WHERE NEWS & BUSINESS MEET GLAMOUR & GOOD TIMES #10 /OCTOBER 2008

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INTERVIEWS POINT EUROPEAN REAL George Lucas OF VIEW VICE ESTATE Alain Courtois Street Smokeless Housing Martin Solveig protests tobacco explosion

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Together_230x340.indd 1 16/07/08 12:03:07 EDITORIAL Be it ever www.saab-ids.be so humble…

To have Together delivered free, subscribe at www.together-magazine.eu We work mainly with there’s no place national and international advertisers. If you are interested in our rates, please contact. Bertrand de Moffarts : like Belgium ! [email protected] or T. +32 (0)475 41 63 62 I have a growing suspicion, chose to live here, you’ll have your answers Nothing in this magazine at the ready ! And that’s not all – our may be reproduced in and I believe that I’m not whole or in part without alone. Allow me to explain. fashion specialists, with their take on the written permission the end-of-studies work at La Cambre of the publisher. I have travelled the world, Double Turbo The publisher cannot be held and the Antwerp Academy, highlight responsible for the views visited many impressive and opinions expressed in how young Belgian designers are looking this magazine by authors megalopolises and also to make it big on the international and contributors. Together is neither responsible for explored peaceful regions catwalks. Double Fun nor endorses the content of advertisements printed on far removed from the daily its pages. Together cannot And, as ‘Made in Belgium’ is becoming be held responsible for any economic grind. And I’ve error or inaccuracy in such ever-more synonymous with quality, advertising material. come to the conclusion – Sophie Lagesse looks at the Belgian Founder & Publisher : we’re really not so badly off manufacturers and artisans Jérôme Stéfanski Sales & Marketing in Belgium ! honoured with the prestigious Launch offer : Manager : Royal Patent Suppliers seal. Bertrand de Moffarts "Pilot Pack" T. +32 (0)475 94 45 08 f course, there’s the rain, s3ATELLITENAVIGATIONSYSTEM Sales Manager : the eternal squabbling Finally, our exclusive fashion shoot (DVD) with colour touchscreen, David Mc Gowan between Flemings and focuses on ‘Black-Yellow-Red’ clothing T.+32 (0)497 543 672 advanced voice recognition Walloons, the traditional and accessories for the 2008-2009 Translation & Editing : s!UDIOSYSTEM7,3 ReadRight.be Rue de la Loi jams and, Autumn-Winter seasons. And I nearly s3AABPARKINGASSISTANCE Graphic Design : Vincent Van Meerbeeck@ Olet’s not forget, the national football team forgot the good news - from now on, s0REPARATIONFORHANDSFREE Productor which, quite frankly, would be lucky it’s official - Together and Expatica.com mobile phone. Writers : Andy Carling to beat a team of one-legged players. have joined forces to provide expats James Christie But enough – you know it, I know it. with even more quality news, views € 550 EX VAT* Cillian Donnelly .ORMALPRICEÑEX VAT Magali Eylenbosch We love Belgium, don’t we ? and leisure updates, absolutely gratis, Federico Grandesso Jacqueline Harpman with guest articles in both our magazine Sophie Lagesse In this Low Countries-dedicated edition and on Expatica. Kimberley Lovato Bertrand de Moffarts of Together, Federico Grandesso looks Test-drive the new Saab 9-3 TTiD at your local dealer. Paul Morris at how Belgian Senator Alain Courtois is Happy reading ! Ludivine Nolf The slow-moving lorry should be celebrated because the new Saab TTiD boasts Natasha Sá Osório looking to organize the hosting of World Jérome Stéfanski Cup 2018 in Benelux. Andy Carling a two-stage turbo. Two sequential turbochargers generate huge amounts of François Struzik mid-range torque – torque you can actually feel as you accelerate. So now you Cover Credit: offers ten good (if slightly surreal) Sam Ahodikpe can approach overtaking with a sense of anticipation rather than trepidation. reasons to enjoy the aspects of Belgian Who would have thought that being sensible could be such fun? life most frequently singled out for T o g e t h e r If you’re an expat, diplomat or a member of the armed forces, special terms apply : m a g a z i n e criticism, so that when your family asks Jérôme Stéfanski Rue d’Alost 7 (Centre more information at your dealership or at www.saab-ids.be Dansaert – 2nd C) you for the umpteenth time why you Publisher B-1000 Brussels Saab IDS Dealers : T. +32 (0)475 41 63 62 info@ A.B.A."RUSSELSsBALTIC MOTORS'ENT:WIJNAARDE sBEHERMAN ANTWERPEN!NTWERPENs togethermedia.eu On a sad note, Together would also take who provided us with great articles on BEHERMAN BRUSSELS"RUSSELS 3INT 3TEVENS 7OLUWEsBEHERMAN LIEGE,IáGEs BORGEIND3CHOTENs this opportunity to mark the passing of subjects as diverse as diamonds, fashion BOURGOO+NOKKE (EISTsCALLENS-BOUCKAERT7AREGEM /UDENAARDEsCHOQUET-JANSSENS4OURNAIs DE PRETRE2OESELAREsDI NITTO$ILSENsGILCON,EUVEN(AASRODE sHENCKAERTS$IEPENBEEKs Together Magazine and art – we miss her very much. recommends Hélène Noël, who died in June. Hélène KEGELS/UD4URNHOUTsLIEVENS'EELsPEETERS7ATERLOOsTUTTO-MOTOR-ARCINELLEsWILLEMS-ONS Expatica.com was a gifted writer, full of life and love, Adieu, Space Cadet.

4 – Together #10 BEHERMAN EUROPEAN *VALID UNTILL 31/10/08. ENVIRONNEMENTAL INFORMATION: WWW.SAAB.BE SAAB 9-3 1.9TTID: FUEL CONSUMPTION IN COMBINED DRIVING (L/KM) 5,6 - 6,9. CO2 EMISSION (G/KM) 149 - 184.

03_09_08_Togheter_SaabIDS.indd 1 22/08/08 15:39:16 CONTENT 7BL7gjhhZah G&CO LZegdk^YZeZghdcVaVhh^hiVcXZ^cVaaVYb^c^higVi^kZhiZeh!hjX]Vh\Zii^c\ 9^eadbVi^XHVaZh 4 EDITORIAL 10 Fortis Survey ndjg89gZ\^higVi^dcVcYVggVc\^c\^chjgVcXZ#LZYZa^kZgndjgeZghdcVa^hZY Be it ever so humble... Expats and money there’s no place like Belgium! XVgVcnl]ZgZ^ci]ZldgaYl]^aZgZheZXi^c\adXVaheZX^ÆXVi^dch#L^i]7BL 7gjhhZah!ndjVgZ^c\ddY]VcYh# lll#WblWgjhhZah# H]ZZg 8 COMPETITION WZ 9g^k^c\EaZVhjgZ Win 3 months’ World Class Membership

NEWS 14 TOUCHY 22 POLITICAL CHESSBOARD Sierra-Leone: Life Alain Courtois: expectancies? Making Belgium big 18 POINT OF VIEW 24 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE Are street protests New terminal faces flak worthwhile? 26 MEETING 20 EUROPEAN VICE George Lucas: Debate heats up on Sending in the clones smokeless tobacco

BUSINESS 30 REAL ESTATE 36 BACK TO SCHOOL The Property Barometer The education minefield 32 Housing explosion 34 ADVERTISING SPACE Who is Van Piperzeel?

I LOVE 40 INTRODUCTION 64 MARKET FORCES BELGIUM Ten good reasons to be Belge Rising Stockel

66 EAT TOGETHER 42 DRESS TO IMPRESS Talking taste Black, Yellow, Red 72 Delightful dining 50 DISCOVERY By royal appointment 74 FRESH OPENINGS 56 MADE IN BELGIUM New niches Fashion pioneers 76 FOR ART’S SAKE 60 TEMPTATIONS Eye on the skies Totally Belge!

LIFESTYLE II 82 SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE 94 THE PLACES TO BE Sofia: Angel or demon? Upcoming parties...

88 To DO LIST 96 HOROSCOPES Conventions and culture An eye on the heavens 7BL9^eadbVi^XHVaZh#

92 THE PLACES TO BE ‘My album is like a bonbon’ 98 LE CHAT Paws for thought >em\WijYWdm[^[bfoek5

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48299_230x170.indd 1 5/08/08 13:16:51 COMPETITION Win 3 months’ World Class

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Inside World Class Together is giving Health Academy, Brussels you the chance to win © World Class three months’ membership to World Class Health Academy in Brussels – we have five to give away.

his inspirational package includes personal instruction with a trainer, group training classes, strength and cardio equipment,T swimming pool and jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms, complimentary towel, free parking and childcare.

Fancy winning three months of health and inspiration ? All you have to do is go to www.together-magazine.eu and answer the three questions below : 3. What is the weight in grams of a copy of Together, excluding wrapping and perfume sample ? 1. How many World Class Clubs are there in Belgium? A. 1 www.worldclass.be B. 3 C. 6 davidrose optometrist - optician 2. Where was the first World Class Club opened? Rue de trèves 16 | 1050 Brussels A. Stockholm B. New-York (In the Leopold district) +32 (0)2 512 66 10 [email protected] C. London |

Competition organised under the supervision of a bailiff. Full rules available on request. Organiser : Together Magazine, Rue d’Alost 7, 1000 Brussels.

8 – Together #10 Fortis Survey Expats and money

writer : Jérôme Stéfanski

In June, in collaboration does not normally pose a problem with Together and for expats, providing that all staff have Expatica.com, Fortis Bank a good understanding of English. published a wide-ranging 80 per cent of those questioned survey, ‘Expats and Money’ expressed an interest in being informed - we reveal its findings. about general investment opportunities, of which 55 per cent were also interested in Belgian housing investments, while irst discovery - expats a similar per centage wanted their are very keen on effective bank to inform them about private online banking services. banking services. Indeed, 90 per cent of respondents described ‘ The survey Fthis as “a very important factor” when reveals a it came to choosing a bank. Hardly near-complete surprising since, by definition, the expat is ignorance usually on the move and thus needs of the a widely accessible service. advantages of the Belgian Furthermore, the survey revealed that other tax system’ essential components concerning expats’ choice of bank are the interest rates paid 80 per cent of expats declare themselves on savings accounts, interest charged for to be ‘badly informed’ on this subject. What flavour of investments credit and excellent customer service. On the negative side, in response to Membership of a global network of banking the question ‘If you were to leave Belgium, facilities was also deemed important. would you keep your Belgian bank do you like best? account ?’, only 15 per cent On the other hand, dealing with of respondents answered ‘Yes’. different banking representatives But, to finish on a happier note, 40 per cent Everybody’s different. And that goes for the way we view our investments, too. Some of us like to of respondents were already Fortis Bank put safety first, avoiding risk as much as we can. Other investors prefer to focus on returns, and so customers, and almost all declared they’re willing to embrace rather more risk when investing. themselves to be satisfied with the banking chain’s services. Congratulations Fortis! Fortis tailors your investments as closely as possible to your individual investor profile. Which is www.fortisbanking.be why we start from your personal preferences in terms of risk and return. You can then be sure that the investments you choose will be a perfect fit. * Of those questioned, 38 per cent have lived in Belgium for more than five years, 36 per cent between one to five All you have to do is call in at your local Fortis branch. We’ll ask you to complete a short years and only 26 per cent for less than one year. questionnaire to help us determine your investor profile, which could be anywhere from Seventy per cent were ‘in favour of the European Union’. Fourteen per cent were aged over 50, 33 per cent were ‘conservative’ to ‘aggressive’. Then, guided by our specialist advice, you choose investments with aged 30-40, 24 per cent 25-30 and six per cent were aged 18-25. Fifty five per cent were married. Ten per precisely the flavour that suits you. It really is as simple as that. And rewarding, too! cent were European civil servants, 55 per cent had That’s the Fortis Way of Investing. employee status, ten per cent were independent and Vandaag hier. 25 per cent were ‘other’. En morgen?

