Dedicated to BRUXPATS&BUSINESS PEOPLE in FREE-N°3/MaY-JUNE 2007

magazine

BruXpats : who are you ?

INTERVIEWS Princesse tam-tam Benoît Meurens

Competitions Hamilton & Tollet Porsche Centre & Piper-Heidsieck 45285_together_EN.indd 1 G&CO with reduced CO From a technical point of view, BMW hasalsoraised the standard. The new andlarger BMW X5 consumesless fuel make for more passenger comfort (up to 7people)andgreater loadcapacity. While this entirely new vehicle’s appearance remains compact, itslonger wheelbaseandgreater overall length The pleasure of drivingaSportsActivity Vehicle isnow heightened thanks to the arrival of the new BMW X5. 2 emission, thanks to aneven more powerful andeffi Average fuel consumption(l/100 km)/CO 2 emissions(g/km):12.5-8.7/299-231 cient engine. Environmental information: www.bmw.be The new BMW X5. We’ve expanded on a great idea. visiting www.bmw.be/X5. whatever the road conditionsmay be.Anexperience that we warmly recommend, andwhichcanstart by its integral xDrive traction system, the BMW X5 isunequalledwhenit comes to agility andproviding asafe ride, The numerous high-tech extras such asActive Steering, are unsurpassedin this vehicle category. Thanks to BMW Financial Services offers innovative fi innovative offers Services Financial BMW fi reached is whichever 4 ye for serviced be will BMW X5 your and payonce to have only you VAT575 amount € an from inclusive, Essential: Serenity BMW Your BMW is covered by the mobility services BMW Mobile Care for 5 years. See www.bmw.be/mobilecare for more information. more for www.bmw.be/mobilecare See 5 years. for Care Mobile BMW services mobility by the Yourcovered is BMW rst. Ask your approved BMW Partner for more information. information. more for Partner BMW approved your Ask rst. nancing options for both private and business users. For further information, call 03 890 51 06. 51 890 03 call information, For further users. business and private both for options nancing BMW X5 ars or 80,000 km, km, 80,000 or ars Driving Pleasure 1/03/07 13:53:54 Sheer S _N v e_ 5_G /03/07 0:33 age

EDITORIAL KNOWING EACH OTHER TO MOVE FORWARD IN THE SAME DIRECTION

now made us launch “Together let’s not lose sight of the fact Thyself.” Magazine” : to help that before being Belgians, Inscribed the builders of Europe Spaniards, Romanians, on the integrate into Brussels life. Swedes, Germans, French or doorway Irish, we are first and “ of the DelphiK Temple, this From this point of view, foremost citizens of the famous adage was adopted by “Know thyself and make capital of Europe, our capital. Socrates to form the basis thyself known”. Because the And as you will discover from of his philosophy. The Delphic lack of integration affecting Arjan Van Daal’s study, this motto implies that we don’t European workers in Brussels similarity is far from being really know ourselves, is, mostly, merely a reflection of the only thing we have in that self-knowledge is not how uninformed the people of common. an immediate element of Brussels are about this the consciousness. It therefore international population. The Enjoy your reading and happy invites us to embark on reverse is also true. The odds summer holidays. a quest, an exploration of are, for example, that if the the depths of our inner selves “Bruxellois” and the Bruxpats Jérôme Stéfanski to find the essence of our being. had a better knowledge of each Editor in Chief smart: a brand of DaimlerChrysler. other, they would live even This led us to publish the more harmoniously. And the study carried out by Arjan Van respective prejudices affecting Daal on the concept of the both these communities would “Bruxpat”. Far be it from us to no longer existe. compare ourselves with the >> The new smart. most famous of Greek As a media player, the role philosophers; the main of “Together Magazine” is to reason for publishing this encourage the union of the And the city breathes again. previously unpublished work social participants living and is the same as the one that working in Brussels. After all, Emission de CO2 (gr/km): 88 - Consommation moyenne (l/100km): 3,3. Informations environnementales AR 19/03/2004: www.smart.com - Donnons priorité à la sécurité. rigo Designers A4 DD 1/12/06 17:18 Page 1

CONTENTS www.dominiquerigo.be

To have Together Magazine delivered free, subscribe at www.together-magazine.eu We work with national and international advertisers. If you are interested, please contact. Jérôme Stéfanski : [email protected] or +32 475 41 63 62 Hamilton & Tollet Win a fabulous Hamilton watch 9 Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole Porsche centre brussels & piper-heidsieck or in part without the written Jewels & Bubbles 10 permission of the publisher. The publisher cannot be Temptations held responsible for the views Summer’s just around the corner… and opinions expressed in this and so are the brands 12 magazine by authors and Dress to impress BONAPARTE SERIES 7 TULIP CHAIR & STOOL contributors. Together DESIGN EILEEN GRAY 1935 DESIGN ARNE JACOBSEN 1955 DESIGN EERO SAARINEN 1956 Magazine is neither responsible A Short History of a Very Small Costume 14 for nor endorses the content Meet Princesse tam-tam 17 of advertisements printed on its EU WORKER pages. Together Magazine Meet Enrico 22 cannot be held responsible for any error or inaccuracy MONEY in such advertising material. Relocation Issues 24 Founder : REAL ESTATE Jérôme Stéfanski Architecture, an expression of life 30 Project Manager : Upptown and its Home Interior department, Salwa Souirat an art de vivre… 31 [email protected] SPECIAL FEATURE PR Assistant : Sophie Van Cruchten BruXpats, Who Are You ? 34 Translation : SOMEWHERE IN BRUSSELS Attimedia S.A. Brussels, Metropolis of Europe, James Drew Capital of the 48 Proofreading : SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE Attimedia S.A. Springtime in Rome 52 James Drew Graphic Design : ON THE ROAD Dansaert&Fils® Even Smarter ! 54 Journalists : READING Martin Banks Waterstone’s Selection 56 Philomène Bouchon James Drew Fitness Christophe Dufournier Getting in Shape for the Summer Season 58 Sarah Higgs News from the green Valérie Marchat Golf : Private Advantage and Professional Benefits 6 0 Jessica Nibelle Hélène Nöel Networking on the Green 61 Jérôme Stéfanski Fine Arts Diary Cover Credit : Kaleidoscope Birthday Party 63 DIARY 65 Drama Diary

togethermedia Strolling Through the Kingdom of the Elves 66 Editor in chief : DIARY 68 Jérôme Stéfanski THE PLACES TO BE Together Magazine March-April Snapshots 70 Rue d’Alost 7 (Centre Dansaert – 2nd C) By the glass B-1000 Brussels Quality Rosé wines 72 Phone: +32 475 41 63 62 EAT AND DRINK [email protected] Terraces & Gardens 74 Concept Brussels by Bike 77 Cover precision DESIGN CLASSICS AT ESPACE DOMINIQUE RIGO 210 RUE DE STALLE 1180 BXL Comic Strip Competition : ESPACE LOUISE 152 AVENUE LOUISE 1050 BXL VITRAPOINT 35 PLACE DU GRAND SABLON 1000 BXL THE WORK PLACE 210-212 RUE DE STALLE 1180 BXL Porsche Centre Brussels Le Chat 78 info + 32 (0)2 649 95 94

 – Together May June 2007 © Vilebrequin Hamilton & Tollet

SHOPPING WIN A FABULOUS pages 8 - 18 HAMILTON WATCH

he history the story in the next edition of Hamilton of “Together Magazine”... - Competitions : watches is Hamilton & Tollet as captivating as Your chance to win the meticulous a Khaki GMT Air Race - Porsche Centre Brussels Tmanufacturing process that by Hamilton & Piper Heidsieck produces these time-keeping Hamilton and the celebrated Maison Tollet are giving you marvels. Hamilton - Temptations by the chance to win this - Dress to impress prestigious automatic watch, “Together Magazine” is Race

equipped with sapphire glass, Air delighted to share Hamilton’s story with readers, charting and water-resistant to GMT a century of impassioned, 200 metres. Striking in its

value-led innovation. In our daring design and mechanical Khaki future editions, we will precision, Khaki GMT Air Race reveal another chapter of the is the essential accessory 2. Hamilton American Classic fascinating Hamilton story, and to make you the envy of the is divided into two categories. give you the chance to win an beach this summer ! The lucky What are they called ? exclusive Hamilton watch. winner will receive his or her watch from Tollet Joailliers, A. The Pionneers Precision on land, rue des Fripiers 36, & The Classics sea, and in the air 1000 Brussels. B. The Pioneers Since its foundation Maison Tollet recently acquired & The Old Times in Lancaster USA in 1892, the Hamilton range, available c. The West Side Hamilton has been a ceaselessly in five of its Brussels outlets. & The East Side authentic pioneer. From For more information, its inception, the brand was go to www.tollet.com and 3. How much does the May- recognised as a manufacturer www.hamiltonwatch.com June 2007 edition of of precise watches, which Together Magazine weigh helped the early railroads bring For your chance of winning the (to the nearest milligramme) an end to their chaotic and prestigious Khaki GMT Air without its plastic cover and accident-stricken early years. Race by Hamilton, answer the samples ?

following two questions at * Competition organised in collaboration with Hamilton watches were then www.together-magazine.eu *: Jean-Marc Devosse, Huissier de Justice for Brussel - Full rules available on www.together- given a baptism of fire on magazine.eu the wrists of soldiers in Europe, 1. What colour dominates the in the trenches during the Hamilton decor in the Tollet First World War, and in 1919, establishments ? the first American mail service Vilebrequin at Degand page 15 chose Hamilton to equip its A. Green Washington-New York planes B. Blue with chronometers. Follow c. Orange

Together May June 2007 –  Porsche CENTRE BRUSSELS & Piper-Heidsieck Porsche CENTRE BRUSSELS & Piper-Heidsieck

e have In one word : European. Heidsieck Cuvée brut already Inspirational, with its fragrance Champagne in the boot reserved of petals falling from trees, (to the nearest gramme) ? two nights soon replaced by a light fruity For help, go to www.porschecentrebrussels.be in a double taste, the “Cuvée Brut” will win and www.piper-heidsieck.com to find the Wroom with terrace for you, your heart too. Our test answers. Good luck, and good driving ! with breakfast included. And, methods are really very strict, * Competition organised in collaboration with Jean-Marc Devosse, Huissier de Justice for to take you there, we thought so we feel suitably confident in Brussels - Full rules available on www.together- that a Porsche Boxster (with advising you to taste and buy magazine.eu a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck, some of this nectar. naturally) would do nicely. Find more details on the Fancy a glass of Piper- internet : There is no need to introduce Heidsieck to celebrate Porsche Centre Brussels Porsche : the perfect shapes a personal success story or www.porschecentrebrussels.be and ultimate elegance are simply to celebrate summer ? Champagne Piper-Heidsieck more eloquent than any mere How about European staff www.piper-heidsieck.com technical description. meetings and parties ? You go to the Porsche Centre All right ! The telephone Le Château de la Muire Brussels in Drogenbos, number for Champagne www.assiettechampenoise.com just on Brussels’ doorstep. Piper-Heidsieck, Co Maxxium With its immaculate workshop , is +32 (0)2 715 20 and cosy waiting room, the 60, and there’s a special Jewels “circular jewellery box” offer available for European welcomes you. You enter this institution staff, available sunny place and ask everyone for a minimum order around (nicely) to be quiet, as of 120 bottles. you browse the amazing Tranquility, Luxury & Bubbles Porsche Boxster S collection on show. Tempted by our prize too ? & Refinement Eventually, you find the Let’s answer a couple of Conveniently located only Boxster and, then, you simply questions on www.together- two minutes from downtown Fancy something a little different contemplate. Please, be our magazine.eu then, and enjoy Reims and just a few kilometers guest. Take a drive. Even if we an unforgettable weekend !* from the region’s renowned from a banal weekend city-trip ? strongly recommend that you vineyards, The Assiette respect the speed limits on 1 How many Boxster models Champenoise, set within In September, Together Magazine, your way to Champagne, are available at Porsche a peaceful 4 acre park, will you’ll still have an extended, Centre Brussels ? entertain you with refined Porsche Centre Brussels and Champagne delightful spin with your a. 1 luxury and gourmet Piper-Heidsieck would be proud hands on this marvel’s wheel. b. 2 indulgence. c. 3 to invite you to L’Assiette Champenoise, With the gorgeous early The chef, Arnaud Lallement, Summer we have enjoyed 2 How long is the ageing creates specially-made Chateau de la Muire, a luxurious castle since April, we’ve tried a period for Piper cuisine for your enjoyment. selection of refreshing drinks, Heidsieck Cuvée Brut ? located near Reims, in the Champagne suitable for summer a. 10-14 weeks Lounge bar, breakfast in corporate events, cocktails, b. 12-18 months the park or beside the region of France, during the grape parties and, yes, barbecues. c. 24-29 months superb indoor pool... harvest Champagne Piper-Heidsieck, 3 What is the total L’Assiette Champenoise a “Maison” founded in 1785 by weight of a Porsche 40, avenue a certain German gentleman Boxster S with a Paul Vaillant-Couturier called Florens-Louis, won the Tiptronic S gear box 51430 Tinqueux first prize for its C“ uvée Brut”. and with six 75cl France It seems that the man was bottles of Piper T. +33 (0)3 26 84 64 64 French in soul ! 10 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 11 Temptations Temptations

Azzaro and with a scent of white tea Now Women and frosted passion-fruit SUMMER’S JUST AROUND This new product from Azzaro fragrance. Also available is designed to appeal to in a men’s version. THE CORNER… AND young adults, with a fun Eau de toilette 50 ml : 45€ SO ARE THE BRANDS 4 bottle in elaborate shapes www.azzaronow.com

