WHERE NEWS & BUSINESS MEET GLAMOUR & GOOD TI MES #8 /MAY-JUNE 2008

Togethmeagarzine EAT & DRINK Tuck in to our gastronomic special

INTERVIEW Belgian accessory specialist Christophe Coppens TOUCHY Water, water everywhere ? BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE Belliard reborn PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS Nouri al-Maliki Kate and Gerry McCann Nick Cave

COMPETITIONS Two one-week stays at CERAN LINGUA, courtesy of Fortis, plus five pairs of super-stylish sunglasses to be won       
  
     


               

  
           

   
               

  
        



               

  
 

            

      

 


        
 
   

 

       EDITORIAL Cheers !

WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI

Now also available for of European Health Commissioner 2` in around 30 select Androulla Vassiliou’s recently renewed bookshops near the pledge to the European Alcohol and Health Forum. Alex Hewetson, EU institutions and in our oenology specialist, invites you to try bordering communes, some of Brussels’ most prestigious Together is growing wine bars, while Cillian Donnelly and evolving all the time, considers the very lucrative ‘frietkots’ thanks to our team’s business and Ludivine Nolf takes a look at the explosion of snack bars in creativity and your Brussels, a phenomenon frequently invaluable comments, marred by poor hygiene standards received en masse at in these establishments. Colin Moors [email protected] presents an analysis of three Belgian cuisine success stories ; Quick, Comme Chez Soi and Exki, while, Hot body for the beach! ur original values, for myself, it was a great pleasure to however, remain take part in our recent exclusive fashion unchanged : innovation, shoot at Brussels’ Bloom Hotel. freshness and spice, An artistic, glamorous and creative to integrate the European blend, then, fashioned with No miracles, just results! Test Aspria Club for 3 days Ocommunity into the local life of Brussels. a master’s touch… It’s nearly summer and already we’re swamped with Why not try the club for 3 days using our Discovery Values that are also key to leading website Expatica.com and so, following And we’ll be seeing you again very promises of miracle diets to achieve the perfect Day card on the front of this magazine? You can several months of flirtation between soon – on 10th June, we present our beach body. gain unlimited access for 3 consecutive days before the two media, it would appear that extraordinary Summer Special – hot, 31 July 2008 to the pool, sauna, steam room and a perfect partnership is on the way ! hot, ho t! jacuzzi as well as the fitness area and over 110 classes Keep it here for updates… Between now and then, enjoy a meal in At Aspria, per week. In our latest edition, dedicated to the joys one of the many delightful restaurants we cannot perform miracles, of gastronomy, our two ‘life coaches’ at your disposal in our beautiful Capital but we can deliver results. In order to arrange your Discovery Days, please Joséphine Overeem and Muriel Troonen of Europe, a selection of which are also contact one of our advisers on 02/508 08 12. allow you to discover how best offered for your delectation in our Our experts provide guidance and coaching to help to eat and drink in moderation, Eat&Drink special section. Cheers ! an increasingly important issue in our you achieve your goals. Whether it’s losing weight, More details about the club and about our special hyper-stressful working lives. Drinking increasing your fitness or simply feeling better, we member weight loss programme can be found on responsibly and the damage, both can motivate you. www.aspriaclub.be personal and economical, caused by alcohol abuse in Belgium and the wider EU is also a subject explored Jérôme Stéfanski by our editor James Drew, in the wake Publisher

Brussels’ Finest Health and Fitness Club Rue de l’Industrie 26 - 1040 Brussels - www.aspriaclub.be - Tel. 02/508 08 12 4 – Together #08

RDI8029-AD BEACH_165X230.indd 1 5/5/08 12:27:39 PM CONTENT O

C  
  EDITORIAL & 4 10 Fortis : Calling all expats G  
 Cheers ! 12 A vision of style 8 COMPETITIONS To CERAN LINGUA """"   INTERNATIONAL with Fortis !  !
 

NEWS 16 PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS 38 POLITICAL CHESSBOARD Beautiful city No RER before 2016 boasts beautiful people 40 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE 18 TOUCHY End of road for A thirst for a simple solution Belliard carbuncle 24 POINT OF VIEW 42 DIRTY BUSINESS Lobbying : More snacks, less hygiene A word in your ear 30 EUROPEAN VICE Think drink : Curbing EU alcohol abuse

BUSINESS 46 REAL ESTATE 50 A CEO IN BRUSSELS The Property Barometer Laurence Everard : In search of the sun 48 MARKET FORCES Joining the Sunday Jette set 54 SOMEWHERE IN ASIA Asian values, Asian spirit

LIFESTYLE I 62 FRESH OPENINGS 68 Future Look Six of the best 78 SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE 64 MADE IN BELGIUM Cracow : Hats off to History comes alive Christophe Coppens

CLOSE-UP 84 COACHING SESSION 96 BOCCONI RESTORANTE ITALIANO COVERAGE : Food for thought Bocconi : Creativity meets EAT 86 Towards a healthy haute cuisine working diet & DRINK 98 TEMPTATIONS 88 EU REGULATIONS Tastes of summer Regulating your repasts +3
"/0
*
3!
$!(,
5+1 100 CAKES & ALE 92 SUCCESS STORY A week in the life of
0

.1//!(/7
%,(+)0%
(!/
3!
'*+3
0$0
/

)!)!.
+"
0$!
+.,/
%,(+)0%-1!

1.+,!*
%*/0%010%+*
Belgium goes a go-go glutton ‘Bongo’ bananas +.
*
%*0!.*0%+*(
+.#*%60%+*
5+1
!/!.2!
/!.2% !/
0$0
)0 $
5+1.
*!! /
$0
%/
3$5
+1.
! % 0!
0!)
3+.'/
106 BY THE GLASS $*
%*
#(+2!
3%0$
5+1
/
3!
,!."! 0(5
1* !./0*
0$!
+*/0.%*0/
+"
5+1.
)%//%+*
*
.!
1/!
0+
8
* %*#
0$!
!/0
93 EAT & DRINK Raising the bar /+(10%+*/
%*
0$!
/$+.0!/0
(,/!
+"
0%)!
*
,.+2% %*#
5+1
3%0$

"1((
/!.2% !
$%/
%* (1 !/
!(%2!.5
+"
5+1.
,!./+*(%/!
.
Belgian vittels *53$!.!
%*
0$!
3+.(
3$%(!
.!/,! 0%*#
(+ (
/,! %8
0%+*/
!
(/+
,.+2% !
,!./+*(
//%/0* !
%*
((
 )%*%/0.0%2!
/0!,/
110 THE PLACES TO BE Summer starts... /1 $
/
#!00%*#
5+1.

.!#%/0.0%+*
*
..*#%*#
%*/1.* !
+1
*
+* !*0.0!
+*
0$!
"1(8
()!*0
+"
5+1.
)%//%+*
3$%(!
!*&+5%*#
/$!!.
.%2%*#
,(!/1.!
%0$

.1//!(/
5+1
.!
%*
#++
$* /



 

 
 
 #
 
 LIFESTYLE II 114 FOR ART’S SAKE 126 HOROSCOPES Thais that bind The future’s bright...  

 
 
 

!
0!.(++  
 
2!.!
!%/!.
116 Blurred identities, !(
  

.* $
+"

!(14 .* $
+"

!(14 sharp focus 130 LE CHAT Eat & Drink )%(
(+0%( !2*(!0$!))3! +1(!2.
!
0!.(++
  2!*1!

+))!.0/
 122 DIARY 
.1//!(/  
.1//!(/ Together’s ‘To Do’ list

*2%.+*)!*0(
%*"+.)0%+*
333)3!

6 – Together #08

BMW8671_230x170.indd 1 6/03/08 11:42:50 COMPETITIONS To CERAN LINGUA INTERNATIONAL with Fortis !

WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI

Fortis is delighted to offer two Together readers a week of intensive language training at the prestigious CERAN International Language Centre in Spa.

s part of its mission your capital city, your European village to respond to the needs of the expatriate  B R U X E L L E S  B R U S S E L  B R community in Belgium, walks... Fortis’ Expat department Ü S S E L  B R U S S E L S  B R U S E The magnificent TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING Ahas commissioned a special survey in setting of the L A S  B R U K S E L A  B R U S E L J ONE OF THE CERAN PRIZES, EACH WORTH collaboration with Expatica.com and prestigious CERAN ambiences... International `2,395, DON’T DELAY. TAKE PART expat magazine Together. The goal of  B R Y S S E L  B R U X E L A S  Language Centre, this nationwide project is to highlight the Spa IN THE SURVEY TODAY AT benefits of the Belgian financial system B R I S E L E  B R Ü S S Z E L  B R I U WWW.EXPATICA.COM/FORTISSURVEY and the most suitable banking and experiences... S E L I S  B R U S E L  B R U S S E L L  insurance schemes available for expats. There are no questions concerning 30 years, CERAN has been a leader And, for two lucky winners, there’s the personal financial circumstances and in linguistic instruction, with phonetic chance of a week’s residential language absolute confidentiality is guaranteed. teaching, one-to-one and small-group immersion courses at CERAN LINGUA At the end of the survey, you’ll be tested lessons, a ‘language laboratory’ and INTERNATIONAL Centre. with two brain-teasers - two randomly writing workshops. In addition to the picked readers who answer correctly educational package, the winners will HOW DOES IT WORK ? will win the prizes. The results of enjoy full-board, quality accommodation. To take part, go to www.expatica.com/ Also to be won : the survey will be sent free of charge The course is called the P GROUP fortissurvey between 27 May and 30 200 BITC guidebooks, to all respondents in September. PROGRAMME and further details can be June – no commercial obligation Brussels : Your Capital City, found at www.ceran.com involved. You’ll find questions on various Your European Village, THE LUCKY WINNERS ` topics, such as Belgium’s tax system, worth 4. The winners get to stay for a week Good luck! Bonne chance! Guddorakku! banking products, investments and what For more information, of their choice at the CERAN Centre Buena suerte! Veel Geluk! Viel Glück! you expect as an expatriate from a bank. go to www.bitc.be in the Ardennes, near Spa. There, they will enjoy a full-immersion programme in their selected language www.expatica.com/fortissurvey The competition begins at midnight on 27 May and ends at midnight on 30 June, under the supervision of a baillif. (French, English, Dutch, German, www.fortisbanking.be The complete rules can be obtained on request from: Together Magazine-Fortis Survey, Rue d’Alost 7, (Centre Dansaert C2), 1000 Brussels. Spanish or Japanese). For more than www.ceran.com

8 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 9 COMPETITIONS Fortis : Calling all expats WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI THE N°1 SELLING Take part in Fortis, the international INTERVIEW male skin-care the survey Together Magazine : What do expat products sold in today at: banking and insurance European pharmacies* www.expatica.com/ clients mean to Fortis? fortissurvey specialist, has a huge portfolio of domestic and Bert Van Wemmel: It’s an expanding www.fortisbanking.be market that’s constantly changing. foreign clients, offering At Fortis, we take particular care to be www.ceran.com personalised services to receptive to expats’ wishes, because individuals, companies we know that they need very specific and institutions. Together products and services – this is why talks exclusively with we’ve launched our Expats Survey. the group’s Specific Markets What is the philosophy behind it? Manager Bert Van Wemmel We want to create a privileged relationship about the new Fortis Survey between expats and Fortis. Our goal is (and competition) aimed to show them that we are listening and are ready to help them throughout their stay in at expats. Belgium, with tailored banking and insurance products. But before that, we must understand exactly what they want. Full of testosterone, men’s skin is more active. n Applied Economic That’s why our survey is internet-based. It needs more energy every day. Sciences graduate from We need responses from the public, the University of Leuven, regardless of whether or not they are Bert Van Wemmel is already Fortis customers. And two lucky an expert in his field survey participants will win a one-week Aand has been instrumental in the group’s NEW language course, full board, at the evolution, working with Fortis for more prestigious CERAN institute in Spa in than 20 years. He now specialises in the Ardennes. offering services for well-appointed, discerning customers: expats. What do you offer expats at present? As with all our other customers, we are there Hydra Mag C to listen to them and provide them with the best personalised solutions. We also offer 24H HYDRATING SKIN-CARE TONIC general products and services such as Fortis Expat Line, the only helpline of its kind Contains Magnesium + Vitamin C. in Belgium. Not to mention a network of specialized agencies mainly in Brabant- For strong, healthy skin. Wallon, Vlaams Brabant, Brussels and Antwerp. And we keep our existing and Win a trip to New York on prospective customers informed of our activities via our Fortis Expat Welcome Pack, www.vichyhomme.be which we distribute free of charge to the Hypoallergenic. many multinational and Belgian companies Suitable for sensitive skin. that employ expats. V I C H Y. H E A LT H I S V I TA L . S TA R T W I T H YO U R S K I N . J.S.  

  


  
  

  
 
 

     – 10 Together #08 * Hydrating, anti-wrinkle, eye-contour and other products. Source IMS Europe 7 (France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Austria). Cumulative sales at end of June 2007.

097-14-003_vichyH_250x185_UK.indd 1 5/7/08 3:06:59 PM COMPETITIONS A vision of style

WRITER : JAMES DREW

1. MK 720 Together teams up with to www.together-magazine.eu and answer the three questions below : 2. FS 444 optometrist davidrose 3. FS 445 for the chance to win five pairs of stylish shades to 4. FS 451 1. davidrose is located nearer to : create your Summer style. A. The European Parliament B. The European Commission C. NATO stablished in Brussels Leopold district in 2. How many pairs of glasses is December 2007, davidrose displaying in his shop davidrose is fast gaining window between 27th May and a reputation as the name 15th June ? Eto trust when it comes to the very best A. 10 in spectacles and sunglasses. B. 20 C. 24 And we couldn’t let Summer start without offering our readers the chance to make 3. What is the weight in grammes of an impression on the beaches and a copy of Together, excluding wrapping terraces when the season’s in full swing. and aftershave/perfume sample ? And it’s not just any sunglasses that are up for grabs. davidrose is offering two pairs of Michael Kors and three pairs of Fendi sunglasses – that’s more than davidrose 1,000€ of clearly superior shades. Rue de Trèves, 16 1050 Brussels So, fancy winning some class T. +32 (0)2 512 66 10 glasses ? All you have to do is go [email protected] Create your summer style... with davidrose optometrist - optician

1 2

In the Leopold district

4 davidrose 3 Rue de Trèves 16 - 1050 Brussels +32 (0)2 512 66 10

Colour of models offered may differ from those shown. [email protected] Competition organised under the supervision of a bailiff. Full rules available on request.

Organiser : Together Magazine, Rue d’Alost, 7, 1000 Brussels. Models displayed may not be available in store.

12 – Together #08 FLASH

DEFENDING BRUXELLOIS IDENTITY A new political party, Pro Bruxsel, has been formed via the collaboration of three Brussels civil associations - Manifesto, Aula Magna and Bruxsel.org, which, for several months, have addressed the future of Brussels-Capital. According to the group, prospects have deteriorated as a result of the 2007 Belgian political crisis - Pro Bruxsel’s prime objectives are to stimulate support for being Bruxellois and ensure the succesful co-education of the capital’s foreign communities.

FIGURE : 6,000 That’s the number of children, aged 6-17, who are at present not attending school in Brussels. It’s cause of ‘great concern’ for French Community Education Minister Christian Dupont that so many minors are not registered in either French, Flemish or private schools.

NEWS PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS

KATE AND GERRY MCCANN On 10th April, Kate and Gerry McCann, parents of Madeline Beautiful city boasts who disappeared from her hotel room in Portugal last year, visited the European Parliament to lobby for a EU-wide ‘missing child’ alert system. The McCanns want a pan-European device beautiful people similar to the ETAS-Plain system in France and Switzerland. According to Gerry McCann: “Such a system prevents any WRITERS : FEDERICO GRANDESSO & JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI kidnapper from travelling long distances and thus increases the chances of finding a kidnapped child.” More movers and shakers – those who’ve visited CAVE - IN ! recently, and those who’re on their way… At the beginning of May, celebrated Australian rocker Nick Cave (front) and his group The Bad Seeds ignited Forest National with a truly memorable concert... IRAQ LEADER Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (left) visited the European Parliament last month, to attend a Foreign Affairs Committee meeting. Speaking about progress in his home country, al-Maliki underlined two key points - the need for technical expertise and implementing the return of Iraq’s 4 million refugees. TOP : IRENE KHAN Amnesty International Secretary-General Irene Khan visited Brussels during April - during her meetings with Pöttering, Solana and Rehn, Khan discussed war crimes in Croatia and SUPERB SERVICE international concerns over the implementation of EU human- French ex-tennis star turned pop singer Yannick Noah gave rights commitments. a concert that lasted five hours recently. According to fans, the show, which started around 20h, was interrupted only by a ten-minute pause, after which the singer apparently returned to the stage stoned, for more French and international music until 1h05, when the fun finally ended ‘for safety reasons’... FLOP : THE BACKSTREET BOYS Nick Carter (pictured) and the three remaining The Backstreet Boys went back to work at the end of 2007, producing a new album under the imaginative title of Unbreakable – and just FRENCH ARRIVAL whose bright idea was it to reform the group and disturb French Justice Minister Rachida Dati came to Brussels last the peace ? Whatever...they were in Brussels at the beginning month to present her country’s justice priorities for of May for a truly average show at Forest National, and just its upcoming EU Presidency. Dati also met the new French think what many much-more deserving young artists would give Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs, Jacques Barrot, for that chance... who is set to replace Italian Commissioner Franco Frattini.

OPEN YOUR EYES… As Summer gets into gear, there will many chances (Hungarian director of Isaka’s Journey (2007)), to catch a glimpse of the beautiful people set to visit French actor Bernard Campan (La Face Cachée SPANISH FLYING VISIT our beautiful city, such as legendary singer (2007)), even Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Fresh from the recent elections, Spain’s FA Minister Miguel Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits who arrive at Forest Belgian brothers and two-time winners of Cannes Angel Moratinos (left) paid a visit to the EU’s institutions National on 3rd June, or Lavigne Avril, at the same Palme d’Or. Duran Duran are en route for the in April, to announce to EU officials the agenda and priorities venue on 21st June. During the Brussels European Cirque Royal on 18th and, as usual, EU heads of the upcoming Spanish EU Presidency in 2010. Film Festival (28th June-6th July) many actors, of states will attend the European Council from directors and other cinematic luminaries will grace 19th-20th June. So, don’t miss your chance to meet Europe’s capital, including Jesper Asholt (Danish them at your leisure in Brussels’ restaurants, hotels star of The Art of Crying (2006)), Csaba Bollók and stylish bars...

