: 17:45-19:00. Where: Allschwilerwald, Räbeliechtli at the Robi Spielplatz Volta (Voltaplatz 4, Basel). German only website. Registration necessary by November 14 at 061-322-1848. No. 8 Tram, Joggerhüsli. http://www.geschenktausch-aktion-bs.ch/getausch (German only website)

6 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 7 Markets and Fairs in Basel Fun Family Outings: Beyond Basel

Basler Herbstmesse (Basel’s Fall Fair) October 27 – November 11 (Petersplatz through November 13) Hergiswil Glass Factory, Hergiswil Already in full swing is the wonderful Basler Herbstmesse. This is the oldest fair in Switzerland, running since 1471, Nestled in a beautiful mountain setting on and the largest fair between Milan and Stuttgart. The 542nd Herbstmesse is set up on several squares, including Lake Lucerne, just south of Lucerne, the Barfüsserplatz, Petersplatz, Münsterplatz, Kasernenplatz, Claraplatz, and Rosentalanlage, as well as in Halle 2 of the Glasi Hergiswil is the only glass works in Messe. Most of these places host mainly rides and food vendors; however, Petersplatz is also lined with numerous Switzerland where glass is manually shaped stalls selling dishware, hats, pottery, wooden toys, jewellery, spices, and hand-made crafts. It traditionally closes and blown into unique contemporary two days later than the rest of the fair. In addition to the rides and atmosphere of the Herbstmesse, it is fun to forms. A visit to Glasi Hergiswil is an explore the numerous food stalls and sample the traditional specialties, many of which you can only purchase adventure. You can watch the glassblow- at this event. While the Herbstmesse is an event not to be missed with your family, it can often be crowded and ers at work, visit the museum, and learn loud, so it is advisable to hold your children’s hands whenever possible, and write your cell phone number on about the history of glass making in their hand or arm so that you can be contacted quickly in case of separation. Switzerland. There are also various exhibits that you can visit as well as a glass labyrinth for the whole family to enjoy. Note that they have a shop in the top floor of the museum, as well as an outlet of “seconds” directly across the street where you can pick up beautiful pieces at discounted prices. Kids will marvel at the several meter high marble run that will entertain them for hours. www.glasi.ch photo credits: © courtesy of glasi hergiswil of glasi hergiswil © courtesy credits: photo

Technorama, Winterthur Bikepark Hölstein photo credit: © jon hoefer credit: photo This living museum in Winterthur (about 80-90 min from Basel) lets you get carried away in the amazing world of science. The in- This bikepark is a roughly 3000 m2 outdoor area with a Basler Weinmesse and drink, home, family, fashion, cookery, sport, leisure and teractive exhibits invite you to touch, try, play, and understand— Pumptrack with Dirtline as well as a Technical park. Here (The Basel Wine Fair) recreation, interior design, and technologies sections. It is a true feast for all your senses. Switzerland’s only science center kids can practice their off-road biking skills and technique. open daily from 11:00-19:00, and entrance is free! will leave you mesmerized, no matter how old you are or how October 27 – November 4 Helmets are mandatory and other protection is highly much you know (or don’t) about science, art, and technology. recommended. It is located near Liestal and is always open. Running in parallel with www.herbstwarenmesse.ch www.technorama.ch the Herbstmesse is the 39th http://bikeparkhoelstein.com Basler Weinmesse in Halle Basler Feinmesse (Basel Gourmet Fair) 4 at the Messe Basel. It will November 1 – 4 Autumn Music at the Museum für Musikautomaten, Seewen feature over 5,000 wines for The Basler Feinmesse is dedicated to the gourmet and the The Museum für Musikautomaten in Seewen (Solothurn) features tasting at your leisure and lover of fine foods and spirits. You can sample the finest an impressive collection of automated music boxes and machines, enjoyment in a smoke-free cheeses, oils, coffees, caviar, salmon, champagne, micro- including the long-lost organ of the Britannic, sister ship of the environment. You can come brewery beer, and distilled spirits that the region has to Titanic, that sank in 1916. The entry fee to the museum includes simply to taste and get some offer. This event will take place in the same hall as the a 1-hour tour in which guests will delight at the music generated competent advice, or to order Basler Weinmesse (Halle 4) and is included in the by these incredible pieces. Tours take place daily at 12:20 and if you wish. The number of CHF 15 entrance to the wine fair. 14:40. Autumn is a particularly good time to visit the museum vendors and choices of wines as they present a cultural program with concerts every weekend. are so overwhelming that it www.feinmesse.ch On Saturday, November 3, at 19:30, the Britannic Organ will be is good to have a strategy. the centerpiece of a concert entitled “Konzert zu vier Händen You will receive a catalogue of Anglican Church Christmas Bazaar und vier Füssen” (concert for four hands and four feet). Visit the vendors and their wines at the entrance. It is well worth their website for a complete list of autumn concerts. taking a few minutes to plan what you want to taste, so that November 24 you don’t end up lost in the sea of bottles that lies ahead! Another annual tradition for Basel’s English-speaking www.musikautomaten.ch There are also glasses and specialized books on wine for sale. community is the Anglican Church Bazaar. From 9:00-16:00, Opening hours are 15:00-21:00 Monday to Saturday, and hundreds will gather to eat, chat, and find great deals at the 12:00-19:00 on Sunday. Entrance fee: CHF 15. Anglican Church at Oekolampad in Basel (Allschwilerplatz, Corn Maze, Bottmingen www.baslerweinmesse.ch Tram 6). There is a large selection of second-hand English- A terrific activity you can do with your children this fall is to language books, CDs, DVDs, children’s books and toys, find your way through a tall corn maze. There are several in Christmas crafts, homemade goods and groceries, vintage the canton Baselland, the closest being at the Mathis Hof in Herbstwarenmesse (Fall Goods Fair) clothes, and much more. Come and enjoy lunch, cake, and Bottmingen, where you can also buy pumpkins and a huge October 27 – November 4 coffee while the children meet with Father Christmas. For variety of squash. There is also a self-picking flower field where Also in parallel with the Herbstmesse is the Herbstwaren- more information about the Anglican Church in Basel, you you can choose and pick your own flowers and pay for what you messe in Halle 2 of the Messe Basel. It features hundreds of can check out their website. take. These activities are available through the end of November.