Summer’s coming. This delightful For him… season is synonymous with lazy days, Armani Attitude good humour and long intoxicating 2Once again, Armani hits the right note with the launch of this new fragrance. evenings as well as with attractive new 1Moorea A real collector’s item, the bottle stands Squelette out for its absolute elegance, functionality products from the big-brand names. automatic and masculinity. As always, Giorgio Armani stopwatch has taken great care with the form and “Together Magazine” has selected With this content. Bold and natural, the top note of some of the essential new products new design, Lemon of Sicily exudes freshness and Pequignet radiance, contrasting delightfully with the for you, which will be all the rage has proved touch of bitterness of Coffee Absolute. once again that Finishing with a green and subtly sharp this summer he is very much freshness, it’s a daring harmony. the leader in the Cardamom of Ceylon then reveals the full extent of its field of “haute couture richness and intensity. With depth and elegance, Chinese For her… watchmaking”. Masculine and Cedarwood is the hallmark of the unforgettable character sporty, the Moorea Squelette of Attitude. Direct and daring, it grows more captivating watch is the essential and striking with the effect of Indonesian Patchouli. accessory for the fine days A marriage of strength and sensitivity, this harmony of summer which go by symbolises the qualities of the modern man. so quickly. Armani Attitude, THE perfect gift for Father’s Day. Price not provided. Eau de Toilette 50ml : 62€ www.pequignet.com www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com

Terracotta Sun Elixir Danish designer Arne Jacobsen was taken out of production 2Once again, Guerlain will 3 designed a range of unique in 1995 - manufacturer appeal to many a lady, with Hpnotiq chairs that have since become Fritz Hansen has re-introduced this new tan-enhancer Go on, it won’t hurt for once : design icons renowned for their the design classic in a special available as a limited edition. this summer, swap your sculptural forms and timeless 2007 version (black lazur wood Dior Stronger 1 This deliciously scented Guinness for a bottle appearance. A special chair and metal legs). 1These Dior sunglasses, made solution of micro mother- of Hpnotiq. Direct from was introduced in 1957 and in Italy, will give you a unique of-pearl beads highlights the United States, where was simply called “3130”. The Fritz Hansen collection is touch of style and are bound your natural tan and raises it has proved a phenomenal Shortly after its introduction, available at Espace Dominique to draw envious glances the sensuality temperature hit, this new liqueur based it won the Grand Prix at the Rigo : on the beach this summer. by several degrees, when on Premium Vodka, Cognac XI Triennale in Milan. Thereafter, 210 rue de Stalle - 1180 Available in several colours. the sun goes down. and natural exotic fruit juices, it was always referred to as the Brussels () 48€ has now arrived. 3Fasten your seatbelts 290€ “Grand Prix Chair”. Due to an T. +32 (0)2 649 95 94 www.dior.com www.guerlain.com From 4.5€ for a 5-cl bottle the Grand Prix chair is back ! increasing global demand for www.dominiquerigo.be www.hpnotiq.com During the 1950s, the famous its reintroduction - the chair www.fritzhansen.com

12 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 13 Dress to impress © La Perla Dress to impress

ince it first came Vilebrequin T. +32 (0)2 479 99 39 into existence at Degand www.rasurel.com, www.lejaby.com (and that’s only On the most popular since the advent beaches, an impressive The Adventurous Art of railway parade of Vilebrequin of Being a Dad Sand seaside jaunts in swimwear is on show : from Men, not unlike their female the mid-1800s), beachwear Knokke to Saint-Tropez and loved ones, delight in exploring has always had a connection including Biarritz, there’s no wild and colourful jungles full with the sea and sun, but escaping it. You’ll find these of huge venomous snakes, not as we understand it now. delightful mosaic-print especially when carrying teddy Villebrequin trunks at Maison bears, not to mention A Short Then, the purpose of Degand for the price of 115€. crocodiles with long eyelashes a bathing suit was to protect Pierre Degand sells and other monsters far beyond History its user from the sun and menswear for all occasions : my inadequate understanding the outfits were not designed bespoke tailoring at Degand of inventive zoology. of a Very to swim in at all. However, Tailleur, semi-made-to- the Roaring Twenties saw measure at Business and I have a theory about this : the introduction of a new sportswear at Sport. you have babies, they become Small material, namely jersey, with children and then you have a a new design, more comfort Degand Sport great excuse to be a kid again Costume and, consequently, giving rue Saint-Georges 4 for the sake of parenthood more freedom to the young 1050 Brussels and with the general T. +32 (0)2 649 23 00 sirens with their classic blessing of everyone. bob haircuts. Rasurel Designed by Lejaby In fact, you’re in great shape, Under the reign laughing and adored by cute of Mademoiselle Chanel, Rasurel is resolutely glamorous this summer with little monsters who call you the rules of elegance were “Daddy”. This is what drawn up in her studio. Then deep tones, huge printed flowers and also a certain Arthur’s Beachwear came 1948 and a revolution. Collection is all about this A certain Louis Breart ethnic, if not pictorial, inspiration evoking all year : pretending you’re launched a brand new idea Indiana Jones and family. called the “”. the shades of cinnamon carnations on remote desert The line is bright and colourful, co-ordinated to Since then, we have learned islands. Details such as pearls, a necklace of shells suit the whole family and is how to tan, swim and surf and designed to play in until it’s a world without our versatile or a single ring provide the essential finishing touches. time for the seafood is now beyond our barbecue on the beach. imagination. Let’s see how The collection is available at : we’ll look this summer on Onatex – Warnaco S.A. I have a second theory but the most beautiful beaches Atomium Square BP 92 this time it’s not about dads. of our little blue planet. Frankfurt 105, 1020 Brussels Wear an Arthur’s Beach outfit La Perla - Summer 2007

14 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 15 Dress to impress © princesse tam-tam Dress to impress

© Rasurel and it will put a permanent Women’secret smile on your face, not to Rue Neuve 2 mention giving you 1000 Brussels a spontaneous instant tan. T. +32 (0)2 217 10 28 www.womensecret.com Arthur Galerie de la Toison d’Or 381 La Perla 1050 Brussels Sophistication is the first word T. +32 (0)2 512 79 96 that comes to mind but is, on www.arthurbenelux.be reflection, almost inadequate. Couture would be more Women’secret appropriate. La Perla offers The bikini-girls’ invasion subtle variations on the desert of my hard-disk memory theme. The designs are more continues. Fresh and modern, like jewellery or even sculpture sometimes printed, than most run-of-the-mill sometimes plain, sometimes beachwear. The creations golden. Good moods, gentle come in sand beige, black humour and eternal or rich brown, audaciously prettiness are the key words draped veils offset with for this year’s new designs. turquoise stones, coral You can co-ordinate your or constellations of minuscule bathing suit with matching crystals twinkling on the bags and flip-flops, or mix surface of an oval golden them up if you prefer. For brooch. Pure beauty. women of all ages, including little angels : Women’Secret La Perla clothes kids as well as their Boulevard de Waterloo 47 mums and big sisters. 1000 Brussels Available in four shops in T. +32 (0)2 502 30 71 Rasurel by Lejaby Brussels and also online. www.laperla.com © © Women’Secret A rthur

Meet princesse

Women’Secret - Summer 2007 Arthur, only for him tam-tam Princesse tam-tam - Summer 2007 16 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 17 Dress to impress REAL ESTATE

In the Mood make any references. The title Your current line still has for Summer of the film just appealed to us. that distinctive touch of nice If you’re lucky, you soon get But it’s true that the brand mischievousness blended with used to it. All those beautiful values can also be found in vitality, but it’s still practical. days in early spring were Baker’s personality and in the It’s, you cater for women on particularly conducive to storyline too : freedom, audacity, the move. How do you solve premature fantasies of pristine energy, vitality, the feminine the “seductive and beaches lazily washed by touch and a taste for contrasts comfortable” equation ? undulating tides and disturbed without provocation.” only by the graceful fall of huge “The ‘looking good’ factor is petals. I might dream To begin with, underwear fundamental in corsetry if of countless shades of and beachwear is unusual. we want to continue long-term. ultramarine 365 days of the On top of that, in the 1980s, Comfort is equally important year, but I don’t usually start the general taste for women’s because it’s true to the label’s looking seriously at bathing underwear and beachwear vision of being a woman : free, suits and flip-flops until a few was for minimalist and sparkling, an actress of her own weeks after April. But this year, monochrome outfits. But life, mother, woman and friend circumstances and meteorology you decided to launch a line all at once. It’s the label’s promise – the most inexact science – of mischievous colourful and we must keep that promise.” decided differently. Thus, I was underwear, non-coordinated, drawn to Princesse tam-tam. a departure from the accepted Creative designers often give While Loumia Hiridjee is away taste of the time. Success was titles to their work. If you somewhere, probably looking instantaneous. Was this had to give one to this year’s very much like what I secretly choice guided by something beachwear line, what would Enjoy the luxury imagine, a horde of perfect- in particular ? it be ? looking people in elegant “This year, we’ll be the most “When the two sister-creators bikinis suddenly invade beautiful label to go were still students, they opened of spending less my computer’s desktop. Her swimming in.” creator may be on holiday, but it a gift shop where they sold doesn’t prevent Princesse tam- printed for men – For yourself, on the beach, do tam from materialising. The which were very trendy - … you prefer bikinis or one-piece Versace brand is now 22 years old and to young women! That’s what led bathing suits? And for town ? Scapa more stunning than ever. to the idea, in a context of Discover previous seasons’ collections from Looking at her, I remember hidden, colourless, plain lingerie. “A sober and dark one-piece for Samsonite Josephine Baker and one or two A Parisian reminiscence Loumia, with meaningful detail. more than 150 international and Nike questions come to mind. ‘à la Française’ of colourful Chic and sober in the city with fragrances from a childhood a cashmere pullover, men’s home design brands at prices reduced from Furla INTERVIEW spent among flowers in trousers and Repeto ballerinas.” 30% to 60%, all year round. With a children’s Pringle of Scotland Together Magazine : Madagascar. It is indeed unusual Princesse tam-tam is but that’s mainly where the DNA The sun has already gone down play area, 5 restaurants and free parking the Leonardo the title of a French comedy of the brand comes from : and, while I look at the burning Kipling Village is the ideal destination for a day out. from the 1930s, starring creativity. The expertise and sky mirrored a thousand times in River Woods Josephine Baker. In the technical mastery came later.” Brussels’ windows, my delightful central scene, Princesse apparition gives me an amiable Zetellaan 100, B-3630 Maasmechelen Féraud tam-tam joins the orchestra, Princesse tam-tam is now smile and fades softly. Nobody E314 - exit 33 · Tel: +32 (0)89 77 4000, Olivier Strelli removes her dress and a prestigious label that has will ever believe me, but I still Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10.00 - 18.00 starts to dance joyfully. been awarded prizes and have the hibiscus she removed Saturday & Open Sundays: 10.00 - 19.00 Oilily So, manifesto or recognition for its success. from her hair and left on my desk Open Sundays: June 24, July 1 Calvin Klein Jeans humorous allusion ? A big Japanese group now while we were talking. owns the company. What are Gaastra Princesse tam-tam Princesse tam-tam : your projects in this context ? Rue A. Dansaert 9, 1000 Brussels Villeroy & Boch “Humorous allusion, definitely. T. : +32 (0)2 511 07 01 and many more… Princesse tam-tam doesn’t “Making the label international.” www.princessetam-tam.com www.MaasmechelenVillage.com

18 – Together May June 2007 BUSINESS pages 21 - 32

- EU Worker - Money - Real Estate

The World’s Most Comfortable Boxer Shorts. Scottish for Comfort

Together May June 2007 – 21 EU WORKER © thadz EU WORKER

“Sometimes presenting the EU budget Only the grey weather never we’re to Member states. This topic changes.” cannot be missed by Enrico’s ghostwriters” TV channel. Que pensez-vous Afternoon du future de L’Europe ? Pensa Press Release to prepare, che con questo nuovo bilancio speeches to translate, l’Europa andrà più lontano ? newsletter to edit, articles integrated into Belgian life, O que você acha do orsamento to write, position paper to but still trying its best to comunitario ? Mi Magyarország circulate. “I work a lot, also understand Belgian politics. álláspontja , in Europe, because it takes time to A few years ago, a Belgian everybody speaks several communicate with different Meet journalist asked him : “What do languages and, despite press cultures. People usually you think about this wedding?” conferences being only in understand English or French, “I didn’t know she was talking English, French and German, but if you approach your contact about the Belgian Prince! I was people can informally express in his own language, it is much themselves in their easier to create a nice Enrico at work ashamed not to know and to Enrico tell her the only thing I knew own language. atmosphere. Sometimes the about the monarchy was that way you approach a person is The European Union influences 80% the Queen is Italian.” Enrico speaks Italian, different depending on the English, French, Spanish country. Scandinavians get of political decisions taken in Europe. 09.15 and Portuguese and he uses straight to the point. People from The size of the lobbying arena Enrico is at work (15 minutes a mix of them. “My English the Mediterranean play with late) after walking five is broken! I learned to speak words.” minutes from his home. English talking with Greeks, in Brussels outweighs that of Washington, Evening Brussels is the only capital Scandinavians, Polish or with more than 1,000 organisations in Europe where, with Hungarians. Brussels is “There is a new Cypriot affordable rents, you can a unique town for that. If you restaurant to try! After the last representing business or companies, live close to your office. go into a shop asking for enlargement of the EU, we “If it wasn’t for the rain that something in French, they can have more opportunities to try 500 consultancies and law firms, we seem to get every morning, easily answer in your own the taste of different cultures. I wouldn’t miss having a car.” language just because of your Before coming to Brussels, around 750 NGOs, some 1,500 journalists accent!” I didn’t even think about as well as some 3,000 interest groups, 10.30 differences between Greek and Enrico has to rush to the Lunch Time Cypriot dishes; then I discovered employing around 150,000 people in after Enrico has a working lunch Cypriot Halloumi cheese. Yum.” reading several magazines with a few journalists to Night a town of only one million people in different languages. He explain the next steps of his has to meet an MEP involved association. He likes Italian “Why not try a concert at in maritime issues, who food and, around the EU area, the Flagey Theatre ? Brussels is one hour away by train from espite his channel and as Press Officer “We ensure EU institutions wants to be briefed before his there are some of the best Paris and two hours from German of the Conference of take account of maritime speech. “Sometimes we’re Italian restaurants in London through the Eurotunnel. family name, Peripheral Maritime Regions interests,” he says. ghostwriters”. Brussels. “Do I miss my Enrico Mayrhofer (www.cpmr.org). This country? Not really! When I go Every artist stops one night here to give a concert. It’s close is an Italian Association of European 08.30 12.00 into a shop, there are products to the main European capitals Djournalist who has been living Maritime Regions is a lobby Radio 21 wakes Enrico up Press conference in the from all over Europe. Brussels and musicians are welcomed in Brussels for nine years, group bringing together 155 with the Belgian news. Berlaymont, headquarters looks like a big airport where by different nationalities.” working as a correspondent presidents of regions along In Brussels, there is a big of the . you can choose where you for an Italian regional TV Europe’s shorelines. international community not President Barroso is want to be on a daily basis. Martin Banks

22 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 23 MONEY MONEY

routine problems of daily does not escape Belgian life that follow. death duties.