16 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 17 TOUCHY A thirst for a simple solution

WRITER : KIMBERLEY LOVATO

Some 40 percent of will pour and if not, the local authority will the world’s population rectify the situation in a matter of hours. has no access to clean WATER WRONGS water – and the crisis But, focus on the global picture, goes to the heart of war in particular Africa, Asia, Latin America and peace, eating and and the Middle East : “We have closed drinking, living and dying. our eyes to the severity of the situation While the stricken areas and it’s coming home to roost,” says may seem far removed Lionel Platteuw, executive director of the European Water Partnership from our rain-soaked (EWP), an independent non-profit existence in Belgium, organization dedicated to the the crisis is, in fact, closer promotion and co-ordination of initiatives than you may think... to address European and worldwide water issues.

hen most of us Based on UN data, Platteuw estimates think about water that in wider Europe, some 40 million shortages, people lack access to adequate South Australia “The link between Europe’s deteriorating WET PROFITS we likely relate it drinking water and around 85 million © Dieter Telemans water resources and economic stability, The market potential for investment to a problem close live without basic sanitation - numbers health and migration can no longer here is enormous, says Platteuw. Wto home, within our own neighborhood that seem inconceivable. be ignored,” stresses Platteuw, “and In a report from the Nordic Innovation or region. Unless we can’t turn on our the topic of water now finds itself Centre in Oslo, Christian Gron, a project showers or water our flowers, we are not “Our goal as an organization is to be at the top of many political agendas.” leader with DHI Water & Environment The ecological catastrophe concerned about water supply, if we an educator and facilitator, and to help in Denmark, estimates that water in the Aral Sea think about it at all. We have confidence members come to terms with the issues EWP, whose members are European technology is an emerging billion- © Dieter Telemans that when we turn on our faucets, water that face us today.” government bodies, private enterprises, euro market. NGOs, financiers and universities, works closely with Countries such as Israel, where water ‘OUR GOAL AS AN the European institutions, is a precious commodity, have already as well as being the invested deeply in advanced technology. ORGANIZATION European Regional After several years and hundreds IS TO BE AN coordinator for the World of millions of dollars, 60 percent of EDUCATOR AND Water Forum (WWF), the country’s sewage water is FACILITATOR, the world’s largest water- recycled and, in 2004, Israel opened AND TO HELP related event. Among the what was then the world’s largest MEMBERS COME topics on the agenda in desalination plant. TO TERMS WITH March 2009, at Istanbul, THE ISSUES THAT will be the explosion New ventures are sprouting up to FACE US TODAY’ in technology as develop technologies for the global a means of bringing clean market, and demand is growing water to the masses. rapidly in the public and private sectors.

18 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 19 TOUCHY

Lake Tana, in Ethiopa © Dieter Telemans

In early 2006, Spain’s state-owned water company, Acuamed, announced that it was seeking offers from companies interested in building an 82€ million desalination plant in Almeria, in the south-eastern region of the country.

SEA CHANGE In April of the same year, France’s Veolia Water was awarded the contract for a new seawater desalination plant in Bahrain. The contract, worth 275€ million, was won following an international call for potential suppliers. The plant is estimated to supply a production capacity of 273,000 cubic metres of drinking water per day using the thermal process known as ‘multiple effect distillation’ (MED), the evaporation and condensation of seawater in a series of vacuum chambers.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS Celebrated Belgian photographer Dieter Telemans took these remarkable shots as part of a project on the theme of water, which were shown in Aquamass’s showroom by Founder and Director Jean-Pol Piron from 21-24 May 2008. Maison Aquamass celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2008, 30 years during which the marque has gained a distinguished worldwide reputation with its innovative bathroom designs, which blend style with ‘wellness’. More information available at www.dietertelemans.com and www.aquamass.be.

20 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 21 TOUCHY

 /Ê/ Ê-1 - Ê Êt

Water transport Some years ago, American giant technology has its place and in Mali General Electric paid 1.1$ billion value, he asserts it can’t be © Dieter Telemans for Ionics, a leading player in implemented independently, desalination, water reuse and recycling. without understanding its impact As well as this, on the environment as a whole. Germany’s Siemens “EWP believes that communication, COUNTRIES acquired US organization and integrated SUCH AS ISRAEL, Filter Corporation and holistic solutions are the real WHERE WATER for 1$ billion keys to breaking down barriers IS A PRECIOUS as part of and solving water issues,” he says. COMMODITY, its strategy “Talking about it is the essential first HAVE ALREADY to expand in step.” The approach may be simple, ˆÃVœÛiÀʜÕÀÊëiVˆ>ÊÃՓ“iÀÊÀ>ÌiÃʜ˜ÊÜÜÜ°iÕÀœ«V>À°Li INVESTED DEEPLY the waste-water- but the problem remains multi- IN ADVANCED treatment area. faceted and the solution soaked in TECHNOLOGY complexity. While Platteuw acknowledges that K.L. ☎ äӇÎ{n°™Ó°£ÓÊ

22 – Together #08 ÜÜÜ°iÕÀœ«V>À°Li

Together Europcar 2008.indd 1 5/05/08 17:58:40 POINT OF VIEW Lobbying : A word in your ear

WRITER : CILLIAN DONNELLY

Place du Luxembourg’s Brussels is not simply an exterior conceals international city ; it is also influential relationships a political arena and, between lobbyists and MEPs while many expats work © M. Van Hulst/BITC for political groups, MEPs, or for an EU institution, the work of lobbyists, whose job it is to affect legislation, is also essential to the city’s role on the world stage.

t is estimated that there are around 15,000 accredited lobbyists and 2,500 lobby organisations in Brussels, which regularly meet with Idecision-makers in the Commission and Parliament to persuade those in power to listen to the arguments of the particular interest group that they represent, in the hope of bringing about a favourable outcome in any future legislation.

Since March 2005, the EU has been grappling with how to deal with the influx of lobbyists in Brussels, with calls by Parliament to have a mandatory public register of lobbyists common to all institutions, an enforceable code of conduct, and the introduction of a “legislative footprint” on all reports ; that is, a list of all lobbyists who provided significant input.

A QUESTION OF INFLUENCE So what is a lobbyist, exactly? MEPs suggest it is anyone “influencing

24 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 25 POINT OF VIEW

Capitol Hill, the policy formation and decision-making A successful lobbyist, he continues, Aaron Eckhart plays the US, where it can take as little as less clear than it would be for a legislator Washington DC : a spokesman for The symbol of processes of the European institutions”. is one who works with legislators to a large US tobacco two years for a law to travel from in the US.” ‘Made in America’ As well as public- and private-interest affect not only the way that law is manufacturer who’s concept to Presidential Signature, lobbying also trying to be groups, NGOs, think-tanks, trade unions, written, but also implemented. a role model for his than in Europe. In Brussels, it takes CONCENSUS employer associations and lawyers Ultimately, a good lobbyist can be young son in Thank a minimum of three years to create BUILDING You For Smoking – can be thus defined. As former MEP a vital component in the development a recent satire on a Directive. In the US, Congress “The European Parliament has Alexander Subb puts it: “Anyone of better policy. the tobacco has a two-year cycle, whereas a supernational aura, which makes industry’s powerful who comes into my office and tries lobbying machine the Commission is appointed for five MEPs seem one step removed from to influence a piece of legislation is a SAME © Fox Pictures years. This, believes Seisler, leads the people that elect them. Europe lobbyist in my eyes.” YET DIFFERENT to “more stability” in the EU. is more amorphous than the US, As two political centres, Brussels and which means, for an MEP, that building “Lobbying is about education,” says Washington have much in common, There are further differences, the kind of US-style relationships is Jeffrey Seisler, CEO of Clean Fuels not least the political lobby groups, explains Seisler, who is also vice more difficult.” Consulting and experienced Brussels but there are also vital differences in president for government relations and Washington lobbyist. “That is, the way the systems operate, says at the International Association And it is precisely this kind of personal the education of policymakers. Seisler, who acknowledges that for Natural Gas Vehicles. “In the US, relationship that underpins a successful Information the “grey area between lobbying and a legislator has a relatively narrow lobbyist. Often, says Seisler, the lobbyist and knowledge bribing” still exists in the US capital, constituency and the lobby end up as social friends. ‘LOBBYING become a form with lobbyists regularly offering cash to whom “It’s somewhat inevitable; you work IS EDUCATION. of leadership. or other gifts in order to see ‘YOU WORK they directly in the same town and deal with the same THAT IS, My approach the emergence of a ‘satisfactory’ new IN THE SAME report, which issues. This is similar in Brussels EDUCATION OF is not to use law. Brussels lobbyists, Seisler maintains, TOWN AND DEAL allows for more and Washington, and lobbying is about POLICYMAKERS. financial resources, do not suffer from the same “negative WITH THE SAME direct contact. access, also, so you can’t replace INFORMATION but to help tinge that lobbyists in the US are often ISSUES. THIS With the those personal aspects of the job.” AND KNOWLEDGE policymakers accused of”. IS SIMILAR IN European BECOME A FORM and elected officials BRUSSELS AND Parliament, Finally, Seisler believes that the history OF LEADERSHIP’ to do a better This somewhat aggressive strategy may WASHINGTON’ the direct of both Europe and the US contributes job for those who have something to do with the legislative visible effect much to the political attitudes elect them.” timeframe, which is much shorter in is much that govern both lobbying and

26 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 27 POINT OF VIEW +",!(-

,)".)2(.+,.&&+ The US firearms the political process. “The US has here than in Washington, so people lobby is one of most powerful a relatively short history compared are careful about changing laws in 6lVn[gdbi]Z]jhiaZVcYWjhiaZd[6kZcjZAdj^hZ!ndjXVcÒcYV]VkZc in the world to Europe. Because you have short a hurry. Here, they take the longer view. d[igVcfj^aa^in###i]Z8V[‚L^aiX]ZgÉhIZggVhhZGdj\Z#L]Zi]Zgndj[ZZaa^`Z terms of office, legislation can be I think this is consistent with the \gVWW^c\VW^iZdg]Vk^c\VYg^c`!I]ZIZggVhhZGdj\Zl^aaYZÒc^iZanhe^XZ created quickly, and because historical view of Europe.” jendjgeaZVhjgZd[Y^c^c\Va[gZhXd#9^hXdkZgi]ZZmfj^h^iZhZVhdcÉhÒcZhi the President can change every C.D. ^c\gZY^Zcih!hjggdjcYZYWni]ZlVgbVcY\aVbdgdjhVibdhe]ZgZ four years, often laws get changed d[i]Z8dcgVY7gjhhZah# according to personal preference.”

“Europe is built on consensus-building. -!%.1.+2( "' 2(.+,% It is the foundation of European governance. Of course, it takes much longer to create alliances www.lobbying-europe.com 6kZcjZAdj^hZ!,&"&%*%7gjhhZah™IZa/%'*)')')' WgjhhZah^c[d58dcgVY=diZah#Xdb™9edhWZ>ej[bi$Yec  28 – Together #08

annonce 165x230 TR08.indd 1 13/05/08 12:12:44 EUROPEAN VICE Think drink : Curbing EU alcohol abuse WRITER : JAMES DREW

An alcoholic’s In April, European Health “Harmful and hazardous alcohol viewpoint – consumption is a key health determinant Rue de la Loi, Commissioner Androula Monday, 3pm Vassilious renewed - I think we all agree on the need to reduce alcohol-related harm and on the Commission’s the fact that this is something we all need commitment to the to contribute to. The problem represents European Alcohol an intolerable level of human suffering, and Health Forum, which is only partly self-inflicted, since established in 2007, alcohol is an addictive substance and in tandem with another harmful alcohol consumption also causes harm to those who do not EU-health initiative, drink themselves.” Wine in Moderation, which was launched in March. Since the launch of the European Alcohol and Health Forum in 2007, it has acted as a common platform for actors s with most of life’s at European level to implement their pleasures, alcohol is plans to contribute concretely to an excellent servant, the reduction of alcohol-related harm. but a very poor master. In a cosmopolitan city Vassiliou welcomed the pledges made Asuch as Brussels, where many EU by 46 businesses and non-governmental institution employees think nothing of organisations to curb alcohol abuse - to consuming large quantities of alcohol date, the forum has received 78 on a daily basis, it is easier than you commitments from companies and might think to get drawn into a worsening health groups ranging from midwives spiral that begins with frequent social and doctors associations, European heavy drinking but can end in poor temperance societies, public health health, psychological and financial NGOs, Heineken International, problems and, at worst, family break-ups Bacardi-Martini and Moët Hennessy and an early grave. to retailers such as the Delhaize group and Ahold N.V. ‘THE PROBLEM NO HALF REPRESENTS AN MEASURES Vassiliou added : “We shall be ambitious ; INTOLERABLE Speaking on 16th April, more can and should be done to achieve LEVEL OF HUMAN Health Commissioner results. We need to continue this good SUFFERING’ Androula Vassilious collaborative effort and I look forward to put Europe’s alcohol-abuse seeing these commitments translated problem into sharp focus : into concrete action.” The Commissioner

30 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 31 A drunk on a train

32 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 33 EUROPEAN VICE

THE RIGHT SPIRIT drinkers yet greater among abstainers, Commissioner Vassilious’s outlook is not but the risk increases dramatically with entirely pessimistic, however : “This is each drink above moderation. of course not to say that there is nothing J.D. positive to say about alcohol. Drinking in moderation is no problem If you feel that you have a drink for most people and can contribute problem and wish to seek help, to enjoying life. However, from a public- Brussels Alcoholics Anonymous health point of view, the costs, meetings are listed at unfortunately, outweigh the benefits.” www.aa-europe.org/countries/brussels.htm www.wineinmoderation.eu Alcohol consumption with restraint is key to the European wine sector’s pan-European programme, Wine In Moderation, which was launched in Brussels on 18th March, 2008. BOOZE BLUES With wine’s integral place in European - The average amount of alcohol life and culture, the programme, consumed on a weekly basis by supported by key EU competent the Belgian population (15 years authorities and stakeholders, is seeking and older) is 3.19 glasses (250ml) further to promote the wine and wine of beer, 1.53 glasses (125 ml) products enjoyed by millions of wine and 0.24 glasses (30ml) in Europe and around the world, of strong alcoholic beverages with the emphasis on the benefits that (brandies, whisky, etc). moderate consumption can bring both - Harmful and hazardous alcohol to social lives and health. consumption is a net cause of 7.4 percent of all ill-health and early DRINK TO LIVE death in the European Union, As programme spokesman George and has a negative impact on Sandeman explained : “The wine sector labour and productivity. Binge drinker stressed that she particularly expects Its aim is to promote: is a strong, long-standing advocate for - Hazardous alcohol consumption the alcoholic beverage industry - Strategies aimed at curbing under-age responsible and moderate consumption. causes more than 10 percent of to market their products responsibly, drinking ; The wine culture provides best practice EU female deaths and around and not to target adolescents. - information and education programmes for sensible consumption patterns ; 25 percent of male deaths in on the effect of harmful drinking but we can and must do more. the 15-29 age group – equivalent BINGE ACTION and on responsible patterns The entire wine chain must be mobilised to one in four deaths among The Forum, which meets twice a year of consumption ; to reinforce moderate and sensible young men and one in ten and is chaired by the Commission’s - possible development of efficient consumption patterns as a cultural among young women. Directorate General for Health and common approaches throughout and social norm.” - One in ten Europeans usually Consumer Protection, has established the EU ; ‘DRINKING has five or more drinks in one two Task Forces (on marketing and - adequate consumer information ; ALCOHOL IN Scientific studies session, which is the widely youth-specific aspects of alcohol) - actions better to enforce age limits MODERATION demonstrate that consuming accepted definition of binge which have already produced for alcohol consumption IS NO PROBLEM moderate amounts of drinking for men. recommendations for further action - interventions promoting effective FOR MOST alcohol reduces mortality - The total tangible cost of alcohol by the Forum members. The Forum will behavioural change among children PEOPLE AND CAN from coronary heart disease to EU society is estimated at also establish a Science Group, which – and adolescents, and ; CONTRIBUTE TO as well as from other causes 150€ billion, equivalent to at the request of the Forum – will - co-operation to promote alcohol ENJOYING LIFE’ by 25-30 percent - the 1.3 percent of the EU GDP. provide scientific advice and guidance responsibly and prevent irresponsible relative risk of dying is lowest on matters under discussion. commercial communication and sales. among light to moderate Eurobarometer on Alcohol (2007)

34 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 35 EUROPEAN VICE 8 0 / 4 0

8 0 0 2

Maasmechelen Village e g a l l i V

n e l e h

c outlet shopping e m s a a M

©

Enjoy the luxury of spending less

t n e m n

o Discover previous seasons’ collections from more than 150 international fashion and r i v n

e home design labels at prices reduced from 30% to 60%*, all year round. With a children’s

l i a t e

r play area, 5 restaurants and free parking the Village is the ideal destination for a day out.

l a n o i t i d a r

t Maasmechelen Village provides special discounts and amenities for groups

n i

d and tours of ten people or more. For more information please send enquiries to e r e f f

o [email protected]

e c i r p

l a n i g i r o

e h t

o t

d e r a p m o c

* EN ON OP ** SUNDAY

Pleasure or pain ? YOUNG DRIVERS against recommendations ‘STIGMATIZED’ BY SCHOUPPE established by the 2007 Road Motoring organisation Responsible Safety Working Group apply Young Drivers (RYD) has expressed stricter alcohol-blood content its anger over Belgian Secretary restrictions only to learner of State for Mobility Etienne drivers, before they obtain their Schouppe’s proposal to reduce driving licence. Young people the authorized blood-alcohol are indeed more often involved content for young motorists to in accidents than older drivers, 0.2 parts per thousand. but Schouppe himself, in a recent interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, According to Responsible Young correctly identified the cause Drivers Director Johan Chiers : of this problem, inexperience, “RYD would actively support which can be solved only a reduction in authorized blood- by better education. A reduction alcohol content to 0.2 parts per in the authorized blood-alcohol thousand for ALL drivers, but content will simply not decrease Hugo Boss • Scapa • Barbour • Essentiel • Samsonite • Nike • Furla • Pringle of Scotland • Calvin Klein Jeans • Petit Bateau • police studies, undertaken during the number of accidents. Donaldson • Leonardo • Kipling • Versace • River Woods • Sunglass Time (Gucci, Armani, Dior, ...) • Levi’s • Marlboro Classics • recent BOB anti drink-driving Responsible Young Drivers would Olivier Strelli • Napapijri • Oilily • Villeroy & Boch • and many more… campaigns, show that it is ask Schouppe to introduce more in fact 30-40 year-olds who fail positive policy, begin with working Opening hours: 10.00 – 18.00 breathalyser tests most frequently. towards road safety with young E314 direction Genk, exit 33 • T. 0800 40236 So why target young people ? people instead of stigmatizing ** For exceptional opening and closing dates, directions and all other information: Etienne Schouppe’s proposal goes them.” www.MaasmechelenVillage.com 36 – Together #08 POLITICAL CHESSBOARD No RER before 2016