exhibitors, drawing some 130,000 visitors, and offers food www.anglicanbasel.ch www.mathis-hof.ch hölstein of bikepark © courtesy credits: photo

8 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 9 Ongoing Events: NOVEMBER 2012 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Halloween at Europapark SOS: 112 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Rust, Germany Police: 117 Sept 29 - Nov 4 >> AVO Session >> AVO Session >> AVO Session >> AVO Session 28 Steve Miller Band 29 30 Khaled / Madredus 31 Juanes / Nubya NOV 1 2 3 Katie Melua / Plüsch Fire Department: 118 Corn Maze >> Basler Herbstmesse (Basel Fall Fair) Bottmingen, CH Ambulance: 144 >> Basler Weinmesse (Basel Wine Fair) Oct 1 - Nov 30 >> Herbstwarenmesse (Fall Goods Fair) Poison Center: 145 >> Basel Wiesn – Oktoberfest! Basel Wiesn – Oktoberfest! A Hand in Need: 143 Basel >> Basler Feinmesse (Basel Gourmet Fair) >> Tour of Seeing-Eye Dog School Oct 26 - Nov 4 Child/Teen Helpline: 147 >> Breakdance Workshop Herbstmesse (Fall Fair) >> AVO Session >> AVO Session >> AVO Session >> AVO Session: Imany / Afterhours Pharmacy Alice Cooper / S. Heinzmann A. Venditti / D. Meier Gotye / Esperanza Spalding M. Müller-Westernhagen Basel 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Petersgraben 3, Basel Oct 27 - Nov 11 (Petersplatz Nov 13) >> Basler Herbstmesse (Basel Fall Fair) 061 263 7575 >> Basler Weinmesse (Basel Wine Fair) >> English Comedy (R. Deering / S. Mirza) >> Buch Basel (Basel Book Fair) Herbstwarenmesse >> Herbstwarenmesse (Fall Goods Fair) >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) >> Big Band Ball 2012 Kinderspital (Fall Goods Fair), >> Basel Wiesn – Oktoberfest! >> French Wine Tasting >> French Wine Tasting Spitalstrasse 33, Basel Basel >> Basler Feinmesse (Gourmet Fair) Oct 27 - Nov 4 061 704 1212 >> Fondation Beyeler Tour (Degas)

Weinmesse (Wine Fair) Emergency Dentist / Doctor Basel >> Räbeliechtli-Umzug >> Räbeliechtli-Umzug >> AVO Session >> AVO Session 24 hour / 365 days service Oct 27 - Nov 4 11 Kannenfeldpark 12 13 Allschwilerwald 14 Rod Stewart 15 Rod Stewart 16 17 061 261 1515 >> Herbstmesse (Last day!) >> Herbstmesse (Petersplatz only) >> Räbeliechtli-Umzug >> Räbeliechtli Carving >> Dance Party >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) Old Town Basel Basel Feinmesse (Gourmet Fair) >> Buch Basel (Basel Book Fair) >> Coffee Morning >> Amarone Wine Tasting >> Basel Head Basel >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) >> Kids Lab (German) >> Pottery Workshop Nov 1 - 4 >> Kids Lab (German) >> Händel’s Messiah