To start with, most - Even more disturbing for employers consider that those who have been raised estate-planning advice in an Anglo-Saxon legal and help with personal jurisdiction is the impact wealth management are of the so-called Napoleonic the personal, and purely Code on transfer of property. private, responsibility of the Basically, this provides that expatriate. But is this really a proportion of the assets being socially responsible owned by the deceased towards the employee ? spouse must pass to the children, and this can It is all very well for include those of a previous an employer to structure marriage. This means that an individual’s payroll to get you cannot simply leave the best situation for both your entire estate to your parties, but, what about his spouse. A proportion must other taxes, such as death be divided among the duties and capital gains children. Obviously, if they taxes, if it happens that are adults, they can waive Belgian rules are very their rights, but a child different from those in his who is still a minor has home country ? How many no legal right to do so. expatriates arriving for the first time in Belgium - The effect of buying Relocation have even been warned a house in joint names that some of the personal is often misunderstood. tax-planning techniques that When a house is bought Brussels, an ideal place to locate an international business were widely and successfully in joint names in Belgium, issues used at home could be it is as if the house is disastrous in Belgium ? A few divided, and each spouse examples will illustrate this : (or partner) owns his or elocating her own part. The equivalent Located in the heart of Europe, individuals and - Most expatriate couples under Anglo-Saxon law is families is with young children called tenancy in common. Belgium is an ideal place to establish a natural assume that all they have If one of the joint owners Rconsequence and there is to do is cross-will their dies, the result is that an international business, and many a constant movement estates to each other so his/her share passes to international companies have taken of people both in and out that the surviving spouse the heirs under the rules of Belgium. will inherit and that no mentioned above and does advantage of the availability of Belgium’s death duties or other taxes not pass automatically However, when relocating will be due. Some countries to the survivor. well-educated multilingual workforce expatriate staff to Belgium, may exempt inter-spouse employers usually provide transfers of assets from - The Belgian community the bare information needed inheritance taxes or death is relatively litigious and to start the employee working, duties, but Belgium does the practice of putting but rarely give adequate help not. The estate of an the family home in the with tackling the personal expatriate who dies during name of a non-working financial implications and an assignment to Belgium spouse will not

24 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 25 MONEY

providers even though they may be far better or more suitable. Not all the advice given takes into account the tax implications of the expatriate returning to his home country and unnecessary tax costs can be the result after the expatriate has returned home.

- Another area that often causes concern is the number of “financial advisers” who operate in the expatriate community, many of whom are neither authorised to sell financial products nor regulated in any European jurisdiction. Expats are the main targets of these companies, so if you suddenly get a friendly The effect of buying a house phone call offering financial "MMZPVOFFEUPLOPX in joint names could be devastating products or advice - beware. necessarily prevent subject to inheritance tax Note that the website of creditors or other litigants long after they have the Banking Commission BCPVUUIFCFOFGJUTPGUIF against the one spouse from emigrated. As there is no (CBFA) carries very specific making tax treaty between Belgium warnings about these a claim against the assets and the UK covering death operators in English as well #FMHJBOUBYTZTUFN of the other. duties, there is a risk as in French and Flemish. of double taxation of the - If an expatriate leaves estates of UK expatriates These kinds of problems Belgium but retains his who die while living demonstrate that it is just former home here, then in Belgium. as important to take account the outstanding mortgage of an expat’s personal />ŽiÊ>`Û>˜Ì>}iʜvʜÕÀÊ Ê Ý«>Ìʈ˜>˜Vˆ>Ê-iÀۈVià may no longer be deducted - In Belgium, the retail banks situation as it is to organise from the value of the have a virtual monopoly on his work situation. Issues ³ÊÎÓÊÓÊ{È{ÊÈÈÊÈ{ʇÊiÝ«>ÌJˆ˜}°LiʇÊÜÜÜ°ˆ˜}°Li property in calculating the distribution of financial such as these do not create death duties. Again, since products. One should have insurmountable problems, there is no exemption from a degree of healthy provided you get qualified 'PSFYQBUSJBUFTMJWJOHJO#FMHJVN UIFUBYTZTUFNPGGFSTNBOZCFOFGJUTCVUUIFSFJTOPUIJOHZPVOFFEUPLOPXBCPVUNBLJOHUIPTF tax on estate devolving scepticism to some of the advice so they are addressed BSSBOHFNFOUT5IBUTBUBTLGPSUIF*/('JOBODJBM4FSWJDFTFYQFSUT#BTFEPOPVSLOPXMFEHFPGJOUFSOBUJPOBMUBYSFHVMBUJPOT XF to the surviving spouse, recommendations made. before making any firm DBOQSPWJEFBMMUIFIFMQZPVOFFEUPNBYJNJTFGJTDBMCFOFGJUTXIJMFZPVMJWFIFSFBOEFWFOBGUFSZPVMFBWFGPSBOPUIFSDPVOUSZ this creates a major risk Unfortunately, the average commitments. */(T&YQBU4FSWJDFTIBWFZFBSTPGFYQFSJFODFUPIFMQNBLFZPVSTUBZJO#FMHJVNBTGJOBODJBMMZTNPPUIBTQPTTJCMF for the family. bank branch manager is now little more than a sales Professional relocation - Countries such as the USA supervisor for the bank’s companies have become and the United Kingdom own products and is not experts in solving many continue to treat the encouraged to recommend of the immediate issues of  estates of their citizens as those of other product settling, but they are

26 – Together May June 2007

210x142,5_ING_Expat_Livre_UK.indd 1 4/12/07 2:47:26 PM MONEY

still subject to the ethical Each member of the alliance Understanding the potential requirement not to abuse works to develop a sufficient risks is the first step towards their position by channelling knowledge of the skills resolving the problems… business towards their and strengths of the other own providers of additional members, so that advice Graham Reid services. Lawyers, accountants given will complement, in and insurance brokers are a consistent manner, that subject to similar regulatory given by another member. or ethical requirements not to offer advice outside their own discipline. Unfortunately, it is also very rare to find an accounting firm that can give good cross-border tax advice at an affordable price.

Conscious of the problems caused by this fragmentation, some professional firms have recently formed alliances to provide an integrated solution, while each firm retains its own professional identity and adheres to its own regulatory and ethical constraints.

Introducing Classic Financial Solutions N.V. Living in Belgium, you face a range of financial issues and decisions for which local advice from an organisation with relevant professional experience is best. 321 Brusselsesteenweg We have provided independent financial advice specifically 3090 Overijse designed for the individual expatriate since 1991. We are also founder members of the One-And-All network of professional Regulated by the Banking advisers, offering an indispensable and useful range of services Commission C.B.F.A. for expatriates number 41241) Our multilingual staff have been trained to understand your needs and we will be delighted to help you to build your personal financial Tel : + 32 (0)2 687 31 31 security through sound planning. Fax : + 32 (0)2 687 59 87 Initial consultations to clarify your personal goals are free of charge. Email : [email protected] Classic Financial Solutions N.V. www.classic-fs.com

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28 – Together May June 2007 REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE

integration, interpretation and of the past and the future, Taming that language of new design in the development which sets the stage for the tomorrow and living it in the Architecture, of our society. This style tends transformation of our here present day, in the setting of to confront new technology and now. our daily lives. an expression of life with references from our architectural and artistic Dreaming up contemporary Christine Renoirte memory. An explosive mixture architecture, while daring Interior Designer arising from the juxtaposition to be something special. Upptown Home Interior department, Contemporary architecture is an art de vivre… a reflection of changes in our society. To complete and expand to personal expectations. you can dare to marry the range of services it Channelling a creative energy restraint, elegance and It is the logical extension of cultural provides as effectively as that fluctuates between refinement. possible, the famous Upptown the rational and the kitsch, Julie Peire and artistic heritage, the role of which property group is offering the functional and the creative. its purchaser partners Developing, in unison, an is to stimulate sentient intelligence, the service of planning, innovative, bold and sensitive concept and design of global way of thinking. critical thought and semantic landmarks the interior spaces of its Changing the boundaries of exceptional properties. a stressed and hyperactive Channelling in an increasingly fast-moving world urban world, creating a a creative Inside an Upptown loft The company literally harmonious and original living energy that proposes defying aesthetic space around good living and fluctuates oday’s architecture confrontations of contrasts. Contemporary barriers to make each ‘consumer passion’ remains between frequently comes Contemporary architecture property a nest in a new the main focus of our company. up against is the general expression architecture world. It is a matter of In other words, with Upptown, the rational a backward- of a dream, of a functionality is the general building bridges for an and the kitsch, looking opposition and of a clarity of spaces expression interpenetration and a fluid the functional Tto change in terms of both and volumes through a film of a dream language between the and the town planning integration of sensitivity. architecture and your interior creative and materials. spaces in both conversions It has a duty to leave and new constructions. Contemporary architectural the overly traditional and on the development and language is based, above all, sedentary cultural landmarks soberness of line and detail, Upptown places its team on the dialogue that the behind it so that each project, on interpenetration, of interior architect-designers architect introduces between each place occupied becomes the confrontation of spaces at your disposal to handle the formal style of a time the genesis of a new world and functions and on the the complete planning of gone by and the rationality and opens up the doors lasting nature of the materials the finishing touches to the of a constructive, determinedly to new perspectives highlighting the surface and spaces you’ll be living in. innovative vocabulary. of architectural semantics. function. It affects the senses, The group’s philosophy Sometimes this controlled and including emotion, through is based on close cooperation careful dialogue gives rise This contemporary that ability to translate into and listening carefully to eloquent and creative architectural style is based 3 dimensions our capacity for Photos © Serge Brison for Upptown Contempory design

30 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 31 Special Issue Brussels needs dreams as much as concrete. WAY OF LIFE pages 33 - 44

- Special Feature

Together May June 2007 – 33

Upptown toegether.indd 1 19/02/07 8:59:31 Special FEATURE Special FEATURE

“ ‘Bruxpats’, The Brussels Europe Liaison > Expats move to a foreign a word Office, a small not-for-profit country to work for an organisation founded by organisation that operates I made up, the Brussels Capital Region and recruits internationally. refers to administration to take care of For Brussels, I distinguished the ambivalent the welcome given to expats, the following groups of situation expats offered me the opportunity to organisations : are in : being do this study. I was there for - International BruXpats, a Brussels six weeks. The main question governmental citizen but not of the study is : what does organisations ; being a Belgian Brussels, as an international - Diplomacy (Permanent civilian” city, have to offer to expats to Representations) ; who are you ? make them feel welcome and - Representations of at home? The study is based European regions and on three kinds of sources. main cities ; Together Magazine is proud to publish Firstly, I examined a selection - International NGOs ; of relevant studies, policy - Multinational enterprises the results of an important study documents, expat guides, having their worldwide statistics and articles from or European headquarters carried out in 2006 by Dutchman light on the conclusions drawn newspapers and magazines. in Brussels ; from this ambitious study. Secondly, I held interviews - International business-to- Arjan van Daal as part of his training with more than twenty people. business services ; The Bruxpats concept The interviewees work for - International press ; at the Brussels-Europe Liaison Office, This study is about “Bruxpats” : organisations that play a key - International schools a governmental institution that expatriates living in Brussels role in expat facilities and research institutes. and its surroundings. (government agencies, advocates the integration of European “Bruxpats”, a word I made not-for-profit organisations, > Expats sometimes intend to up, refers to the ambivalent commercial services), stay, sometime they don’t. workers in Brussels situation expats are in : organisations that represent Some settle for a specified being a Brussels citizen but groups of expats, and period of time : one year, not being a Belgian civilian. some academics. Many of three years, five years etc. BruXpats, a new social group Expats are sometimes the interviewees were expats Others stay for an referred to as a “transnational themselves. Thirdly, I was undetermined period of class”, not belonging to any allowed to participate in time. Whereas some t just 35 years a desire to improve his skills expatriates migrating to the country. So, Bruxpats ... Who some special expat activities, of them stay for only a very of age, Arjan through further education Hague to work in the new are they? Why do they come ? for instance the two-weekly short period, others stay till van Daal can and training, he embarked on international and European What position do they have introduction of new EC they retire. Meanwhile, they already boast an post-university studies at the institutions that are springing in Brussels ? How are they employees. all keep their nationality. impressive CV. Netherlands School of Public up in this city. The study of welcomed ? What expat A town planner by training, Governance on the subject expatriates living and working facilities exist ? What are Expats > If expats have a partner, he made his debut in the civil of the governance of cities. in Brussels allows me to work mutual images of Bruxpats An interesting definition children and/or other service in 1996 as government As part of this course of out a reference model intended and other citizens like? This of “expats” can be found in family members and staff official in the Regional study, which will end this to serve as a basis for analysis study arose from my interest Van Amersfoort’s essay about members, they move Development Ministry of month, Arjan completed a for looking at the expatriate in international cities. transnationalism (2001). together. the Hague. Since 2001, he has six-week work placement at populations living in cities What interested me He considers an expat “the been working for the City the Brussels-Europe Liaison where a large number of in particular was : what does man (or woman) who stays in Brussels of the Hague (Gemeente Office. There, he carried out international institutions have an international city have to a country, explicitly not being International Den Haag) where, since an extensive study of taken up residence.” Without do or to offer to be a good a civilian of that country but In the late 19th century, the summer of 2006, expatriates living in the further ado, let’s hand over host for expats? There is representing another Brussels was the capital of he has been assigned to capital of Europe. “I chose this to Arjan Van Daal and get hardly a better place to do country”. I took this definition one of Europe’s leading the department of Urban very topical subject because of straight to the heart of such a study than in Europe’s as a starting point and added internationally-oriented Education. In 2005, driven by the growing number of the matter in order to shed capital : Brussels. three elements. economies. During the late