WRITER : LUDIVINE NOLF

Envisioned as a way to ease GETTING BACK ON TRACK congestion in the capital, Some weeks ago, the Brussels the Network Regional Parliament, shaken by the sense Express train (RER) was of panic coming from Infrabel, decided to adopt an emergency resolution originally intended to arrive motion, which deplored the “lack of by 2011. In fact, the project overall vision of the various parties will not be operational concerned with the improvement before 2016 at least, and could of mobility by railway in and around even be delayed as long as Brussels” and requested that Brussels 2020. Few will be surprised Region collated an inventory of the urban works in progress. It also exhorted to hear that Brussels’ negotiations to establish where the RER excessive and sluggish stops would be located, in order administrative procedures to ease congestion on the inter-Brussels are being blamed... roads. More than ever, RER, and the development of a grid system at a suggested radius of 30 kilometres The Brussels than what already exists will reduce investigation, but they were not taken into Regional Express s expected by many, seems essential, particularly if Railway commuting time and encourage a larger account.” number of people to move further away the Network Regional the statistics published by Network Copyright : Express train (RER), Regional Express are taken into account, Planitram Brussels from the city.” ASBL Brussels-Nature considers the town- originally expected by which postulate that some five percent of planning license delivered by Francoise 2011, will not in fact be Brussels’ residents will live on the city’s However, according to Secretary of State Dupuis for the construction of the RER Aoperational before at least 2016. periphery by 2015. and Head of Town Planning Francoise with Watermael-Boitsfort as “worrying” for Its installation will allow citizens living in Dupuis (PS) : “This study does not take the animals living in the Forêt de Soignes, a 30-kilometre radius of the capital to TOWARDS A BRUXELLOIS account of measures and policies for with six hectares threatened by the project. leave their cars at home and take the EXODUS ? the population maintenance in Brussels Brussels-Nature estimates that only the train, which would stop in an as-yet Requested by Beliris, the study proposes Region and of the positive repercussions construction of the nature reserves would unspecified number of Brussels’ areas. two 2015 scenarios, both with and that the RER would bring.” compensate for the “amputation”. without the RER. “According to this model, It was during a March 2007 Brussels the total increase of household moving to FORET DE SOIGNES : “Without reserves, the species’ limited Parliament meeting that Luc Lallemand, the periphery because of the RER will be SIX HECTARES gene-pool problems are likely to multiply,” administrator-delegate of Infrabel, which 17,725 households (4.8 percent of total THREATENED says Brussels-Nature’s Mario Ninanne. manages the SNCB infrastructure, households), 70 percent of which will be Alternatives 161 added: “We were “They will be too insulated, by the Brussels announced the four-year delay, which middle-class households,” according to favourable to the four-track extensions Ring, motorway and the railway. SNCB defers the introduction of the congestion- Alternatives 161, the residents association of line 161 in the Forêt de Soignes, but only already expropriated a part of the forest easing measure for the capital to 2015- would be based in Watermael-Boitsfort. if certain essential compromises were during the 1980s for a third line which never 2016. Lallemand pointed the finger of observed, such as the implementation of came about. Reserves are imperative.” An blame at Brussels Region’s administrative “The potential departure of many two, even three natural reserves in order official objection was introduced by the sluggishness, with particular regard to households will bring a fall in housing to compensate for the increasing depletion Watermael-Boitsfort commune in April 2007, the delivery of town-planning certificates prices. Offering the population a new of the forest. We shared our feelings with and the Dupuis cabinet has declared itself necessary for the work to begin. transport system that’s more powerful Brussels Region at the time of the public as remaining “open to any negotiation”. L.N.

38 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 39 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE End of road for Belliard carbuncle

WRITER : LUDIVINE NOLF

Work on a four-year park and terraces with excellent views project, a 9,000m² over Parc Léopold. complex of apartments and high-rise offices, IDEAL is nearing conclusion at FOR FAMILIES Four years on, the building site is nearing Ilot Froissart, east the end of its gruelling redevelopment, Brussels. Its name ? much to the delight of property Bell Art. developers Allfin Company, who snapped up what they saw as a good bargain at the outset. However, they took he saga of the ‘broken care, co-operating closely with the teeth’ construction site, Etterbeek commune, not to confine which has blighted themselves solely to constructing offices the Belliard district for or ‘hotel’ apartments. more than 20 years, Tis reaching an end. Indeed, the district, “The goal was to rejuvenate life in which was still a shambles but a few the district,” explains Etterbeek years ago, is today a small island Mayor Vincent De Wolf (MR). of luxury worth its weight in gold, “The 110 residential apartments thanks to its strategic position in all comprise between two and the heart of the EU district. Sliced up three rooms, which will allow families by speculators, abandoned to settle here.” by investors, the buildings constructed in the 1970s between Rue Belliard, The mayor also points to the future Froissart and Chausée d’ Etterbeek revitalisation of Place Jourdan, were finally taken in hand once more located 300 metres away, adding in 2004. that three houses still have restoration in progress. Recently purchased by Some 110 private and six trade planners, they are presently under residencies, including 5,000m² application for a town-planning licence of office space and 4,000m² and will also be completely renovated of retail space should be ready from an architectural perspective. to accommodate their first tenants by September. EU TENANTS The proposed SOUGHT ? ‘THE GOAL duplex apartments, Property costs are increasing in WAS TO where individual Brussels, and this now also appears REJUVENATE prices are likely likely for Rue Belliard. Bell Art : 500,000€, owing to the properties’ are likely to be much sought-after by to exceed The 110 high-class apartments The project LIFE IN at Ilot Froissart location at the heart of the EU district, EU civil servants, which might dent the the 400,000€ on Rue Froissart were never likely near both Parc du Cinquantenaire commune’s coffers, as foreign EU THE DISTRICT’ © B.O.A. mark, will also offer to be cheap - to live there, prospective Jaspers-Eyers and Parc Léopold. With living areas citizens working for the institutions are & Partners a basement car buyers will need to have nearly between 60-148 m², the apartments not liable to pay IPP... L.N.

40 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 41 DIRTY BUSINESS More snacks, less hygiene

WRITER : LUDIVINE NOLF

establishments, mere refrigerators are ‘Rue des Pitas’ Brussels’ health inspectors used to keep dairy ice creams, while meat © Together Magazine are being increasingly is kept at only -7°C, which poses a risk confronted by poor for adults with sensitive stomachs. hygiene standards in the Formal hygiene training for snack-bar city’s many snack bars ; owners could be the answer... closures have doubled during the past three ‘ RUE DES PITAS’ RAVES Fortunately, poor hygiene standards are not years in Schaerbeek, prevalent in all of Brussels. Marché aux for example. We examine Fromages, for example, baptized ‘Rue des this worrying trend... Pitas’ by Bruxellois, is one of the most lively downtown areas. Located a stone’s throw from Grand’Place, the street offers a wide russels snack bars are choice of fast-food eateries, with Le Plaka, normally small Le Minos and Yasmina being among establishments, handy the most popular. With the passing of the for grabbing quick ready- years, such institutions have gained their made meals on the go favourable reputations via locals and tourists Bsuch as sandwiches, frites and pitas. alike. More discrete, but equally enjoyable, No professional qualifications are are Mont Liban on Rue de Livourne in Ixelles necessary for ownership ; frequently, and Le Petit Noeuf Gourmand on Rue the proprietors are not professional chefs. des Celtes in Etterbeek, which have also But this lack of experience can lead to withstood the test of time and increasing serious problems, given that knowledge competition, such as from the 20 percent of legal hygiene standards is minimal. increase in Brussels snack bars that’s taken In Brussels, the majority of problems are place over the past two years. caused by kebab and pita outlets - more ill-health complaints are recorded by SNACK ATTACK customers visiting such establishments, At the end of 2007, 3,121 ‘fast-food with their enticing aromas, than any other restaurants’ were listed in Brussels, kind. Just in April, Brussels-North police according to statistical bureau Van Dijk. closed a snack bar on Chausée Haecht, According to daily newspaper La Capital, in but two other establishments, on its 9th April edition, 3,017 were operational Rue Général Eenens and Place Lehon, at the end of 2006, which is 18.8 percent opened during the same month. more than in 2005 (2,540). By 2007 Schaerbeek’s tally had grown from 234 TEMPERATURE TRAINING in 2005 to 327, a rise of some 40 percent, Poor hygiene standards generally result but Brussels-City (637) is the clear leader, from the non-observance of guidelines followed by Ixelles (353), Schaerbeek concerning food-storage temperatures. (327), Anderlecht (269), and Molenbeek Pre-frozen products, such as meat, (200). Haren (6) is at the foot of the group, must be stored in freezers at an average behind Neder and Boitsfort (26). temperature of -18°C, but in many L.N.

42 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 43 FLASH

PROFITABLE IMMIGRATION ? Economic immigrants earn the Treasury around 23,000` per household per year, according to research by Immigration and Political Asylum Minister Annemie Turtelboom. An immigrant family of two working adults and two children contributes approximately 44,000` to public finances social security, yet costs the state only 21,000` in social allowances, family benefits and education.

FIGURE : 133,000 That’s the number of Belgians who have legally opened a foreign bank account, subsequently declaring all deposits made in their income tax return. Flemish deputy Dirk Van der Maelen (SP. A) said: ‘It’s a shame that Finance Minister Didier Reynders didn’t provide the authority with this information, particularly as he has known about it for two years!’

BUSINESS REAL ESTATE

Laeken Jette Neder Over Hembeek Ganshoren Berchem Bruxelles Ville Sainte Agathe Evere Koekelberg Schaerbeek The Property Molenbeek Saint Jean Saint Josse Protect your money. Ten Noode Woluwé Saint Lambert Anderlecht Saint Gilles Etterbeek Ixelles Woluwé Saint Pierre Forest Ixelles Barometer Auderghem In partnership with renowned free weekly newspaper Uccle Vlan, we are proud to present The Property Watermael Barometer, THE assessment of real-estate fluctuations Boitsfort in Europe’s capital.

This study is based on the asking prices of private individuals and estate agencies in their advertisements published in Vlan’s Brussels edition over a ten-week period (9,588 adverts). Obviously, prices at which properties are sold can vary. Check out thousands of adverts on www.vlan.be, in Vlan’s property section and in Vlan. be Immo Magazine – your real estate rendez-vous, twice per month, in 90,000 homes.

AVERAGE PRICE PER APARTMENTS HOUSES SQUARE METRE (FIGURES IN RED INDICATE FORMER RENT BUY BUY AVERAGE PRICES)

1000 BRUXELLES (CENTRE) 9.77 € & 2,408.80 € & 1,916.59 € & 9.55 2,371.92 1,873.68 1020 LAEKEN 8,71 € - 2,128.79 € & 1,882.53 € & 8.71 2,005.23 1,762.01 1030 SCHAERBEEK 10.07 € & 2,039.70 € & 2,141.72 € & 8.97 2,006.81 1,647.09 1040 ETTERBEEK 9.39 € & 2,399.80 € ( 2,222.78 € & 9.23 2,573.13 1,750.23 1050 IXELLES 9.82 € & 2,791.21 € & 2,327.36 € & 9.35 2,739.72 2,235.37 1060 SAINT GILLES 8.66 € & 2,357.61 € ( 2,992.06 € & 8.64 2,359.93 2,520.87 1070 ANDERLECHT 7.40 € ( 1,974.45 € & 2,592.00 € & 7.63 1,829.57 2,047.14 1080 MOLENBEEK ST JEAN 7.95 € ( 1,639.96 € ( 1,991.67 € & 8.11 1,716.08 1,741.13 1081 KOEKELBERG 9.10 € & 1,819.99 € ( 1,483.22 € & 8.47 1,871.19 1,479.25 1082 BERCHEM STE AGATHE 8.65 € ( 2,761.64 € & 2,914.63 € & 8.87 1,823.70 2,804.68 1083 GANSHOREN 9.36 € & 2,229.73 € & 2,984.12 € ( 8.83 2,119.93 3,107.14 1090 JETTE 9.11 € & 1,944.48 € & 1,815.95 € & 8.86 1,879.61 1,575.38 1120 NEDER OVER HEMBEEK 7.30 € ( 1,961.59 € ( 1,570.28 € & 8.10 2,052.63 1,328.11 Does the European Savings Directive affect you? 1140 EVERE 7.61 € ( 2,194.86 € & 2,170.61 € & 7.75 1,995.81 1,800.43 Take advantage of our many solutions to avoid 1150 WOLUWÉ ST PIERRE 10.78 € & 2,673.81 € & 2,589.61 € ( 9.39 2,582.74 2,709.51 the 33% increase in the tax on interest income. 1160 AUDERGHEM 9.94 € & 2,480.93 € ( 2,299.48 € ( 9.84 2,514.87 2,455.00 www.ing.be/expat 1170 WATERMAEL BOITSFORT 9.43 € ( 2,653.40 € & 4,060.44 € ( 9.70 2,486.21 4,182.06 1180 UCCLE 9.18 € ( 2,646.27 € ( 2,177.55 € ( 9.42 2,694.86 2,597.20 1190 FOREST 8.47 € ( 2,168.95 € & 2,320.64 € ( 8.77 2,159.22 2,825.20 1200 WOLUWÉ ST LAMBERT 10.28 € & 2,683.71 € & 2,345.15 € ( 10.06 2,569.75 2,679.66 1210 ST JOSSE TEN NOODE 8.39 € ( 2,031.47 € ( 2,105.21 € & 8.46 2,243.64 1,586.53

46 – Together #08

230x170_ING_Ecofin.indd 1 5/6/08 6:00:43 PM MARKET FORCES Joining the Sunday Jette set

WRITER : JAMES DREW

Ibrahim Errami We pay a visit to one of but bright Sunday morning ; despite only © Together Magazine 2008 Brussels’ liveliest outdoor opening at 9h30, our man was already shopping arenas... deep in animated conversation with a line of ladies, all enthusiastic, who had come to pore over the soaps, creams, oils and hock-full of shops other skin-care products that are and the birthplace of Gérant’s trade and passion – and have René Magritte, so thus been a part of his family’s business a destination of choice for generations. for art and history C(as well as shopping) lovers, the bustling Of Morrocan descent, but Brussels-born, commune of Jette (it has around 43,000 Ibrahim’s expertise centres on the fruit inhabitants) in north-west Brussels of the Arganid Spinoza tree, the Tafiyilht is located some five kilometres from nut, which only grows in one part the city centre, and is home to Poelbos of the world - south-west Morroco. nature reserve, as well as to Parc Roi The skin- and health-revitalising Baudouin – with the Atomium gleaming properties of Tafiyilht powder and oil-based products have long been Ibrahim In fact, such is the reputation of his 20 minutes during our visit, while down at visitors from every angle. in conversation recognised – the resulting ‘Argan’ with a shopper products, earned over two years as a patient(ish) and reasonably good- oil is a bountiful source of antioxidant a stall-holder at Jette, that Ibrahim natured queue formed – but our ‘skin In addition to its daily markets, selling © Together Magazine 2008 regional farm produce, flowers and and anti-cholestrol agents (though not frequently finds himself under cross- magician’ never once seemed stressed. plants, the Quartier du Miroir plays when heated, as Ibrahim explains), examination similar to that which host every Sunday to one of while the creams, shampoos and other a health-care specialist might face : “I love the social aspects of my job – it’s Brussels’ biggest markets, with essential oils reserved for external use “It’s very easy to be a charlatan in as much a pleasure to me as knowing nigh-on 300 stalls hawking food, revitalise and heal skin naturally. this business,” he explains. “I have that my customers keep coming back,” clothing, flowers and plants, jewellery to explain to some customers that, he beams. J.D. and, with particular reference to if their doctor has advised they seek this edition’s article, fabulous natural natural remedies for skin complaints, www.arganesouss.be cosmetics. Join us for a visit to the stall I am happy to recommend my products; www.argane.be of Ibrahim Errami, purveyor of fine I am confident that they will do my ‘Argane Souss’ products. Fear not – all customers good. However, I will not JETTE MARKETS will be explained... offer a medical diagnosis. That’s a doctor’s role.” Daily – from Monday to Saturday, ‘I AM HAPPY TO HEALTH – IN food, flowers and plants, RECOMMEND MY A NUTSHELL Still, with his array of exotically titled 6-12h, Place Reine Astrid, 1090 Brussels. PRODUCTS ; I AM The popularity Argane Souss potions such as Eau de Sunday – 6-13h, food, clothes, CONFIDENT THAT of Ibrahim’s stall Rose Orit, Papayo and Roob, coupled flowers and plants, jewellery, THEY WILL DO was self-evident with his friendly, welcoming personality cosmetics, Place Reine Astrid, when Together and obvious expertise, Ibrahim is nigh-on MY CUSTOMERS Rue Léopold I, Rue Timmermans, (myself and fighting off women who obviously want GOOD’ Avenue de Jette. photographer) what he has to offer. By way of example, arrived on a cold one lady kept him talking for a good www.jette.irisnet.be

48 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 49 A CEO IN BRUSSELS Laurence Everard : In search of the sun

WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI

Sold in more than touch of self-derision that Laurence quality labels grow increasingly bulky - 600 outlets across admits : “I hesitated between spare parts the duo’s first taste of success. Two for cars and fashion, but one thing was years later, the decision is made to end the world, the Belgian for sure, I wanted to develop a product !” Késar’s very lucrative subcontracting brand ‘Mais il est où le activities and to launch its own brand – soleil ?’ (‘But Where Is An actress by education, nothing at first thus, ‘Mais il est où le soleil ?’ is born. The Sun ?’) has now seemed predestined for this young been established for eight woman with such vocational leanings. AN INTERNATIONAL BRAND years. During this time, However, while talking with Laurence, Today, after having conquered Belgium, the origins of her entrepreneurial France, Great Britain, Ireland, Switzerland its co-founder, Laurence temperament become clearer. Family and Holland, the brand is aiming Everard, has sparked legend has it that her grandfather, Laurence Everard sector of a company in which she was to reach Europe’s two largest : Germany a revolution in the closeted a persevering industrialist, recovered © Stephen a shareholder. By the end of the 1990s, and Russia. Such ‘internationalization’ confines of female ‘ready from three bankruptcies, one of which Papandropoulos eager to broaden her horizons, she sold is based on a simple and effective to wear’ garments. was in the Wall Street Crash of 1929. her shares and travelled to Asia, visiting marketing strategy: the systematic use Together meets this self- The patriarch started again from scratch China, Thailand, the Philippines of independent local agents: “We set every time; her grandfather’s story and India, where she met a scarves great store by the image conveyed by made femme, who is has always fascinated Laurence, as manufacturer. The business chemistry our flagship operations. These ‘made-to- keeping her place in the product of a family of entrepreneurs. is immediate – visions of creating and measure’ establishments allow us to the sun… However, when she reached 18, she selling scarves grow quickly in her mind : communicate the core values of our did not yearn for the wooden benches “I knew nothing about fashion then,” remarkable product. For this reason, of business school, but rather towards she explains, “but I was attracted by we now want to internationalize our own If I’d known then what I treading the boards : “The theatre taught the beauty and quality of the Indian points of sale with the logo : know now, I might me an essential thing that informed my creations and by the country’s cultural “After Brussels and Antwerp, it’s Paris. never have started !” understanding of business : if you want wealth.” Upon her return to Belgium, But where is the sun ?”. The opening If Laurence Everard something more than anything, and she met designer Val Pollet and of their 150m2 store, to be found at is allowing herself you’re prepared to fight for it, you will get convinced her to join forces with her Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is planned a realistic backward glance over the past there. Anything is possible. The theatrical on her project. Without hesitation, they for April 2008. Believe it or not, ten years, she still seems to take great medium is a poor universe in which every launched their new venture - Laurence ‘Mais il est où le soleil ?’ will be in pride in her achievements, and she can actor must move heaven and earth to took responsibility for operation and ‘La rue des Quatre Vents’... be proud that she made good on a daring move the machine forward. At the time, administration, while Val was made gamble. Proud to know that fans of her it’s very hard work, but afterwards, you production and innovation controller. brand are multiplying on a daily basis. realize that you’ve created exceptional As Laurence admits: “It was a very BIOGRAPHY Finally, proud to have created at least 35 things from bits of string.” frustrating time, particularly as we didn’t Name : Laurence Everard jobs in Belgium, and to have contributed have an investor !” Nationality : Belgian to the economic At that time, Laurence would never have Position : ‘Mais il est où le soleil ?’ ‘I HESITATED development of imagined that she would sell kilometres A FAULTLESS ROUTE co-founder BETWEEN Asian countries. of ‘string’ in her future career... In January 1998, Laurence and Birth date : 17th January, 1959 SPARE PARTS Val created the SPRL Késar, scarf Astrological sign : Capricorn FOR CARS ‘I WANTED TWO DECISIVE MEETINGS manufacturer for prestigious brands Civil status : Co-habitant AND FASHION’ A PRODUCT !’ Gradually, Laurence began to move out such as Sarah Pacini and Caméléon. Children : Two boys It’s with a half-smile of the limelight and towards more Thanks to the quality of their fabrics (aged six and eight) and perhaps a commercial activity in the telemarketing and daring designs, the orders from Commune of residence : Uccle

50 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 51 A CEO IN BRUSSELS

INTERVIEW Mais il est où However, all of ours do. I like to publicise afraid to tell me when they are pregnant : le soleil ? this fact, because I am proud ! I am proud in fact, they do so happily, because Together ‘Mais il est où le soleil ?’ - Spring-Summer to guarantee a volume of work for Asian they know that I am very respectful of 2008 six words for one brand. What are companies and thus to contribute to the balance between their private and the origins of the name ? their workers’ incomes. In our choice of professional lives. It’s one of the reasons suppliers, we never go for one-off deals. why I believe so strongly in tele-working. Laurence Everard: It comes from a This enables us to maintain long-standing With an average of five men to 30 women graffito that was scrawled on a wall that relationships and to control the conditions who stay at home, needless to say that Val and I regularly passed in Saint-Gilles. under which our clothing is manufactured. every year brings its batch of new babies and that it is very important for young You claim not to aim your product But surely delocalizing production mothers to be with their loved ones. J.S. at ‘fashion victims’. So, whom do you delocalizes labour ? target ? We aim at women of all ages who are well Indeed, but our activities have allowed us informed on the latest styles, but do not to create 35 jobs in Belgium, in sectors ‘MAIS IL EST OÙ LE SOLEIL ?’ want to be dictated to. Our fans are the such as marketing, logistics, sales and FACTS : very opposite of fashion victims - they are design. I am honest, and I know that we Launched : 2000 women who read magazines, who know would never have seen such growth if we Initial investment : 6,250` what is ‘ in’, but who also know that what had not delocalized production to India Expected turnover for 2008 : may work for Madonna may very well not and China. In addition to the obvious 12` million work for them! All things considered, our economical aspects, India and China are Belgian employees : 35 clients are active, creative women who like also favourable for the quality and variety Foreign employees : 10 fashion and style but who are also ‘realistic’. of fabrics that they produce. India is independent agents the country of the pashmina and At a time when customers are embroidery - the most beautiful fabrics Countries in which the brand ever-more concerned about where are made there. is sold products come from and the working - Belgium : 95 outlets conditions in which they are made, What opinion do you have on - Two dedicated stores : doesn’t producing your scarves Brussels as an economic centre? Brussels and Antwerp in Asia sit uneasily with your Brussels is a fantastic capital. It is an (20 percent of total sales) public image ? international city, with a human scale, - France : 250 outlets where everything seems possible, unlike in 1 dedicated store in Paris Not at all. Did you know, for example, metropolises such as Paris or London. It is (Due to open in April 2008) that it is not yet obligatory to cite the ideal city for start-up entrepreneur. In (50 percent of total sales) clothing’s country of origin on labels ? addition, the Brussels-Capital Region offers - Great Britain : 55 outlets many subsidies for young business people. - Ireland : 45 outlets (Great Britain and Ireland How does a businesswoman like you represent 15 percent of total MY FAVOURITE juggle family and professional life ? sales) BRUSSELS RESTAURANT - Switzerland : 20 outlets Inada : “A Japanese chef, but Like all active women, I have to be very (3 percent of total sales) a master of delicious French organized. So that I miss nothing, I have - Holland : 40 outlets cuisine.” two identical offices : one in the company’s (5 percent of total sales) Rue de la Source, 73 headquarters, the other at my home. This Also outlets in the following 1060 Brussels. enables me to return home early to enjoy countries : Germany, Italy, T. +32 (0)2 538 01 13 time with my children, then to work again Spain, Kuwait, Greece, once they are asleep. On Sunday, I like to Austria, Luxemburg, Norway, MY FAVOURITE BRUSSELS BAR stay in pyjamas with them before taking Sweden, USA, Japan Le Walvis Café “An unmissable them to the swimming pool. (5 percent of total sales) spot at ‘the bottom’ of the city.” Rue Antoine Dansaert, 209 What sort of boss are you ? Outlets worldwide : 600 1000 Brussels. Available sizes : 36-46 T. +32 (0)2 219 95 32. I believe that I’m a boss with a human Average price : 250-350` www.cafewalvis.be side. For example, my employees are not for 4 items

52 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 53 SOMEWHERE IN ASIA

it would not aid economic growth. It is the same token, agreed, to group all a complex balancing act in which, at Asian countries in the same category. Asian values, least in the service sector, the internet Japan, for example, has not been is a powerful tool. a ‘developing country’ for many years, and even South Korea can no longer FAST LEARNERS be classed as a club member. Taiwan is Asian spirit Against this backdrop, Asia has been a borderline case, while the city-states

WRITER : DAVE DERUYTTER developing at high speed in recent years of Hong Kong and Singapore are now – in fact, it is the fastest-growing and highly developed, largely because of the most stable of all the world’s developing crucial role they play in the international regions. It has taken advantage of trade, logistics and finance of the region. offer, but rather at ‘Mitsukoshi’, their own Our correspondent the opening-up of world trade and the department store. assesses the continent’s availability of global industry standards No doubt, the Far East and south-east Multi-faceted Asia… to all, but it is perhaps misleading, by Asia have their cultural differences. unique features in an Let’s face it - the average human being is increasingly globalized not as adventurous as we think, or would world. like him or her to be. On the contrary, people seem even to be more inward- looking than previously. Even the borders ne might ask whether between the world’s many religions have people and cultures sharpened, rather than blurred, in recent are becoming more years. For myself, I must admit that equal because of travelling the world as an expatriate had, the increasing exchange at first, the effect of confirming everything Oof ideas, cultures and values that I felt was good about Europe before synonymous with globalization. I began to embrace global diversity in full, which required an active effort to seek But this trend towards equality - the out the best aspects of other cultures. Earth is flat - is in fact only happening to a limited extent. Only a tiny portion of On the economic front, the news is better, the globe’s 6.5 billion people travel in certain business sectors at least. abroad, and even fewer do it with Consumer electronics, for example, has the aim of learning new cultures, indeed seen a convergence of industry languages or habits. The typical Belgian norms and standards, because there is can not live long without his steak-frites an economic advantage of scale in so or chocolate - the same goes for most doing. On the other hand, in the energy/ nationalities or culture concerning their power sector, norms for electric plugs own specialities. and even voltage and Hertz values have retained worldwide differences for many ONLY A TINY COMFORT decades. Luckily, power transformers on PORTION OF ZONES almost all electronic equipment are now Many Americans ‘intelligent’, in order to detect power grid THE GLOBE’S may politely eat differentials and adapt to them. 6.5 BILLION nouvelle cuisine, PEOPLE TRAVEL even compliment it, Financial globalization has certainly ABROAD, AND before heading proceeded at a fast rate, to the benefit EVEN FEWER DO for the nearest of investors who wish to diversify their IT WITH THE AIM hamburger joint. assets, but it has also increased the risk OF LEARNING Japanese tourists, of not always being aware of what exactly NEW CULTURES, on the other hand, it is in which they are investing, as has LANGUAGES will eat spaghetti in happened with the sub-prime crisis, for OR HABITS Rome; not in one of example. It is clear that further economic the many delicious integration would be to consumers’ local restaurants on benefit but, if implemented too quickly,

54 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 55 SOMEWHERE IN ASIA

Prosperity : So what, if anything, brings them probably an element of ‘struggle for life’ : Skyscrapers in Shanghai together ? no work is no money, no food and no shelter, emphasized by the less- Well, there does seem to be a strong generous social-security systems when collective will to improve the lives of Asian compared with Western Europe and people and that will is with the locals, the US. who want to work hard to advance. Work ethics are strong, perhaps too strong, Last but not least, the dream of selling but do the workers have a choice ? to an additional 3 billion Asian customers Certainly, working conditions of many drives many western companies east, Asian employees are far from being boosting foreign investment in the region as good as those in the West, but they and bringing not only employment but are improving, hand in hand with also a knowledge transfer that is to increasing commercial added value. the benefit of local companies. Given the very low base from which they started, and the gigantic pool of Where will it go from here ? workers available, particularly in China and India, it will indeed take decades With luck, Japan will serve as an before the average salary cost of example of how not to manage a worker reaches western levels. a situation when the bubble bursts. The country stayed too dependent on However, a work ethic and low salaries exports for too long after having become are not the only reasons why Asian a developed economy, and expanded economies have raced ahead as fast its real estate and financial-asset markets as they have in recent years - other to such high levels that the result was developing regions can claim similar a prolonged period of deflation, from advantages. The difference is the which it is still recovering today. Japan constant push towards service in Asia - remains an economic powerhouse, but the customer really is king, and it may have neglected to invest in Asian people have a strong sense fundamental scientific research in favour of responsibility towards this ideal. of economical and industrial analysis. The country has not developed Given such conditions, conservative technological innovations such as yet dynamic government is also helping the internet, Windows or Google - it is to create the right climate. No wars, here that its challenge for the future lies. plus the presence of Uncle Sam, both militarily and economically as buyer of Pupils have a habit of outperforming their goods (along with the EU) have their teachers in the end - Indian and helped enormously, while countries such China have many great scientists who as China and India have also focused on are already now working in foreign the right goods to produce and sell to fundamental research centres. Will western markets - a true mercantile spirit. ‘brains on legs’ and ‘Home is where the heart is’ bring them back home in So, where does the work ethic and the long run ? Only time will tell, but time sense of responsibility originate ? is still on their side. D.D.

VALUE JUDGEMENTS Many Asian people speak of ‘Asian values’ - the strong bond between family members that also exists in Italy, THE JOURNALIST the US and many other western countries, Dave Deruytter works for a large and the same goes for Asia’s widespread international Benelux bank deep religious beliefs. There is also very and spent several years in Asia.

56 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 57 SOMEWHERE IN ASIA

DON’T GET FLEECED BY AN UNREGULATED FINANCIAL ADVISER Unfortunately expatriates Introducing Classic Financial Solutions N.V. are often the target for Living in Belgium, you face a range of financial issues and unlicensed financial salesmen decisions which may have important differences from usually offering offshore those in your home country. products that are of questionable benefit. Fully regulated, we have provided independent financial advice specifically designed for the individual expatriate since 1991. By the time you realize that they are not what they seemed Advice on investment matters is always given by a director the advisers have moved on. or experienced senior executive and we pride ourselves on offering a highly available personalized service. Local advice from a well- Our multilingual staff has been trained to understand your established adviser with needs and we will be delighted to help you to build your relevant professional personal financial security through sound planning. experience is best. Services include portfolio structuring, building a pension scheme, international tax and retirement planning, and advice to computer contractors -all designed to match your own profile and needs. Initial consultations to clarify your personal goals are free of charge and do not involve a commitment on your part.

Classic Financial Solutions N.V. Regulated by the Banking Commission 321 Brusselsesteenweg C.B.F.A. number A41241 3090 Overijse

T. +32 (0)2 687 31 31 F. +32 (0)2 687 59 87 Email: [email protected] Poverty : Crowded houses in Beijing www.classic-fs.com

58 – Together #08 FLASH

NOTHING TO WEAR ? ASBL Modo Bruxellæ, of ‘Made in Belgium’ fame, is holding an end-of-range ‘mode market’ on 6th and 7th June. Beautiful brands will be available, including Cathy Pill, Jean-Paul Knott, Girls from Omsk, Miss Jean, Nicolas Dehon, Nicolas Woit, Nine and Céleste, Raphaël Charles, Shampoo & Conditioner and Valerie Berckmans.

De Markten Vieux Marché aux Grains, 5 1000 Brussels

FIGURE : 2` That’s the very reasonable price at which you can now purchase your Together from one of the 30 Brussels newsagents that now stock expats’ favourite magazine. Of course, parting with your pennies will only be necessary if you are unfortunate enough to miss the free distribution of our pride and joy, via our charming hostesses in the environs of the European institutions... LIFE- STYLE FRESH OPENINGS Six of the best 1 2 WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI, MURIEL TROONEN & FEDERICO GRANDESSO

As ever, we present Balthazar Men+Women our choice of the latest Avenue Louise, 294 head-turning Belgian 1050 Brussels boutiques. From T. +32(0)2 647 77 37 gourmets to fashionistas, there’s something NEW HEADSTART FOR for everyone... MAISON ROGIER A real event for Brussels – celebrated hairdressing salon and hairdressing salon BEAUTIFUL BIASETTO for celebrities Maison Roger will be 3 4 Since Maison Renders closed its doors, relocating to Rue de Namur, where sweet tooths in the south of Brussels great-and-good clients, from princesses have been sour. However, they can to leading businesswomen, smile again because the Brussels-born will henceforth rub shoulders. Biasetto brothers, master pastry cooks, Its reputation is already in place... have launched a daring initiative - their concoctions will always manufactured Maison Rogier in Italy, with only the “finishing touches” Rue de Namur, 86 added in their Padoue outlet. 1000 Brussels Open every day, this latest gourmand T. +32(0)2 512 36 37 heaven is already the talk of the town ; www.maisonroger.com with pastries and viennoiseries of this quality, it’s little surprise. Be warned, however: the welcome M.A.C : is not always warm ! PERFECT BRUSHWORK The make-up professionals’ choice 1. Balthazar No Concept Men+Women BE POSITIVE Biasetto outlet of the make-up is now to be found Avenue Louise, 94 Just a short walk away from Place Chaussée de Waterloo, 1201 in Brussels. Pure packaging, plus 1050 Brussels 2. Be Positive du Luxembourg, a new well-being 1180 Brussels an incredible pallet of original colours concept has just opened its doors. T. +32(0)2 375 93 55 and formulas are the outlet’s most 3. M.A.C : Perfect In this wellness oasis, you will find all that alluring features, with private make-up Brushwork RUE BLANCHE your body and mind require : organic consultations also available. 4. Rue Blanche Designer Marie Chantal Regout delicacies, natural cosmetics, self- and BALTHAZAR has imbued the latest Rue Blanche health-improvement, consultations and MEETS LOUISE M.A.C address with a beautiful contemporary nourishing body treatments. Charming Moving on from their men-only outlet, Chaussée de Charleroi, 9 edge, but it is at the same time store manager Dominique can make Balthazar now occupies a new 200 m² 1000 Brussels a very cosy environment in which your dreams of a healthier lifestyle reality store, offering such prestigious brands T. +32(0)2 538 75 32 young artists’ collections, benefiting with her inspirational innovations. Make as Paul Smith, Erotokritos, Adriano www.mac-addict.forumpro.fr from the state-of-the-art video projection the natural choice - visit her today ! Goldsmith, HTC, Like Boys, New York system, can now be admired. Industrie and John Smedley. Be Positive Architect Gonzague Hervy has provided NO CONCEPT Rue Blanche Rue du Parnasse, 1 a beautifully illuminated experience Patricia Donadi’s new shop gathers Rue L. De Waelstraat, 37 1050 Brussels on the ground floor, with intimate all high-chic labels - the perfect Bash, 2000 Anvers T. +32(0) 2 512 12 32 comfort in the basement, which is Aridza Bross bag, or Vandevos dress. T. +32(0)3 233 51 71 www.be-positive.be reserved exclusively for accessories. A gift for all! www.rueblanche.com. J.S., M.T., F.G.

62 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 63 MADE IN BELGIUM

Christophe Christophe Coppens is, INTERVIEW Coppens at large © Christophe Coppens first and foremost, a HATS discrete, delicate and Why did you choose the hat as your starting point ? impassioned man, specialising in accessories I studied theatre with the Conservatoire that provide the final de Bruxelles and, for one of the plays OFF TO detail, that can make all on which I worked, I was responsible the difference to a look for stage design and costumes, so and style. As much for I needed accessories. It was precisely at this time that I learned about hats and, gentlemen as for ladies, since then, my collections have evolved a Coppens objet d’art is and I approach the world of fashion CHRISTOPHE always a pleasant surprise... accessories as a whole.