10 – Together #10 Getting you there FLASH

Brussels for Europe

That’s the name for the new programme of intensive courses aimed at the expats working in Brussels’ European institutions, which will begin in November. The goal? To improve expats’ knowledge of the capital of Europe. Following a proposal by Ministers Charles Picqué, Guy Vanhengel and Pascal Smet, the Brussels-Capital Region government approved a 60,000€ subsidy to support the project. Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and l’Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in collaboration with the Brussels-Europe Liaison Office, have joined forces to organize the classes, which cover 20 modules. The courses include four sections - Brussels’ urban dynamics, excursions, institutions and cultural life. www.blbe.be

FIGURE – 39th That is the position Belgium occupies in terms of cost-of-living for expats, according to an investigation commissioned by Belgian daily newspaper La Libre Belgique. The study was intended to help companies calculate their employees’ expatriation premiums, based on the prices of housing, transport, food and clothing, for example. Capital cities Moscow, Tokyo and London take the top three positions, while Brussels has risen from 44th to 39th.

NEWS CONTENTTOUCHY

“How do you feed starving babies in your There are many women occupying this country ?” The question comes from dormitory, and each have one, two or a girl of 17, with large and lost-looking three seriously under-nourished children. eyes. Her 18-month-old baby boy has Healthier infants play in the red dust an intense stare, which contrasts sharply in front of the large low huts - some with the frailty of his tiny body. A few women also take the air, sat together Life expectancies ? objects around their mattress is all on the porch staircases. With an air of Writer : François Struzik the girl brought from her village – walking resignation, they wait for the nurses who Photographs : Struzik / www.simplyhuman.be for days, carrying her child for treatment are struggling, day after day, to bring their at the Magbenteh nutritional centre, children back to healthy weight levels. th district of Bombali. In the year of World Food Day (16 October), Sierra-Leone has some of BLOOD DIAMONDS the worst statistics worldwide concerning its inhabitants’ nutrition The sun’s glare is finally fading, and Sierra-Leone’s recent history has and quality of life. Together investigates, on location. is reflected in the mosquito nets that are been marked by the savage civil war, hung above every straw mattress. which raged for ten years. The factions

14 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 15 involved waged a battle for control of exacerbated by malnutrition, are the main the country’s capital, Freetown, and for causes of infant mortality - and hygiene, the nation’s diamond and oil resources. particularly the standard of the water, Nearly five years have passed since is very poor. the end of the war - the boy soldiers returned to their families and Charles Not much bigger than the palm of his Taylor, former president of Liberia, finds mother’s hand, a six-week-old baby himself before the Sierra-Leone Special is being fed by a tube. Doctors at the Court in The Hague, charged with crimes Gondoma Nutritional Center do not know against humanity for his support of the the baby’s chances - he is being fed RUF, while in the villages, vegetation has on cow’s milk, diluted with water. The invaded the ruins of destroyed houses. same story can be seen in bed after bed, the tranquillity Although reconciliation has begun, one room after room – but the near-starvation in four children under five are dying. of the mothers and their children does of a seminar by the waterside With an annual per capita income of only not stop them from noticing - sometimes 240$, its health and education systems even with a smile - a stranger moving Our seminar package is available for groups of 6 or more people completely undermined by the war and among them. all our meeting rooms have been renovated recently its economy in chaos, Sierra-Leone and have a private terrace with access to the garden. is struggling to save her own children. Far north, in the mountainous district For 67 euro per person, we provide coffee on arrival, the meeting room of Koinadugu, a young woman is living SUFFER THE CHILDREN what will probably be her last hours of life which comes fully equipped, a 2-course lunch or sandwich buffet and In the crammed classroom in the small in a makeshift dispensary. Her breath the drinks package (1/2 bottle of wine or 2 soft drinks or 2 beers) village of Bandalahun (district of hardly manages to raise the thin blanket water and coffee, 2 coffee breaks (morning and afternoon) Punjehun), the pupils are singing with that covers her emaciated form. Outside, free parking with 280 spaces the headmaster: “If you’re happy and you children are playing in the ruins of a and, above all, free (Wi-Fi) Internet access. know it, clap your hands.” But, in spite house – they ask to have their photo of the singing and dancing, there is little taken. Their future is very uncertain, Château de Limelette - Thalgo Limelette that’s changing to make these children but their faces are full of hope. Rue Charles Dubois 87 | B-1342 Limelette | Walloon Brabant | Belgium happier. Diarrhoea and other infections, +32 (0)10 42 19 99 | +32 (0)10 41 57 59 16 – Together #10 [email protected] | www.chateau-de-limelette.be October 08 Together – 17 POINT OF VIEW

Making their point in Schuman Are street protests © GREENPEACE worthwhile ?

writer : Natasha SÁ Osório

It’s midweek, it’s drizzling “They don’t bother me, they don’t December 2007, for example, activists in Brussels and, on Rue de scare or threaten me either, it’s just a built a brick wall at the entrance of the la Loi, there is the usual normal thing here.” European Council, where fisheries ministers were due to begin their annual small group of protestors – FLOWER POWER negotiations over catch quotas. “We do welcome to Schuman. Rudi Decostar, 44, who works as a florist this because we want to draw attention on the stall in front of the Metro station, to an issue, to force people to take sees demonstrations as beneficial for his notice,” said Greenpeace spokesman imid rays of sunlight begin business. “[Protestors] once bought Mark Breddy. “That doesn’t mean we to illuminate the majestic all my sunflowers because it was the won’t use other means of political Berlaymont through the symbol of their demonstration… lobbying but actions are our trademark. rain, making the Justus Sometimes the police close the streets, It’s something we have to resort to Lipsius building look but they always warn me in advance and because we don’t have the means of timidT by comparison. And of course, so I take a day off to spend with my kids.” influencing a corporate body and these you cannot miss the customary cluster stunts convey important messages.” of banner-waving, cause-supporting Demonstrating is, for many, a legitimate citizens. In this part of town, demonstrations expression of public opinion and a way The ‘actions’ are not condemned by are as much a part of the daily routine as of exerting influence in the decision- the Belgium police. “I don’t judge morning coffee. making process. But just how effective Greenpeace, I sometimes even agree is it? Success rates are practically with them. They do what they have to do DEMO GRAPHICS impossible to measure in a city where to draw attention to their cause,” says There were 79 demonstrations in front protests have become so commonplace, Police Superintendent Michel Debaenst. of EU buildings in 2007 and, in only it is easy to wonder if people notice - Nor does believe that the effectiveness the first half of 2008, the number has or care. of demonstrations is undermined by their reached almost 60. The truth is that high frequency: “In my personal opinion, from 2002, the average annual number Joe Hannon, spokesman for European it’s better to have many than few - it’s in of protests went from 50 a year to 80, Commission Vice President Margot the public interest that some people want which represents around two per week. Wallström, representing DG to take the initiative to change things.” Therefore, it is only natural that those Communication, explains that the EU who work or live close to the EU finds other bases for their working Protestors are eager to make a difference. institutions have become somewhat papers. “The Commission broadly Nikoleta Incze, 26, who is from Hungary inured to the consults the public on its policy but currently lives in Brussels, says scenes. “I look at proposals and those consultations are a she is proud to take a stand on what ‘I look at them, walk past better means of expressing opinions than she believes. She has been involved in them, walk and go to work,” protesting outside buildings.” various marches, which she describes past and go says Erno Heikki, a as “fun” and “all part of the process.” to work... 55 year-old legal ‘ACTION’ ADVOCATES Regardless of whether they’re noticed it’s just linguistic expert The EU branch of Greenpeace, for or not, demonstrations in front of the a normal who has worked example, no longer stages demonstrations European institutions seem likely only to thing here’ in the European as frequently. Instead, the organization increase. Perhaps as the old saying puts Council for orchestrates ‘actions’, which are it - if you throw enough mud at a wall, 13 years. peaceful, symbolic acts of protest. In some of it will stick.

18 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 19 EUROPEAN VICE

sold everywhere in Scandinavia, pass on any second-hand smoke, Debate heats up on including Denmark and Finland, eliminating the passive smoking effects despite it being officially not legal of regular tobacco products. So, time for over-the-counter sales – although for a change ? smokeless tobacco they don’t put it on public display – but the amount of inter-Scandinavian Sir Alexander Macara, spokesperson on writer : Cillian Donnelly travel makes it impossible not to have tobacco for the Brussels-based Standing access of some kind.” Committee of European Doctors is less than convinced by this argument. “I don’t Smoking is under attack workers, would prefer snuff (the practical “In most central and eastern European think that the argument that just because throughout the European reasons are obvious - you could not countries I’ve visited it is commonly there are no passive effects it should be Union, with country smoke if you were working on a wooden sold by tobacconists. It is mostly in the made legal,” is his blunt assessment. “I ship surrounded by tar, so snuff continental EU15 that it is hard to get, do accept the argument that smokeless after country, including became associated with shipping not elsewhere. Only in Germany have tobacco does not create secondary Belgium, issuing complete and dock work). I ever seen a customs officer not effects, but just because something is or partial bans in public recognising what snus was, although less dangerous, that does not mean it spaces such as bars and LIP SERVICE a colleague immediately saw it and then should automatically be allowed.” restaurants and the The most common type of smokeless reprimanded the other officer for asking prohibitions are leading tobacco is snus, a form of chewing what the snus box was!” DRUG CONTROL tobacco, most commonly portioned Macara favours not a total prohibition to debate concerning the in small pouches, which is placed under “As for Belgium, in Zaventem airport I’ve of tobacco, but strict regulation – he role that may be played by the upper lip for an extended period, even observed people mixing whisky condemns tobacco as a “dangerous ‘smokeless’ tobacco. thus allowing it to slowly release nicotine with loose snuff in the lounges, which drug”, like heroin or cocaine. into the bloodstream. Unlike old- is a pretty disgusting affair.” fashioned snuff, snus is not spat out, And he does not want to see snus ealth professionals see making it more hygienic. SNUS NEWS added to this list. “My ideal would be to the bans as a move This, say advocates, is the perfect With lobbyists and lawyers already control the use of tobacco in the long in the right direction, solution : no smoke-filled pubs for proposing the removal of the snus ban, run,” he says. “This is an ethical with the hope being non-smokers to endure, and those mainly on competition grounds, argument. As a physician, I believe all that this will provide who do smoke need not go outside the debate surrounding the virtues – or dangerous drugs should be controlled.” theH catalyst for an overall reduction in the cold and wet to light up. There lack thereof – of smokeless tobacco is of smoking across Europe. is only one problem; with the exception one that is set to run within the European From a medial point of view, he continues, of Sweden, snus has been prohibited institutions. While snus is addictive he acknowledges that instances of lung What place, then, for smokeless tobacco ? throughout the EU since 1992. Tobacco fields and harmful to individual health, it cannot cancer is low among Swedish men, Historically, it owes its lineage to snuff- where snus is most popular, but points the modern product But, despite being most commonly out that there are other, equally ‘As for is a relative of associated with the Nordic countries detrimental health consequences of Belgium, in the old ‘wet’ and (Sweden even made the continued smokeless tobacco, such as cancers of Zaventem ‘dry’ snuff, which legalization of snus part of its Aquis, the mouth and pancreatic cancer, which, airport I’ve have strong cultural its terms of entry to the EU), snus he says “there is a significantly increased and historical ties readily finds its way across borders. risk of catching” through the use of snus, even observed in Europe. And with many expats on the move and cardio-vascular disease. people mixing throughout Brussels, it is certainly whisky with In the 19th century, not uncommon to find the product here, Summing up this particular vice, loose snuff in snuff signified albeit surreptitiously. Macara does admit that it would be very the lounges, social distinctions. difficult to maintain a complete ban on which is The bourgeoisie “Finding snus abroad is a major coup snus or other tobacco products. “That a pretty would prefer for many Scandinavians, and some would be too hard to justify and apply. disgusting smoking, while Americans,” explains one Brussels expat, Sensible restrictions that are a logical affair’ the traditional who identifies himself only as an ‘ex- extension of the current rules, however, nobility, as well as snuser’, having just given up the habit. would not only be justified, but also seafarers and dock “In my experience, it is commonly logical.”