>> Kunstmuseum Tour (Arte Povera) MAGAZINE Expovina >> Science for Families (German) Zürich Welcome to the family! Nov 1 - 15 For more information about joining 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 our mailing list or how to advertise Champagner Messe at Globus >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) >> Basler Weihnachtsmarkt (Basel’s Christmas Market) in our publication contact us! Basel >> Kunstmuseum Tour (Markus Raetz) >> Whisky Tasting >> Whisky Tasting >> Lighting of the Christmas >> Angelican Church Christmas We’d love to hear from you! Nov 16 - Dec 1 illuminations: Münsterplatz Bazaar >> Paco de Lucia Concert >> Kids Lab (German) [email protected] >> Händel’s Messiah >> English Comedy (K. Farnan / L. Graves) >> Der Zauberer von Oz (Wizard of Oz) Basler Weihnachtsmarkt www.baselfamilymagazine.com >> Stadtlauf (Basel’s City Run) (Basel’s Christmas Market) >> Family Concert Basel Advertising / Sales: Nov 22 - Dec 23 >> Pottery Workshop [email protected]

Basler Wunschbuch 25 26 27 28 29 30 DEC 1 (Basel’s Wish Book) >> Basler Weihnachtsmarkt (Basel’s Christmas Market) Basel >> Palazzo Colombino Nov 22 - Jan 4 >> Gossip Concert >> Basel Panto: Mother Goose >> Basel Panto: Mother Goose >> Basel Panto: Mother Goose >> Festtagswein Tasting >> Festtagswein Tasting >> Festtagswein Tasting Palazzo Colombino >> Champagne Tasting >> Chris Brown Concert Basel Nov 22 - Jan 4

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>> Basel Events Donate Some Love >> Events Beyond Basel >> Sports and Recreation this Season! >> Workshops and Education

Heilsarmee Basel 1 >> Entertainment / Parents Night Out Erasmusplatz 14, 4057 Basel Bus: Linie 30 / Haltestelle: Erasmusplatz

www.heilsarmee-basel1.ch Hours: Tuesday: 10:00 – 12:00 / 14:00 – 18:30 Wed - Fri: 14:00 – 18:30 Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 Workshops, Tours, and Education in Basel Sports and Recreation in Basel

Breakdance Workshop if a potentially dangerous criminal should be placed behind Skating Rinks Basler Soccer Projekt bars or in a mental hospital. Erring on the side of safety can November 3 Basel’s two outdoor skating rinks are now open. The rinks Kids ages 7-14 are invited to join in soccer training every also lead to miscarriages of justice. Austober is offering a 3-hour workshop for kids to learn at Eglisee and Margarethen are artificially frozen, allowing Wednesday from 15:30-17:00, and Friday from 14:00-15:30 breakdancing moves. Workshop is from 10:00-13:00 and http://cafe.unibas.ch/cafe/programm/ for wonderful days of skating irrespective of the temperature. (any weather) at the Kunstrasenfeld (artificial green) at the costs CHF 50. You can find information on opening hours, prices, and Sportanlage Schützenmatte in Basel. Participation is free and Kids Lab skating lessons on their websites. you can join anytime by filling out the form that you can www.austober.ch November 11, 14, 21 http://www.ed-bs.ch/jfs/sport/sportanlagen/kunsteis- download from their website and either sending it to them at [email protected], or bringing it with you to your first training. The University of Basel organizes workshops in German bahn-margarethen Tour of Fondation Beyeler www.oldboys.ch where children ages 6-13 can explore a variety of topics. www.kunschti-eglisee.ch. November 4 The November program is called “Anklage und Verteidigung” From 15:00-16:00, the Fondation (“Prosecution and Defense”). In this program, kids will learn Beyeler will be giving a public that everyone has rights and children have special rights. The Midnight Sports tour in English of the temporary following questions will be discussed: Why do we need rights Teens ages 13-18 can play sports on Saturday nights from exhibit featuring Edgar Degas, and laws? How do they arise? What does a lawyer do in a day? November until April. To play in Gundeli (20:30-23:30), the 19th century French artist How does a court come to a decision? Why do judges wear contact Bianca Suter at [email protected], and to famous for his paintings and a wig in some countries? Registration is required. play in Riehen (20:00-23:00), contact Corinne Lüdi at sculptures of dancers. Admission http://cafe.unibas.ch [email protected]. is CHF 25 for adults, CHF 6 for

www.ideesport.ch varaklis © john credit: photo kids ages 11-19, and free for Pottery Workshop kids under 11. The tour costs an additional CHF 7. November 17 & 24 basel sport team schedules: november 2012 Ruth Moll’s Freizeit Töpferei Basel is offering a 3-hour work-