What do accessories represent orn in 1969 in Sint-Niklaas, to you ? Christophe Coppens COPPENS was educated at the Many things at the same time ! In Conservatoire de Bruxelles, particular, my goal is to accentuate WRITER : MAGALI EYLENBOSCH where he originally studied women and men. [laughs]. I just try Btheatre before being bitten by the fashion to bring out their personality... and bug. Without hesitation, he traded in I always work with relatively traditional treading the boards for the catwalks and, and simple foundations. I like the old since his very first collection was shown in artisanal techniques, combined with an 1990, fashionistas the world over have innovative and contemporary approach. raved for his creations. What do you think of today’s His accessories display a subtle mixture fashion trends ? of humour, high spirits and elegance. For his first shop, in the Dansaert district, Everything that’s happening at he gradually introduced a range of the moment is very exciting - things accessories, beginning with bags, jewels, are moving in all sorts of directions. scarves and, since 2004, neck-ties and It’s very stimulating for a designer. other must-haves for gentlemen. In today’s world, there seem Progress was swift and, in 2007, a Tokyo to be many undercurrents, rather workshop was opened. His many and than a simple ‘flow of fashion’... varied collections need more space, so Christophe Coppens decides to refit Yes, perhaps that is the mood of the his existing Brussels outlet, to henceforth moment. Everything’s à la mode, but concentrate solely on female accessories, not... The important thing is to underline while the ‘Coppens Salon’ will be reserved personality and to adapt fashion without for his male collections, presented in really following it. But there is still a broad an intimate ‘living room’ environment. outline that shows the way to go. Several world famous brands are looking to work with Coppens - Levis and So, do you follow fashion trends Cagoule in particular. Together met him and dictats ? between two plane journeys, and he spoke to us about his past, his work Yes and no! It must be acknowledged and his new projects. that it is difficult to completely avoid other

64 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 65 MADE IN BELGIUM

Coppens influences. I absorb much - I am And teamwork? So, tell us about this private salon collections for purchasers and customers Spring-Summer 2008 extremely curious. Books, photographs, that you have in your boutique… from all over the world. © Christophe Coppens collections, films... all are of interest At its foundation, I manage the creative to me and generate inspiration, aspects, then I delegate work to my Visitors are only accepted by appointment. Is designing for men more difficult ? but trends are omnipresent. For fabric team. We have several manufacturers Clients come for certain special manufacturers, colours and à la mode who prepare samples for us to test. occasions, such as a marriage or No, on the contrary, it’s very stimulating ! are of obvious importance - it is here a cocktail party. They can come and I love the concept of ‘taking away’, rather that everything takes shape. I try hard Do you believe that the Belgian buy some of the unique models on display than ‘adding’, because a man can very to mix trends with other influences to market offers enough opportunities in the salon, or place special orders and, quickly start to look too disguised or produce work that is more personal for young designers such as right then and there, a tailor-made work stereotypical. The work’s foundations to me. [Laughs] yourself? of research is carried out. It’s a little like are always extremely traditional, and a laboratory! the approach is always more reserved Do you have magic moments Yes, we are rather spoiled in this country. and delicate. of inspiration ? We have excellent schools, strong Today, you’re working in haute support and competitive spirit - there are couture in Paris. How’s that going ? So, any more Christophe Coppens Not really, because I’m always working. many ways of making your own way! news ? I work on all my collections at the same However, this is still not enough – behind There are two perspectives. On the one time: women, men, haute couture, every success story, there is always a lot hand, Paris haute couture shows items Yes, since last season, I have my latest unique pieces or Deco. Everything of work. It is up to the designer to impose that are not necessarily intended to be collection, Christophe by Christophe is done bit by bit, at the same time. his or her vision - today, it’s very easy to sold, but it’s still right and proper to show Coppens. It is a mixed, fun, coloured To begin, I record my ideas and make a name for yourself, but to stay the what you can do! [Laughs]. And then range that’s a little bit trashier than concepts and, when the deadline course is quite another thing. I will not lie there are the Paris fashion week prêt-à- its predecessors, with a much younger arrives, I create. to you – every day must be seized. porter showrooms, where we show approach! M.E.

66 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 67 FCONTENTUTURE LOOK

photos ANTOINE FONTAINE styling GEOFFREY MASURE @ TOUCH by DOMINIQUE make-up STEVEN RAES FOR GUERLAIN AND L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL @ TOUCH BY DOMINIQUE models @ DOMINIQUE MODELS AGENCY him MATTHIJS KIMPE her ELLEN VAN DER PLANCKEN assistant photographer OLIVIER DONNET art directors LENNERT VEDTS @ PRODUCTOR VINCENT VAN MEERBEECK @ PRODUCTOR

Glasses : RAY BAN Jacket : VERONIQUE BRANQUINHO from Stijl

68 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 69 CONTENT Outfit : MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA

70 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 71 CONTENT Him : Shirt : RAF SIMONS Trousers : TIM VAN STEENBERGEN from Stijl Her : Dress : TIM VAN STEENBERGEN from Stijl Champagne : RUINART CUVÉE ROSÉ

72 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 73 CONTENT

74 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 75 CONTENT

Make-up Mascara : BLACK GUERLAIN NR 2 Eye shadow : DARK GLARE, 4 COLOURS - SILVER PEARL NR 480 Kiss-Kiss Gloss Stick : VANILLA BEIGE NR 940

Bibi : CHRISTOPHE COPPENS Outfit : ANN DEMEULEMEESTER from Stijl

Thanks to Bloom Hotel for the use of their establishment For addresses, see page 129

76 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 77 SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE

Cracow : History comes alive

WRITER : LUDIVINE NOLF

Above : There is barely 70km Take a ride oland has only relatively through between Cracow and recently opened its doors history Auschwitz in Poland, to tourists from Europe © Ludivine Nolf but the Nazi era is in and elsewhere : Among Right : stark contrast with a city the cities available Auschwitz Pto visitors who want to learn more that’s full of charm today © Ludivine Nolf about this former satellite country – an ideal weekend-trip of the former USSR, the birthplace destination that’s well of Pope Jean-Paul II, is Cracow, a served by leading low-cost destination to which low-cost airline airline Wizz Air... Wizz Air flies regularly.

78 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 79 wiz_TM.pdf 4/30/08 1:59:16 PM

SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY Echoes of Cracow, with its 750,000 inhabitants, Cracow. And diverse hotels, clustered the past – the Jewish deserves to be better known. in the area, allow you to reach CMY cemetary One of Poland’s oldest cities, it offers the town centre on foot. Unmissable ! K in Cracow a magnificiently well-preserved © Ludivine Nolf architectural heritage, a dynamic urban A WALK scene and Slavic charm that puts other IN THE JEWISH GHETTO European capitals to shame. Formerly a city within a city, separated from Cracow, the Jewish district offers BETWEEN TRADITION the chance for a quiet stroll along its AND MODERNITY small streets. Soaked with history and If you’re not too tired by your night tradition, the district is well known for its peregrinations (the low-cost airline flights excellent coffees. Huge and impossible are only available after dark and to avoid, the beautiful, poignant Jewish it’s two hours by bus to Cracow from cemetery is strewn with tombstones lost Katowice airport), head without hesitation in flowers, ivy and other climbing plants. into the heart of the old city, to discover its galleries, pubs and restaurants. AUSCHWITZ The atmosphere, while retaining an air of A stopover in Cracow must include a visit mystery, nevertheless lifts your mood – to Auschwitz concentration camp, less even more so when it comes than 70 kilometres from the city. Buses to shopping, as Cracow is a fashionista’s go there twice a day, allowing visits dream to rival the best of Spain and of several hours to the camps Italy. The shopping centre, located a few of Auschwitz and Birkenau. The ghosts hundred metres from the main station, of horrors long past... L.N. is the perfect example of the contrast www.wizzair.com between modernity and history in www.charleroi-airport.com

80 – Together #08 CLOSE - UP COVERAGE ‘Thought : Why does man kill ? He kills for food. And not only food : frequently there must be a beverage.’ - Woody Allen

‘Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.’ - Mark Twain (1835-1910)

‘Food is the most primitive form of comfort.’ - Sheila Graham, gossip columnist, actor

‘The murals in restaurants are on a par with the food in museums.’ - Peter De Vries, American editor and novelist (1910-1993)

‘Health food makes me sick.’ - Calvin Trillin, American journalist, humourist and novelist

EAT & DRINK COACHING SESSION

you do, you’ll never work again.” that might also be helpful in a case of early emotional neglect such as that FOOD Not working any more, hardly able of my friend. to sustain any physical effort (he has not always been the most ardent of So, without further ado, I ask my friend husbands, but his wife seems to comply : if he’ll give it a go. I send him some she maintains sex is ‘not her thing any information and suggest a well-known, FOR more’) – he knows, in fact, that he’s reliable psychiatrist who works with losing his taste for life. So he accepts EMDR. a programme of careful physical rehabilitation and, grumbling, he begins The miracle happens - he makes an his new life plan : eating to survive. appointment. I hear nothing for weeks, until T HOUGHT I bump into his wife at the supermarket. After just a month, another desperate So, how’s he doing ? She points to her WRITER : JOSEPHINE OVEREEM phone call from his wife: his blood is not cart, loaded with colourful fresh food, rich good. Still much too much cholesterol, in anti-oxidants. “And he loves it! He’s yet he eats almost nothing. Is that so ? losing weight. He’s stopped grumbling. A shadow Our life coaches examine I invite him to the lake again and yes - he “And, she blushes, “you know, we’re doing of your former self ? healthy eating – from a eats exactly the same food as last year. it again. It’s been so long...” After the meal, I say nothing. He gets psychological, emotional uneasy and finally blurts it out. He needed just three sessions to replace and physical perspective. the comfort-food association of (self)-love ‘DROWNING MAN’ with that of healthy food. “Come and have “So what ? I hate vegetables and fruit and dinner with us, and see for yourself,” she here he was, sitting in last whole wheat cereals and skimmed milk. says. year’s bright April sun. I love the taste of fat and sugar.” But I can We’d known each at least see that this huge man is almost in tears. That night, he winks at me while serving 25 years and, back when I also notice how scared he looks – like a me a plateful of lovely grilled vegetables. I first met him, he was man drowning. I can’t coach him - When I leave, he says: “My secretary, you Tcertainly slimmer. Today, his belly goes we’re too close. In fact, I don’t think remember, when they broke into her almost as high as his chin – he looks like anyone could - he’s too sensitive under house and stole her car keys and her he’s seven, eight months pregnant. his fat and so scared. But did he not car ? I’ve sent her to the psychiatrist too. once tell me how his Grandma used to She’s sleeping again.” Nonetheless, he stubbornly orders give him lots of fatty, sweet food to keep a beer for apéro, scampi à l’ail for entrée him quiet while his parents entertained I walk back home, whistling. It is not and another beer with his the main dish – downstairs ? Is, perhaps, for him, comfort always this easy but when it is, it feels frites américain with mayonnaise. food in fact the motherly love of which fine. Very fine. J.O. For dessert he takes les trois mousses he received so little? au chocolat, in defiance of God knows if he’d arrived half an hour later, he would who. He knew that I was unhappy to see have died. On release from the hospital Even if he did not undergo a trauma in him short of breath after he’d walked up his doctor not only prescribes him the the classic sense of the word, I suddenly the stairs to my office, me running in front expected pills, but also demands that remember how one of my other clients THE WRITER of him, but he silences my unspoken he hires a personal coach for physical recovered in a similar case of emotional Josephine Overeem, 62, is thoughts with: “A little of what you fancy exercise and consult a diet expert. neglect after only two sessions of EMDR a professional ‘life coach’. does you good.” (Eye Movement Desensitization and She works both with companies “We can’t do everything for you,” his Reprocessing). Initially developed by to instil a lasting coaching SHOCK TREATMENT doctor explains. “You have to contribute Francine Shaprio in 1989 to help shell- culture and also offers However, two weeks later his wife calls your ‘grain of salt’. Frankly, if you have shocked veterans recover from post- individualised therapy. me, in shock: he’s had a heart attack. a second attack like this, we can’t traumatic stress disorder, it now has Her motto : “There is always He survived by the skin of his teeth : guarantee that you’ll survive and, even if evolved into an elegant therapy aid another choice.”

84 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 85 COACHING SESSION NB[EB!NY.6/!! TOWARDS Spbetufs!jo!ifbsu!boe!tpvm/ A HEALTHY WORKING DIET

WRITER : MURIEL TROONEN

n 1987, Michel Montignac much extra weight. It might also be useful launched the first of his to remember that colleagues or clients successful diet books. are not always the same as ‘friends’. Subsequently, he left his top job as a pharmaceutical industry TIPS FOR THE HIPS Imanager and built a food holding, Watch out for unhealthy, high-calorie using his knowledge to create and sell ‘comfort’ food and drinks, such as muffins, products that couldn’t be found in beer, cocktails, chips and chocolate. the usual stores. Set between one and three diet rules that you can and will adhere to. If you go OTT The reason for his success ? As readers once in a while, immediately return to your of his books will see, he applied simple rules for the next meal. common sense and, for the first time, looked at the problem from a consumer’s And do some exercise to speed up perspective: how can one lose weight the process. This is especially and feel healthier while maintaining recommended if you want to recover a normal business life ? If you have a fast from a hang-over... stressful and demanding professional life, and if you want to perform in your - The Montignac die t: Eat for pleasure - job, you can’t be expected to follow stay slim forever a complex diet. It will prove almost - Dine Out and Lose Weight impossible to prepare your menus - The Montignac Method Just for Women in advance, - All available on www.amazon.com to refuse all IF YOU HAVE business lunches A STRESSFUL or to eat at AND DEMANDING the same time The new Mazda MX-5 has everything to set your adrenalin PROFESSIONAL every day. racing. Defy the wind and let your wild horses run - with the LIFE, AND Mazda MX-5, you are at one with the road. Nb{eb! NY.6! qsjdft! This is valid for tubsu!bu!E32-7:1!)Tpgu!Upq!2/9M!)qfuspm*!Dibmmfohf*/!

IF YOU WANT drinks too. You’re Nb{eb!NY.6!Spbetufs!Dpvqf Nb{eb!NY.6!Tpgu!Upq TO PERFORM not obliged to THE WRITER IN YOUR JOB, celebrate every Muriel Troonen, 40, YOU CAN’T BE success with is a professional life and job Mazda Cartechnic EXPECTED Champagne coach. She works with people Chaussée de Wavre, 1682 - 1160 Auderghem - 02 / 674 27 00 - www.mazda-cartechnic.be TO FOLLOW A or cocktails. to develop happiness in their Showroom: Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 18.30 - Sat: 10.00 - 17.00 COMPLEX DIET One glass will do. private lives and jobs. And watch the beer, Her favourite expression : responsible for “Be kind to yourself.” Npefmt!pggfsfe!nbz!ejggfs!gspn!qipuphsbqi/!Qsjdft!tipxo!ep!jodmvef!uby/!Dpnqmjft!xjui!mfhbm!tuboebset!po!fowjsponfoubm!qspufdujpo!)B/S/!2:/14/15*;!xxx/nb{eb/cf/!! Bwfsbhf!dpotvnqujpo!)m0211ln*;!8/4!Ñ!9/3/!D13!fnjttjpot!)h0ln*;!285!.!2:4/!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Xf!hjwf!qsjpsjuz!up!tfdvsjuz/

86 – Together #08 xxx/nb{eb/cf

Ann MX5 Cartechnic UK.indd 1 5/7/08 4:58:54 PM EU REGULATIONS

demands placed upon them. Recent EU While Brussels is laws on hygiene, that exclude micro recognised by its expat enterprises, have been welcomed by the community as a city rich Belgian authorities, but other businesses in good food, Belgium, are also finding it difficult to operate like anywhere in the within the current regulatory framework. European Union, is subject Small and medium-sized enterprises to much regulation in (SMEs), which typically employ the sector. We take a look between 12 and 15 people, have also behind the scenes... complained of both the administrative and practical burdens put upon them by over-regulation. Unlike micro iverse laws concerning enterprises, SMEs in Belgium, and hygiene, labelling and elsewhere, have to comply with an transportation, among increasing amount of paperwork, all others, all directly relate of which needs to be filed to the relevant to how we consume, authorities to ensure compliance with Dand are served, the food we eat. all applicable laws.

Take, for example, frites. A prized treat “It is not simply an administrative by locals and expats alike, the humble burden,” says Ludger Fischer of SME frite is an immense source of pride to organisation, UEAPME, “but also local vendors, who take great care in a practical one. You lose a lot of time the preparation of each batch, on this, because one of your staff has maintaining a consistently high-quality to do this kind of desk work. And then product that has come to distinguish they also find it difficult to keep their Belgium as the place that elevates hands clean, going from one type of the oft-maligned ‘chip’ to something job to another.” approaching an art form. But small frites producers have recently come under Fischer maintains that some of the ideas threat from EU and local laws that might currently put forward by the European spell doom for the small stalls (frietkots) Commission are “not helpful” for small- La Friterie Antoine, that we know and love. food businesses such as frite shops Place Jourdan : Quality frites or bakeries. “The larger types of © Brussels International - STALLING BUSINESSES establishment”, he continues, “are in Th. Poelart Mobile stalls, which can be found in town a position to hire a specific expert for REGULATING squares across the country, are finding administration work. Not so for frietkots”. it increasing difficult to meet the abundance of health and safety It is perhaps no wonder that several regulations with which they must comply, concerned voices have been raised forcing many a seller to establish suggesting that Belgium is currently YOUR permanent premises to continue operating more favourable towards the creation and, thus, contributing to the steady of larger restaurants, instead of decline of this most Belgian of traditions. the traditional frites stall.

Such ‘micro enterprises’, defined as any But it is not just frites production that is business with up to nine employees, are being affected by changes in the law, REPASTS finding themselves increasingly unable to fresh bread, it appears, is also changing WRITER : CILLIAN DONNELLY meet some or all of the regulatory its pallour.