20 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 21 POLITICAL CHESSBOARD Alain Courtois : Making Belgium big

writer : federico grandesso

Sometimes a country needs INTERVIEW a reason to get behind the national flag - for a project, Senator Courtois, can you explain a challenge, a dream. We why we need to host the 2018 chat to Belgian Senator World Cup ? Alain Courtois, who knows First of all, we need a project to share as Belgians, we need a reason to be this only too well - he’s proud at an international level, and we pushing for his country to have to prove, both to ourselves and host World Cup 2018. to the world, that we are able to organize one of the biggest international events, the 2018 World Cup. We already have o best describe this vibrant Euro 2000 on our CV, and we have seen ‘100 per cent Bruxellois’, the economic benefits in other European we must first acknowledge countries. For example, Spain, since both his practical skills and the death of Franco, has organized his solid common touch. events such as the Olympic Games, TSenator Courtois, after graduating in law, the World Cup and two international turned to politics, and this allowed him expos. As a result, the Spanish economy to enter the world of sport. The turning is now very strong and this is no surprise. point in his career came during his term Another example - Germany earned as secretary general of the Belgian 2.9€ billion from the 2006 World Cup Alain Courtois available. Of these, three should be And you have another interesting Football Federation, and his subsequent and now they are justifiably very proud © Kalut capable of accommodating at least international project in mind ? appointment as director general of the of their improved infrastructure, modern Vincent 60,000 spectators, while the rest Photo News Euro 2000 football tournament in Holland stadiums and the country’s revitalized 2008 must be able to hold 40,000. As far Yes, and it’s not about sport. I think and Belgium. After his success at image on the world stage. as the Belgian regions are concerned, Brussels needs to become an international international level, seven cities have expressed an interest point of reference for contemporary art. Senator Courtois What are the challenges facing your in building a stadium : Antwerp, Brussels, We are in the centre of Europe, and it ‘We need is looking for other bid for a Benelux World Cup 2018 ? Bruges, Charleroi, Genk, Ghent and would be revolutionary for our city to have a project challenges and Private investors will join forces to raise Liege. After my meeting with Michel the Guggenheim museum here. If we look to share as projects, and, as it the budget for the bid. We expect to Platini, I believe we have a 50 per cent again at Spain and Bilbao, it’s obvious why Belgians, was with the require a budget of around 8€ million, chance of winning the bid, although this is an excellent idea. We are looking at we need Brussels Expo in which is not colossal. I can already England will be our main competitor, possible locations, and I will be able to give a reason to 1958, he wants announce that we have our first and we have to take into account that more details in the near future. As I told you be proud at an to prove that sponsor – La Poste – and we plan England will be also organizing the 2012 before, we don’t have to fear such international a small country can on gaining three other major backers. Olympic Games. I can only say this – it international projects, because we need level !’ efficiently organize Then, we have to undertake the fact will be difficult, but Belgium can win, them to be competitive in our increasingly impressive that, according to FIFA regulations, Belgium will win ! globalized world. international events. the host should ideally have 10 stadiums

22 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 23 BRUSSELS ON THE MOVE New terminal faces flak

writer : Ludivine Nolf

that this new terminal would bring a significant growth in air traffic and noise pollution. It is also disappointing that the owners of the airport did not Make a healthy choice today! consider that public consultation was necessary, particularly with Brussels Region residents.” We Create Healthy Friends The terminal, which was hoped to be operational by February 2009, is likely to raise further controversy with Brussels residents, particularly in the absence of a consultation procedure.

BROUGHT TO BOOK According to Flemish legislation, a request for an environmental licence can only be made following a public survey, as Picqué and Huytebroeck have declared. In the event of non- observance of this procedure, the ministers will take steps to oblige Brussels National to respect the environmental legislation, pointing Brussels Airport A request for an out that the first priority will be to © Flickr.com /Michail environmental licence re-examine the population density to begin construction on of the areas under the flight path Join World Class now and get an extra One Month Membership to a new Brussels National before considering any extension give to a friend or colleague. And better yet, if your friend decides terminal in February project at Zaventem. has met with stiff to join – you’ll get an extra month as well!* opposition from In addition, the communes of Schaerbeek, Auderghem, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Call: + 32 2 551 59 90 for more information the Brussels-Capital Woluwe-Saint-Lambert and Evere have Region and several collectively decided to bring legal action communes. “in order to avoid the increase in noise pollution that would result from an extension to Brussels National. russels Environment The low-fare companies involved enjoy Minister Evelyne great success but one of the factors World Class Health Academy Brussels Huytebroeck (Ecologist) that allow them to charge such low Rue du Parnasse 19 1050 Brussels and Brussels-Region prices is that they can operate flights Ph: + 32 2 551 59 90 Minister-President Charles that run either very early in the morning, [email protected] www.worldclass.be BPicqué (PS) have declared: “It is feared or very late in the evening.”

24 – Together #10 * Offer valid until 31st of October 2008 and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Conditions apply. MEETING George Lucas : Sending in the clones

writer : Ludivine Nolf

While in San Francisco, that hasn’t been seen before. We think Together met up with we’ve ended up with something that legendary director and is very new and different. Stylistically, a CG-animated film is quite different producer George Lucas from a live-action movie. Animation – and very friendly, opens up the possibilities of what you accessible and good- can accomplish. Animation is like humoured he was too, a sketchpad. sparing a few minutes What can you tell us about the latest for a chat about The Clone Star Wars heroine, Ahsoka ? Wars, the first feature- Anakin and Obi-Wan have a great length animated Star Wars relationship, but we’ve seen their adventure. dynamic in the movies. In the Star Wars George Lucas – an they’re painted, which gives the movie unusual, cinematic-style storytelling, films, there’s a tradition of someone accessible, friendly movie-mogul a very distinctive look. We also drew something completely different from being taken on an amazing journey some influences from manga and anime anything else in animation. INTERVIEW and learning to become a Jedi — Luke in our filmmaking style, which have very How did the idea of an animated was a farm boy swept up in the Rebel dramatic lighting and very aggressive www.starwars.com Star Wars movie come about ? Alliance. Anakin was a little boy on framing. I think we’ve created some The interesting thing about the clone Tatooine. In The Clone Wars, Anakin is wars is that in the normal course of the no longer a Padawan. He’s a Jedi. So six Star Wars films that tell the Skywalker Ahsoka takes on that role of the younger saga, that whole story of what happened person who is being taught, who adds George Lucas directed THX 1138 (1971) and Executive Producer during this time is not told – it’s skipped the dynamic that a ‘student’ brings to Star Wars : Episodes I, II and III, over. We have a little bit of the beginning the story. We bounced back and forth George Lucas is the creator of and has produced such acclaimed in Episode II and a little bit of the end in on a lot of ideas about her — would she the Star Wars saga and, with films asTucker: The Man and Episode III. But, obviously, during a war be human or alien, male or female ? Steven Spielberg, the Indiana His Dream (1988) and Kagemusha there are lots and lots of stories — very We thought a girl would be just more fun Jones series of films, as well as (1980). The American Film exciting action, drama, heartbreak, even to have in the story. the founder of Lucasfilm Ltd, Institute has honoured Lucas humour. The idea of doing an animated a fully integrated entertainment with its Lifetime Achievement version of the clone wars was intriguing The Clone Wars gives you a great company based in San Francisco. Award for his work. Lucasfilm to me because it really allows us to tell chance to explore characters In 1973, Lucas co-wrote and Ltd., the company he founded in other stories, show other Jedi, introduce outside of the Skywalker saga. directed American Graffiti, 1971, comprises motion picture new characters and even tell stories Who are some of your favorites ? which won the Golden Globe and television production; about the clones themselves. Some I’ve always liked the Duros – the blue and garnered five Academy Award Industrial Light & Magic and of them have very interesting stories. aliens from the cantina scene in A New nominations. Four years later, Skywalker Sound ; LucasArts; It allows us to broaden the canvas of Hope. They’re a derivation of Neimoidians his Star Wars Episode IV: A New Lucasfilm Animation ; Lucas what Star Wars is about. — Neimoidians are greener, wrinklier. Hope broke all box-office records Licensing; and Lucas Online. and earned seven Oscars. Lucasfilm’s feature films have What does animation bring How would you describe the look The recipient of the Irving G. won 19 Oscars and its television to the Star Wars saga ? of The Clone Wars ? Thalberg Award from the projects, including the acclaimed Right from the very beginning, we knew In The Clone Wars, all of the characters Academy of Motion Picture Arts Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, we wanted to use CG animation in a way and the environments look almost like and Sciences, Lucas has also have received 12 Emmy Awards.

26 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 27 FLASH

FACT – New low-cost airline to arrive at Brussels National Dutch ‘low-cost, low-fare’ airline Transavia will soon be landing at Brussels National airport. The company will be offering flights to winter resorts, including Innsbrück and Salzburg, from 3 November. According to Transavia, their flights will serve the increasing public demand for travel to winter sports destinations. In addition, the company offers flights from the Netherlands to more than 90 destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.