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to my estimation, there are around160,000 expats. Number of non-Belgian Number of non-Belgian Holders of the Special I based this on three sources : inhabitants of Brussels employees of international Identity Card Capital Region organisations in Brussels (nationality) Capital Region The expat community is far from homogeneous. European Union 158,500 European Union 16,500 56,000 A distinction can be drawn EU-15 (pre-enlargement) - European Commission 12,000 among several groups. Member States, excluding - Council of Ministers 2,000 Firstly, newcomers tend to Belgium 144,000 - European Parliament 1,600 group with fellow countrymen. - Economic and Social - France 38,000 Nationality is an important Committee 400 - Italy 28,500 parameter in expat grouping. - Committee of the Regions 200 - Spain 20,000 - Other (including agencies) 300 Secondly, social often - Portugal 15,500 derive from professional - United Kingdom 9,000 NATO 900 contacts, simply because - Germany 7,500 - International Staff 550 colleagues are the first ones - The Netherlands 5,500 - Military Staff 350 - Other EU-15 Member that expats meet. Eurocontrol 750 Organisations expats work States 20,000 Other governmental the EU isn’t Brussels Airport for are another grouping New EU Member States 14,500 parameter. Thirdly, migration organisations (e.g. Benelux) 450 the only Other countries 105,000 motives among expats differ. Permanent Representations to pillar of the enterprises provide the Favell studied this Main immigrant countries : NATO, EU and Belgium 3,250 international majority of employment of phenomenon in Free Movers - Morocco 42,000 - Diplomats 2,200 city all internationally operating in Brussels (2001) - Turkey 11,500 - Non-diplomats 1,050 organisations. and defined two groups. Congo (former colony) 7,500 Representations of European “Sojourners” are young regions and cities 900 The international Main western countries people, 25 to 35 years old, - USA 3,000 International NGOs 5,600 nature of Brussels staying for just a few years th - Japan 2,500 - Interest organisations 1,000 fifties of the 20 century, The composition of Brussels’ and then moving on. - Federations of Total 263,500 the city broke through on population reveals its “Settlers”, on the other hand, national NGOs 4,600 the international scene : international nature : are people over 30, looking the EU’s predecessors and a significant number of International enterprises ? for stability : having their own - Headquarters NATO were founded and set the population originates house, having children, - Local offices up their headquarters from a foreign country. having a career. These two Foreign press 1,700 in Brussels and in 1958 The number of expats in groups behave quite differently. the World Fair took place Brussels Capital Region But they do have one thing - Accredited journalists 1,200 in Brussels. Since then, and surrounding parts of in common : they live - Non-journalists 600 Brussels has been an Flanders and Wallonia can in Brussels, but they aren’t International education and important seat of international only be estimated. According Belgian civilians. organisations. The EU and research - European schools 650 NATO presence had and still - International schools ? has a significant spin-off - Universities and research effect : many NGOs, lobbyists, institutes ? diplomats and business- A bird’s-eye view of Brussels International : - Language and training to-business services settled - 77 international governmental organisations ; institutes ? in Brussels. Nowadays, - the world’s largest number of foreign diplomats ; Brussels is widely known - the world’s largest number of foreign journalists ; Sources : Sources : Source : as Europe’s capital. The - 300 representations of European regions and cities ; non-official first city, since - Brussels Instituut voor - Iris Consulting, 2001 (adapted - Interviews - 1,750 international interest organisations and federations Statistiek en Analyse, 2004 figures) the European Union doesn’t of national NGOs ; - Federale Overheidsdienst voor - Interviews have an official first city. Yet, - 2,000 foreign companies ; Economie, KMO, Middenstand the EU isn’t the only pillar of - Three European schools and 26 international schools. en Energie, 2004 the international city : foreign

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What else typifies K government, civil society emizz Bruxpats ? predominates in initiatives - On average, they stay aimed at social support. for five years. There are up to 200 expat - During their stay, many of clubs and associations them experience a change in Brussels, most of which in their personal life (having are based on nationality. a partner, children). For instance, the American - Most Bruxpats are highly Women’s Club of Brussels educated. organises a “Hints for Living - Their income is well above in Brussels” course. average. International churches and - Though they stay schools play a key role temporarily, half of them in social support. They are are house-owners. more than just places of - Bruxpats mainly live in the EU institutions worship and education ; wealthier parts of Greater are growing many friendships and Brussels : the central and contacts are made there. south-eastern part of the at a slower - Media and information. The famous Berlaymont Brussels Capital Region pace than There’s an overwhelming (Brussels City, Ukkel, in PREVIOUS organisations such as supply of information for Elsene, , decades the EU Administration have newcomers : websites, Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe, their own professional guides, brochures, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, welcoming units (AdmInfo). newsletters, etc. Expat Oudergem and Watermaal- Multinational enterprises clubs and associations, Bosvoorde) as well as the number of US expats has often recruit relocation churches, schools, local surrounding areas in been declining since 2001. agents, directly or via and regional government, Flanders and Wallonia. People coming from ‘global providers’ (for local cultural facilities, Sojourners prefer central, neighbouring countries will human-resources employers : they all have metropolitan parts, increasingly spend weekdays activities), to take care of a great deal of information whereas settlers prefer in Brussels, from Monday to the relocation of foreign for newcomers. And then south-eastern suburban Friday, and be at home during managers. Depending on there’s the professional communities. weekends. the available budget, a expat media. Ackroyd - Recent newcomers tend to tailor-made package of Publications is by far be younger than their Expat facilities services is provided (such as the largest expat media predecessors. As a result, Many facilities concentrate on housing, school, moving, company, publishing “The Brussels’ central areas tend Business area near Gare du Nord the first stage of being an permits, administrative Bulletin” (a newsweekly, to attract more newcomers. expat : moving, settling and duties, etc). 65,000 readers) and For instance, Schaarbeek, Some trends are likely to be significantly. And since being welcomed. Moving to - Administrative support. an annual expat guide, an area that hasn’t relevant in the future. EU newcomers tend to be young a new country obviously has The Brussels Europe holding two annual expat traditionally attracted many institutions are growing at people and the pioneer administrative, material and Liaison Office, BELO, fairs and running a popular expats, is becoming more and a slower pace than in past generation of EU civil financial consequences. supports any expat needing expat website. more popular. decades. But their spin-off servants will retire in the next It also has significant social any advice on administrative - Many Bruxpats participate effect remains impressive. few years, the expat and emotional repercussions issues, such as housing Once expats are settled and in Brussels’ cultural life : For instance, the number of community is likely to be but, in my interviews, I was rental contracts and welcomed, feeling at home they frequently go to regional representations is found increasingly in the told several times that these registration. In 2004, BELO is the next step. Obviously, restaurants, museums, growing rapidly, from fewer central areas of Brussels. are often underestimated. assisted some 4,400 people. expats themselves are theatres, concert halls, etc. than 300 now to some 350 in Multinational enterprises are Four categories of facilities AdmInfo provides more or primarily responsible for this. - According to surveys, two- the near future. The number expected to recruit more of concerning this first stage less the same kind of support. But expat facilities can help thirds of all expats speak at of expats from Central and their staff members from the can be identified : - Social support. Apart from to support them. It depends least three languages Eastern European countries local labour market in order - Welcoming facilities activities organised on the needs and wishes (English, French and a third). is expected to rise to cut costs. In particular, of employers. Large by employers and local of individual expats

38 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 39 Special FEATURE Special FEATURE

© M. Vanhulst - B whether they use them or pleasant it is to live there, voluntary organisations - many of Europe” is winning not. The facilities mentioned regardless of nationality. are involved in some way or ground. above don’t stop being Favell said something very another. They contribute to the - Brussels Enterprise Agency, relevant after the initial interesting about Brussels’ existence of a very professional also founded and funded by ITC period : for many expats, quality of life in his 2001 expat infrastructure. Yet, any the Region, plays a modest they remain a crucial part study : “Very few cities are so form of direction, of leadership, role in the domain of expats, of their lives. In particular, forgiving of indifference to the seems to be lacking. As a specifically for foreign the clubs and associations, nation state around it, while so result, the expat infrastructure enterprises setting up schools and churches, “civil open to cultural diversion. is very fragmented. in Brussels and for their society”, so to speak, form Very few European cities are An example of this is what employees. a sort of social foundation so easy on a practical level happened in 2001 : - Federal government for expats. (in terms of finding housing, European commission is responsible for seat social networks, setting up an president Prodi and Belgian treaties and for bringing In my interviews, two types everyday life) or have such prime minister Verhofstadt privileges and immunities of stay-related facilities were a vast range of expat services. launched an initiative to into effect, such as issuing The Brussels-Europe Liaison Office frequently mentioned : Without these conditions, strengthen Brussels’ position the Special Identity Card. on www.blbe.be schools, privileges and we can scarcely expect free as Europe’s capital city. On a more strategic level, immunities. Greater Brussels movement to develop The initiative failed due to that of mobilising and has three European schools dramatically in Europe.” a lack of backing on both joining forces for Brussels The media provide a great and 26 international schools. Brussels is praised for its sides. To put it bluntly, as an international city, deal of relevant knowledge Many children from expat cultural climate, affordable it reveals the inability of its role is very weak. about the expat community families attend these, rather housing, public transport Belgium’s political system This is outside its area but contacts with public than go to Belgian schools. and multilingualism. to mobilise and combine of competence. authorities seem to be Usually, the schools aren’t On the other hand, it should forces for Brussels as - Municipalities are minimal. open to Belgian children and be mentioned that there is (Europe’s) capital city as well responsible for first-line - Civil society is very much fees are often paid by the some tension between as the introversion contacts with expats. Some alive in the expat community : employer. They are highly the local population and of international governmental expats, however, don’t need more than 200 volunteer- concentrated in the south- the expat community. Expats organisations such as the EU to go to the town hall for based clubs and associations eastern part of the region, sometimes don’t feel towards their host city. these first-line contacts exist and organise all kinds the area in which the children welcome. “Eurocrats”, as EU since federal government of activities (sports, culture, and their parents also live. employees among them are What can be said distributes the Special courses, etc.). International “Privileges and immunities” often referred to, encounter about the key Identity Card. churches and schools are refer to specific rights entrenched prejudices : players ? - Larger international meeting points for expats of employees of diplomatic they have sky-high salaries, - Brussels Capital Region organisations have and also organise activities. representations and they don’t pay any income doesn’t have specific expat impressively professional Many expats participate international governmental taxes, they force up housing policies. The existence of expat facilities themselves. in these activities. organisations. These rights prices, they have an arrogant BELO, a not-for-profit Yet, agencies like BELO and - Local cultural facilities were agreed upon in (bilateral attitude. For this reason, agency founded and funded AdmInfo (EU Administration) (museums, theatres, and multilateral) seat treaties. BELO is putting an increasing by the Region, is its main do more or less the same restaurants, etc.) are One of these privileges is the amount of effort into positive expat policy instrument. work, without really obviously aware of the Special Identity Card for EU “awareness-raising” in order The Region’s policy cooperating with each other. strong presence of expats employees, distributed by to make Brussels a hospitable responsibilities in other - Relocation agencies in Brussels. But, apart from a federal government agency. capital of Europe. domains, such as urban primarily work for providing information planning, are used to multinational enterprises. in English, they don’t pay As perfect or as poor as any Organisations influence Brussels’ position There are about twelve specific attention to expats. expat facility may be, feeling involved in welcoming as an international city. of them in Belgium. - Some local associations at home in a foreign city is expats - BELO is a key player on Their work is very sensitive have recently launched also a matter of appreciation Thanks to the large numbers the public side. Whereas to economic changes. small-scale initiatives of the city’s quality of daily of expats, facilities are administrative support - The Xpat media is highly to bridge the gap between life. Facilities and amenities extensive and well developed. remains a solid asset of professional. Ackroyd Belgians and foreigners, available to ALL inhabitants Government agencies, NGOs, BELO, awareness-raising in Publications is by far the both immigrants and expats. Brussels : European village of Brussels determine how commercial organisations, terms of “Brussels, capital largest media organisation.