© fondation beyeler / edgar degas beyeler © fondation www.fondationbeyeler.ch shop for kids from primary-school age to create and paint three to four ceramic Christmas gifts for friends and family. Pieces EHC Basel Sharks (Eishockey / Ice Hockey) Orange: Home Game @ St. Jakob Arena Tour of Kunstmuseum (Art Museum) will be fired in a kiln and ready for pick-up one week later. Date Time Home team Guests November 11 www.toepferschule-moll.ch The Kunstmuseum (art museum) is offering an interactive Fri., Nov. 2 20:00 EHC Basel Sharks HC Red Ice Martigny guided tour for the whole family in English through the Tour of Kunstmuseum (Art Museum) special exhibition of “Arte Povera. The Great Awakening” Sat., Nov. 3 20:00 HC Thurgau EHC Basel Sharks from 11:00-11:45. Price is admission plus CHF 5 for tour. November 18 Tues., Nov. 13 20:00 EHC Basel Sharks EHC Olten www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch The Kunstmuseum (art museum) is offering an interactive guided tour Fri., Nov. 16 20:00 EHC Basel Sharks GCK Lions for the whole family in English through Science for Families the special exhibition of “Markus Raetz” Sat., Nov. 17 20:00 Lausanne HC EHC Basel Sharks November 11 from 11:00-12:00. Price is admission Tues., Nov. 20 20:00 HC Sierre EHC Basel Sharks The University of Basel has a German-language program plus CHF 5 for tour.

designed to stimulate families’ interest in science. “Café www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch litteris bühler / kunstmuseum© pro p. martin Sat., Nov. 24 20:00 EHC Basel Sharks HC Thurgau Scientifique” takes place one Sunday per month from 15:00- Sun., Nov. 25 17:30 SC Langenthal EHC Basel Sharks 17:00, with specialists in various fields of research giving Juggling Afternoons talks in a relaxed café atmosphere. You can ask questions, Tues., Nov. 27 20:00 HC Red Ice Martigny EHC Basel Sharks join in discussions, or simply listen and learn. The next Wednesdays in November “Café Scientifique” will take place on November 11. The Every Wednesday afternoon in November from 14:00-18:00, Sharks Tickets: Cat 1: CHF 35 • Cat 2: CHF 30 • Standing Room (Adults): CHF 18 • Students (up to age 24): CHF 15 • Kids Ages 6 - 16: CHF 8 topic will be “Krank oder böse?—Therapie versus Strafe im Robi Bachgraben (Felsplattenstrasse 11, Basel) invites kids to For ticket information visit: www.sharks.ch Justizvollzug”(“Sick or evil?—Treatment versus punishment come and learn the art of juggling with balls, rings, and clubs. in prison”). The courts are under increasing pressure to decide www.robi-spiel-aktionen.ch FC Basel 1893 (Fussball / Soccer) Red: Home Game @ St. Jakob Stadion Tour of Blindenführhundeschule (Seeing-Eye Dog School) Date Time Home team Guests November 3 The Programm für Elternbildung (Continuing Education for Parents) Sat., Nov. 3 19:45 FC Basel 1893 BSC Young Boys is offering a tour for the whole family of the Blindenführhundeschule Thu., Nov. 8 21:05 FC Basel 1893 Videoton FC (seeing-eye dog school). Participants will be shown a film about how the dogs are trained, lead through the facilities, observe Sun., Nov. 11 14:30 FC Chiasso FC Basel 1893 the dogs in training, and learn about the training and fostering program. The tour takes place on a Saturday Sun., Nov. 18 16:00 FC Basel 1893 Grasshoppers Club morning and costs CHF 10 for the entire family. You can register online on their website under “Familienkurse,” Thu., Nov. 22 19:00 FC Basel 1893 Sporting Lissabon by clicking on “Anmelden” for workshop number 34. Sun., Nov. 25 16:00 FC Thun FC Basel 1893 www.peb-basel.ch FC Basel Tickets: Prices range from CHF 75 to CHF 25 for adults in regular seating. Children ages 6-16 receive a discount of 25% in the regular seating areas. There is a special area for families. For ticket information visit: http://fcb.ch/stadiumplanprices photo credit: © stiftung schweizerische schule für blindenführhunde © stiftung schweizerische credit: photo photo credit: © jon hoefer / john varaklis © jon hoefer / john credit: photo