FIGURE - 1.5€ billion That’s how much the three largest Belgian banks were down during the first quarter of 2008, as a result of the escalating worldwide financial crisis. Fortis lost 591€ million, KBC 463€m and Dexia 344€m.

BUSINESS Real Estate

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

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

AVERAGE PRICE PER APARTMENTS HOUSES SQUARE METRE (Figures in red indicate former RENT BUY BUY average prices)

1000 BRUXELLES (CENTRE) 10.10 € & 2,614.86 € & 1,708.07 € ( 9.84 2,536.82 1,724.23 1020 LAEKEN 6.94 € ( 2,115.08 € ( 2,009.09 € & 7.61 2,147.10 1,939.04 1030 SCHAERBEEK 8.12 € ( 1,951.73 € ( 2,511.82 € & 8.41 2,044.33 1,843.50 1040 ETTERBEEK 9.83 € & 2,346.47 € & 2,555.68 € & 9.58 2,327.03 2,398.02 1050 IXELLES 9.20 € ( 2,773.38 € ( 1,986.88 € & 9.22 2,823.81 1,962.56 All you need to know about banking 1060 SAINT GILLES 8.86 € ( 2,322.66 € & 2,199.11 € ( 8.96 2,284.82 2,417.66 1070 ANDERLECHT 8.26 € & 1,999.26 € ( 1,957.87 € ( services on arriving in Belgium 8.19 2,025.04 2,096.00 1080 MOLENBEEK ST JEAN 7.15 € ( 1,634.03 € ( 2,030.18 € ( 7.17 1,640.68 2,180.10 1081 KOEKELBERG 9.66 € ( 1,766.58 € & 2,052.92 € & 9.79 1,760.85 1,999.90 1082 BERCHEM STE AGATHE 10.10 € ( 1,990.37 € & 1,646.89 € ( 10.24 1,954.05 1,655.20 1083 GANSHOREN 8.04 € & 2,202.05 € & 1,813.01 € ( 7.99 2,173.64 2,126.65 Take advantage of our ING Expat Convenience Services 1090 JETTE 8.59 € - 1,910.83 € ( 2,219.17 € ( 8.59 1,942.15 2,313.82 +32 2 464 66 64 - [email protected] - www.ing.be 1120 NEDER OVER HEMBEEK 9.05 € & 1,8 57.9 8 € & 1,516.89 € & 8.16 1,831.88 1,436.21 1140 EVERE 9.12 € & 2,194.49 € ( 2,525.76 € ( Many banking services are available to accounts and cards can be ready for you the 8.83 2,204.52 2,651.11 1150 WOLUWÉ ST PIERRE 10.24 € ( 2,949.48 € & 2,781.00 € & expatriates living in Belgium but there is moment you arrive in Belgium. ING’s Expat 10.43 2,896.17 2,604.45 nothing you need to know about making Services have 40 years of experience to help 1160 AUDERGHEM 8.87 € ( 2,626.02 € ( 2,376.25 € & 9.25 2,639.34 2,271.51 such arrangements. That’s a task for the make your stay in Belgium as financially 1170 WATERMAEL BOITSFORT 8.65 € & 2,4 37.9 4 € ( 3,639.28 € & ING Convenience Services experts. Your bank smooth as possible. 8.64 2,628.39 3,423.86 1180 UCCLE 8.91 € & 2,6 47.8 9 € ( 2,028.01 € ( 8.77 2,671.42 2,044.38 1190 FOREST 9.36 € & 2,189.46 € & 1,963.86 € & 8.54 2,176.09 1,950.36 1200 WOLUWÉ ST LAMBERT 10.15 € & 2,492.15 € ( 2,469.81 € & 10.00 2,561.74 2,459.51 1210 ST JOSSE TEN NOODE 9.02 € & 1,577.5 8 € ( 2,172.64 € & 8.85 1,669.56 2,103.56

30 – Together #10

230x170_ING_Expat_Bulle_UK.indd 1 8/26/08 11:22:27 AM REAL ESTATE Housing explosion

writer : Paul Morris

As the self-proclaimed but we have seen some of the biggest rises in interest in the European Quarter,” ‘capital’ of an enlarged EU, Intercontinental Brussels Properties Brussels is witnessing a spokesman Stavros Malaxos explains. property boom. Minako Shoubuike, of Eurohouse, says that the “enormous” influx of people t may not have the architectural from the new EU states - including civil chic of Paris or speculative servants, lobbyists, parliamentary staff edge of London, but the and journalists - has “undeniably” had property scene in Brussels an impact on the property market. is really hotting up and nowhere moreI so than in the area known as EUROPEAN the European Quarter. QUARTER – ‘HOTSPOT’ Many of the homes under construction HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER will be luxury apartments, appealing By 2009, almost 1,000 new homes will to EU employees on generous salaries. have been built in the area of the city that houses most of the EU institutions. It means the rapidly rising cost of property in Brussels - and the average The construction work will provide price of a two-bedroom property in residential accommodation for the scores the European Quarter is nearly 400,000€ of people who have moved to live - is of little concern to them. and work in Brussels since the EU expanded in 2004. Malaxos adds that many EU workers do not want to live near their office, Back then, no one was really sure preferring to bring up families outside exactly how big an impact the entry of the city, but a growing number a substantial part of the former Soviet of younger expatriates prefer to be bloc would have on the property scene nearer the action - and get enough in Brussels. green space by walking through the nearby Cinquantenaire Park or taking However, real- weekend trips. Much of the estate agents say that much Caroline Ridderbusch, a 36-year-old demand for of the demand German, bought a refurbished property property - for property - near the Parliament. particularly particularly in in the rented the rented sector “I must admit the price I paid was a bit Square Marie Louise to try to attract people on average Says Xavier Eugene, a long-time resident sector - - is being generated high - 333,000€ for a one-bedroom flat - © Vandewiele-BITC incomes to buy some of the new flats. in the area: “It is a bit ironic. is being by people from but property prices in Brussels are still generated the ten new relatively modest compared with places That is probably just as well as “They are building new properties in the by people from member states. like Paris and London.” many older Belgians still wince at same area where, a few years ago, they the ten new the not-too-distant memory of good were demolishing them for the EU.” member states “A few years ago Brussels Housing Minister Francois quality property being razed to the there was little Dupuis (Francophone Socialist PS) ground in order to accommodate This article is provided by interest in the area, hopes to persuade the developers buildings housing the EU institutions. Expatica - www.expatica.be

32 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 33 ADVERTISING SPACE Who is

The Van Piperzeel designer since I was 16 years old ! Van Piperzeel Blog : To find out the Van Piperzeel? team: From left to I dreamed of creating adverts that reactions of the real ‘Mr. and Mrs. Van right, Christophe, writer : Jérôme Stéfanski Jean-Charles and people would still be speaking about Piperzeel’ to the agency’s advertising, Alain 20 years later… Van Piperzeel has launched a blog. Make © VPPZ your voice heard: In Belgium, Van Piperzeel agencies and brands. During that time, Jean-Charles : Me too, that was http://lapubetvanpiperzeel.blogspot.com/ is the name given to we learned all the tricks of the trade, always my dream. But my vocation but we also saw, increasingly, that came later, during my military service Mister and Mrs. Everyman the customer was not the number-one when I was 23. Van Piperzeel – like John Smith in the priority. We’d had enough… Centre Dansaert UK, or John Doe in the US. A l a i n : Now, together, we can finally Rue d’Alost, 7 However, Van Piperzeel Christophe : Yes, for myself, during my achieve out what our earlier jobs 1000 Brussels is now also the moniker of time working for brands such as Sony, prevented us from doing. We will talk T. +32 (0)2 213 36 53 TDK, and Mercedes, I realized that ad to you again in three years. Then five. www.vanpiperzeel.be a new Belgian advertising agencies often produced campaigns Then ten. You’ll see! [Smiles]. agency. We talk to without considering the real problems – its founders. they seemed motivated most of the time to merely sell a campaign that would win them an award and, certainly, their o, could one create concepts were often very creative, aimed an identikit portrait of at award juries worldwide. But I wanted Monsieur or Madame to target the customer! Van Piperzeel ? Well, yes and no. Van Piperzeel could Jean-Charles : Mea Culpa! I agree beS the Brussels dweller who sells with what Christophe says – for myself, frites from his fritkot, a wealthy Antwerp working as creative director for global- company chairman who drives a 4x4, network agencies, I was guilty of doing or a petite Madame selling strawberries. this. But I had to! A creative director can So, why has an advertising agency only survive by bringing the money in, (launched in February 2008) decided to by hook or by crook. I won many awards, adopt such a common-or-garden name ? but I was not satisfied… I aspired to Because, according to its founders, higher things. advertising is supposed to reach everyone and, in their opinion, other agencies’ Christophe : In short, our dream is to allegedly creative ad execs tend to create ad campaigns that will remain communicate only with each other – and engraved on the collective imaginations that’s not Van Piperzeel’s raison d’être. of ‘Mister and Mrs Van Piperzeel’.

INTERVIEW A l a i n : Yes, and to achieve this, we have The three founders, Alain Frisson set ourselves simple rules to produce (strategic planner), Christophe Reiter consistent campaigns that are always loyal (customer service director) and to the brand’s true values, without ever Jean-Charles (creative director) using shock tactics merely for their own explain the route they took sake. It sounds simple, but take a look at to create their own agency. the way that advertising trends are going…

A l a i n : We all had around 15 years’ Christophe : I have always loved this experience working for other advertising profession - I had wanted to be an advert

34 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 35 BACK TO SCHOOL The education minefield School daze? he first decision is whether Children stay at primary school for six writer : Paul Morris to integrate the children years during which time they study the into the local system or whole range of subjects, with an to take advantage of emphasis on languages. Homework is The state school system in Belgium the many international set from early on and there is a strong Tschools in the country. This naturally tradition of parental participation. can seem very complex to newcomers depends on whether you are on a short trying to make a choice for their children. contract or plan to adopt Belgium as your GOING INTERNATIONAL In collaboration with Together, here’s home country. The international option International schools are the choice Expatica’s guide to help you find your would allow your children to continue of parents who wish their children way through it. in the same education system once to remain in a system they know, with they return to their home country. a language they know and with the option of continuing the system back LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY in the home country. With its burgeoning While the state sets the laws regarding international community, Brussels has education, responsibility for schools a raft of international schools following lies with the language communities - British, American, French and Dutch Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia, education systems, among many others. both in Brussels and in some surrounding As they are all private, they are fee- communes. As well as state schools paying, though many companies offer there are subsidized ‘free’ and education costs as part of an overseas independent schools, often run on benefits package. religious lines, though their curricula and certification are recognized equally GETTING IN within the system. The compulsory The European Schools are notoriously school age in Belgium is 6-18 years, difficult to get into unless at least though there is an opportunity for one parent works for an EU institution. 16+ pupils to study part-time. Education Education is in mother tongue with a is free, though at secondary level, second language being introduced at parents may be expected to contribute primary level. Courses lead to the to the cost of some text books. All European Baccalaureate which is schools are co-educational. recognized for university entrance throughout the EU. Children start school at the age of six, though they may be accepted at five The Montessori schools in Brussels if they are deemed ready. Before this, operate bilingually with two teachers, nurseries are one who speaks only in English and available for babies the other in French, strengthening Homework is and children up to the concept that Montessori, educated set from early two-and-a-half children are problem, solvers, self, on and there years. Priority is sufficient and destined to have confident, is a strong given to mothers in enquiring minds. tradition full-time work. of parental Kindergartens then participation take over until the child reaches This article is provided school age. by Expatica - www.expatica.com