May- June 08 Together – 89 more than 3,500 properties available on www.era.be • more than 3,500 properties available on www.era.be • more than 3500 properties avail- EU REGULATIONS

BREAD LINE not only takes enormous satisfaction Two years ago, a food scare centred in its world-famous product, but is also on the formation of acrylamid in baked sensitive to many of the associated legal and fried products forced the industry issues, such as the serious world issue into a rethink. Acrylamid is an enzyme of child labour. that occurs naturally on foods cooked at particularly high temperatures ; frites Justly famed around the world, and bread being particularly susceptible. chocolate accounts for 13 percent of global turnover within the Belgian food “This by-product appears on things industry as a whole, as well as 17 percent such as frites, and it was believed of exports and providing 13 percent of to be dangerous,” Fischer explains, domestic employment. Europe’s biggest “which would have been very bad for supplier of industrial chocolate or certain foods.” chocolate made for use by smaller manufacturers, Barry Callebaut, is, Luckily, he says, a national crisis was unsurprisingly, located here. averted when, following laboratory tests in Sweden, it was discovered that For their part, Belgians still tend to regard the substance did not in fact have chocolate as something of a treat, cancer-causing properties. “Here, we a product for the high end of have to be thankful to science. It was the market and, as its fame and through this research that it was importance spreads throughout the discovered humans are equipped with world, they are keen to protect the enzymes to destroy acrylamid.” the identity of their chocs. For example, the Royal Belgian Association This should have been the end of it, of Biscuit, Chocolate, Pralines and but caution still prevails. “At nearly all Confectionary (CHOPRABISCO) bakeries in Belgium, they are not baking is campaigning to stop the illegal the bread at the same high temperatures, use of the descriptive term ‘Belgian’ around 180 degrees. They want to be on on foreign chocolate products aiming the safe side, and avoid acrylimid. But to capitalise on the country’s reputation there is a problem: now most bread here for quality. is too pale. It’s blonde!” With this in mind, one of the big issues The continental loaf, it seems, may never that faces the industry in the near be the same again. future is that of “origin chocolate”. AS ITS FAME AND Like cheese and wine, the industry IMPORTANCE CHOCS is pushing for laws defending AWAY ? a product’s exclusive rights to SPREADS If frites are one the name of the country or region in THROUGHOUT great source of which it was produced. THE WORLD, pride in Belgium, BELGIANS then chocolate is Capitalising on the current up-market ARE KEEN most certainly taste for fine-flavoured cocoas and together, we will find your place. TO PROTECT another. Indeed, chocolate products, the Belgian industry THE IDENTITY the Maison is keen to protect its historical image as the world’s premier manufacturer - and OF THEIR Chocolat, as Rue Archimède 17 the country anyone who has experienced the CHOCOLATE 1000 Brussels Real estate f is sometimes delights of the country’s artisanal labours heart o PROFIDI T. +32 (0)2 230 24 24 in the monikered, will surely concour. C.D. ssels www.era.be/profidi Bru 90 – Together #08 SUCCESS STORY EAT & DRINK BELGIUM BELGIAN GOES ‘BONGO’ VITTELS BANANAS WRITER : COLIN MOORS

WRITER : JAMES DREW Where is the money small setback, it remains popular to an to be made in Brussels almost ridiculous degree. If you want a dining ? Is it haute table at short notice, forget it – the cuisine 2006 – some 40€ million was spent is high French, the welcome warm and Bongo, The country’s leading a real success on the vouchers. cuisine, hamburgers the waiting list long. One noted food story supplier of getaway-breaks, or health ? Together website was moved to point out: “It’s likely © Bango Weekendesk, has revealed Six Bongo users out of ten chose an presents a compact profile easier to enter the kingdom of heaven that, according to its activity lasting a day ( such as Lazy of a success story than to get a seat here, so book as far figures, more than half a Sunday, Healthy Lunch, Sauna for Two), from each category... ahead as possible.” million Bongo vouchers while four out of ten plumped for a weekend (Weekend in Paris, Cycling The restaurant began in 1926, when were purchased in 2007, Weekend, City & Shopping). Georges Cuvelier decided life in the coal already double the number COMME CHEZ SOI Quite possibly the single most famous mines was not for him and set up a small sold in 2006… And, since the launch of ‘Bongo-starred’ restaurant in Belgium, Comme Chez Soi restaurant in Brussels. The story has it restaurants (approved by Michelin) is renowned for producing an elegant that one of his regular customers in February, the choice of restaurants and sumptuous dining experience. remarked “in your restaurant, we eat like t Weekendesk’s request, has already risen to 45, a number that’s In 2007 it lost one of its famous three we do at home” and so the name Comme TNS Dimarso recently sure to increase. Michelin stars – rumour has it that when Chez Soi was adopted. It has been an 82- carried out a survey of a new chef starts work, the Michelin guide year success story, and the restaurant more than two thousand Owned by leading getaway-break provider will automatically deduct a star to allow itself has remained largely a family business. Belgians, concerning Smart&Co since October 2007, him or her to earn it back. Despite this The emphasis is on quality, and this seems Athe Bongo brand and its success the Bongo bonanza is seen as evidence to be the key. In 2006, however, their chef, compared with its competitors. of the growing public desire for Pierre Wynants, struck a deal with the ‘experience’ gifts, which offer personal Delhaize supermarket chain, allowing them Although only available for 15 months, enrichment and growth experiences. to market “premium” ready-made meals the popularity of the gift tokens, which “We are seeing a real need to learn, know using their famous name as a selling point. are exchanged for weekend or daily and try out, which is one of the main There is obviously still room for manoeuvre leisure activities, is growing rapidly - reasons for the success of our products,” in a crowded ready-meals market if the a fifth of all Belgians stated Axel Bernia, Smart & Co CEO. brand is respected. aged 18 to 64 have “Our objective for 2008? To offer ever- already bought more Bongo opportunities with new a Bongo, and two getaway opportunities, to continue making COMME CHEZ SOI – THE FACTS thirds of all those quality leisure time accessible to all!” 2007 Figures questioned Turnover : 3,062,000` were aware of Weekendesk offers more than 1000 Staff : 33 the gift tokens, weekend-break formulas and, with Profit : -34,000` which are Bongo, is Belgium’s leading ‘getaway’ Negative profit brought particularly popular operator. Smart & Co operates in twelve by amortisation spending of with young people countries, with an annual turnover of 258,000` of which 209,000` due and women. 146€ million. J.D. to investment of 1,307,000` on Sales turnover a new kitchen and equipment doubled in 2007, www.weekendesk.com in 2006. Real profit at 2007 compared with www.bongo.be year-end was 19,000`.

92 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 93 EAT & DRINK

807€ million – an increase of six percent EXKi on the previous year, coming from Developed as the antithesis to all combined sales of 180 million meals. the low-nutrition, high-salt, high-fat fast- foods available on the high street, Their focus is similar to the other big- EXKi’s philosophy is straightforward, name burger outlets – low-cost food, and summed up by their motto “natural, served as fast as possible. To this end, fresh and ready”, and the belief that fast their promotions tend to be what we have food no longer needs to mean unhealthy come to expect from a burger chain – eating. The name itself is pronounced tie-ins with movies and youth brands, the same as the French exquis – periodic “specials” and with the usual exquisite or delightful. The restaurants range of beef, chicken and fish burgers have a simple, fresh look and the “I” of always available. As a reaction to the logo is represented by a carrot, just demand from health professionals they, to be sure there can be no confusion like McDonald’s, have produced a chart about the company’s credentials. EXKi to inform their customers of the nutritional began originally as a project between values of every meal they serve. three school friends - Frederic Rouvez, 2004 showed the group’s first net profit, In a market as competitive as theirs, Nicolas Steisel and Arnaud de Meeûs. and the profits are up between 10-20% QUICK they need to be every bit as good as In their own words, they “wanted to do per restaurant every year, but because While on a visit to the United States their nearest rivals. Faced with intense something together”. As they all had a of the labour-intensive method of in 1968, Baron Vaxelaire had the idea of competition from the likes of McDonald’s common interest in the pleasures of producing the food, and the high cost opening a business in Belgium providing and Burger King, Quick is not only dining, it was almost inevitable that their of raw ingredients, Nicolas only admits “restauration rapide”. He sent a team holding its position, but expanding. “something” would be a restaurant. to making what he calls “a very of people to the US to investigate Spotting a niche in the market created reasonable profit”. the business and report on their findings. by the rising demand for healthy, organic Just three years later, the first two Quick food, they set about turning their idea With the Belgian people having such restaurants were opened in Schoten into reality and only a year after the a love of food and the many and varied and Waterloo. As a part of the very large original idea, they opened their first winning combinations on the market, QUICK – THE FACTS GIB group, which also has activities in EXKi at Porte de Namur in January, there appears to be no limit to what is 2007 Figures the supermarket, DIY and self-service 2001. A second restaurant opened possible in the Belgian catering industry. Group sales : 865.3` million restaurant sectors, Quick has the in November of the same year in C.M. (71 percent sales and franchising financial leverage to expand rapidly in the much busier Rue Neuve. Today, products). 7.2 percent rise on this market. As at January 2007, there along with the restaurants located in 2006 were 82 restaurants in Benelux, Belgium, they have launched others EXKi SA France and international sales : 320 in France and other restaurants as in Luxembourg, France and Italy. 2006 Figures 714.9` million (70 percent sales far afield as Andorra and Morocco. Restaurants and franchising products) Around a quarter One of the more interesting features EXKi has 16 restaurants, FACED WITH Benelux sales : 150.4` million (78 of their outlets of the business is their marketing two master franchises percent sales and franchising INTENSE are owned by and advertising strategy – there isn’t one. (Wallonia-Luxembourg & Italy) products) COMPETITION the company itself, Nicolas Steisel, interviewed in an online and has created more than Group profits : 62.7` million FROM THE LIKES with the other business magazine, said : “We’ve always 150 jobs directly, in addition (2006: 42` million) OF MCDONALD’S three quarters said that we’d have no budget for to approximately 70 indirect jobs AND BURGER being franchised. Restaurants marketing as such. Our marketing created due to the growth of its KING, QUICK However the Group : 423 (Franchises: 322) strategy consists of the way we do suppliers and via the franchise. IS NOT ONLY enterprise is set up, Company owned: 101) business.” By making sure they hire the Turnover (2006) group HOLDING ITS it is certainly France : 332 (Franchises: 244) right people, those who are enthusiastic restaurants : 10,795,000` POSITION, BUT achieving its aim. Company owned : 88) and welcoming, and by making sure Turnover (2006) franchise EXPANDING The financial year Benelux : 82 (Franchises: 69) the word-of-mouth reaction to their restaurants : 3,659,000` of 2006 saw Company owned : 13) restaurants was favourable, the business Profits before tax : 70,000` a turnover of International : 9 (All franchises) grew with practically no advertising at all. Profits after tax : 71,000`

94 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 95 BOCCONI RISTORANTE ITALIANO BOCCONI : CREATIVITY MEETS HAUTE CUISINE

WRITER : JAMES DREW

concept, an Italian Sunday brunch by The warm ambience known since childhood. As he explains: Under the guiding hand the name of Sapori Domenicali. of Bocconi Ristorante THE RECIPE ‘These people do it small, but do it very of young dynamo chef Italiano SLICED RED TUNA AND DICED well. It’s simple, really – I’m trying to offer Vincenzo Regine, Bocconi The idea is simple – every Sunday, from TOMATOES WITH PAN - ROASTED diners the very best in Italian cuisine, and 11h30-14h30, the traditional breakfast is ASPARAGUS AND FENNEL Ristorante Italiano, I’m not going to be able to achieve that enriched with Mediterranean flavours. A Serves 4 to be found in the Hotel unless I use genuinely sourced Italian buffet of pure choice is offered, including - 600g fresh red tuna fillets Amigo near Brussels’ produce.” seafood, the finest Italian meats and an - 12 asparagus spears Grand’Place, is fast assortment of delicious pasta dishes. - 1 large bunch of fennel And his insistence on working with all gaining a reputation And the price per head ? A mere 55€ for - 1 large tomato things Italian goes a step further – the 19 adults, 35€ for the bambinis. Mwwaah! - 1 sprig of basil as THE Italian dining kitchen staff under his watchful eye also www.ristorantebocconi.com - extra virgin olive oil Vincenzo Regine, room of choice. Together hail from his home country. One must Bocconi’s presents a profile of - 4 bay leaves Master Chef THE CHEF assume that he knows wherof he speaks the chef and restaurant, – lauded as ‘Master Chef 2007’ in As soon as Bocconi’s Vincenzo Regine, Cut the tuna into four portions Belgium, under the auspices of Deltas de plus an exclusive Regine 29, starts talking, you can feel of 150g each, boil four litres of la Gastronomie 2007 and Campioni del recipe to try... the depth of his passion for his water with 30g salt for each litre. Mondo 2007 by Ciao Italia Benelux, he is profession. Of course, his Italian Place the asparagus in the boiling an artisan from whom most chefs could THE RESTAURANT heritage (he was born in Ischia) water and allow to cook for 5 learn a thing or two about Italian cooking. Open in the luxurious environs of Hotel helps enormously - he was brought up minutes. Drain and soak to cool Amigo since 2003, Bocconi Ristorante surrounded by the purest cuisine traditions in iced water. Peel and set aside. But don’t take our word for it – discover Italiano has already established itself not of the south Italian island, off Naples. Rince the fennel and cut into for yourself, pronto! just as a dining adjunct to a luxury hotel, four equal portions. Boil for six but also as one of the best, if not So how does Vincenzo define creative minutes, dry and set aside. Clean Bocconi Ristorante Italiano THE best, Italian fine-dining experiences cuisine? He answers without hesitation : the tomatoes, cut in four, de-seed Rue de l’Amigo, 1-3 in Brussels. “For me, creativity must always begin and finely dice each quarter. 1000 Brussels with the colours. People eat with their In a pan, heat a few drops of oil T. +32 (0)2 547 47 15 With a menu that includes delights eyes, and a beautiful dish speaks to and, when very hot, cook the www.ristorantebocconi.com ranging across the entire spectrum the very soul. ” slices of tuna for four minutes of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, on each side. In another pan, mix Breakfast : and a wine list hand-selected by Chef Of course, it goes without saying that the asparagus and fennel and Weekdays - 6h30-10h30 Vincenzo Regine, the dining experience the wide variety of delicacies on offer are at the last minute add the tomatoes Weekends - 6h30-11h00 on offer is further accentuated by made using only the freshest ingredients, and grate the basil over the the warm ambience of the restaurant but what separates Bocconi from Lunch : mixture. Add to the pan with and the attentiveness of the service. the countless Italian restaurants vying From Monday to Sunday the tuna. Then place one slice of for supremacy in the capital of Europe 12h - 14h30 the tuna on each plate, cut in two There’s more about the gastronomic giant and beyond is Vincenzo’s absolute halves with three spears of that is Vincenzo in a minute, but for now, insistence on using ingredients direct Dinner : asparagus and decorate with a little further encouragement – Bocconi from Italy, supplied by genuine artisanal From Monday to Sunday a bay leaf, with oil drizzled lightly is set to launch a convivial haute cuisine producers, many of whom the chef has 19-23h around the edge of the plate.

96 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 97 TEMPTATIONS TASTES 1 2 3 4 OF SUMMER

WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI 5 6 7 8 Gastronomical delights range of aromatic, delicious salts, to charm your palate... flavoured with delights as diverse as lemon zest, fennel seeds, Japanese wasabi, mixed herbs and peppercorns, seaweed, smoked jalapenos, sun-dried 1. GODIVA olives, or simply natural. Celebrated luxury chocolatier Godiva 100g : 5.90€ offers a truly refined cornet. With www.capeherb.com 9 10 11 12 chocolate pleasure layered over delicious strawberries, Godiva’s 6.CHAI & BAR ‘Dippings’ will be the sweet-tooths’ To be found in the Tour&Taxis complex, delight this summer. Chai&Bar offers early-Summer 5.30€ per cornet. www.godiva.be wine promotions. Merlot tops the list, with a selection of beautiful 2. RUINART Saint Emilion and Pomerol vintages, Ruinart’s sumptuous presentation box, not forgetting, of course, the containing a half-bottle of Ruinart Rosé establishment’s excellent-quality and two beautiful engraved flute glasses. Bordeaux bargains. So glamorous ! Examples: Price upon request. www.ruinart.com Château Tertre Roteboeuf 1999 : 119€ 9. LEON DE BRUXELLES 11. TEXTURAS Château Bellevue 2001 : 36.50€ The famous defender of Belgian Thanks to the ‘Texturas Ferran Adria’ 3. DUCHY ORIGINALS Château Cheval Blanc 2001 : 249€ gastronomy, Chez Léon, has been range from famous chef el Bulli, you will Succumb to these lime and chocolate www.chai-bar.be serving around 1,000 diners some control your cuisine at a molecular level, candies from Duchy, which was given 800kg of mussels every day for 150 allowing you incorporate such modern the royal seal of approval in 1992 by 7. LEGENDS OF TEXAS years and, recently, it has added a 100- techniques and ingredients as hot jellies, the UK’s Prince of Wales as BARBECUE COOKBOOK percent Belgian lager to its menu, which caviar with melon, spherical ravioli and a top-of-the-range organic manufacturer. In 256 pages, illustrated with rare is also now to be found in supermarkets, many more. 125g : 2.75€. photographs and filled with recipes hotel minibars and also onboard Brussels Products available at : www.duchyoriginals.com and old-timers’ anecdotes, author Airlines planes. Cocoricoooooooooo ! Mmmmh ! Robb Walsh brings to life the history of www.chezleon.be Chaussée de Charleroi, 20 4. ONE SECOND MINTBLAST the barbecue, a Texan speciality that 1060 Brussels The new 1’’ Mintblast guarantees fresh will make for many happy Summer times. 10. HENNESSY From 15€. www.texturaselbulli.com breath throughout your working day, 15€ With Hennessy’s Paradis Extra, one thanks to its triple-action technology : www.amazon.co.uk leaves the world of merely ‘very good’ 12. MARTINI an ice-cool liquid centre, with two layers Cognacs behind, to enter the realm of a Now sold in eight-packs, the new 20cl of refreshing, crunchy coating. Wow ! 8. FORTNUM & MASON truly exceptional vintage offering pleasure Martini Minis will be THE drink of www.onesecond.eu Present your pastoral picnics with pride, without equal - heady and sensual, Summer. Available in Bianco or Rosso, thanks to Fortnum & Mason, official a mixture of spice notes and the soft they’re a new way of enjoyed this 5. THE CAPE HERB & SPICE suppliers to the British Royal Family. No scent of dried flowers. To be enjoyed celebrated Italian aperitif, far removed COMPANY detail is overlooked - this hamper in moderation, naturally. from the cocktail glass and traditional The South-African herb and spice combines practicality with refinement. 70cl : 450€ olive preferred by Mister Bond... specialist offers an impressive, seductive 200€. www.fortnumandmason.com www.hennessy.com www.martini.com J.S.

98 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 99

CAKES & ALE

20h00 PARENTS-IN-LAW One thing’s for sure: all their alleged flaws A WEEK IN THE are forgotten when they serve up the grub - the father-in-law is a barbecue ace, while the mother-in-law is queen - of gratin Dauphinois and mixed salads. LIF E OF A GO GO Another thing’s for sure - I’m in for a great evening ! G LUTTON Send an email to [email protected], and he’ll WRITER : JÉRÔME STÉFANSKI forward you their address. No, really...