12 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 13 THE INFORMATION DESK

Fun fact: The most expensive speeding ticket in Switzerland was issued in 2010 to a Swedish driver SO YOU in the amount of CHF 1 million! (He was driving 300 km/h in a 120 km/h zone) THINK Autobahn Vignettes that you must “mingle with traffic” before If you drive on Swiss highways, you need an Autobahn Vignette. being allowed to re-park. Blue-zone disks can This is a sticker that you must stick directly on your windshield. be obtained from motoring clubs, gas sta- They are valid from January 1 to January 31 of the following year. tions, police stations, kiosks, and some stores. YOU CAN They cost CHF 40 and can be purchased at the highway borders, Resident Parking Permits allow you to park in post offices, gas stations, and many stores. The fine for driving on a “Blue Zone” in your postal code indefinitely Swiss highways without a valid sticker is CHF 100 plus the cost of for free. They cost CHF 120 per year, must the Vignette. be displayed on your dash, and are available DRIVE? through the Motorfahrzeugkontrolle (motor Parkscheibe Car Seat Regulations vehicle administration). (“Blue-Zone” disc) by Christine Pesold Car seat regulations in Switzerland are as follows (for more information you can visit www.kindersitze.ch). Mobile Phones The rules for driving in Switzerland gen- It is against the law to use a mobile phone while driving, • Babies must be in backward-facing car seats in the back except when using a hands-free system. erally are fairly similar to those in other seat of the car. These car seats are only permitted in the front seat when there is no active passenger-side airbag. Road Signs European countries or North America. Only switch to the next size car seat when the head of the child (not feet) surpasses the car seat. However, there are some details that you As road signs differ among countries, it is a good idea to get acquainted with those in Switzerland. Generally, anything in • Toddlers and children must be in a full forward-facing may not be as familiar with, and we want car seat up until age 7. Children should be in a booster a red circle is forbidden. Wikipedia has a comprehensive table illustrating road signs across Europe. to point out some of them here. (preferably one with back and head support) between ages 7-12 or until the child reaches 150 cm, whichever comes first. Car seats must comply with ECE-convention Final Points Nr. 44, with a verification on the ECE-label starting Swiss drivers are generally quite courteous and rule abiding. In photo credits: © jon hoefer credits: photo with the numbers 03 or 04. true Swiss fashion, they try to keep noise levels to a minimum, Right of Way Speed Limits • In older cars equipped with only 2-point belts, only so honking to express frustration is not permitted; it is only The most important fact to know when driving in Switzerland The speed limit on Swiss highways (green children up to age 7 need to be secured in a safety permitted to avoid an accident, but not after dark. Note that is YIELD TO THE RIGHT! In short, the person coming from your signs) is 120 km/h (tunnels always less, as in- seat (this exception only applies until the end of 2012). all drivers are required to have a warning triangle in their car, right always has the right of way unless they have a stop sign dicated), 80 km/h on rural roads (blue signs), and it is also highly recommended to have a first-aid kit and or a line of triangles painted on the pavement (sharks teeth), and 50 km/h in town, unless indicated oth- Parking a visibility vest. which is the Swiss equivalent to the yield sign. This erwise. Speed radars with cameras are placed In “White Zones” you can park indefinitely So take the time to learn the rules and road signs, and enjoy a applies even in the case of a small side road entering a larger in almost all tunnels and on many roads and for free, unless there is a number associated safe and relatively calm ride. For more information on driving main road. The vehicle travelling on the main road must yield highways, so don’t bother speeding—you Resume National with it, which means that there is a Zentrale in Switzerland, the book “Driving Today” is available in English to the vehicle entering from the right unless otherwise signaled. will get a ticket! You will likely never get Speed Limit Parkuhr (ticket machine) nearby where you at Bider & Tanner for CHF 41. pulled over for speeding; instead, you will need to pay. These white zones are get photographed by the camera and the ticket will be mailed becoming increasingly rare in Basel. Priorities to you within 2-4 weeks of the infraction. You will be given a 5 In “Blue Zones”, parking is limited to 60 Trams, police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, and buses have km/h grace, and ticketed for the remainder on an incremental minutes between 8:00-18:00, unless speci- the right of way over passenger cars. Bikes must abide by the basis. For higher speeding violations, fines will be based on your fied otherwise. However, as you are allowed same traffic rules as cars. Always yield to pedestrians in yellow- income, and your license may be revoked for a to round up to the next half hour (ie, if you striped crosswalks; fines for not doing so are astronomical! period of time. Note that speed camera detectors are illegal in arrive at 13:31 you can state an arrival time Switzerland, and if it is incorporated in your GPS, SatNav, or of 14:00), you can technically park up to Smartphone, it must be disabled. Roundabouts (Traffic Circles) 90 minutes. If, however, you arrive between top: 11:30 and 13:30, you can park until 14:30, No Parking: Vehicles already in the circle have the right and if you arrive after 18:00, you can park You may stop of way over vehicles entering. When there is Alcohol and Driving until 9:00 the next morning. You must place briefly to drop off more than one lane, the left lane is reserved or pick up your Parkscheibe (“Blue-Zone” disc) on your for cars turning left (going more than half The drunk-driving laws in Switzerland and neighboring passengers dash, clearly displaying the time when you way around the circle before exiting). If you European countries are tougher than in the U.S. and U.K., or goods arrived, even if you are parked during off wish to exit right or go straight, you must with a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.5 mg/ml (.05%). bottom: hours. Note that it is illegal to remain in use the right lane. You should use your If you are caught driving drunk, you can face imprisonment. No Stopping: the same parking space and simply move turning signal only just prior to exiting, Note that the same limits apply to cyclists! Absolutely no Roundabout Sign the dial on your disc or to add money to not when entering. parking or stopping a meter once it has run out. The law states at any time