36 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 37 CLOSE - UP COVERAGE

“Belgium - a vague terrain in which minorities dispute over two cultures that do not exist.” Jacques Brel, singer, 1929-1978

I LOV E BELGIUM

Advertising_165x230_TOGETHER.indd 1 2/09/08 17:18:03 INTRODUCTION discount as being reasonable. They “Child, canst thou explain the rules looked at me as if I was mad. I told them concerning whether Belgian I was only joking and they burst into establishments can or cannot allow relieved laughter. Of course I was joking, smoking on their premises?” I’d settle for 30 per cent. “Ummmm,” said the young monk. Ten good “Just keep repeating that until you get NATIONAL enlightenment,” states the Guru, and ANTHEM ? dismisses him. WHAT NATIONAL reasons ANTHEM ? The average Brit starts 5mumbling after the first couple of lines of God Save the Queen, so it was with utter ANNOY to be Belge delight that I discovered Prime Minister E8XTREMISTS writer : Andy Carling Yves Leterme didn’t know the Belgian EFFORTLESSLY national anthem either (it’s called La I’d only been in the country for a few Brabançonne, for those who don’t know) days when I saw an old man shuffling Together offers a sideways when he so memorably burst into La along the street delivering free glance on why it’s easy Marseillaise. Can you imagine any other newspapers. As he came to my house to love the flat lands ! BEST nation’s leader being so bold ? As I he offered me a copy which I thanked NON 3- EXISTENT pointed out to my Belgian friends, at least him for. Then I noticed it was in Flemish. GOVERNMENT he didn’t sing Deutschland über Alles. Demonstrating my newfound mastery All too often, the headlines report of the bilingual system, I explained to him Belgium as being in crisis. How do in my schoolboy French that I didn’t know BEST RAIN people react ? There’s no civil disorder, YOU CAN Flemish so could I have a copy in French. Most countries no panic in the streets, just people KNOCK DOWN He looked angry and stormed off in measure rainfall getting on with their lives. We’ll simply THE PM a huff. I turned the paper over and saw by quantity, discuss it all over a beer or three, secure In November 2002, it was the Vlaams Belang newsletter. but Belgium’s in the knowledge that we’ll muddle then Prime Minister Guy precipitation can also offer a bewildering through somehow. We went for most V6erhofstadt was out cycling when he was 1breadth of forms. From the merest hint of of the year without a government. In knocked down by a car at a roundabout drizzle to torrential downpours, nowhere many parts of the world, we’d have been near Gent, breaking his elbow. It was THE DRIVE treated as a normal traffic accident, and 9 beats it for getting wet. It’s stated in the called a failed state, but we found that, OF YOUR LIFE holy scriptures that paradise is ‘a if anything, things worked a little better no big issue was made. Try crashing into Priorité à droit exemplifies the line well-watered garden’ and who would than usual. When we do get a prime Silvio Berlusconi and see what happens. between madness and genius. Initially doubt that, even if we don’t live in minister, we take them on as a temp. Here’s a clue - Bay of Naples, concrete I thought it was the former, but now paradise, we at least have a very Perhaps the next one will be a stagiaire... overcoat. I finally understand. I get it. It’s a fantastic well-watered garden ? experiment in Darwinian Theory, which also ensures that there is a BEST TAX plentiful supply of transplant organs... BEST STEREOTYPES OFFICES ZEN BUDDHISM When I went to sort out 7 Think of Belgium and most IS BELGIAN people will conjure up images my taxes last year I Now this may be news to many, but it is of beer, chocolate and frites. found the people there true. I know, I checked it in Wikipedia. Belgium contains two Zen koans – What’s so bad about that ? to4 be very friendly and helpful, so much WE’RE HERE 2 so that once we had finished, I said I had or instructional puzzles. The first is the Think of other nations - take the UK, for 10Some expats whine and complain example, and binge drinking, football a bit of an embarrassing question to ask country code, BE. What more concise about Belgium, but surely it’s wise violence and the most miserable woman them. That got their attention, so I asked : exposition of Zen is there than the simple to make the most of where you are in the world, aka Her Majesty Queen “So these are federal taxes, to the federal word ‘be’? Be alive, be conscious, and, if you look positively, Belgium Elizabeth the Second, spring to mind. government?” “Oh yes, that’s correct,” be Belge ! The second is the last syllable, is full of interesting places and people. Italy, on the other hand, is pizza and the they assured me. I went for the kill : best illustrated by this ancient tale. What’s more, we at Together will always Mafia, while Germany represents “But we’ve had no federal government A novice monk goes up to the Guru, bring you the best of La Belgique, in a efficiency and an earlier slight tendency for a long time, so I would like a discount who is busy contemplating a frite. handy-sized magazine. What more could to offer the whole world a big fight. Beer, on my taxes because of this.” They were “Master,” he asks, “how may I find you wish for ? chocolate and frites. Works for me. stunned. I suggested a 50 per cent enlightenment ?” The Guru replies:

40 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 41 DRESS TO IMPRESS

BLACK YELLOW RED

Jacket : Paule ka Skirt : anemie verbeeck Gloves & Boots : Olivier strelli Belts : filiPpa k Tights : Fogal

42 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 43 Jacket : Paule ka Skirt : anemie verbeeck Jumper : Gloves & Boots : system Olivier strelli Skirt : Belts : Levis filiPpa k Gloves : Tights : Olivier strelli Fogal Belt : caractere Tights : Fogal

October 08 Together – 45 Lingerie : Diesel Gloves : SCAPA Shoes : New look Tights : cettE Bag : Paule ka

46 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 47 Jacket : essentiel Gloves : SCAPA Watch: PERRELET Scarf : Paule ka

photos GAETAN CAPUTO styling GEOFFREY MASURE make-up Florence Samain for CHANEL & KERASTASE models him Julien Drapier @ Dominique Models Agency her celine Moniquet @ NEW Models Agency art directors GEOFFREY MASURE Vincent Van Meerbeeck @ PRODUCTOR

48 – Together #10

AD Spasiba 230x165.indd 1 22/08/08 12:11:30 DISCOVERY

By Royal Appointment

writer : Sophie Lagesse

Together throws open the doors of a dazzling and exclusive society – suppliers to the Belgian royal family. Suivez le guide !

very year, the Association of Patented Suppliers to the Court of Belgium reveals the names of the tradesmen, companies Eand craftsmen who have been honoured with membership of this elite group. While the royal family uses around 5,000 suppliers, only 113 are officially recognized by this ASBL.

As tradition dictates, the inauguration ceremony takes place on 15th November - the King’s birthday. On this day, the names of the artisans and companies are announced. This year, eleven new brands have made their first appearance as patented suppliers - in addition to world-renowned brands such as BMW and Nikon, other, more modest companies were also selected.

The haute-couture RULES OF ENGAGEMENT collection To be a patented supplier to the Court ‘Au nom de la Rose’, specially created by is indeed a privilege, but also a Edouard Vermeulen commitment. A privilege because to commemorate Natan’s 25 years the title, granted by His Majesty the King, in business is the highest seal of quality approval © Natan that can be granted.

50 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 51 DISCOVERY

Delvaux’s celebrated But it is a commitment as well, because declares. Since 1982, the brand has ‘Brillant’ bag a Patented Supplier to the Court of been well-established near Avenue © Delvaux Belgium must strive constantly for Louise in Brussels. In addition to made- improvement in all areas under the to-measure garments, Degand offers company’s remit – the suppliers ready-to-wear, accessories and also represent the very best in Belgian quality. sportswear clothing. Founder Pierre Degand has in fact tailored to gentlemen THE GENUINE ARTICLES of taste since 1974: “It is a long story ! However, certain companies apply I first met Léopold III and Liliane in my the Patented Supplier label without being boutique on the coast - in 1982, granted the right to do so. In order to we opened on Avenue Louise. I hardly prevent such fraud, the ASBL has set up knew King Baudouin, but for nearly ten a website on which all 113 suppliers are years now we have served Albert II, listed. Go to Philippe and Lorenz. Philippe is a little www.lesfournisseursbrevetesdelacour.be reserved, but Albert is very jovial and for more information. pleasant.” Concerning the Patented Supplier title: “It is a great honour. I am very proud of my company but also ROYAL ELEGANCE of my patriotism – my customers are the same.” And, apparently, the royal Natan patronage poses no security problems : For some years now, Edouard Vermeulen “We asked if we would have to close the has dressed the women of the Court in store when they visit, but we were told it a classically simple, feminine style. wasn’t necessary. Indeed, some of our The purity of his designs have caught other customers know them anyway, the eye of queens and princesses the and they chat in the shop.” world over - in addition to the Belgian royal family, the Courts of Denmark, Degand & Degand Sport the Netherlands, Sweden and the Grand Avenue Louise, 145 Duchy of Luxembourg have worn 1050 Brussels the robes of Edouard Vermeulen. The T. +32(0) 2 649 00 73 creator first came to public acclaim at www.degand.be the marriage of Philippe and Mathilde, producing the sumptuous white dress the bride wore. The pure curves and the Delvaux beauty of the fabrics he uses are entirely A Belgian leather dealer that really needs suited to the active and refined women no further introduction, Delvaux House, of Court. founded in 1829, is among the best in the field. It is the oldest leather Natan manufacturer in the world, and most Avenue Louise, 158 of its production takes place in Arsenal, 1050 Brussels Brussels. Not such a great surprise, T. +32(0) 2 647 10 01 therefore, that the ladies of the Court www.natan.be favour this emblem of national quality – all Delvaux bags and other accessories are characterized by their elegance and Degand simplicity. New to the list of Patented Suppliers this year, the house of Degand has Delvaux nevertheless tailored for many years Boulevard de Waterloo, 27 for the gentlemen of the royal family. 1050 Brussels “The Degand man is timeless, traditional T. +32(0) 2 513 05 02 and attentive to detail,” Pierre Degand www.delvaux.be

52 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 53 DISCOVERY 7Z Zca^\]iZcZY#

boxes are frequently adorned with photographs of the royal family or another national hero : Tintin.