40 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 41 Special FEATURE © M. Vanhulst - B Special FEATURE

Ties The tension sense. I think this is an a high-quality level. Being a Brussels citizen and between locals ITC interesting idea. However, 4. BELO is much appreciated being an expat at the same and expats one should take into account and has a central position time puts the Bruxpat the fact that Brussels isn’t in the field of facilities in an exceptional position. mentioned a megapolis like London, for welcoming expats and His or her ties with Brussels, previously so being cosmopolitan has facilitating their stay, with Belgium, are necessarily reveals to fit in with Brussels’ size particularly in terms partial. During my stay in the need to and nature. of administrative support. Brussels, I was often told that strengthen BELO could draw more expats “don’t integrate” into solidarity Ten conclusions benefit from its position if local society. From a social 1. There isn’t a stereotypical it developed it. and economic participation Bruxpat. There are 5. Bruxpats are highly point of view, this simply probably 160,000 expats organised : they have their is not true : expats have at that. The fact that expats in Greater Brussels. own clubs, associations, well-paid jobs, are mostly have their own organisations A distinction can be made churches, schools and very active during their spare is a phenomenon that can be among different groups. media. The large numbers of time and use the city’s observed worldwide Nationality, professional Bruxpats enables them to be cultural facilities intensively. in international cities. environment and migration highly organised. Separation On the other hand, we cannot Their existence indicates motives are grouping is an inevitable result of this. ignore the fact that they tend that expats need a comfort parameters. The often heard criticism to stick to their own zone, a place where they 2. The hospitality of that Bruxpats don’t organisations (schools, feel at ease amidst their an international city is participate and don’t integrate churches, clubs, fellow countrymen. They are necessarily a combination should be qualified as an associations) and that they crucial for them to feel of specific facilities exaggeration. In general, live in a concentrated way in at home. for newcomers and Bruxpats make a positive specific areas. So I think it is To strengthen solidarity, a pleasant quality of daily contribution to Brussels more accurate to speak of efforts should be aimed life for all citizens. society. Their organisations separation to a certain extent, at the external orientation Accessibility (of society and create a socially important rather than lack of of these organisations. its facilities) and solidarity “comfort zone” for living in integration. Cailliez, a ULB (among citizens with a foreign country. academic, carried out Image different backgrounds) 6. Unfortunately, the large an interesting study about Expats and locals : during my can be considered number of facilities and the position of British people stay I heard quite a few keystones for the perceived organisations affects in Brussels : “Schumann mutual prejudices. Some quality of life. the adventurous and City”. It proved that many elements might be true, but 3. In Brussels, many pioneering side of being British came to Brussels with the fact is that the presence organisations are involved an expat. Young Bruxpats, the intention of playing a full of international organisations in welcoming Bruxpats whose numbers are part in local society, instead and expats is heavily and helping to facilitate growing, seem to avoid that of primarily being in touch associated with (EU) their stay. They play situation. They prefer a less with their fellow countrymen. bureaucracy and a waste specific roles but these organised way of moving Yet, the latter is what has of money. As a result, aren’t explicitly defined. around and living and happened to many of them. Brussels’ status as Europe’s Public sector and private increasingly they settle Why? Because it is so easy, non-official capital city has sector facilities are outside Brussels’ traditional thanks to the sheer number a negative connotation. As primarily separate worlds. residential areas of expats. of British people and the Magosse (2005) strikingly Nobody takes the lead : 7. The Expat media in Brussels fantastic facilities available. pointed out, its image there isn’t an inspiring, is highly professional. The tension between locals is primarily founded on pioneering main actor The Bulletin, a weekly expat and expats mentioned the institutional dimension in Greater Brussels that magazine, symbolises previously reveals the need of being a capital. He suggests mobilises all of these Brussels’ highly-developed to strengthen solidarity. exploring ways of branding organisations involved expat media. Initiatives of BELO and other Brussels as Europe’s capital in making Brussels 8. Some international NGOs are increasingly aimed in a more cosmopolitan Charlemagne area an hospitable city at organisations, notably

42 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 43 Special FEATURE REAL ESTATE

governmental and Some - Develop and implement diplomatic ones, tend recommendations a strategy together with to separate themselves to BELO municipalities and from their host city. - Continue administrative the Brussels Capital Region This is detrimental support for expats (as it has for improving first-line to the accessibility and a great deal of valuable contacts with expats. fellowship needed for expertise in that area) but Use the annual seminary an open city climate. focus more on raising for municipal civil servants 9. Brussels can be considered awareness, bridging gaps as an instrument for this. the international showpiece and mobilising strategically - Initiate the exchange of of Belgium. Governmental important parties. Use knowledge, good practices bodies involved should join enthusiasm and debate and ideas with international forces to draw maximum as instruments. cities abroad. benefit from this position. - Widen the scope : BELO - Combine forces with AdmInfo Yet fragmentation of is there for expats from all and similar organisations. Belgium’s governmental over the world, not just (Literature : see full report system obstructs any the ones in your name. in Dutch on www.blbe.be) efforts to join forces. - Intensify cooperation with 10. Brussels’ status as Europe’s federal government and Arjan van Daal, capital city is strongly international governmental City of The Hague, associated with institutional organisations, based on The Netherlands, 2006 and bureaucratic aspects. the concept of Brussels as This is a pity. Branding a hospitable city. Initiate Brussels as Europe’s capital a debate about a “Brussels, in a cosmopolitan sense Europe’s capital” strategy would be a great challenge. from this new point of view.

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44 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 45

12604 LPA Eguille 04.indd 1 26/04/07 14:34:12 Together 05-2007 4/05/07 16:20 Page 1 e b .

REAL ESTATE n REAL ESTATE o i t a u q e . w w w © O escape . Van de K pages 46 - 61 erckove - B ITC YESTERDAY WE WERE - Somewhere in Brussels - Somewhere in Europe AT HOME, TODAY WE'RE - On the Road IN BRUSSELS. - Waterstone’s Selection - Fitness - Golf

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46Together – Together May May June June 2007 2007 – 46 Together May June 2007 – 47 SomewhREAerLe E iSnTATE BRUSSELS © M. Vanhulst - B Somewhere in BRUSSELS ITC Brussels : metropolis of Europe, capital of the European Union

Brussels is known worldwide as the capital of the European Union (EU) because it is home to the EU’s principal institutions. The link between Brussels and the EU is so close that the former is often used to denote the latter : “Brussels has decided…” is a phrase that we often hear from the media...

Charlemagne by night

48 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 49 Somewhere in BRUSSELS Somewhere in BRUSSELS

russels is in fact independence in 1880. Have a copy of a favourite statue © B

a metropolis, The halls linked to the arch made in the plaster-cast studio ITC the smallest house a national exhibition of the Museums of Art and world-city. of Industry and the Arts. History. Set up in the 19th

The wars your capital city, your European village As you jog or stroll around century by King Leopold II, the Band alliances between the 45 hectares of lawns, studio has a collection of nearly the European powers over � B R U X E LL ES � B RUSS E L � B R ornamented with a 4,000 moulds used to make walks... plaster casts of works of art the centuries have profoundly Ü S SE L � B R U S SELS � B R U S E remarkable collection of influenced the city’s statues, you will come across. dating from pre-history to development, as has L A S � B RUK S E L A � B R U SELJ Pavilion of Human Passions, the eighteenth century. While the commercial growth ambiences... a Neo-Classical building by conserving this heritage, of continental Europe. � B RYS S EL � B RU X ELAS � Horta that houses a huge, the studio also promotes art

Brussels bears the imprints B R I S EL E � B RÜ S S ZEL � B R I U white marble bas-relief by offering high-quality of all the major religious, experiences... sculpture of intertwined plaster casts to the public artistic and technological S E LI S � B RU S EL � B RU S SEL L � bodies by Jef Lambeaux, at affordable prices. movements that have shaped and the Brussels Central European civilisation. Mosque, originally a building Stand under the arches that housed a superb and admire the Avenue This guide is available for free in FR | NL | In addition, one sixth of the ENGL | GERM | IT | SP | POL at the Tourist panorama of Cairo, de Tervueren that runs East city’s population were born Office -T own Hall – Grand’Place converted to religious in front of you : its construction in other European countries, use in 1978. was the dream of King and another sixth in countries Leopold II, the “Builder King” outside Europe : this cultural the , Walk through the arches for to link the site cross-fertilisation has greatly the Justus Lipsus building a surprising change of with the Royal Museum of enriched the city. and ! scenery ! On the left is one of Central Africa at , built Map published in “Brussels your capital city, your european village” by BITC the largest military museums to promote the Belgian Congo ©

colony. From Montgomery O This brochure’s extract invites Fancy some chips ? Then in the world (containing, . Van de you to discover two aspects head for “Chez Antoine” among other things, metro station, tram 44 takes of Brussels : the institutional exhibitions of medieval you to the very stylish Woluwe

on Place Jourdan, K capital and the city which a five-minute walk from weapons and armour, park, the Brussels Public erckoven - B loves fine food and drink the . the technical development of Transport Museum (closed for and is famous for its The chips sold here are arms, armoured vehicles and redevelopment in 2007), exceptional art de vivre. regularly voted the best ships and an aviation section the Mellaerts ponds (crazy ITC in Brussels, and the cafés with more than 80 models mini golf course, boats and Let’s take a walk on around the square will of aircraft, which always pedalos), the cycle path and the European side of Brussels! cheerfully let you eat your fascinate younger visitors footpath along a disused chips, washed down with a in particular). Entrance to railway line (including Things beer, or any other drink you the museum is free, and also a pretty footbridge that to experience … fancy, while sitting at one of gives access to a very fine crosses the avenue) and, Take a seat among their terrace tables. A friendly sweeping view of the capital at the very end, after a ride the crowds of EU officials on market is held on this square from the top of the arches. through the Soignes forest, the café terraces of the Place on Sunday mornings. Opposite the military the Royal Museum of Central du Luxembourg and feel the museum is the Autoworld Africa. Trips to Tervuren pulse of Europe beating in Let the naturally attractive motor museum, where you are also available 22 languages ! view of the Cinquantenaire can travel back in time to see in vintage trams from arches work its magic cars dating from the Belle the Cinquantenaire park. Stand in the middle of and follow the flow towards Epoque until around 1934. the Schuman roundabout and the park, designed with Autoworld’s collection is one of Thanks to : do a 360° turn. You will see elements of French and the most amazing of its kind in Brussels International, the Cinquantenaire Arch, English styles to celebrate Europe, and includes a Minerva, Tourism & Congres. the , fifty years of Belgian a Vivinus and even a 2CV ! www.brusselsinternational.be Place du Luxembourg

50 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 51 SomeRwhEAeLr EeS iTATEn Europe Somewhere in Europe

ver dinner, Rome is actually a heady mix The ancient some will argue of artistic and architectural rubs shoulders that Rome is masterpieces, classical ruins with the Springtime not really Italy and extravagant baroque at all and they churches and piazzas. medieval, Omay have a point - Rome The city’s 2,700 years the modern itself is enjoying a seven per of history are on display, runs into the cent rise in GDP while the everywhere you look. Renaissance in Rome rest of the country is sinking The ancient rubs shoulders and the result faster than former Italian with the medieval, the modern is something premier Silvio Berlusconi in runs into the Renaissance the latest opinion polls. and the result is something like an open-air Springtime in Rome. What finer place But don’t let that fool you. like an open-air museum. museum could there be ? Trees are bursting Rome is no booming modern Julius Caesar and Nero, metropolis either. Romans, the Vandals and the Borgias - into life and the eyes of the world have in the main, shy away from they and countless other of the emperor Augustus and the hedonistic temptations that political, cultural and priests in flowing robes walk recently been focused on the city, as the cities such as Paris, London spiritual luminaries have through medieval piazzas th and, of course, New York left their mark on the city. talking on cell phones. European Union celebrates the 50 an- have long embraced - More than Florence and even Modern Rome has one foot cosmopolitanism, Venice, Rome is Italy’s in the past, one in the present, niversary of the Treaty of Rome, which immigration, Starbucks. treasure trove, packed with a charming stance that allows Instead, they’ve been masterpieces from more you to have an espresso in paved the way for the creation of the EU concentrating on the things than two millennia of artistic a square designed by Bernini, Rome has done best for achievement. then take the metro back to millennia : art, architecture, This is where the metropolis your hotel room in a renovated fashion, and food. New shops once bustled around the Renaissance palace. are springing up almost daily carved marble monuments In spring, the Eternal City on Governo Vecchio and Via of the Roman Forum, where looks better than ever, dei Prefetti. The scaffolding is centuries later Michelangelo making this a good time finally coming down on painted Christian history to visit. Must-sees include the first new structure to be in the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum, the symbol built inside the Aurelian Wall where an empire of gold was of Rome and the world’s in 70 years and Romans have worked into the crowns best-known amphitheatre, their first set of three of centuries of rulers. St Peter’s Basilica, Michelin stars in the white- Today, Rome’s formidable the biggest Christian church glove restaurant La Pergola legacy is upheld by its people, in the world, which lies with (+39 06 350 92152). their history knit into the Vatican City, and Sometimes, change is good, the fabric of their everyday the Pantheon, Rome’s best- but some things never lives. Students walk dogs preserved ancient building. change and, thankfully, in the park that was once the Eternal City is one of them. the mausoleum of the family Martin Banks