7h45 MONDAY TOUT BON © Tout Bon There are already 1,000 measure, in other words ! Think of it as restaurants in Brussels, a more prestigious take on the Pain TUESDAY and the tally is growing Quotidien formula (which used to occupy the same premises). And the icing on 11h30 all the time. Difficult, then, the cake ? The pleasant terrace is for an enthusiastic eater ‘BREAKFAST’ IN BED available at the first glimpse of sun ! Look, anyone can make a mistake... such as our publisher to Only one drawback – the quality and a great bash yesterday evening, but avoid eating out all comfort on offer come at a price. Count I think I ate too much, and indigestion the time, but work must on spending 10-15€ per person, but it struck. Well, to tell the truth, there may occasionally intrude. is a very generous breakfast. also have been a somewhat excessive Here, then, for your amount of excellent rosé imbibed, and, Tout Bon despite the two Irish Coffees that I also pleasure, are seven days’ Place du Luxembourg, 68 enjoyed (to aid digestion, naturally), gastronomic adventures 1000 Bruxelles I found myself still in bed at 11h30 with a young man forever T. +32(0)2 230 42 44 the next morning, drinking litres of water on the move, who has one www.toutbon.be to ease my, er, ‘indigestion’. Unfortunately, eye always on his belly… I had to take the day off. At least I won’t 13h00 have to suffer the idiotic English ‘humour’ THE FOODMAKER of my editor, James, today – every cloud 13h00 MONDAY THE FOODMAKER © Foodmaker MONDAY My Tout Bon morning feast made has a silver lining... (And revenge is a restaurant lunch impossible – anyway, a dish best served cold - Ed) 7h45 deadlines are fast approaching, so I don’t TOUT BON have the time to break bread with my Jérôme’s bed To start a new working week on the right colleagues. I chose to meander back Ladies (and/or Gentlemen), send foot, my first stop is at en establishment across Parc du Cinquantenaire for a visit an email to [email protected], claimed, by some, to offer ‘The King to The Foodmaker, there to enjoy a and you will be promptly informed of of Breakfasts’. Located in the heart of sandwich going by the funny name the address of the publisher’s bed... the Léopold district, a short stroll away of ‘Funny Fish’, mixing fresh salmon, from the European Parliament, Tout Bon yoghurt, onion, dill and slices of a Granny offers much to enjoy - it’s clean spacious, Smith apple. Washed down with a Coke has attractive decor, a friendly welcome, Light, I’m less than 8€ out of pocket. WEDNESDAY a wide variety of quality dishes. Open Beat that... from 7h, the breakfast menu offers 9h several set options, all comprising The Foodmaker ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY a lesser or greater quantity of cereals, Rue Linthout, 246 Today, I’m in a hurry again – but my day- fruit juice, breads, cakes, yoghurts, 1040 Bruxelles off yesterday did me the world of good ! delicious spreads, jam and honey, cold- T. +32(0)2 732 05 05 I grab my gear and head for the town cuts, fresh fruit – pleasure without www.thefoodmaker.be centre, with a brief stop en route to enjoy 9h WEDNESDAY ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY © Illy.com

100 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 101

CAKES & ALE

a creamy Cappuccino at Illy. When it 21h huge burden of the articles left to bang comes to ‘designer coffee’, there’s none ASPRIA into shape. Three days to deadline - no better... After two hours of cycling, body-building time to complain! Welcome to the 21st and swimming, I deserve a good meal. century, where modern Man is willing Espressamente Illy The Aspria’s advantage is that it’s all to give his life to meet a deadline... Sheraton Brussels Hotel under one roof: there’s a crêche (little Place Rogier, 3 ones are not yet on the scene in my At the office - Together Magazine 1210 Brussels case), a swimming pool, sports hall, Rue d’Alost, 7 T. +32(0)2 224 31 11 business lounge and, most importantly, 1000 Bruxelles WEDNESDAY ASPRIA © Aspria.be www.illy.com a restaurant. So, without any qualms T. +32(0) 475 41 63 62 whatsoever, I enjoy a large goat’s cheese www.together-magazine.eu salad and soda, with a tab of less than 12h45 20€, in a restaurant that’s on a par with COCO EAT&DRINK Brussels’ best. 20h30 An important advertiser wants to take BAR ESPACE 53 lunch with me to prepare his future Aspria This evening, I enjoy an unusual dinner marketing moves, and I’ve got just The View Building organized by my friend Eliza Laterza of the place to go. If you want to ‘talk’ Rue de L’Industrie 26-38 Eurolunch, bringing expats and Brussels to expats, first, you gotta eat where 1040 Bruxelles together for a James Bond, 007-themed they eat. Coco, the renowned brasserie T. +32(0)2 508 08 12 evening. A success, as ever, and on Place du Luxembourg, should www.aspria.be a chance for me to chinwag with some in fact be paying me so for the free really charming people. The name’s publicity I give for their Irish entrecote Stefanski – Jérôme Stefanski... steak ! On the other hand, Coco do allow me to distribute my magazine THURSDAY Bar Espace 53 in their establishment, so maybe we’re Autoworld about even... 9h15 Parc du Cinquantenaire TRAFFIC JAM 1040 Bruxelles 20h30 THURSDAY BAR ESPACE 53 © Espace 53 Joking aside, for those poor souls This morning, the roads of our beautiful T. +32 (0) 476 626 121 who have not yet tried the steak here, capital are clogged with traffic. Never www.eurolunch.eu there’s no time to lose! In fact, if you mind - I had thought ahead and left my had but an hour left to live, you’d be apartment with an apple, banana and 22€ out of pocket (but what would that a delicious, crunchy cereal LU Breakfast matter ?), but you could do far worse Yoghurt to hand. Only 2.29€ from FRIDAY than make sure you tried this meat the supermarket... masterpiece - succulent, impeccably 9h seasoned and complemented by an For info on traffic, go to www.rtlinfo.be, AU VATEL unusual, but oh-so delicious, pepper unless you’re stuck in a jam… I am in good form this morning, looking sauce. A must. And, while we’re here, forward to a promised sunny weekend a big hello to the Coco Eat&Drink team that’s begun as it should. With a light and good luck for the summer season ! 15h45 heart, I head for Place Jourdan (but not AT THE OFFICE for frites), to choose a breakfast for my Coco Eat&Drink The morning traffic congestion threw team at the office from Au Vatel, which Place du Luxembourg, 10 my work out of sync, so I had to make is Brussels’ best bakery, bar none 1050 Bruxelles up for lost time... but at the end of and is a family-run establishment, that T. +32(0)2 230 22 30 the afternoon, I suddenly realized that specializes in orders for hotels and www.cocoeat.be I’d forgotten to eat lunch, such was the the European institutions. 20h35 FRIDAY L’ARTEA © L’Artea

102 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 103

CAKES & ALE

Au Vatel L’Artea Place Jourdan, 27 Chaussée de Waterloo 940 1040 Bruxelles 1180 Bruxelles T. +32(0)2 230 25 00 T. +32(0)2 372 09 79 http://sites.resto.com/lartea/

12h15 RESTO PRESTO 23h45 There’s an important meeting at LA PATINOIRE the office at noon that’s likely to drag on. We are near the Jeux d’Hivers, which, Thankfully, our secretary had softened like every Friday, is closed, so, we think, the blow the day before by calling Resto why not take a final drink at La Patinoire Presto and ordering a delivered business (the terrace will be open from May buffet. Number 55 on the menu comes onwards)? Cosy ambience, even if highly recommended – Fontainebleau/ certain pretentious Bruxellois clients Salmon on a mesclun bed/Shrimps are a touch exasperating ! As a useful tartare with celery and vanilla dressing/ guide to what you’re letting your wallet/ Brown mushroom salad with foie gras purse in for, a Coke costs 8€... and caramel balsamic dressing/ Strawberries and cream /Bread roll. La Patinoire A delight! Bois de la Cambre Chemin du Gymnase, 1 Resto Presto 1000 Bruxelles Rue Marconi 19a T. +32 (0)2 649 70 02 1190 Bruxelles www.lapatinoire.be T. +32(0)2 230 00 70 www.restopresto.be

So, that was a full week, in every sense. 20h35 With all this eating out, I didn’t have L’ARTEA the time or, I must admit, the inclination, The weekend has arrived ! To celebrate to cook for myself chez moi. Last a very positive working week, I take summer, when a young IKEA salesman Chaussée de Waterloo to Uccle, to take convinced me that his superb fully my partner to Artéa. This Italian gourmet equipped kitchen was a must-have, restaurant is easy to enjoy: refined decor, I knew at the same time that it was divine cuisine, an impressive selection going to be tricky to realise its full of wines and an owner with enough potential. So, it’s decided (hopefully) charm to take your breath away (ladies, tomorrow, being Saturday, I’ll go beware). Its romantic environs and ample to Delhaize (or steal from the terrace will seduce you, I am sure ! supermarket, depending on the state For my part, I plumped for Crevettes of my finances) to make a picnic resto aux crevettes grises (16€), le Filet de Bar to enjoy by the waters at Mellaerts Sauce aux Scampi, Tagliolini au Citron de Woluwe. After all, where there’s life, HENRI (22€) and finally the celebrated Moelleux there’s hope...but then again, if you live Vlaamsesteenweg 113-115 au Chocolat with vanilla ice cream (7€), on hope, you’ll die of hunger... 1000 B-Brussels all accompanied by a robust 2006 Chianti. J.S. Haute - cuisine like momma made it. T. 02 218 00 08

104 – Together #08 BY THE GLASS RAISING THE BAR WRITER : ALEX HEWETSON

Right : Winery Our wine expert takes © sensum.be a tour of a choice selection of Brussels’ essential Above : PARACHUTE PARC going-out venues – wine Parachute Parc To be found near the Jardins Tenbosche, bars. © sensum.be this is a recent arrival. All wines by the glass are the wines of the month ; Right : Scirocco I tried a Nero d’Avola for 5€, which isn’t n countries such as the UK, © sensum.be too bad. For around 30€, they had a the wine bar has been established Clos de Lolol Carmenere /Cabernet of Barbera, which was fruity and for hundreds of years, mostly Sauvignon 2003 from Chile - this has pleasant, if not very deep. The prices in the City of London, specifically real depth and power to it, and it’s worth range from 20-300€ a bottle, with the list around Fleet Street, where investing in a bottle if there are two clearly divided into the Italian wine Iunder-published journalists hide behind of you. In the whites section, I noticed regions. My pick of the menu was glasses of the house Bordeaux and a Domaine des Terres Dorées white Tre Rose, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano complain about heartless editors. But in Beaujolais Chardonnay, which looked for 30€. If you make it as far as dessert a country where bars sell beer and wine, very interesting. The bar has its wines or want a sweet apero, try the Moscato where restaurants and bistros are happy well displayed, with two Magnums Passito di Pantelleria, made from to serve you anything on their list without of Deutz Champagne standing as sun-dried Muscat grapes on a small expecting you to eat, the wine bar as sentinels on either side of the cabinet. island just off the Tunisian coast. a distinct entity is quite new to Brussels, At lunchtimes, they also do Rich overtones of almonds, overripe and there are now a few that have been a competitively priced 10€ lunch. melons and vanilla pods – it’s a great open for a while. So, join me for a glass wine that’s not often found ‘by the glass’. and a tour of some of these hostelries, Rue Washington 151-3, where the grape is lord and master. I always head for their New World 1050 Brussels Chausée de Vleurgat 50, selections and you can get a really T. +32 (0)2 346 6829 1050 Brussels WINERY distinctive white or red for about 15-20€, Open Monday-Saturday, 12-14h, 19-23h, T. +32 (0)2 640 3242 Let’s start in Place G. Brugmann, including corkage. They also do a tasty closed Sundays www.scirocco.be where, with a name like Winery, they’re range of charcuterie, tapas and cheeses Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday unlikely to be selling Bruges lace, right ? to accompany your choice and the staff SCIROCCO The concept is a bar that doubles up as are polite and friendly and always ready My next stop is across Avenue Louise a wine shop - the decor’s simple, with to help you choose your tipple. (don’t get squashed by a tram) - PIOLA LIBRI high narrow tables and stools. They Scirocco is an Italian wine bar and My next choice is to be found on always have about three whites, reds Place G. Brugmann 18, restaurant, with a pleasant view onto the other side of Schuman, past the EU and fizzes open to drink by the glass, but 1050 Brussels a garden below. The bar counter is enclave, and is highly original. Another the best thing is to buy a bottle and drink T. +32 (0)2 345 4717 a touch antiseptic, but the wine list is Italian establishment, but it’s a bookstore it sur place; you’ll pay 5€ for corkage, www.wineryonline.be very warm and full of Italian sun. They are as well as a wine bar, so in true which means you can enjoy a wide range Open Monday-Saturday, 11-20h, happy to serve a number of wines by decadence you can buy a copy of styles without decimating the wallet. closed Sundays the glass ; I got my fingers round a glass of Boccaccio’s Decameron and splash

106 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 107 BY THE GLASS

Top : Piola Libri © sensum.be

Bottom: Oene Tk © sensum.be

Rue Franklin, 66-68 1000 Brussels T. +32 (0)2 736 9391 www.piolalibri.be Open Monday to Saturday, 11-20h

OENO TK The final stop on this tour is the Oeno Tk in Ixelles just behind the Trinite church on the corner of Rue Africain. Like the Winery, this is also a shop - for 6€ corkage you can drink a bottle sur place, which is always the best idea and works out much cheaper. They have a good range of wines; if you feel like splashing out to the tune of 50€, they also have some great Rhônes and Burgundies. I usually choose their Rasteau - with corkage included, it’s around 17€. They offer tapas to accompany the wines, which are interesting but tend to be a little on the small side.

Rue Africaine, 31 Barolo all over it. Wander up to the 1060 Brussels shelves of wine on display, pick out what T. +32 (0)2 534 6434 you want and the enthusiastic patron will www.oenotk.be tell you, in a lovely Italian accent, the Open Monday-Tuesday 11-20h region it’s from and what its attributes Wednesday-Saturday 11-22h30 are. If you choose to drink on the Closed Sundays. premises, the price also includes a wide choice of delicious antipasto, and you Managed the whole tour in one night ? can go back for more whenever you Feeling guilty ? Well, I’m sure the nearby wish. We had a 2000 Dolcetta D’Alba for Trinite Church offers late-evening 24€, which was splendidly fruity and confession, just don’t drink the altar wine velvety smooth, with a hint of chocolate. - heavenly it is not! All told, it’s a really exciting and unusual combination of two of my greatest loves - More wine bars available on wine and books. www.sensum.be A.H.

108 – Together #08 THE PLACES TO BE Summer starts...

WRITER : MAGALI EYLENBOSCH

THE BACKSTAGE and designers exhibited their work, On 25th April, the third edition of accompanied by frenetic rhythms from The Backstage event was organised DJs Lorenzo Ottati, L Fêtes and in Brussels by Ubiquity Concept. Miss Luna. Showcasing an insider’s view of fashion, the event held court at Tour & Taxis and The next edition of The Backstage will be was attended by almost 2,000 guests. held at Tour & Taxis on 24th October. The highly colourful show by the GIRLS FROM OMSK design team wowed The Backstage the audience, promoting fashion from Tour&Taxis a different angle. But the centre piece Avenue du Port, 86c was a transparent 200m3 cube, inside 1000 Brussels which make-up artists, hair stylists www.thebackstage.be

© Yvan Barbera FEMME D’EUROPE the show, Mattiolo sold a selection AND GAI MATTIOLO - of garments from the next Spring- FASHION AT THE EP Summer collection in a charity auction. There was an unusual catwalk at the European Parliament for a fashion- show organized by Italian Maison Gai Mattiolo Fashion Show Gai Mattiolo and the international European Parliament association Femme d’Europe, which Rue Wiertz, 60 has financed around 1,700 humanitarian 1047 Brussels projects all over the world. After www.gaimattiolo.it

110 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 111 THE PLACES TO BE

Left : TO SPA, WITH ASPRIA ! Bertrand Baguette For two years, Aspria has sponsored from fifth to first in the rankings, winning at work young F1 driver from Verviers, Bertrand his race on Saturday. Congratulations Right : Baguette, 21. During the weekend of 3rd are in order, but it’s hardly surprising - Baguette and Brian Morris, and 4th May, Baguette went for a spin Aspria, of course, are also responsible Aspria CEO on Spa-Francorchamps circuit, for the for the driver’s fitness regime... World Series Renault. A splendid occasion, then, for Aspria to invite gym There are three Aspria Gyms in Brussels members, clients and VIPs. And the – more information available cherry on the cake ? Baguette moved at www.aspria.com

UPCOMING PARTIES Chaussée de La Hulpe, 51-53 Les soirées des compilations 1180 Brussels de l’Hôtel Costes > 30.05.08 www.terrasse2008.be Stephane Pompougnac and Lorenzo Ottati await you in the Energy Noce-Finale heart of the European district 13.06.08 Concert Noble, with a new Les The final evening of the celebrated soirées des compilations de l’Hôtel Noces Royales – unmissable Costes season ! to Mirano.

Concert Noble Mirano Continental Rue d’Arlon, 82 Chaussée de Louvain, 38 1040 Brussels 1210 Brussels www.lessoireesdescompilations.be www.noces.be

La Terrasse de l’Hippodrome Anarchic Party 13.06.08 > 21.07.08 20.06.08 For 5 years now, as soon as the sun The ideal evening to celebrate the makes its return to Brussels, we have start of summer…santé! impatiently awaited the reopening of this exceptional terrace. 13th June K-Nal sees the inauguration of the 2008 Avenue du Port, 1 edition, set to run until 21st July. 1000 Brussels The ideal start to your soirée... www.anarchic.be

112 – Together #08 FOR ART’S SAKE THAIS THAT BIND WRITER : COLIN MOORS

The GMT+7 gallery France Dupin de Beyssat and GMT+7 perfectly. As Xavier explains : and Xavier Lambert have “There is a popular misconception a secret they want to that the real Thailand is only to be found in the countryside and that Bangkok share – Thailand. Together is a haven for cheap tourism and caught up with them famous-name copies. In fact, designers at their gallery, GMT+7, in Bangkok have a unique freedom where they were keen of expression and autonomy rarely to dispel some of the found in the West, where so many designers are tied to major labels that preconceptions about will stifle their creativity.” the country’s art, people and culture. UNDERMINING THE STEREOTYPE Xavier tells me : “It’s true that Thailand pened three months has suffered from a dated ago, GMT+7 art&design preconception for a long time. Gallery is dedicated The truth is that because the markets to the promotion of in India and China are now able contemporary Thai to undercut Thai manufacturers, Oartistic scene and the recognition of much of this trade has now been Bangkok as a genuine hive of creativity. farmed out to the lowest bidder and But GMT+7 is not only a gallery : it is the a lot of it has left Thailand completely, window of SoiWat.org, an NGO funded which leaves no choice for designers by France Dupin de Beyssat and Xavier but to focus on the high-end market.” Lambert two years ago in order to promote By showing the work, supporting ‘DESIGNERS the contemporary cultural events and the production IN BANGKOK Thai artistic scene in Europe, of artefacts, France and Xavier are HAVE A UNIQUE exhibiting pieces in offering the European public a unique FREEDOM OF various media, including opportunity to discover an innovative EXPRESSION photography, fashion, and active scene. And by bringing AND AUTONOMY design and other art forms. the artists to Brussels as much RARELY FOUND as possible, an excellent new IN THE WEST’ The diversity of their opportunity is provided to meet exhibitions illustrates artists and designers. the ethos behind SoiWat C.M.