Les Biscuits Delacre products are available in all good supermarkets - www.delacre.com

Super Destrooper! More than 120 years experience have made the Jules Destrooper biscuit factory a Belgian institution. After the creation of his almond biscuits, Destrooper followed with his Galette butter delights. Loved in all Belgian homes, these delicacies are still made according to the Destrooper family’s secret recipe. Patented Suppliers to the Court since 1999, Destrooper’s Taking the biscuit creations doubtless accompany guests’ With five patented chocolate suppliers, coffee. As their website announces : (Neuhaus, Galler, Godiva, Mary and “Happiness is a small biscuit…” Wittamer), Belgians might think that their sovereigns eat chocolate morning, Jules Destrooper products are available noon and night! However, the various in all good supermarkets suppliers are also on demand for the - www.destrooper.com royal family’s visits abroad, to offer a sample of our national speciality. The same rules applies when other There are other institutions, in widely countries’ royal families visit Belgium - varied fields, which belong to this the hosts set out a beautiful selection prestigious association – Astoria Hotel of the world’s best chocolate. on Rue Royal, Plaza Hotel on Boulevard Adolphe Max, the Musical Box, a Les Biscuits Delacre specialized classical music record dealer Established in 1870, Delacre is renowned in Coudenberg, Hayoit, supplier of linen for its chocolate biscuits. Thanks to to the royal household on Chausée their savoir-faire and highest-quality de Louvain, the Libris bookshop, Roger ingredients, their reputation in high Coiffure on Avenue Louise, and electrical society was quickly established. manufacturers Sony and Philips. Delacre biscuits are also presented to foreign delegations during their visits So, there’s nothing to stop you living like =Veena^k^c\!VWgdVY# to Belgium, but it is easy to imagine a king or queen ! A^k^c\ VWgdVY ^h cdi ValVnh \aVbdgdjh ^[ ndj YdcÁi ]VkZ i]Z egdeZg gZhdjgXZh# that the royal family enjoy them as well - ;dgijcViZan:meVi^XV^hi]ZgZ[dgndj#L]Zi]ZgndjlVciid[^cYi]ZWZhigZhiVjgVcihVcY particularly the sovereigns’ many small XajWh!bZZidi]Zg^ciZgcVi^dcVah![^cYV_dWdg]djhZ!dg\Zii]ZhXdeZdcZciZgiV^cbZci children! In addition, Delacre puts More information on ^cndjgVgZV!:meVi^XV^hndjggZhdjgXZ#8]ZX`jhdjiidYVnVilll#ZmeVi^XV#XdbVcY a Belgian accent on its products – their www.lesfournisseursbrevetesdelacour.be a^\]ijendjga^[Z#

54 – Together #10 :ME6I>86 lll#ZmeVi^XV#Xdb MADE IN BELGIUM Fashion [email protected] pioneers

writer : Ludivine Nolf

Belgium’s fashion schools Delcour, Laetitia Crahay, Sandrina Fasoli and Cathy Pill – thousands apply to are gaining renown – register every year, but on the other designers from hand, far fewer graduate - only eight mode academies pupils crossed the finishing line in June La Cambre in Brussels, with diploma – the hard-earned fruit five L’Academie de mode years’ intensive studies, on which the d’Anvers and elsewhere reputation of the entire institution depends. The course covers all aspects are extending their of fashion as a form of contemporary reputations far beyond expression, centred around two axes : the country’s borders. fashion styling and creation. As the facility’s ‘mission statement’ puts it : “Styling answers precise requirements he country’s growing in a given context - it is incorporated pool of talented fashion into all aspects of marketing strategies, designers is entirely down the product, communication, distribution, to the various ‘style research, and cultural, social, and schools’ established aesthetic tendencies. Fashion ‘creation’, Tacross its territory. Antwerp, Brussels, which is less determined by economic Tournai, Verviers, to name only the most constraints, is far more personalized famous, are home to fashion havens and innovative.” where the rattle of sewing machines is equally matched by the proliferation Students set on cutting cloth are further of new trends. For your pleasure then, advised: “In addition to a solid a little background on La Cambre and knowledge of modern fashion, a good L’Academie de mode d’Anvers. general knowledge of art, history, literature and cinema as well as an LA CAMBRE open mind and limitless curiosity is La Cambre, tucked away for 20 years absolutely essential.” behind Place Flagey in Brussels, goes by the full name of École nationale École nationale supérieure supérieure des arts visuels de La des arts visuels de La Cambre Cambre, and prides itself on a hard-won Abbaye de La Cambre, 21 La Cambre’s end- of-year 2007/2008 reputation for training exceptional 1000 Brussels fashion show designers. Its luminaries have included T. +32 (0)2 626 17 80 © Hanifa Besisira such names as Olivier Theyskens, Xavier www.lacambre.be

56 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 57 MADE IN BELGIUM

L’Académie des L’ACADEMIE institution since 2006 and is overseeing Beaux-Arts d’Anvers’ DE MODE D’ANVERS the new generation of designers, end-of-year It needs perhaps even less of an who are making an international 2007/2008 fashion show introduction than La Cambre – world reputation for themselves. Luminaries renowned since the 1980s, Antwerp such as Raf Simons, Veronique © Show 2008 Department Fashion Academy (the institution’s full Branquinho, A.F. Vandevorst and Antwerp - name being L’Académie des Beaux-Arts Lieve Van Gorp all have a growing Etienne Tordoir d’Anvers) is among the best institutions influence on the fashion trends of the of its kind in the world - 130 students, world’s most prestigious marques. 90 per cent of whom hail from foreign climes, sign up for a four-year course. L’Académie des Beaux-Arts d’Anvers Given that the academy produced Nationalestraat, 28/3 the famous ‘Group of Six’ - 2000 Anvers Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester, T. +32 (0)3 206 08 80 Walter Van Beirendonck, Dirk Van Saene, www.modenatie.com Dirk Bikkembergs and Martin Margiela [email protected] – it would be fair to say this proves the institution really has nothing else In addition to eight finalists from to prove. Of the more than 50 students Antwerp and La Cambre, four other who joined in 2004, only 16 gained graduate students from London’s St. their diplomas in 2008. More than 4,500 Martin’s College of Art and Design will people attended their graduation, under also present their work. the aegis of Director Walter www.brusselsinternational.be Van Beirendonck, who has headed the

THIRD FASHION WEEKEND achieve the most original and Fashion sirens will again be stylish presentation of their work. sounding in Brussels on 20th All are students or recent October - for the third consecutive graduates from fashion design year, Weekend Vif/L’Express schools, and their work will be will be organizing, along with evaluated by a jury comprising Weekend Knack, an exceptional renowned fashion designers and event dedicated to young other industry representatives. fashion designers, in which A prize of 10,000€ will be awarded 12 participants will do battle to to the competition winner.

58 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 59 TEMPTATIONS Totally Belge ! 1 2 3 4

writer : MAGALI EYLENBOSCH

Our love affair with the 6. LILÙ 5 6 7 Low Countries continues… Lilù - a marque created in 2005 by Isabelle Géradin and Emmanuelle Adam and their ‘Ashley’ model is perfectly FOR HER proportioned. ‘Ashley’ 318€ 1. FABIENNE DELVIGNE www.lilu.be A superb hat from the Fabienne Delvigne haute-couture collection. A supplier 7. CERRUTI 1881 89 109 11 12 to royalty, she is absolutely one of A breath of modernity has blown on the our favourite designers. house of Cerruti, since Jean-Paul Knott ‘Sky Bird’ - price available on request was appointed Artistic Director. Take this www.fabiennedelvigne.com superb black leather belt, for example… Price available on request 2. NATAN www.cerruti.com To celebrate his 25 years spent in the service of elegance, Edouard 8. GIRLS FROM OMSK Vermeulen created a haute couture This Winter, Valéria Siniouchkina makes 10 collection, ‘In the Name of the Rose’. her mark with a collection that blends Allow yourself to be allured… masculine and feminine, but which ‘Tonus’ - price available on request retains a resolutely ‘funky’ streetwear www.natan.be look. Winner of Prix Modo Bruxellae 2007. Snap up this trousers/overalls 3. FLAMANT outfit… Santo de Flamant - completely in 120€ the spirit of the season. www.girlsfromomsk.be Santo de Flamant 550€ 9. DELVAUX www.flamant.com Delvaux – perhaps the most mythical recognizable. The range will be available Cape - 450€ leather that you can buy. The Perfecto from December only from Kipling and Shoes - 299€ 4. LES PRECIEUSES bag, is packed full of details, with zip, Cathy Pill outlets. Reservations strongly T.+32(0)2 711 06 00 For more than ten years, Pili Collado has pockets, padding and other surprises. recommended – there may not be accessorized, blending beautiful jewels Made from patented ‘young leather’, enough to go around ! 12. MARCOLINI to perfection. as are the boots… 619.90€ Pierre Marcolini’s ‘Divine Coquillettes’ ‘The Stendhal’ 1,300€ T.+32(0)3 298 20 00 will cover you with pleasure – 243€ T.+32(0)2 738 00 40 small (6 grammes) tins of fresh, T. +32(0)2 503 28 98 11. HUGO light chocolate in five flavours : 10. KIPLING Talented young Belgian Bruno Pieters ganache tonka, poivre sichuan, 5. OLIVIER STRELLI Trendy-casual specialist Kipling has has been appointed Artistic Director hazel nut pralines, citrus fruits Smart and trendy trainers shoes from developed, in collaboration with Cathy of Hugo Boss’s women’s range. Inspired and liquorice. Olivier Strelli’s ‘October 22’ line. Pill, an exclusive ‘mini-range’ of bags by Bauhaus, he has brought sober, T.+ 32(0)2 514 12 06 69.90€ for its haute couture PE09 collection – near-timeless lines that are nevertheless www.marcolini.be www.strelli.be the artist’s graphic style is immediately resolutely modern.

60 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 61 TEMPTATIONS 1 3

And for the gentlemen, 7. CHRISTOPHE COPPENS there are also plenty Impossible to be stylish without of surprises in store… this headgear… 140€ www.christophecoppens.com FOR HIM 8. LE FABULEUX 1. MARIE’S CORNER MARCEL DE BRUXELLES 2 4 Belgian chair-making specialist, Marie’s Behind the success-story of Le Fabuleux Corner, celebrates 15 years in business Marcel de Bruxelles are Christophe in 2008. and Kaat. More ‘must-haves’ and Carmel armchair – 2,357€ ‘unmissables’ than you will believe… Matching pouf - 716€ www.fabuleuxmarcel.com www.mariescorner.com 9. DELVAUX 2. FLAMANT Designed by Bruno Pieters, the ‘1829’ Is his head forever in the stars ? Why not line includes five stars, of which 5 7 8 treat him to a Flamant telescope ? ‘Newspaper Bag’, is characterized by 189€ its sober style and rigorous construction. www.flamant.com Designed for the modern, discreet, elegant man. 3. SCABAL 1,350€ Scabal recently launched Scabal N°12, T.+32(0)2 738 00 40 an ultra high-class range, in the purest traditions of Savile Row made-to-measure. 10. DANDOY A must-have for every elegant man. The graphic novel is an integral part 10 9 11 T.+32(0)2 217 50 55 of Belgian culture, as is the ‘speculoos’ biscuit is an integral part of Belgian 4. EASTPAK culture. So, in 2009, homage will be After giving a to the Jil Sander range, paid - to commemorate the release of Raf Simons, who is one of our most Frédéric Janin and Stéphane Libersky’s stylish creators, has joined forces with new work, Froud et Strouf, renowned Eastpak to create a collection collection of biscuit-maker Dandoy will be offering bags in sober and very masculine tones. special commemorative ‘coucouques’ 100€ speculoos. 6 T.+32( 0)3 298 20 00 Dandoy Rue au Beurre, 31 5. BINÔCHE 1000 Bruxelles In just ten years, the sunglasses range T.+32(0)2 511 03 26 ‘Made in Belgium’ has gained a world- class reputation in the optical orbit, 11. BELLEROSE notably with its cool sport collection Bellerose’s mens range offers, as usual, ‘Bi-cool Sun’. all the urban-fashion casual classics – 80€ a perfect weekend outfit ! T. +32(0)3 235 16 19 T.+32(0)2 539 44 76 12 www.bellerose.be 6. CERRUTI 1881 An outfit from the Autumn-Winter 12. DEGAND collection that plays the elegance card Be a poker-dice ace with these smart, to perfection. sassy cufflinks. Jean-Paul Knott for Cerruti Price available on request. Price available on request T.+32(0)2 649 00 73 www.cerruti.com www.degand.be