The Colosseum

52 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 53 ROEAN TLH EES RTATEOAD ON THE ROAD

standard : front airbags, amusing to think that while rid of the roof in the blink of automatic air-conditioning, customers might buy a Smart an eye, as with the Cabrio, ABS with electronic brakeforce mainly for use around town, the Fortwo becomes absolutely distribution (EBD), and even the car has undergone several indispensable for any trajectory correction (ESP) ; weeks of testing on rough city-dweller ! Better all round, also emergency brake assist, tracks in South Africa... it is certain to enjoy the same seatbelt pre-tensioners success as the first generation and effort limiters, and This new generation improves - except that this time it central locking. Optional on the inspired concept that is going cross-Atlantic ! extras include side airbags, allowed the Smart Fortwo www.smart.com power-assisted steering, a to rule the cities. And when six-CD audio player with MP3 you have the option of getting Pierre-Benoît Sepulchre connection and even a portable GPS. What’s more, the cabriolet version has a fully remote-controlled canvas hood that can even be opened on the move, at the flick of a switch, while the roof bars can be stowed in Even the boot. And to prevent you from catching cold as you drive along with the wind in your hair, the rear window is now heated ! Smarter ! New Smart Fortwo Cabrio Safer fter months first generation’s 2.50 metres. per hour more than the old Apart from its compactness, of waiting So it has been scaled up version. To say nothing of one of the Smart Fortwo’s and a few false slightly but not just for the the Brabus version, unveiled main selling points has always reports, comfort at the Geneva Car Show in been safety, largely due to its the replacement of the two passengers. Those March. The model has virtually indestructible Tridion Afor the legendary first added inches were also also been modified and the survival cell. Certainly, generation Smart Fortwo dictated by the increasingly power of its 800 CC engine the second generation does has at last been revealed. strict safety standards. increased to 45 HP, while it not disappoint on this front. More roomy, more comfortable The car will be marketed consumes even less fuel (less Tiny as it is, the car meets and more efficient, the new in the US from 2008 and than 3.5 l per 100 km) and every legal standard worldwide version is an improvement Smart has taken every step emits fewer pollutants. and, as mentioned above, this on the original concept to ensure that the Fortwo So Smart can boast the is mainly why its size had to be in every way. does not fail on any count. cleanest production-car on increased. For example, As a result, it was awarded the market, with even lower the new standards prescribe And yet, at first sight, there no fewer than four stars in CO2 emissions than the a “soft” front section in case of is nothing very revolutionary its EuroNCAP crash tests. Toyota Prius ! This Fortwo has collision with a pedestrian. To about it. The little city car also gained a new sequential be approved for the American has retained its diminutive Cleaner five-speed Getrag gearbox, market, the car must also be proportions and unusual Smart will produce three much quicker than the old one. able to resist a rear impact at styling. But like any new different petrol-engine a speed that is constantly generation, it has grown versions with outputs of 61, Better equipped adjusted upwards. The 2007 a few centimetres : it now has 71 and 84 HP, enough to soup On top of all this, Smart is infinitely safer and an overall length of 2.70 up the Fortwo to a top speed the microcar comes with has been tested in all terrains metres compared with to the of 145 km per hour, 10 km a plethora of equipment as all over the world. It is quite New Smart Fortwo Cabrio

54 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 55 Reading Reading Waterstone’s

selection The Invention want to in the top-secret of Hugo Cabret laboratory complex of by Brian Selznick the world’s most famous genius inventor – Ebenezer Saint. Get ready for Imagine that you get there and the final instalment of Harry Potter ! you discover Saint has got st a plan to destroy the world, 21 July 2007 and the only thing standing between him and his awful goal is you, your best friend - he seventh and face painting and other fun and the small, farting robot you final part of activities for children and just invented. Read this if… you J.K Rowling’s grown-ups alike. The Dead Days Omnibus love funny, exciting adventures ; wizarding series by Marcus Sedgwick you’re a bit of an inventor is almost upon Published : 21st July 2007 Boy has no name. He is the yourself; you love books where Tus and fans are already in Publisher : Bloomsbury ; bullied servant of Valerian, best friends save the world. a nervous state of excitement Children’s edition a magician who made a pact (as are we booksellers). Total pages : 608 pages with Evil many years ago. Format : Hardcover As part of the general launch This isn’t quite a novel, not As Valerian struggles to save Waterstone’s will be having quite a film and not quite his soul, Boy and the girl If you loved Harry Potter and a gigantic party from midnight a graphic novel but something called Willow are caught up in don’t know what you’re going on the eve of publication and in between. Illustrations help a magical struggle to find to read once you’ve read the book will be on sale from tell the story of twelve-year- the Book of Dead Days. the seventh and final book, 1 am We will also be old Hugo, an orphan living Read this if… you like here are some suggestions celebrating the next day (and in the walls of a Paris metro mysterious, orphan heroes ; to keep the magic alive… yes, probably reading it too station, who discovers you like quite scary magic; it’s if possible !) with magicians, a secret to do with nearly Christmas ! (The Dead Leven Thumps and th its rightful heir back. Full of a mechanical man, a robot Days are those between Published : 5 April 2007 the Gateway to Foo which broke down in the act Publisher : Faber and Faber imaginative magical beings Christmas and New Year). Total pages : by Obert Skye of writing a message. Will 385 pages Fourteen-year-old Leven and humour, this is a fantasy Format : Paperback like no other ! Hugo get the robot working Published : 21st September 2006 Thumps has a miserable life and what will the message Publisher : Orion Children’s in a boring town.. until Read this if… you want And you could also try : something different from say ? This is a stunningly Total pages : 528 pages Magyk by Annie Sage ; he learns about a secret original book, full of mystery Format : Paperback gateway bridging the real elves and dragons; you want Charmed Life a spell-binding adventure and excitement. Read this if… by Diana Wynne Jones ; world and the world of Foo. you love mysteries; you love The Inventors Foo was created at to take you out of this world ; by Alexander Gordon Endymion Spring you’re a dreamer ! comics and graphic novels ; by Matthew Skelton. the beginning of time, you like BIG books ! Smith and Jamie Webb a dream-world that makes it Imagine you’re a talented Sarah Higgs Published : 2nd January 2007 possible for humans to hope Publisher : Simon & Schuster Published : March 2007 inventor. Imagine that you, and Waterstone’s and imagine. But Foo is in Children’s Books Publisher : Scholastic Press fifty other kids like you, win a boulevard A. Max 71 danger and Leven alone has Total pages : 400 pages Total pages : 544 pages special scholarship to spend 1000 Brussels the power to save it and bring Format : Paperback Format : Hardcover a year inventing anything you +32 (0)2 219 27 08

56 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 57 Fitness REAL ESTATE Getting in shape for the summer season

pring is finally you have, the more fuel 5. Evaluate your eating habits. here! Trees are is needed and therefore The easiest way to deal blossoming, thick the more calories are with diet concerns is to cut winter jackets are burned, even when you’re back portion sizes. Eat being put away not working out. Aim for two-thirds of your normal Sand stores are advising us a minimum of two sessions amount and stock up on on the best summer outfits to per week to start with, seasonal fruit and vegetables. invest in. If you haven’t been where each session should They are full of fibre and keeping your New Year’s include all your major will also fill you up and resolutions, chances are that muscle groups. Make sure satisfy your appetite. you’re beginning to panic you complete 2-3 sets per Combine your favourite about putting on beachwear exercise of 8-12 repetitions. fruit with natural yogurt, again. No need to worry ! By the final repetition your cottage cheese or milk There’s still plenty of time muscles should be tired for an excellent morning to get in good shape for and it should be almost or afternoon snack. the summer but it means impossible to complete the 6. Maximise with cross training. putting your mind to it and, exercise. Always start with As much as possible, try to most importantly of all, your larger muscles and spread out your different starting today ! finish with the smaller ones. programmes during the 3. Buy a ball. If you decide to do week, for example cardio We create Shapes Getting in shape for the summer fitness training at home, training on one day and At World Class, we believe that exercise should lead to more than just beautiful season can be fun and is easy one of your best (and least strength training on the next. shapes. Your body is your temple, and it to achieve at home, outdoors expensive) investments is With this method you can needs to be treated in the best possible or in a gym or fitness centre. a fitness ball ! It’s perfect for manage an intensive way. It is the fi nest and most valuable The following pointers will tell abs and leg-toning exercises, workout without overtaxing instrument ever created – but it also has to harmonise with the inner you. We believe you how some simple changes and is suitable for both your body. And the results in exercise that shapes and strengthens can help you get your body beginner and advanced level will show faster ! both body and soul. in swimsuit shape : exercises, which will keep 7. Take one step at a time ! If boredom at bay and also you try to get fit at the last 1. Slowly but surely. If you’re ensure you challenge minute, you run the risk of not currently exercising, your body. There are good injuring yourself from doing start with a low-to- instruction books available in too much exercise too moderate intensity workout book shops, which will show soon. Your body needs time Contact your local club for more information or visit: www.worldclassfitness.net

such as walking or jogging. you plenty of different to adapt to a new exercise Fitness Center Berchem Fitness Center Diegem Health Academy Antwerp Health Academy Brussels Thirty minutes three times exercises you can do. regime so remember to Covelierstaat 15, Pegasus Park, Gerard le Grellelaan 10, Renaissance Hotel, 2600 Berchem De Kleetlaan 5b-5c,1831 Diegem 2020 Antwerp Rue du Parnasse 19, 1050 Brussels a week is a good start ! 4. Interval training. After your increase duration and Phone: +32 3 281 20 06 Phone: +32 2 300 57 00 Phone: +32 3 259 75 05 Phone: +32 2 551 59 90 2. Add resistance training to first few weeks of cardio intensity gradually. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] your workout. In addition training, try adding interval For more information on how to the toned body you’ll get, training to your cardio to achieve your desired shape, strength training also helps workout, which is one of the please contact your nearest World speed up weight loss. most effective ways to burn Class club. We will be happy Your muscles need fuel to calories. Interval training to help you reach your goals ! function, even when they’re is short, high-intensity www.worldclassfitness.netbelgium not being used actively. This exercise periods alternated means that the more muscles with periods of rest. BELGIUM

58 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 59 NewsR frEAoLm E StTATEhe green News from the green

events” and these B2B challenge and the search get-togethers are proving to be for excellence. It’s a sport for Golf : private a big success.” passionate people : it’s conducive to forming good relations. advantage and What kind of companies Where the atmosphere might be do you want to attract ? very formal in an office, it will professional become much more relaxed on “La Tournette has a lot of a golf course or in a Club House. experience in the field and Connections and connectivity benefits can respond to almost every are crucial in today’s world. Golf request. Our infrastructure can facilitate several kinds of Golf Chateau de la Tournette is one is quite sophisticated and can synergy. It creates opportunities host big multinationals as well and we, at La Tournette, of the most popular clubs with as smaller companies or even do everything we can to build the professions. No matter bridges. Private advantage businessmen. For many years now, what the size of the company, is combined with professional our know-how is at their interest. All you need to do the Nivelles Club has been offering disposal.” is take that first step.” tailor-made memberships to companies. Why is golf so Information : well-appreciated in business Golf Chateau de la Tournette Their new concept, Business Club, Denis De Wagheneire Sales & Marketing Director is the best example of this. Explanations “It holds certain values dear, Chemin de Baudemont 21-23, such as fair play, ethics and 1400 Nivelles from Denis De Wagheneire, etiquette. T. +32 (0)67 89 42 60 It also develops competitive e-mail : denis.dewagheneire@ Sales & Marketing Director Golf Chateau de la Tournette spirit, a sense of personal tournette.com

INTERVIEW peaceful setting, 15 minutes we are clearly establishing Together Magazine : What’s from Brussels.” our position as an independent the philosophy behind “Business Club”.” Networking this “Business Club” ? In concrete terms, how does it work ? You talk about networking. on the green Denis De Wagheneire : How will that work in “La Tournette is the pioneer “The member companies can, practice with the “Business of “golf business” in Belgium. of course, always enjoy the use Club” of La Tournette ? With After-Work-Golf.net, in Hamburg. In 2004, the AWG Become a member of AWG With “the Corporate Club”, of our two magnificent 18-hole Europe’s largest Business network expanded with the and you’ll discover benefits, it was already offering courses (“l’Anglais and “We organise about 30 activities Golfing network, you can launch of After-Work-Golf.net discounts and deals in and tailor-made memberships l’Américain”) and of our a year. There are, of course, combine business with in Benelux. around golf thanks to AWG to more than 120 companies. smaller 9-hole courses. a few golf competitions. pleasure ! The concept of AWG, Premium Partners. With the new “Business Club”, But most of all they benefit There, we give priority to expanding your business With Premium Golf Clubs in it goes much further. from the use of a complete making contacts and building network in the unique Brussels (Captain Karin Come and enjoy networking Golf remains, of course, infrastructure; ultra-modern good relations. Members have atmosphere of golf has already Seidel), Antwerp (Captain outside the formality of an the main basis of the concept meeting rooms, ISDN lines, the option of inviting a client or, convinced more than 11,000 Steven Pauwels), office, meet new people and but incorporated into a very general Internet access and for beginners, becoming members worldwide, Luxembourg (Captain Päivi discover new greens ! professional environment. a high-quality restaurant. acquainted with the joy of from Brussels to Shanghai Kallio) and Amsterdam Information : Businessmen and women have The “Business Club” goes swinging a club. In addition, via Dubai ! (Captain Colette Räder), AWG After-Work-Golf Benelux an increasing need for beyond golf. A company can every month we hold lunches, is hosting rounds of golf every Ken Reist connectivity and networking. even become a “Corporate conferences or themed “Networking on the green” (second) Tuesday of the Country Manager Benelux We can now fully respond to Member” without any golfing evenings with prestigious with AWG was created by month as well as Golf T. +32 (0)2 550 36 89 this demand in an idyllic and involvement. With this formula, speakers. These “networking Martin Burmeister in 2001 tournaments. e-mail : [email protected]

60 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 61 REAL ESTATE FiRnEAe ArL EtSsTATE Diary

Nightlife pages 62 - 77

- Fine Arts Diary - Drama Diary - The Places To Be - By The Glass - Eat and Drink - Concept Kaleidoscope Birthday Party

The vernissage of the exhibition

élène Noël “La Fontaine Bleue” café, Did the art galleries in gets intimate where we agreed to meet. Slovakia or COBALT with Gabriela When Gabriela crosses International Gallery Kukuˇcková, the street, I know immediately start it ? House Of that it’s her. This is an SlovakH Regions Communication exceptional phenomenon, Gabriela Kukuˇcková : “We and Information Officer, but Gabriela looks exactly initiated the project here in about the art of being like her voice sounds on Brussels, in the House two years young. the phone : springy, sparkling of Slovak Regions, for which and crystalline. Gabriela and I work. Our organisation has For once, I’m a little early. I sit to speak about a happy existed since Slovakia entered As I jump out of the taxi, and beautiful event : this year, the EU, two years ago.” I suddenly remember Slovakia celebrates its something I’d forgotten second birthday within How did you select completely when we spoke the European Union and is the artists to be shown to each other three days ago determined to have all of in Brussels? I’ve never actually met Brussels at the party. I mean Gabriela Kukuˇcková before. at the exhibition. Or both ? “In Slovakia, we have eight How will we recognise each I ask my charming guest. regions, each one hosting its other ? Panicking slightly, own art gallery, except I choose a seat right in front Together Magazine : Bratislava, which – being the of the entrance door of How did the project begin ? capital – is a centre for many