14 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 15 dance floor and bar service, it promises to be a fun night. Champagne Tasting Tickets are CHF 30 and can be purchased through Ticketcorner. November 29 Entertainment: Parents Night Out The party is from 20:00-00:30; doors open at 19:00. Just in time for the holidays, Paul Ullrich is inviting you for www.bigband.ch an evening of tasting bubbles to suit all palates. You can sam- www.ticketcorner.ch ple from over 50 different champagnes, cavas, and proseccos from well-known as well as smaller wine producers. The cost Champagner Messe (Champagne Fair) is CHF 30, which will be reimbursed with an order of CHF 300 November 16 - December 1 or more. All wines ordered on the evening will be discounted 10%. Appetizers and oysters catered by Restaurant Stucki will Globus in Marktplatz invites you to their also be available at a cost of CHF 20. This event will take place wine department on the lower level to at their downtown location at Schneidergasse 27 in Basel from enjoy a glass of Champagne. All Cham- 17:00-21:00. Basel Wiesn – Oktoberfest! pagnes purchased during these last two weeks of November will be discounted www.ullrich.ch October 26 – November 4 10%. As a part of the Herbstwarenmesse, Festtagswein (Holiday Wine) Tasting Halle 2 will be the location for November 29 – December 1 Basel’s Oktoberfest celebrations. Händel’s Messiah For 10 days, you can enjoy big November 17 & 18 Mövenpick Weinkeller in Basel is inviting you to taste and Oktoberfest fun with food, beer, On November 17 at 19:30 and November 18 at 17:00 the Basler choose wines that are just perfect to spice up your holidays. music, ambience, and acts from Gesangverein (Basel Singing Club) will be performing Händel’s Tastings will take place during their opening hours on Bavaria. Entrance is free; just find Messiah in English with a wonderful baroque orchestra Thursday and Friday until 20:00 and Saturday until 16:00. a seat and order from the menu (original instruments) in the Basler Münster. Tickets can They are located at Haltingerstrasse 101 in Basel. card, or you can reserve your place be purchased at Bider & Tanner. www.moevenpick-wein.com and food/drink package online www.bs-gesangverein.ch and make the most of your visit. www.biderundtanner.ch Chris Brown Concert www.basel-wiesn.ch November 30 photos credit: © mch messe schweiz (basel) ag / jon hoefer Paco de Lucia Concert American singer-songwriter, rapper, dancer, and actor Chris AVO Session French Wine Tasting November 18 Brown will be performing at St. Jakobshalle. Tickets can be October 26 – November 15 November 9-10 Jazz Off Beat series presents the Paco de Lucia Sextett at 20:15 purchased online or in person at Ticketcorner locations. The AVO session is a very special concert series that runs in Mövenpick Weinkeller in Basel is hosting a tasting of French at the Musiksaal of the Stadtcasino Basel. The king of flamenco www.ticketcorner.ch parallel with the Herbstmesse. The concerts are intimate, with wines during their opening hours on Friday until 20:00 and for the last 40 years will bring his new CD to Basel that mixes a capacity of only 1,500 seats, and the atmosphere is uniquely Saturday until 16:00. They are located at Haltingerstrasse flamenco music with bossa nova, samba, salsa, and jazz-funk. club-like, with round tables and candlelight. The line-up 101 in Basel. www.jazzfestivalbasel.ch of performers and bands is impressive, and sitting so close www.moevenpick-wein.com www.starticket.ch to the musicians makes this a must-experience event. This year’s line-up includes Rod Stewart, Katie Melua, Alice Cooper, Whisky Tasting Gotye, and many more. Note that due to the construction at Big Band Ball 2012 the Messeplatz, this year’s AVO session will take place at the November 10 November 20 & 21 Musical Theater. Come and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Stadtmusik Paul Ullrich is inviting all whisky fans to a tasting/seminar. www.avo.ch Basel’s (SMB) Big Band Basel with a special ball. This exclusive Their Scottish whisky experts are waiting to greet you from evening will take place from 19:00-01:00 at the Festsaal Stadt- 18:00-21:30 at their Laufenstrasse 16 location in Basel. The casino at Barfüsserplatz and will include an apéro and event costs CHF 35, which includes a coupon worth CHF 10. Expovina (Zurich) a 5-course meal. No registration is required. November 1-15 www.smb-bigband.ch http://www.ullrich.ch/events/index.php This special wine event is Zürich’s equivalent of the Basel Weinmesse. Here you can taste from over 4,000 wines from English Comedy 150 different vendors, spread over 12 floating ships at the Amarone Wine Tasting Bürkliplatz in Zürich. There will even be special workshops November 15 November 22 on Bordeaux wines. You can also spoil yourself at one of the Irish comic Keith Farnan and U.K. comic Luke Graves will be Paul Ullrich is hosting a wine-tasting evening featuring the Palazzo Colombino Italian, seafood, or fondue and raclette restaurants on board Italian Amarone and Ripasso wines. This event costs CHF 10 bringing Anglo-Saxon laughter to the Kuppel in Basel at 20:00. November 25 – January 13 the ships. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 13:00- and takes place from 17:00-21:00 at their shop at Untere Reb- Tickets are CHF 35 and can be purchased at Ticketcorner in 22:00 and Sundays from 13:00-19:00. Admission is CHF 20. gasse 18 in Kleinbasel; no registration is required. There is no person or online. Experience this high-class va- www.expovina.ch obligation to buy, simply taste and enjoy. Any wine purchased www.internationalcomedyclub.ch riety show of a different kind. on the night of the tasting will be 10% off, and the entrance www.ticketcorner.ch Spoil yourself with a 4-course fee will be reimbursed with an order of CHF 100 or more. candle-light dinner prepared English Comedy www.ullrich.ch by master chef Peter Moser in November 8 Gossip Concert a tent with a special atmosphere, while enjoying U.K. comics Rob Deering and Shazia Mirza will be bringing November 25 a mixture of high-class artistry brought to you by Anglo-Saxon laughter to the Kuppel in Basel at 20:00. Tickets Tanz Party (Dance Party) St. Jakobshalle is the venue for the American pop band Gossip. acrobats, jugglers, magicians, clowns, musicians, and are CHF 35 and can be purchased at Ticketcorner in person November 16 There are limited tickets left, available through Ticketcorner much more. Tickets can be purchased online. or online. Volkshaus Basel will be the host to a dance party featuring locations. www.palazzocolombino.ch www.internationalcomedyclub.ch Pat’s Big Band. This event will be a cross between a disco-dance www.ticketcorner.ch www.ticketcorner.ch night with DJ and a ball with a live big band. With a large photos credit: © courtesy of palazzo colombino