62 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 63 MARKET FORCES Rising Stockel

writer : Cillian Donnelly

Located at the end of the ITALIAN STYLE Metro line in the laid-back Among the stallholders, we find Salamone environs of Place Dumon, Roberto, who is very keen to share where it nestles among his passion for Italian wines. A relative smart suburban houses newcomer to Stockel, but one who has and even smarter shopping enjoyed much success since joining its ranks, Salamone was drawn to the locale streets, Stockel market because, as he says, he “didn’t have is well worth a visit. a typical place to be” among the big retailers and, after tasting some wines while on holiday in Italy, he decided to hould you find yourself in share his interest with the people of this particular corner of Brussels. “I see in Belgium that Italian the city between 8-13h on a wines can be difficult to find, that they are Tuesday, Friday or Saturday, hard to buy in the shops,” he explains. as Together did one sunny SAugust Saturday morning, you will find On offer today are wines from Tuscany a market buzzing with life on the tree- and Piemonte and, continues Salamone, lined Place Dumon, with a raft of flower customers are always keen to investigate Stockel Market always seem to buy the regular most cheap foods on supermarkets, small stalls and other seasonal delights on often!” Among the “unusual” varieties manufacturers and retailers face stiff the differences in each variety - a subject © Patrick Rahie offer to lure perusing market-goers. in which he is well-versed. He also offers is the black pasta, which is dyed with competition. evening tastings for those who wish to squid ink. The aroma of olives hangs in the air and educate their palettes. “It is not good to compare products an abundance of summer berries are on QUALITY COUNTS on price alone, but it is often the first display as fresh Sticking with the Italian theme, further Lemaître is aware that he is operating in thing that people do. But if you look ‘I sell a lot fruit, meat and down the market can be found the a difficult line of work : “It is a very hard at the quality, there is a big difference. of lasagne, vegetables of impressive wares of Pascal Lemaître, business, because you have to compete If you buy a cheap lasagne, there is every description, or, as he is also known, ‘Pascal Pâtes’. with the pasta nothing in it, no meat, no cream, but the most varieties of honey popular For the past eight years, pasta has been ‘I see in ‘industry’. If people nothing.” and jams, Pascal’s speciality - from lasagne and feel the product overall is homemade cannelloni to wholemeal and flavoured Belgium is not the same, Well, why not come on down plain pasta. pizza, quiche pastas, everything on offer is made with that Italian then there can to Stockel market and have your pasta You would and cake, all tempt his own hands. wines can be be a price to pay. preconceptions challenged ? think the passers-by. difficult Sometimes, original The sun is shining So which are the most popular ? to find, I think, people Place Dumon variety would and everything “I sell a lot of lasagne, but the most that they prefer ready-made 1150 Woluwe-St-Pierre not sell like feels all right ; popular overall is plain pasta. are hard meals, so this Stockel the others, the market seems You would think the original variety to buy in is maybe not but it does’ tailor-made for would not sell like the others, the shops’ what they look Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday a day such but it does. People seem to look for first,” and with from 8-13h. as this. at the most unusual types, but they the abundance of

64 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 65 EAT TOGETHER Talking taste

writer : Kimberley Lovato

For ‘foodies’, the abundance cheese and a whisky. Chef Freddy of fantastic restaurants Vandecasserie of La Villa Lorraine is one of Belgium’s biggest was the greatest influence in my draws. From Michelin stars professional career. to hidden snack stands, What’s the most embarrassing thing there is always something that has happened to you in your delicious to try. But beyond restaurant? the border, what do people Having a Flemish guest speak to me, really know about the and only nodding and smiling because cuisine ? We pull up a chair I had no idea what he was saying with four Belgian chefs who What does ‘Chambar’ mean ? are also making a name My grandmother came up with the name for themselves abroad. - an old French phrase meaning ‘when the teacher leaves the room, all the kids go crazy!’ In French it is spelt chambard NICOLAS SCHUERMANS - the ‘d’ is silent. Nicolas Schuermans, ‘Nico’ to his friends Left : What is your fondest food memory than waffles and chocolate! For example, Nicolas Scheurmans and family, studied at the prestigious What advice would you give of Belgium ? I have rabbit or pigeon on my winter CREPAC School of Culinary Arts to someone dining at your restaurant R i g h t : My dad’s whole braised squab with baby menu, something Americans rarely eat. Bart M. Vandaele in Belgium and apprenticed at La Villa for the first time ? potatoes. The best squabs always came Shrimp croquettes are a favourite. Lorraine (two Michelin stars), before Be open-minded and without from my granddad’s pigeon house. We make them fresh, using baby grey working at Comme Chez Soi, (two expectations. Leave your day at the shrimps imported from Belgium. Michelins). Schuermans has cooked door and enjoy the experience of Who influenced for many celebrities and has travelled brave food, great wine and a vibrant your cooking the most ? Do you ever let others cook for you ? the world working in prestigious kitchens. atmosphere. My dad. He had his own restaurant and Of course! When I’m not working, I love raised me in his kitchen. I also had the to be invited for dinner. What I love most What is your fondest memory of Chambar Restaurant privilege of having two important mentors, are the simple things. B e l g i u m ? 562 Beatty Street Crosstown Piet Huysentruyt whose restaurant of the Spending summers at my grandparents’ Vancouver BC, US same name received one Michelin star, Tell us something about you that home near Barvaux (Ardennes). T. +1 604 879 7119 and Roger Soevereyns whose restaurant, would surprise those who know you. www.chambar.com Restaurant Scholtesh, earned three. Do you have an Oreo Cookie fetish, Where do you like to eat for example? when you visit ? What is the most popular Belgian No, sour gummy bears and Cola bottle I make it home every other year to see dish on your menu ? sweets! I also love raspberry jam on family, and always eat at Le Passage BART M. VANDAELE Vlaamse stoverij (carbonades flamandes), Gouda cheese or on peperkoek (Dutch (Uccle) and enjoy the wood-fired steak Bart M. Vandaele was born in Roeselare a beef stew with a special beer sauce, spiced cake), but the rest of my fetishes at L’Etable in Barvaux. and studied in Bruges. He has held served with fries and mayonnaise. are for another conversation… various executive chef positions in Who has influenced the United States and Belgium and most Washington DC diners are fairly Belga Café your cooking the most? recently for the Dutch Ambassador sophisticated. Are they curious 514, 8th Street, SE My grandfather. He is a great lover to the US. “When I arrived 12 years ago, about Belgian cuisine or do they Washington DC, US of food and the ritual of dining - an I immediately knew I loved this place,” have preconceived notions ? T. + 1(202) 544 0100 aperitif, a great dinner followed by he says. We definitely have much more to offer www.belgacafe.com

66 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 67 EAT TOGETHER

Olive menu with founder Laurent Halasz allowed a complete new way of cooking.

How would you describe your style of cooking ? I try to keep a Mediterranean inspiration and touch, and try to find the right olive oils that will complete the dish perfectly.

In your opinion, what makes a great chef ? Simplicity. You don’t want too many flavours on the plate, but you want the right ones with the right ingredients.

Which cooking tools or gadgets are indispensable to you? I finally got a Berkel Manual Slicer - Pascal Lorange PASCAL LORANGE I now want one in all my restaurants. In Verviers, Pascal Lorange is a 3rd The customers love to see us cut generation Belgian chef, whose nephew prosciutto or jambon in front of them. The has just taken over the kitchen at L’Art Pacojet is also an amazing creation. It de Vivre in Spa, where all his relatives still makes fabulous ice cream and tapenade. live: “They are my breath of fresh air ; they give me a lot of energy.” Where do you see yourself in ten years ? What is your fondest food memory I lived for seven years in the Canary of Belgium ? Islands and loved it. I think I’ll end up My father always eats at Le Grillon in the south of France or Spain, in Ostend. I love their croquettes de but I’m not ready for that yet. crevettes, mussels and sole. It’s my favorite place to go when I come back to Belgium. Fig & Olive 808 Lexington Avenue Do your Belgian roots have 62nd-63rd Street an impact on your cooking style ? New York, NY 10021, US My style has definitely changed from T. +1(212) 207 4555 when I started. The creation of the Fig & www.figandolive.com

68 – Together #10

LAM_0816_AdResizes_Final.indd 1 6/17/08 3:13:18 PM THE MOST EXCLUSIVE LABELS

Nicolas De Visch NICOLAS De VISCH the ruler of Dubaï, ‘Your Majesty’ instead © Louis Lesko This young energetic chef, born in Braine of ‘Your Highness’ in front of everyone l’Alleud, Belgium, has clients clamouring when he visited my kitchen. to get into his restaurant in the Dordogne region of France. De Visch combines Who in your life has influenced the fine ingredients of the Périgord your cooking the most ? with world spices and the local seafood, Philippe Cassart, of Le Piano de Julien, inspired by his love of travel and years for my start in the job ; Atillio Basso as a chef at the opulent Burj Al Arab of Ecailler du Palais Royal, for a real taste Hotel in Dubai. of hard work ; Yves Mattagne, Sea Grill, Radisson SAS Brussels, for finesse. What is your fondest food memory of Belgium ? When you’re not working, what do Like everyone, my mother’s cooking - you do for fun? tarte au sucre, boulettes sauce tomate, I love playing football with my local team carbonade flamande and croquettes aux and cycling. I also love to play Texas Hold crevettes ‘Em with my friend and neighbour, Russ.