62 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 63 Fine Arts Diary FiRnEAe ArL EtSsTATE Diary

DIARY

ARMAND WARIN > 31.05 dry dream of femininity. Post-Second World War © Geers - Buddha (twilight idols)email of them. The criterion was Building of Charax According to Felix, the first-class German artists being a living contemporary Rue de Namur 8 nuances between black and come together like magic artist, born in the sixties. 1000 Brussels white are shades of flesh in Brussels. Such a myriad Actually, some are a little His paintings reflect his life : pink plus occasional tiny of stars, for once, beneath older or younger. Each gallery expressive and colourful. curls. Subtle, and only for our city’s polluted skies. director has complete Owing to his success, Reist the easily offended. From Joseph Beuys to freedom.” Consulting Group decided Rebecca Horn, including to bring him back to Brussels Inside A Dyslexic Gerhard Richter. Still, there’s I understand that all World – How I see it the works are paintings in May 2007. This time Reist someone missing. Where’s is hosting a vernissage in the >11.06 & 15.06 Anselm Kiefer ? or sculptures. There are European Parliament no videos or installations. heart of Brussels near the Modern Art Museum. 1000 Brussels CEMBALO ATELIER Is that deliberate ? Altiero Spinelli Building D’UN FACTEUR DE > “No. It just happens to be so. A4 : Ground Floor CLAVECINS 01.07 I would describe them – except HELL’O MONSTERS Surface 00G Musée des Instruments one or two which are more > 03.06 In front of the restaurant de musique. Montagne de mischievous – as classical BOZAR, Entrance from Place la Cour Hofberg 2, contemporary.” rue Ravensteinstraat 23 Luxembourg 1000 Brussels 1000 Brussels [email protected] T. +32 (0)2 545 01 30 Most of the time, T. +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.ditt-online.org www.mim.fgov.be the institutional channel www.bozar.be The European Parliament is Ivan De Halleux retired and the commercial galleries The idea is not a new one hosting an exhibition of eye- from making harpsichords are quite separate. but it still works. I mean, catching works by dyslexic sometime in 2003. The exhibition will be shown Jean-Michel Basquiat used artists. The exhibition is This exhibition is a tribute in COBALT International to live in a cardboard box on sponsored by MEP Robert to his precise and exquisite Gallery and then in the street before becoming Evans and organised by Jee body of work. Extended. the Berlaymont. Could you a huge, distressed and Hirsch, Christopher James Probably for an eternity of tell me more about this ? self-destructive lonely Ian and Simon Fenaux in black and white notes. superstar. There’s association with other “We wanted to be seen something to see here, Dyslexia International Tools KENDELL GEERS by everybody here - European quietly. Something we used & Technologies (DITT) ALLEN & OVERY > 26.08 officials and citizens too. to erase, quickly. These volunteers. S.M.A.K - Stedelijk Museum For most of the artists guys love us. So love them voor Actuele Kunst. Gent VISIT(E) Citadelpark, 9000 Gent Slovak contempory art : Armand in the event, it’s their first back, for a change. opportunity to exhibit their CONTEMPORARY T. +32 (0)9 221 17 03 work outside of Slovakia.” BENOIT FELIX_CE QUI ART IN GERMANY www.smak.be Slovak Contemporary Art : Under the patronage of Jan ARRIVE… TEKENEN? Selection from the The power of words and Paintings and Sculpture Figuel, Any hope of bringing DESSINER ? > 03.06 contemporary art the infinite beauty of dreams, Under the patronage of for Education, Training, Culture Jan Fabre or Luc Tuymans Galerie budA , collection of the in 3D. Flirting constantly on Stefan Zajicek, curator COBALT and Multilingualism to Slovakia ? 1730 Asse Federal Republic of the verge of endings and International Gallery European Commission - (I seem to be specialising in Buda 14/16 Germany > 01.07 frontiers, kamikaze-artist 04.05 > 27.05 Berlaymont historical cultural exchanges T. +32 (0)2 306 50 95 BOZAR Kendell Geers questions Rue Vandernoot 23 B/2 06.06 > 15.06 rue Ravensteinstraat 23 1080 Brussels Rue de la Loi 200 recently. Gabriela looks www.budart.be terror. Beyond politics, there’s T. +32 (0)2 772 08 27 1040 Brussels a little puzzled.) Entangled when not 1000 Brussels something to say to humanity. M. +32 (0)476 771 661 T. +32 (0)2 29 52426 inextricably bound up in lines, T. +32 (0)2 507 82 00 Beyond words. www.cobaltgallery.be http://europa.eu/index_sk.htm “Why not?” Benoît Felix continues his www.bozar.be Hélène Noël Hélène Noël

64 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 65 DRrEAamL aE SDiaTATEry © Drama Diary T our of sites

had to… this is when When someone is so sensitive for example. Supertramp my mobile rings. to the beauty of places, it often is part of the collective The display reads begins with a personal story. subconscious and his voice “Carmen”. “Hello, Do you have one to tell us ? is very distinctive. As far as Carmen!” I say, Maurane was concerned, Iwithout hesitation. But it’s not “I was always sensitive to the choice was obvious. Carmen. It’s Mr Benoît the quality of places. The Pays She’s now at the peak of her Meurens, co-founder of Tour de Herve is an extraordinarily maturity. She has mastered des Sites Organisation with rich region from the landscape her voice and has a large Paul Licot, who co-created point of view and is also tessitura. She is strong enough the event Solistes au Domaine well-known for its architectural to stand alongside José three years ago and will be heritage. I studied at the Petit Van Dame and sing a classical presenting the 2007 version Séminaire de St Roch, repertoire without the slightest once again this summer an ancient stone building trace of anxiety.” in the secret domain of surrounded by trees, and This question might sound Abbaye de la Cambre. I used to retreat to Abbaye strange, but do you believe Strolling through I definitely seem to have a gift d’Orval to prepare for my in magic ? I mean, the magical for blunders but the voice in exams. I believe that if we quality of places ? my ear is smiling, so we talk. can modify environment, the Kingdom environment certainly modifies “Of course I do ! Very much so !” Interview us. I believe in the memory of While Benoît and I speak Together Magazine : This certain trees, buildings, places.” of the Elves about this topic, a crowd of question has probably been hysterical assistants start to asked a million times before Another question about your The Abbaye de la Cambre laugh behind a door, at the but how and why do you places – and all of them are other end of the mobile phone become a “dusk-dream gorgeous – there are indeed line. When you come to Such amazing luck is only supposed maker” ? a lot of trees in them but also ruins. It’s very nineteenth Solistes au Domaine next September, don’t be surprised Benoît Meurens : “It happened century. What guides your to happen in children’s daydreams. if you sometimes have in 1990, when Paul and I were choice ? a feeling that you can see students. The entertainment After a certain age, it’s not like you’re sylph-like creatures with long manager of a small town in “It doesn’t really have anything golden hair and flowing walking down the street as usual and then, the Pays de Herve, the region to do with any particular era. dresses among the trees. where I was born, asked me if For a start, taking a leisurely Don’t be surprised either if, suddenly, come across the gates to I could organise a Son & Lumière stroll is already a romantic while descending the steps event for the yearly feast. thing to do. But there’s also of the hanging gardens, you a secluded, forgotten, enchanted place. I agreed. Paul and I assembled something else : European come across two tiny barefoot a team of talented students, culture is full of ruins. Enchanted places are always secluded creatures. If you listen carefully, including artists, and we did it. We cherish them. When they you’ll probably hear a tiny voice Of course, it was totally DIY but endure, they develop another and forgotten, as a renowned Oxford saying: “It’s elfish, Mr Frodo.” we were impressed by the side, they create another professor of the past century demonstrated public’s reaction. It was picture. It’s the same when Hélène Noël completely different from the we cover them with lights.” in several volumes. However, by charm Son & Lumière events being SOLISTES AU DOMAINE shown in Belgium or even You invite world-class artists > 08.09 or by chance, they can come to life late in France. The setting was to take part in your creations. Doors opening 6.30pm resolutely nonconformist ; How do you pick them ? Abbaye de La Cambre on summer evenings, even in the middle people had complete freedom Rue du Monastère of busy cities, or so I was recently told. to move around, to experience “It’s a joint decision. Most of 1050 – BRUSSELS the event to the full, instead the time, we sit around the T. +32 (0)2 736 01 89 Don’t misunderstand me: I’m not of being just passive observers. table and certain names come F. +32 (0)2 734 25 35 up again and again. That was [email protected] They just loved it. So, we www.solistes.be a sceptic. But I had to check for myself decided to do it professionally.” the case with Roger Hodgson,

66 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 67 DRrEAamL aE SDiaTATEry Drama Diary

du Sommeil 81 all over the world…even www.lamonnaie.be 1000 Brussels from Belgium. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s T. +32 (0)2 201 59 59 Children are welcome last and most cryptic opera. [email protected] and there are always areas Kentridge’s highly plastic www.kaaitheater.be and activities for them. interpretation of it caused Jazzy closing event of Oh! I nearly forgot fierce controversy when it the season at the Kaaitheater. “Los Magnificos” and was first performed in 2005 - A new musical presentation the fireworks… But better the remains of the critics’ for F.W. Munau’s classic film, see for yourself and enjoy! vitriol are still to be found based on Goethe’s masterpiece. on the Internet. The opera Composed by Willem Breuker ARNO consists of the difficult and his band in 2003 for 01.06 > 02.06 exercise of visual, theatrical the Cité de la Musique, AB and musical combinations : this opus highlights the boulevard Anspach 110 neo-expressionist, vesper tragedy with new nuances T. +32 (0)2 548 24 24 and melancholic tableau. through the wide range 1000 Brussels Hélène Noël of their musical idiom and www.abconcerts.be

vocabulary. If you don’t speak You know, I know people ©Johan Jacobs German, don’t worry, the film around the Place is subtitled in English. du Luxembourg who think

© Bernaded Dexters that Belgium’s monuments COULEUR CAFE 2007 are (in order of preference) : 29.06 > 01.07 Tintin, Jacques Brel, Magritte Tour & Taxis and Manneken-Pis. They rue Picard 3 forget the man who’s been DIARY 1000 Brussels the living monument “of the www.couleurcafe.be moment” for 25 years now : Keeping still - Rosas Officially, summer starts Arno Hintjens, the flat somewhere around 21st June, country’s Rock’n’Roll hero. I believe. Actually, in Brussels, I’m not joking: the man has KEEPING STILL – Rosas extraordinary inner journey. for Fine Arts, Henri Leboeuf summer starts for real a few recorded albums in Nashville 22.05 > 26.05 Diamond. Hall. A unique opportunity for evenings later, when and had several sell-out La Monnaie us to witness young virtuosos the doors of the Couleur Café concerts in Paris, at the place de la Monnaie QUEEN ELISABETH PIANO - who will probably be a sellout festival open. Taking place Olympia. Swaying constantly 1000 Brussels COMPETITION 2007 – - from all over the world. at the Tour & Taxis historical between American blues Box Office, rue Léopold 23 WINNERS’ CONCERT site, the 18th edition of our and “chanson Française”, 1000 Brussels > 13.06 FAUST – Willem brightest festival marks the Flemish Tom Waits is not From Tuesday to Saturday, Bozar Breuker Kollectief the change of season. A huge to be missed. Especially when 11am to 6pm Ticket office at the Centre > 15.06 and more-than colourful covering Leo Ferré, Jacques T. +32 (0)70 23 39 39 for Fine Arts. © Willem Breuker celebration of diversity, Dutronc and David Bowie (in (from 12am to 6pm) rue Ravenstein 18 the former alternative-musical- no particular order). Stylish. www.lamonnaie.be (opposite the Centre for souk is now an internationally Anne Teresa Dekeersmaeker’s Fine Arts) 1000 Brussels acclaimed multi-disciplinarian DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE_ reflections on the paths T. +32 (0)2 507 82 00 artistic event, assembling William Kentridge we follow in life and tiny From Monday to Saturday, musicians, visual artists, 08.06 > 19.06 peregrinations in time 11am to 7pm fashion designers, great world La Monnaie continues. While she dances, www.bozar.be cooking and also you and me. place de la Monnaie the ever-changing stage Of course, it’s impossible The title of this year’s 1000 Brussels space designed by visual artist to say exactly who will be “millésime” is “First Name”. Box Office, rue Léopold 23 Ann Veronica Janssens playing but Yoel Levi will be Kaaitheater The programme includes 1000 Brussels transforms itself. The journey conducting the Vlaams Radio Square Sainclette 20 Ziggy Marley, Johnny Clegg From Tuesday to Saturday, is the destination. Let’s follow Orkest. As always, the event 1000 Brussels and Ismael Lo as well as 11am to 6pm these two ladies on their will take place at the Centre rue Notre-Dame lesser-known artists from T. +32 (0)70 23 39 39 Die Zauberflöte WilliamK entridge

68 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 69 THREEA PLLACE ESSTATE TO BE © 6to9

March-April Snapshots

The 6to9 Club The 6to9 Club offers an access to great deals. exciting new venue every After 9, groove to the Thursday for having fun and DJ’s latest music Photos © 6to9 meeting lots of new people trends and mix of while discovering changing 80s tunes. Join the seasonal themes and styles. club right now! Stay This club is co-ordinated by informed and register an international team at www.6to9.be that understands and has experience in how to get the The 6to9 Club 0ORSCHE#ENTRE"RUSSELSADVICES best out of living in Belgium. Grand Prix (Autoworld) From 6to9, relax after work, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 discover the latest lifestyle 1000 Brussels trends and get privileged- www.6to9.be