16 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 17 Eating Out in Basel by Jon Hoefer Wine Notes by Christine Pesold

Beyond the Kids’ Menu Manora Restaurant November is Beaujolais Nouveau Month Location: Upper level, Manor department store When you move to a new city, it can be a challenge to find good Like every year, the stroke of midnight on the third the fruit flavors are released without the bitter tannins from Address: Greifengasse 22, 4005 Basel Thursday of November marks the release of the Beaujolais the skins, resulting in a wine that is light and fruity with restaurants. When you are bringing younger children with you, Tram/Bus Stop: Claraplatz or Rheingasse Nouveau. This occasion is highly celebrated in France, aromas of berries, cherries, banana, and pear, with very little budget and food choices become even more important. Hours: Closed Sunday with packed restaurants and wine bars and events of all tannins. The grapes are harvested between late August and In addition to an assortment of familiar fast-food restaurants, kinds. While this fantastic marketing scheme has kept this early September; accordingly, the Beaujolais Nouveau is Basel has many fantastic culinary options that are crowd pleasers tradition and this wine alive for so many years, the wine bottled and sold at a very young 6 to 8 weeks after harvest, for the kids and won’t have you emptying out your wallet. As a should not be taken too seriously. resulting in its relatively high acidity. It is also one of the When you enter the Manor and ride up the five flights of bonus, many of these restaurants present a range of healthy Beaujolais Nouveau is made up entirely of Gamay grapes few red wines that benefit from being served a little chilled. escalators, you are introduced to one of Basel’s best kept choices and unique tastes from around the (“Gamay Noir au Jus Blanc”, to be precise). The grapes are Beaujolais Nouveau is intended for immediate drinking, and secrets. The Manora restaurant is busy with a cafeteria-style handpicked—a practice only mandated in the regions of only some vintages are good enough to be left to mature. world. Now we can’t guarantee that environment. If you have never been, you may want to try Beaujolais and Champagne. This allows for fer- In the U.S., it is promoted as a Thanksgiving wine because your children will gobble up their and beat the lunch crowd so you have a chance to get your mentation of the uncrushed grape, it is released only one week before Thanksgiving. Because vegetables, but they may surprise bearings, especially if you have younger kids in tow. If you a method called carbonic it is light and fruity, it is actually a good complement for you with their willingness to try follow these steps you will have a very enjoyable lunch, maceration. Because turkey, and a good alternative to white wine. Its relatively with a nice atmosphere, and kids that will most likely be something different. the grapes are high acidity also balances well with the higher fat content asking you to go back again. And knowing that they are The following two restaurants are whole, of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner and all of its eating a healthy lunch and that you are only paying trimmings. tried and true with some of our CHF 6 per child, you may not only agree, you might younger residents (and older just encourage them. We can only wait and see if this year’s production is all that it is hoped to be. Just remember to chill it, drink it ones as well): The ‘Manora Game Plan’: young, and enjoy its fresh, unassuming simplicity! 