114 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 115 FOR ART’S SAKE

BLURRED IDENTITIES, Photographer Punsiri Sirivechepan, GM+7’s latest SHARP ac quisition, draws attention to fashion via his iconoclastic choice of models - a far cry from ‘heroin chic’... FWRITER : COLOIN MOORS CUS PHOTOGRAPHER : PUNSIRI SIRIVECHEPAN

116 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 117 FOR ART’S SAKE

THE ARTIST The result of these East-West links and the support of Thailand’s Ambassador to the EU have led to 2008 being a year in which GMT+7 will bring 14 different exhibitions to Brussels, covering light installations, fashion and paintings, all by artists who are well respected in their homeland. The latest of these is an exhibition by fashion photographer Punsiri Sirivechapan. A fine arts graduate of the University of Silpakorn in Bangkok, with a Master’s from the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, Sirivechapan quickly became interested in the theme of identity. It can take many forms – race, sexuality and age, for example, all of which has become very much his motif in his 15 years as a fashion photographer. He is, by his own definition, extreme in his art : “I would rather my style be hated than not be noticed,” he says.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL ART The work is certainly unusual. True to his belief, he constantly plays with and explores the idea of blurring the boundaries of identity. The majority of his subjects do not fit the ‘top model’ mould; instead, he prefers to draw them from the streets of Bangkok and photograph them either in the studio or urban surroundings. His models have been Thai girls wearing black face makeup and brown wigs to make them appear African, as well as Bangkok street girls, transvestites and, on several occasions, people who just look interesting. The effect of exhibiting fashions using these people as a canvas creates a jarring antithesis to the usual tall, skinny and young models of the catwalks. In fact, you may not notice at first that the clothes are the subject matter – but this works very well, as his photographs are so fascinating they use the models as a focal point, then the eye is drawn to the clothes or jewellery being modelled, as if by accident. As France explains: “Punsiri does not present ideal, aesthetic models but instead creates characters that are extraordinary, that we cannot relate to because their characteristics are contradictory.”

The exhibition runs until 30th June - check www.gmt7.org for more information. C.M.

118 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 119 GMT+7 Chaussée d’Ixelles, 258 1050 Brussels T. +32 (0)484 435 602 www.gmt7.org www.soiwat.org

120 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 121 DIARY Together’s 1 2 3 ‘To Do’ list

WRITER : JAMES DREW

Summer starts with our a question of pure pleasure for her round-up of the best Antwerp audience. 4 5 6 events, indoors and out, coming your way soon… Antwerps Sportpaleis/Lotto Arena Schijnpoortweg, 119 2170 Merksem, Antwerps WALERA MARTYNCHIK T. +32 (0)3 400 60 00 22.05 > 26.06 www.maryjblige.com A retrospective of a renowned Belarus artist’s work, informed by his time spent living under the Soviet regime. RESTAURANT WEEK 02 > 08.06 From adolescence onwards, and in order The first edition of gastronomic website to maintain a free spirit under the Soviet diningcity.com’s Restaurant Week in totalitarian regime, Martynchik chose November 2007 was such a resounding to produce intense work - during success that the only logical approach 1. Walera Kaaitheaterstudio’s IT’S NOT ONLY the exhibition, the artist invites us to was to go for an encore. So, this year, Martynchik’s Rue Notre-Dame du Sommeil, 81 work ROCK ‘N’ ROLL, discover how he succeeded in escaping Brussels is also getting in on the act – 1000 Brussels © Walera Martynchik BABY! from Soviet ideals, by retreating into his you can now book a three-course dinner T. +32 (0)2 201 59 59 17.06 > 14.09.2008 inner subconscious zone. for 25€ or three-course lunch for 20€ at www.kaaitheater.be 2. Mary J. Blige It wasn’t just a question of hitting more than 60 trendy restaurants in © Greenhouse.be the high notes - under the stewardship Galerie Ivana Morozoff Antwerp and Belgium’s capital. of Curator Jérôme Sans, founder and Rue de la Longue Haie, 4 Bon appetit ! 3. Restaurant Week : PORTE DE HAL Brussels and former director of Palais de Tokyo 1000 Brussels Antwerp join 06 > 08.06 in Paris, Bozar’s expo brings together, T. +32 (0)2 502 10 27 DiningCity.com forces to offer An historic symbol of Brussels, Porte great gastronomy for the very first time, important (and Columbuslei, 25 de Hal is set to reopen its doors to the hitherto often unshown) works by © Stock Xchng 2900 Schoten public, following extensive restoration musicians from the 1970s to the 21st MARY J. BLIGE – T. +32 (0)479 84 83 36 work which began in 2007. Behind its 4. Porte de Hal : century, including luminaries as diverse GROWING PAINS www.restaurantweek.be Historic reopening newly dazzling white frontage, visitors will as Yoko Ono, The Kills, The Residents, 01.06, 20h © Stock Xchng be able to discover, via a new permanent Brian Eno, Chicks on Speed and Pete Widely regarded as the ‘Queen of Hip- exhibition, the history of the building Doherty. In collaboration with the Rock Hop Soul’ and cited as the successor P.A.R.T.S 5. tI’s Not Only Rock and its occupation through the centuries, Werchter Festival, the collection to legends such as Patti LaBelle and 04 > 06.06 ‘N’ Roll, Baby! and also of its links to the defence of highlights another side of rock music: Aretha Franklin (as well as winning eight As a new generation of dancers © Kristy Leibowitz Belgium’s capitals, its legends and artistic expression of a different kind. Grammys, she was the recipient of and choreographers graduates from folklore. The stage is set ! the World Music Legends Award for P.A.R.T.S., the international dance school 6. Florian Böhm’s combining hip-hop and soul like no other headed by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Wait for Walk Porte de Hal singer during the early 1990s), Mary J. a group of seventh-generation s © Florian Böhm (Royal Museums of Art and History) BOZAR Blige arrives in Belgium on a European tudents, comprising 20 dancers and Boulevard du Midi Rue Ravenstein, 23 leg of her Growing Pains tour. No pain, choreographers from 13 countries, 1000 Brussels 1000 Brussels no gain, as the singer herself cites as a present a selection of their own work T. +32 (0)2 741 73 00 T.+32 (0)2 201 17 13 personal motto, but it’s more likely to be in Kaaitheaterstudio’s. www.mrah.be www.bozar.be

122 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 123 DIARY

MIKE KELLEY – WORLD FOLKLORE EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX FESTIVAL OF SAINT- ONWARDS, 1995-2008 GHISLAIN Until 27.07.08 25.05 > 04.06 For the first time in Belgium and the first time worldwide for ten years, Wiels Hall de Maintenance presents a retrospective dedicated Rue de Chièvres to Mike Kelley, one of the most significant 7330 Saint-Ghislain artists of the past 30 years. The T. +32 (0)65 71 00 10 exhibition will comprise a large selection www.festifolk.be of his recent works – installations, videos, photographs, sculptures and paintings – on loan from some of the most 47TH INTERNATIONAL prestigious international collections. FESTIVAL OF MILITARY Every inch of Brussels It has been conceived as a history, MUSIC in which every work forms a chapter, 06 > 10.06 is now covered. and will allow visitors to understand how and why the Detroit-born artist, who has 7000 Mons previously worked with other luminaries T.+32 (0)65 33 55 80 such as Paul McCarthy, Jim Shaw and www.mons.be Tony Oursler has, since 1995, made use of the notion of ‘autobiography’ to explore the forms of power and the power of forms. FESTIVAL OF WALLONIA 08.06 > 12.10 WIELS The Festival of Wallonia is one of the Avenue Van Volxemlaan, 354 major events in the Walloon musical life, 1190 Brussels as six festivals come to together to invite T.+32 (0)2 347 30 33 you to discover the architectural and www.wiels.org musical heritage of the region. This year’s theme – classical music.

WAIT FOR WALK T.+32 (0)81 73 37 81 30.05 > 06.09.08 www.festivaldewallonie.be Florian Böhm is the German photographic mastermind behind Wait for Walk, a visual project depicting FETE DE LA MUSIQUE people waiting for the green light 21.06 at street crossings in New York. Sounds Annual summer music festival, with many boring, doesn’t it ? It isn’t, not at all – a concerts organized throughout Brussels, collection of genuine ‘moments in time’ with the Grand’Place show the highlight captured forever and presented for your of the day. Two international lifestyle experts join forces to bring you the best news, pleasure at The Young Gallery in information and resources for a happy life abroad. On and offline. Brussels. Worth crossing the street for… www.conseildelamusique.be For more information, go to www.expatica.com or

Young Gallery subscribe to Together at www.together-magazine.eu Avenue Louise, 75b BRUSSELS EUROPEAN 1050 Brussels FILM FESTIVAL T.+32 (0)2 374 07 04 28.06 > 06.07 www.younggalleryphoto.com Place Flagey, 7 1050 Brussels IN BRIEF T.+32 (0)2 533 34 20 Essential info on more exciting events… www.fffb.be

124 – Together #08 HOROSCOPES

or indeed, wanting something a little bit from third parties although you might not different ! By the month’s end you’ll be like what you hear. The 14th to the 18th The future’s locked into more practical trains of thought sees you reviewing recently made and there could be a lot happening decisions and the 23rd-24th augers well between the 20th and the 29th that ties for new business ventures. Emotional in with the acquisition of new skills and agendas take precedence on the 27th. bright... anything to do with education.

WRITER : JAMES CHRISTIE ARIES CAPRICORN 21ST MARCH > 19TH APRIL 22ND DECEMBER > 19TH JANUARY Minor niggles with job routines, You’ll be feeling very lethargic relationships and motor cars cause you Summer loving or to resist the inevitability of change. Look throughout the month, without little energy to lose sight of the big picture but there th for some enlightenment around the 19 or enthusiasm for anything. Maybe you are some major shifts in career direction raised temperatures ? rd and again on the 23 , when overtures deserve some kind of a rest, but the fact looming that enable you to bring that Our astrologer gives us of friendship and assistance come from the benefit of his of the matter is that there are still things “big picture” more sharply into focus. a rather unexpected source. to be done that cannot be done without Divided emotional loyalties cause problems starry-eyed predictions... your input and attention. Bills to be paid, mid-month and there is a lot going on LIBRA tax returns to be sorted, etc. You’ve in connection with new homes and major 23RD SEPTEMBER > 20TH OCTOBER probably got until the 16th or 17th to get home improvement schemes. Emotional CANCER An exciting but confusing month, your act together because after that time tensions will surface around the 23rd. ND > ND 22 JUNE 22 JULY especially for Librans under forty, who other people will be looking to you ! Some of you will look in the mirror will find they have to juggle career and TAURUS and think “Oh dear I’m getting old” – in personal priorities, frequently attempting AQUARIUS 20TH APRIL > 20TH MAY which case it’s about time you started to be in two places at the same time. 20TH JANUARY > 18TH FEBRUARY Too much to do and not enough acting your age. Those of you who seek While there is some good business May will have knocked time to do it in! Other people around you to turn back time embark on a most foolish energy in the wind, romantic and sexual your work schedules out of sync and cause frustration and disappointment by endeavour ! This is very relevant around agendas seem to dominate the calendar, the first days of June see you negotiating failing to share your sense of urgency. the 17th - 21st June when your heart and and this could be a wonderful time for your way around new work routines. Finances are not strong, but the 15th your ego want to run away with your new love affairs, engagements and Physical tiredness suggests the need June is a red letter day for trying common sense. Friction with children weddings. High days and hot spots – for a holiday, but there’s not much joy something new - and making a major causes irritation during the late days of April. th th th th June 12 , 14 and the 16 -20 . here if you’ve just had one ! International success of it! Although it may cause LEO banking has a major role to play between some pain, a couple of major bills do SCORPIO the 15th and 22nd and a new romantic have to be paid before the month’s end. RD RD 23 JULY > 23 AUGUST RD TH 23 SEPTEMBER > 20 OCTOBER interest makes your heart beat a little Family reunions are likely in the last ten Your single-mindedness March’s bright energy pulsates faster from the 25th onwards. days and you’ll be finalising travel plans and sense of purpose are enviable traits into June and a lovely feeling of co- around the 27th-28th. but other people probably think you’re operation and camaraderie helps you to PISCES J.C. being a bit of a pain in the ass. Do not hit targets and score some spectacular 19TH APRIL > 20TH MARCH surrender! Keep on doing things your goals. Having said that, apply some Throughout the whole of the own way, and let those others catch you common sense and caution around month you become increasingly aware For details about private readings up if they can! New bank accounts being th the 17 when a heaven sent opportunity of the fact that there have to be some please contact James Christie via opened at this time to hold new money. seems just a little too good to be true. fundamental changes made to your www.magepublishing.co.uk The 14th to the 18th June sees you dealing Some concern over the health and lifestyle. There will be some good advice or call +33 (0)561 94 06 78. with insurance companies while the 23rd welfare of elderly relatives creeps in to the 28th sees you looking at property. around the 20th. VIRGO SIGN OF THE MONTH you. Business links with North 23RD AUGUST > 22ND SEPTEMBER SAGITTARIUS GEMINI America have a role to play in Are people talking about you 21ST MAY > 21ST JUNE your career profile between 22ND NOVEMBER > 21ST DECEMBER A rather grumpy mood prevails the 17th and 27th and all aspects behind your back ? If you’re not listening to A busy month where all family during the first week but energies pertaining to communications what they’re saying to you face to face, this affairs are concerned but, purely on a change around the 12th or 13th and networking are valid may well be so ! While you are entitled to personal level, rather a reflective period. June when other people will be throughout the whole of your own opinions and do need to express You may value what you have but there’s going out of their way to please the month. them, this is not a time to be stubborn or nothing wrong in wanting a bit more –

126 – Together #08 May- June 08 Together – 127 ADDRESSES B M Veronique Branquinho Maison Martin Margiela www.veroniquebranquinho.com www.maisonmartinmargiela.com C R Christophe Coppens Ray Ban Rue Léon Lepage, 2 www.rayban.com B-1000 Bruxelles www.christophecoppens.com S D Raf Simons www.rafsimons.com Ann Demeulemeester Leopold de Waelplaats Stijl B-2000 Antwerp Rue Antoine Dansaert, 74 www.anndemeulemeester.be B-1000 Bruxelles davidrose V Rue de Trèves, 16 - B-1050 Brussels Dries Van Noten +32 (0)2 512 66 10 Nationalestraat, 16 [email protected] B-2000 Antwerp H www.driesvannoten.be Hotel Bloom Tim Van Steenbergen cents Rue Royale, 250 Sint Michielskaai, 9 B-1210 BRUSSELS B-2000 Antwerp T. +32 (0)2 220 69 47 www.timvansteenbergen.comw www.hotelbloom.com

To have Together delivered free, subscribe at Graphic Design : Togethmeagarzine www.together-magazine.eu Vincent Van Meerbeeck We work mainly with national and international @Productor advertisers. If you are interested in our rates, Cover Credit : please contact. Antoine Fontaine Jérôme Stéfanski : Photographer : [email protected] Stephen Papandropoulos / Serge Cattelan or T. +32 (0)475 41 63 62 Translation : Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in James Drew whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be held Writers : responsible for the views and opinions expressed James Christie / Dave Deruytter / Cillian Donnelly in this magazine by authors and contributors. James Drew / Magali Eylenbosch / Federico Together is neither responsible for nor endorses Grandesso / Alex Hewetson / Skander Le Grand / the content of advertisements printed on its Colin Moors / Ludivine Nolf / Josephine Overeem / pages. Together cannot be held responsible Jérôme Stéfanski / Muriel Troonen / for any error or inaccuracy in such advertising material. Together Media Managing Editor : Founder & Publisher : Jérôme Stéfanski / T.+32(0)475 41 62 62 Jérôme Stéfanski Want Together delivered for free ? Rue d’Alost 7 (Centre Dansaert – 2nd C) / Sales Manager : B-1000 Brussels / T. +32 (0)475 41 63 62 / Then here’s good news - for every new subscription David Mc Gowan / T.+32(0)497 543 672 [email protected] at www.together-magazine.eu, we will Editor : James Drew Together donate 10 cents to Amnesty International. media Because, Together, we can make a difference. FINAL TOUCH When was the last time that you though about Perhaps what is needed is a return of the faculty how fantastic it is to turn a tap on and have clear, that we possessed as children, one that is clean water gushing out ? invariably blunted by the vagaries of adulthood - Sounds laughable ? Think on... in a word, AWE. Every day, we benefit from labour-saving devices More than perhaps - it’s imperative that we take that we take for granted but, when we actually a little time every day to recultivate this state of take a moment to think about them, are revealed wonder, because such clarity will let us see the as the mini-miracles that they really are. world through different eyes, and shake off the mundanity of taking life for granted... Electric lighting, central heating, taking a shower, making a call, surfing the internet, catching Skander Le Grand the Metro... amazing inventions that are now as commonplace to us as the daily newspaper. Next issue : 10th June SUMMER SPECIAL!

May- June 08 Together – 129 LE CHAT Eat & Drink

The famous feline is no longer restricting himself to milk and cat food…

Want to get in shape for the summer? Get our 3 months inspiration package today!

Your inspiration package includes: > strength and cardio equipment > complimentary towel > personal instruction with a trainer > swimming pool and Jacuzzi > free parking and childcare > group training classes > saunas and steam rooms

Call today for your free trial: 02 551 59 90. www.worldclass.be

World Class Health Academy Brussels World Class Fitness Center Diegem World Class Fitness Center Berchem at Renaissance Hotel, de Kleetlaan 5 b-c Belpairestraat 20 Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels 1831 Diegem 2600 Berchem 02 551 59 90 02 300 57 00 03 292 96 00 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

130 – Together #08 * Conditions apply. Only valid for participating clubs. Local deviations can occur. The offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. MULTI RECHARGE GINSENG-VITAMINE E-SPF15

THE 1ST HYDRATING

ANTI-FATIGUE DAILY CARE*.

REVIVED SKIN.

RESPLENDENT COMPLEXION.

RESTED FEATURES. . . d d e e v v r r e e s s b b o o

y y l l . . e e s s t t k k a a i i e e d d e e e e w w

m m 4 4

r m m r i i

e e t t s s f f t t l l a a

u u d d s s e e e e v v R R r r

. . e e n n s s e e b b o o m m

o o s s t t l l w w

u u 1 1 s s 4 4 e e

f f R R

o o . .

l l n n e e e e n n m m a a o o p p

w w a a

1 1 n n 4 4 o o

f f n n o o i i

l l k k e e S S

n n y y a a r r p p

D D

a a

5 5 n n 1 1 o o F F

P P n n i i S S

k k e e S S

g g y y r r r r a a D D h h

c c 5 5 e e 1 1 R R F F

i i P P t All day skin hydration, yes, but why stop there? Recharge its batteries t l l S S

u u e e M M g g

r r r each day to day continuously fight against fatigue. With Pure Ginseng root, r a a o o f f h h

t t c c u u e e o o R one of the most potent natural energizers known to man, immersed within R

i i d d t t l l e e i i u u r r r an ultra-hydrating formula. And it shows! Signs of fatigue are erased. r M M a a

r r c c

o o t t f f

s s t t e The complexion is fresh and rested. www.biotherm.com e u u T T o o * *

* *

d d . . e e i i m m r r r r r IMMEDIATE EFFECTS** LONG LASTING EFFECTS*** r e e a a h h c c t t

t t o o i i s Intense hydration: 95% Smoothed skin: 98% s B B e e

T T t t * * A * A * * * Radiant complexion: 78% More toned skin: 85% * *

Rested features: 78% Signs of fatigue faded: 76%

0894_M_Femme.indd 1 5/5/08 10:21:53 AM