Notworking Parties 8IFSFTQPSUCFHJOT Notworking parties are a new hidden network. kind of “after work” A date that starts early and 5IF#PYTUFS rendez-vous held every in which the atmosphere Thursday evening for gradually turns from that of Brussels’ residents who a “comfortable London club” Photos © PeopleAttitude combine a head for to a “lively bar in Madrid” business with a feel for then to a “trendy Parisian partying. nightclub”. A relaxing get-together but one that gives Claridge 'RAND2OUTE Chaussée de Louvain, 24 $ROGENBOS professionals 1210 Brussels a chance to meet by 4EL   www.notworking.be 3ITE7EBWWWPORSCHECENTREBRUSSELSBE offering each of them www.peopleattitude.be the opportunity to discover E MAILINFO PCBPORSCHEBE and use the power of its Jérôme Stéfanski !VERAGEFUELCONSUMPTIONLKM    %MISSION#/GKM   70 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 71

annonce together.indd 1 10/05/07 9:04:17 BRyEA thL eE SglTATEass BRyEA thL eE SglTATEass

Chai & Bar’s selection of quality rosés, from simple to sophisticated : - Vin de Pays d’Oc, Domaine de l’Engarran 2005 (6€) Quality - Vin de Pays de l’Hérault, Guilhem 2006 (6€) - Chinon, Château de La Grille 2006 (8€) - Bordeaux, Clairet du Haut rosé de Smith (10€) - Côtes de Provence, Château Rimauresq 2006 (11€) - Côtes de Provence, Ile de Porquerolles, Domaine wines de La Courtade 2006 (13€) Christophe Dufournier is A magnum of rosé makes a true lover of great wines a festive addition to any summer dinner party : and founder of Chai & Bar - Côtes de Provence, Château Rimauresq Total Wine Experience in magnum (23.50€) - Claret of Château Giscours Rosé wine : a real wine in Margaux in magnum (20€) Christophe Dufournier his exceptional Let’s set the record an atmospheric spot in Production process grapes, are pale orange and daring straight Provence always seems and characteristics with copper reflections. Meet Christophe Dufournier at concept offers Rosé wines are not always better than it is ; however How is a rosé or claret (light Languedoc and Rousillon Chai & Bar, on Tuesdays from an impressive treated kindly by wine-lovers. a truly good rosé, served red Bordeaux) made ? rosés, made with Carignan, 12 noon to 9pm (late-night stock of great I quote : “It’s not real wine”, as in Aix en Provence, There are two techniques: Cinsault, and Grenache opening), Wednesdays, Twines and Champagnes kept if rosé did not deserve to be Brussels or London, - By direct pressing : grapes, range from pale pink Thursdays and Fridays from 12 at a controlled temperature. included in the noble process is always delicious. red wine grapes are treated to candyfloss pink.C hinon noon to 7pm and Saturdays In the Entrepôt Royal of Tour of wine-making. “It gives me as if to make a white wine. rosé and Bordeaux claret from 10am to 7pm & Taxi, Chai & Bar spreads a headache”, as if good-quality In Belgium, and particularly The light pressing gives are raspberry coloured. out its stock over an area of rosé gave headaches. “My wife in Brussels, rosé is a pale tint to the wine. 2 Chai & Bar in figures : 700 m , along with its Tasting loves it”, as if rosé was only a favourite drink on the café - By the bleeding technique : Good rosés, like all good - A selection of 400 fine and Bar to share the pleasures of a woman’s wine, not good terraces in springtime. starting with a red wine- wines, have intense and exceptional wines from all the vine with you. enough for a true wine-lover. Rosé accounts for more than making process, after straightforward aromas of over the world, including 200 The welcome, the outstanding 10% of the wine consumed several hours a certain fruit. This is natural sin lightly great Bordeaux, starting at 6€. setting, value for money and Stop right there ! Rosé is a real in the kingdom. quantity is removed, pressed. The vinification - A stock of 65,000 bottles, advice with a personal touch wine, just like a white or a which makes for a lighter of rosés is very basic so sold by the bottle or by the are the magic ingredients that red. It doesn’t cause Personally, I enjoy rosés coloured wine than a red. the better the grape, case, available to the public. make Chai & Bar work so headaches unless there is too when the weather’s warm This technique creates the better the wine. well. Exclusively for much sulphur added to mask but also all year around stronger and more tannic Tour & Taxis Together Magazine, its defects. Finally, certain with Asian and Italian food. rosés than the direct press The texture of rosés is more Avenue du Port, 86C Christophe Dufournier rosés are complex enough These gastronomic rosés, technique. or less rich but certainly it 1000 Brussels introduces you to the to accompany fine cuisine such as Château de la Grille is freshness and lightness T. +32 (0)2 421 60 80 fascinating world and to improve with age. from Chinon or the Claret The colour of rosé wines that we’re looking for when www.chai-bar.be of oenology, in which from Hauts de Smith varies greatly. Bandol and the weather is good. the news goes hand in hand It’s true that a mediocre in Bordeaux, are faultless Provence rosés, made with with the seasons. rosé served chilled in in any season. Mourvedre and Grenache Christophe Dufournier

72 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 73 EATREA ALND ES DRTATEINK EAT AND DRINK

Day’s special : 12€ – touches. Don’t go looking for Lunch : 17€ similar dishes elsewhere, they for a 2 course meal are unique and come straight Lunch menu : 29€ (3 courses) from Constantin’s world of Dégustation : 35€ (4 courses) gourmet cooking. His wine list is also not to be missed, as the There is no better place than master of the house takes Notos to forget everything you grape lovers on a journey thought you knew about through sunny Greece, to prove fluorescent, tarama style to them that his homeland is Terraces & Greek cuisine. Brussels has – also a magnificent location for together with London and marvellous vintages. New York – the privilege of having one of the three places Notos Special Extras : There is in the world that pays tribute precise expression. It’s almost a room available for cocktails, Gardens Le Châlet de la Forêt to the subtlety and flavour of like a culinary anthropology meetings or private parties Greek food. An outsider to the that expresses itself in the art (as well as 80 seats in the n close co-operation a near-abandoned chalet on everything is a question of world of catering, Constantin of this man, so passionate for restaurant), and open kitchen, with www.sensum.be, the edge of Soignes forest, mood, of aroma and of flavour. Erinkoglou, the owner, sought flavour, and so keen on staying with take-away available on Together Magazine barely five minutes away from And as for the wine, the cellar his inspiration in home cooking as close as possible to request. The full catering presents its selection of the city centre. His wife - has around 700 gems from and the great variety of untouched tastes. In terms service can handle your events the great restaurants an interior architect - has which to choose, with traditional Greek produce. of geography, he is at the with ease, and there’s good Ithat add to the gourmet pride given the place a steadfastly renowned classics and His creations may look crossroads between East and disabled access (toilets of our capital city. contemporary décor, with the wares of more than a few minimalist but they are in fact West, in a place where all excluded). There’s also Available in English, refined modernism that smaller producers who are cooking at its best, including gourmet mixtures are possible. a private function room (ten www.sensum.be offers you, includes perfect osmosis in well worth checking out. preparations in which His compositions are based seats), children’s menus/ free of charge, a host of the elegance of its proportions. Why not let your heart decide ? aubergines, lentils or peppers on meticulous alchemy and dishes (upon request) and recipes, places to go, A wonderful echo of the cuisine, Undoubtedly, one of the best find their true and vividly delicate – almost homeopathic a choice of vegetarian dishes. interviews with chefs and which gives preference to restaurants in the country ! a wealth of information and being natural and to balance, anecdotes about the seminal nurturing the flavours Special Extras : There are Les 2 Frères generations rubbing shoulders gentleman has given up delicacies and drinks of our of high-quality produce, but rooms available for meetings, avenue Vanderaey, 2 with one another for a more equations and algebra in favour homeland. never crushing them. Still banquets, receptions and 1180 Brussels (Uccle) than ten years – they’ve pulled of the far more alluring under 40 and with talent to seminars. Takeaway food is T. +32 (0)2 376 76 06 the trick off by simply offering geometry of an establishment LE Châlet de la Forêt spare, Pascal Devalkeneer available on request, and there’s Open from 12:00 to 14:30 good food at very reasonable that plays various roles in turn : Drève de Lorraine, 43 already has a fine career a full catering service, a large and from 19:00 to 23:00 prices. a modernist night bar, 1180 Brussels behind him. The Truffe Noire, private car park, bar and private Closed on Saturday noon This spirit of openness is evident a café-theatre and, of course, T. +32 (0)2 374 54 16 the Scholteshof with Roger lounge. and Sunday in the menu, which offers a restaurant. Open from 12:00 to 14:30 Souvereyns, the Osteria French brasserie cuisine, while and from 19:00 to 22:30 del Vecchio Ponte in Milan Notos Owner : Patrick Roth the chefs are always on the This indefatigable entertainer Closed on Saturday (from which he has taken Rue de Livourne, 154 The chefs are : lookout for new produce and has gradually swapped his and Sunday a rather Mediterranean spirit), 1000 Brussels Paulo Botelho Feireira, flavours from all over the world. café-theatre rank and file for the Bistrot du Mail (his first T. +32 (0)2 513 29 59 Michael Neumark Human, full of charm and a team of flavour designers. Owner : Pascal Devalkeneer restaurant) and now the Chalet Open from 12:00 to 14:30 and Frédéric Ponet soul, this restaurant is owned The scenery is the same on The chef is : Pascal Devalkeneer de la Forêt. and from 19:00 to 23:00 Average price per head : 50€ by Patrick Roth, a former both sides of the stage : Average price per head : 80€ Closed on Saturday midday Lunch : 13€ maths teacher, and hints friendship and human warmth Lunch : 27€ (3 courses) Following his true taste for and Sunday Dish of the day : 9,5€ at his previous life in that always top the bill ! Set Menus: 54€ (4 courses), organic delights, the menu Set Menus : 30€, 40€ and 50€ the menu offers dishes in 79€ (5 courses) changes with the season. And, Owner : Constantin Erinkoglou the manner of hypotheses, every day, there are off-menu The chef is : Constantin “Les 2 Frères” (The 2 Brothers) theses and other Five years have already suggestions, depending on Erinkoglou have been bringing souls demonstrations. passed since Pascal what the chef happens to come Average price per “à la together, mixing artists with But that was all a long time ago ! Devalkeneer fell in love with up with, spontaneously. Here, carte” meal : 40€ businessmen, with various Nowadays, this hyperactive les 2 Frères

74 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 75 REAL ESTATE © J REACoLn EceSTATEpt C Decaux

Brussels by bike Cyclocity

ince September, JC Decaux provides the bicycles. cycle stations have In exchange, the city pays for How does it work? sprung up all over their maintenance and allows Cyclocity works on the city. The JC Decaux to set up new a season-ticket basis, with “Cyclocity” concept advertising spaces. So far, long-term and short-term Sof the billboard company, the company’s project is season tickets available. JC Decaux, is beginning to hitting the spot across Europe. Once equiped, the user win a lot fans. How and why ? pays only for the time spent Brussels is not the only city on the bicycle. It’s possible With the agreement of the to let itself be tempted by to buy a season ticket at , JC Decaux the generosity of JC Decaux. any of the 23 terminals has set up 23 cycle stations Vienna began the experiment currently spread around within the “Pentagon” (old in 2004. In Lyon, the Vélo’v Brussels. city walls). These cycle points have been proving popular are attached to metro with local people since 2005, The long-term ticket is valid for one year and Mpmb!jt!bmjwf-!Mpmb!jt!ibqqfojoh/ stations to enable the users with 20,000 users per day. costs 10€. The first thirty Mpmb!jt!pg!jut!ujnf- to cover short distances Marseille has also signed easily. You can now tour the a JC Decaux contract and minutes will cost 0.50€ and cvu!ftqfdjbmmz!pg!zpvst/ centre of Brussels on two Paris should soon be for every hour thereafter Mpmb!mjwft!bu!mvodiujnf-!Mpmb!mjwft!bu!ejoofs!ujnf/ wheels. equipped with 20,000 bicycles. the cost falls to 0.50€ per Boe-!bu!xfflfoet-!jo!uif!bgufsoppo!upp/ hour. From gare Centrale to porte For the time being, “Cyclocity” The short-term ticket is Mpmb!ibt!uijt!joßojuf!rvbmjuz!; a weekly one with, one tjnqmjdjuz/ de Flandre, through Parc, has won over many of the Sablon, Arts-Loi or Louise, Bruxellois. In five months, week costing 1.50€. The Sbsf!ju!jt/!Fmfhbou!ju!sfnbjot/ there are a number around 10,000 users have first thirty minutes are of “cyclocity” stations. mounted Decaux bicycles and 0.50€ and per hour Qmbdf!ev!Hsboe!Tbcmpo-!44!Ã!2111!Csvttfmt thereafter it goes up to 1€. Ufm/!;!13!0!625!35!71 At present, 250 bicycles 1,000 people have bought a are available seven days season ticket. xxx/sftupmpmb/cf Information: www.cyclocity.be or Pqfo!fwfsz!ebz!gspn!23qn!up!4qn a week, twenty-four 0900 11 000 (0.45 euro/minute) boe!gspn!7/41qn!up!22/41qn hours a day. Philomène Bouchon Po!Tbuvsebzt!boe!Tvoebzt; opo.tupq!gspn!23qn!voujm!23bn 76 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 77 Comic Strip REAL ESTATE Le Chat Everybody knows Le Chat you can immediately warm to this strange and sweet animal

s the summer holidays draw near, Philippe Geluck shares A his crazy view of this time of year with us. As usual, this slice of laughter is exclusively for Together Magazine readers. Anything better than 20 years of experience?

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Château de Limelette - Resort & Spa Rue Charles Dubois 87 | B-1342 Limelette | Walloon Brabant | Belgium +32 (0)10 42 19 99 |  +32 (0)10 41 57 59  [email protected] | www.chateau-de-limelette.be 78 – Together May June 2007 Together May June 2007 – 79

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