1. Listen for the sizzle, and find the chef who is prepar- Sam’s Pizza Land ing the grilled items. There is Location: Greifengasse 21, 4058 Basel a small sign near this area that Tram/Bus Stop: Claraplatz or Rheingasse describes the “Kinder Menu.” Hours: Open daily, hot food until midnight You order here (Ein “Kinder Other locations: Stücki Shopping Center, Menu” bitte!). Your child will Steinenvorstadt 30 (near Barfüsserplatz) have the option of a smaller portion of fish (“Fisch”) or chicken (“Poulet”) which will be placed on a special As much as I hesitate to recommend an American-themed kid-sized plate. restaurant in Basel, I have to give “Sam’s” some props. Even 2. Once your child has their though it is a chain restaurant, and there are a few other selection, they can choose any item from the warm locations in the city, the one I prefer is at Rheingasse (across vegetable entrees, salad bar, and/or pasta kitchen. All of from the Manor entrance). The other Sam’s have decent these options are delicious and change periodically. How- pizza, but do not serve the same items you will find in ever, the fruit section or pizza oven area are not included. Kleinbasel. 3. The “Kinder Menu” also includes a small drink from The family that runs the walk-up window at the Rheingasse the fountain dispenser and dessert. The desserts are placed location is very friendly. Even though “Sam’s” has stars and everywhere. One dessert option is an ice cream scoop. If stripes on the awning, don’t expect them to speak English. your child wants that, tell the cashier “Mein Kind möchte If you can, order using an earnest try at German and a little gerne Eis”. Your child can get the ice cream after you eat charade playing, and you’ll do just fine. your lunch. Simply show the cashier your receipt. They will For the kids, they have a few selections that will make them put a small tear in it showing that the kids have collected smile. Not the healthiest foods, mind you, but tasty versions their bounty. of the food they might know from home: chicken nuggets, 4. As for the hungry health-conscious parent, there are fries, and hot dogs (in the explosive ketchup bun!). many great options such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and Parents will also find many flavorful options to choose from. even wine by the glass. The homemade iced tea is a nice In my opinion, “Sam’s” has one of the best dürüm kebaps in non-alcoholic option. Keep in mind that the price for the Basel. They are reminiscent of a gyro, but less greasy. Both salad is not by weight as you might be used to, it is a flat chicken or veal (“Poulet” oder “Kalb”) are excellent selections. cost per plate. So feel free to pile it up! My vote is for the veal. Choose your fixings, make it as spicy 5. There is plenty of seating at Manora, but the upper or as plain as you like, you will not be disappointed. The only level is particularly sunny and comfortable. If the weather dilemma is that it might be a bit large for one sitting. Possible is nice, the outdoor terrace is a great place to eat and enjoy solutions: 1. Bring a friend and split it. 2.“Take away!” 3. Share the fresh air as well, with a surprising view of Kleinbasel. some of it with your child – and the next time, they might be There is also a small area for toddlers to play in the upper asking for 1/2 of yours. Win–win, right? As long as you’re OK section. sharing... 6. Enjoy your espresso and the free Wi-Fi!

18 BASEL FAMILY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 19 For more information about joining our mailing list or how to advertise in

MAGAZINE our publication – please contact us: [email protected] A Family Guide to Discovering Basel for the Expat Community www.baselfamilymagazine.com

DECEMBER 2012 Highlights – Mark Your Calendar!

Kids’ Christmas Activities at the Münsterplatz: Nov 29 - Dec 21

St. Nicholas Day: December 6

Santas on Motorbikes: December 8

Christmas Concert: December 9

Christmas Caroling: December 15

One Million Stars: December 15

New Year’s Eve Celebrations: December 31

Three Kings’ Day: January 6

CSI Basel (International Horse Show): January 10-13

Basler Jugendbücherschiff: January 16-30

Museum Night: January 18