How often to you get back Do your Belgian roots have an to Belgium to visit ? impact on your cooking style? I don’t go back that much, but at least As a Belgian, I love taking pleasure in life DE CONINCK Wine & Spirit Since 1886 once a year. We now have the line open and having the ability to laugh at oneself. Visit our cellars fom Thursday to Saterday from 10 AM to 19 PM between Bergerac airport and Charleroi. Belgian is not a style ; it’s a way of life. NEW I can’t wait to take a quick break after the season and fly over. La Brucelière Chée de Bruxelles 37 Avenue du Pesage 1 Avenue Orbanlaan 3 Place Cdt De Blockplein 21 Place de la Capelle 1410 Waterloo 1050 Ixelles 1150 Brussels 1780 Wemmel What’s the most embarrassing thing 24560 Issigeac, France Tél.: 02 353 07 65 Tél.: 02 640 44 65 Tél.: 02 772 40 65 Tél.: 02 460 44 65 that’s happened to you in a T. +33(0) 5537 38961 Fax.: 02 353 07 10 restaurant kitchen ? www.bruceliere.com Calling Sheikh Mohamed al Maktoum, [email protected] www.deconinckwine.com 70 – Together #10 EAT TOGETHER

priced from 50-150€, while for 6€ you 2 can keep it simple and enjoy a glass Delightful dining of the house wine.

writer : Olivier Frey (Brussels International Tourism & Congress), Jérôme Stéfanski Evan’s Beef & Sushi Bar Rue de la Régence, 25 1000 Brussels With its elegant façade, Evan’s Beef & T. +32(0)2 503 13 78 Sushi Bar is reminiscent of the pomp and splendour of the days of Léopold II. The interior, on the other hand, is firmly LE MOZART rooted in the 21st century, with its variations on a black and white theme : contemporary Open 12-15h, and 18h30-2h. Closed Monday and Saturday lunch, furniture in snow white and crow black, all day Sunday. charcoal walls, dark flowing silk curtains, with the whole effect set off by sparkling Le Mozart remains an institution in glasses hanging over the bar and the world of night-time carnivores - the chrome of the cooking ranges. the red meats on offer are prepared Linking the two floors, a spiral staircase in the restaurant dining room grill, shimmers beneath coloured lighting. while the varieties of sauces offer tasty temptations. The fortifying Franco- 1 So, there are two floors: one dedicated Belgian cuisine offers a nicely balanced to meat pleasures, European style, the menu including classics such as 1. Evan’s Beef EVAN’S BEEF & SUSHI BAR other to the wonderful flavours of Japan. carbonnade à la flamande, stoemp du & Sushi Bar jour with country-style sausage, braised Closed Mondays. Black or white, fish or meat, Evan’s Beef rabbit and pickled shallots with mustard, 2. Le Mozart Parking on Place Poelaert, valet parking available at lunchtime and evenings. & Sushi Bar is very much in keeping with blanquette of veal à l’ancienne sit very 3. Le Falstaff the spirit of yin & yang. Upstairs, a long well alongside home-made chips ! Evan Triantopoulos has just renovated bar allows time to settle in and order a dining locale - Evan’s Beef & Sushi Bar (from 5€) sushi that’s with freshness, all But what would Le Mozart be without has been given a completely new served with a teppanyaki grill, or perhaps its famous atmosphere ? Once you cross look over two floors and offers grill watch the chef flash fry some turbot, the threshold, a warm welcome awaits and teppanyaki, quality meat dishes of beef, cod or black tiger prawns or try you from the staff and attentive host, guaranteed origins, plus an exciting sushi a tuna tataki ? Feeling more carnivorous, Monsieur André who, more than anyone, 3 bar. The creative chef first opened perhaps? Then stay downstairs, where protects the legacy of Remo Gozzi, La Table d’Evan, in Wemmel, a gourmet a raised piano has pride of place and who departed all too soon. It was Gozzi, LE FALSTAFF tapas bar designed in the style of Parisian the chef carefully prepares the best cuts with hard work and passion, who shaped Passionate about architecture or simply It’s a treat for establishment L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. of meat you could wish for : Argentine the restaurant’s character, which centres seeking a sophisticated locale that’s the soul and But, far from resting on the laurels of his Angus, German Simmenthal, Aubrac on good, honest, hearty dishes and soaked with history ? Head for Le senses, and all success, this grill specialist and master beef, Sisteron or Pauillac lamb, Dutch also the eclectic décor on display - Falstaff, a cultural beacon in Belgium’s just a short walk of light sauces has accepted a new veal, Iberico pork and Chaland chicken. the mood is defined, among other beautiful capital. For a drink among away from challenge. Near to Place du Sablon, things, by a radiator grille from a Cadillac, friends, a business lunch or to mark an La Bourse. the visionary King Léopold II provided You can also order lamb cutlets, calf’s a piano and the fresco dedicated to occasion, this near-mythical Brussels with some fine thoroughfares sweetbread or Irish fillet steak (from 10- Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington and establishment is your best bet. More that offer splendid perspectives 20€). And, although all the dishes come Ella Fitzgerald. than a hundred years of good times Le Falstaff on Belgium’s capital, such as Rue de with vegetables, there’s nothing to stop have been had here – and there are Rue Henri Maus, 19 la Régence, which runs from the Palais you switching side dishes and ordering And look out for the magnificent bull, some that believe Le Falstaff is the best 1000 Brussels de Justice Place Royale, forming a gentle a delicious pan of mushrooms, thick who keeps watch over the institution... place to go in Brussels to understand T: +32(0)2 511 87 89 transition from the hectic commercial hand-cut chips, a gratin Dauphinois, or how Art Nouveau evolved into Art Deco. www.lefalstaff.be end of the city to the elegance of Sablon Béarnaise sauce or gravy (3€ per portion). Le Mozart that’s reserved for both antique bargain- Chaussée d’Alsemberg, 541 With special thanks to hunters and enlightened tourists with And, to accompany your meal, the cellar 1180 Brussels Brussels International Tourism & Congress. a passion for the cocoa bean ! offers no fewer than 200 fine wines T. +32(0)2 347 09 17 www.brusselsinternational.be

72 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 73 FRESH OPENINGS New niches

writer : Magali Eylenbosch

In Autumn, as the rain both known and new arrivals. tumbles, unmissable The ultra-modern ‘lounge’ style openings flower… is very much in keeping with a Manhattan loft apartment - a haven for fresh art talent. PATRIZIA 1. Patrizia Pepe Firenze PEPE FIRENZE Lounge Art Gallery 2. Diane Hot colours, beautiful luminosity, Rue de Namur, 65 Von Furstenberg 3. Starbucks Tuscan accents. For its first Brussels 1000 Brussels 4. Enes shop, Patrizia Pepe Firenze has www.loungeartgallery.com 5. Pepe Jeans 6. Tiffany & Co opted for a resolutely Italian environment © Serge Anton in which to offer beautiful women’s Expo Kokian & Ficha runs ranges and accessories - the last word in until 11th October. 1 2 TIFFANY & CO. glamour. The famous jewellery boutique has opened its very first Belgian shop in Patrizia Pepe Firenze STARBUCKS the heart of Brussels. The 200m2 Rue du Grand Cerf, 22 Starbucks Coffee in Brussels ? outlet of will be an emporium filled 1000 Brussels We’ve been waiting a while, but with splendid diamonds, platinum www.patriziapepe.it apparently it’s true - the famous jewellery and the 18 carat gold, Starbucks ‘frappucino’ can soon as well as rare pearls and clocks/ be enjoyed in Brussels Airport. accessories by Elsa Peretti, DIANE Details were still sketchy as Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger VON FURSTENBERG Together went to press, but and Frank Gehry. Hot on the heels of her successful shops the US coffee chain will be holding 3 4 in Brussels and Antwerp, Greta Halfin an official unveiling in the near future. Tiffany & Co. has gone to the Belgian coast to open Keep your eyes peeled… Boulevard de Waterloo, 66 a third outlet. The Diane von Furstenberg 1000 Brussels outlet has been redesigned by David www.tiffany.com del Villar - a window on a world of female ENES elegance. Mode masters Hugo Denizli and Muriel Van Nieuwenhove have opened PEPE JEANS Diane Von Furstenberg their Enes outlet in Antwerp, where Pepe Jeans began with three brothers Kustlaan, 349 the decorative talents of Gert Voorjans in 1973 who opened a small jeans 8300 Knokke (who has previously worked with store on Portobello Road market www.dvf.com Dries Van Noten and Coccodrillo) 5 6 London. Today, the brand is an have been put to excellent use. institution on both European and The famous The marques on offer at Enes worldwide markets - since 5th Starbucks LOUNGE ART include Paul & Joe, Vandenvos House, September, the brand has a store ‘frappucino’ GALLERY See by Chloé, Coast, American Vintage in Brussels. can soon Rue de Namur and many more. be enjoyed has a new arrival, in Brussels the Lounge Art Enes Pepe Jeans Airport Gallery, which will Lombardenvest, 60 Zuidstraat, 26-28 be showing work 2000 Antwerp 1000 Brussels by many artists, www.enes.be www.pepejeans.com

74 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 75 For theArt’ sA rtSake’s Sake Eye on the skies writer : Jacqueline Harpman Photographer : Georges De Kinder It took Georges De Kinder nearly four years to capture the 128 shots of Brussels’ 19 communes that will feature in a new exhibition in Halles Saint-Géry during November and December. The superb photos move you from the city’s north to south, taking in Mont des Arts and Tour & Taxis en route...

76 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 77 For Art’s Sake

eorge De Kinder takes us on an enchanting journey into the city’s nooks and crannies. A Brussels resident by choice and G a passionate photographer, he offers unexpected views of our urban environment, leaving banality behind to make our city a theatre of daydreams, emotions, surprises. His pictures remind us of the importance of taking in our surroundings, to see what’s on offer. And the result? A kaleidoscope that redefines the capital of Europe - it’s recognizable, sure, but also imposes questions on the viewer. Could this really be my city ? My banal, daily environment? Georges De Kinder’s perspective is also dominated by the sky - the sky that watches over the city.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Georges De Kinder began his career as a freelancer in 1992, working in advertising. Quickly gaining experience, he opened a studio in 1995, specializing in still life and culinary photography. After moving to the north-west of Brussels, he was inspired to create a series of images of his new district, and from there began ‘reinventing Brussels’. His work is marked by its dialogue between sky and urban construction, with the sky determining the mood of a place and a moment.

See more of the artist’s work at www.georgesdekinder.com

Young Gallery Avenue Louise, 75b - Wiltcher’s Place - Conrad Hotel Halles Saint-Géry 1050 Brussels - T. +32(0)2 374 07 04 Place Saint-Géry, 1 - 1000 Brussels www.younggalleryphoto.com T. +32(0)2 502 44 24 - www.hallessaintgery.be Color C-Print mounted on Diasec 70 x 100 cm - Edition of 7 1 850€ (21% Taxes Included) 90 x 125 cm - Edition of 7 2 250€ (21% Taxes Included) 110 x 150 cm - Edition of 7 2 850€ (21% Taxes Included)

80 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 81 SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE

Sofia, viewed from the Kempinski Hotel Sofia: © Together Magazine Angel or demon? writer : Jérôme Stéfanski On 24th July, Bulgarian Ambassador Hristo Georgiev and BSCA Board of Directors President Edmée De Groeve inaugurated the new airline connecting Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Bulgaria’s capital – Sofia. An ideal occasion forTogether to discover the city.

o be frank, I boarded my Wizzair flight to Sofia with some trepidation – some two-and-a-half hours distant lay a country and a peopleT about which I knew very little, except for the stereotypes - poverty, prostitution, corruption, outdated public transport and the locals’ often-hostile attitude towards outsiders. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement, I know, and, according to a good friend of mine, a native Bulgarian: “Bulgaria is fine, but it would be even better without the Bulgarians!” And the recent sanctions imposed by the EU against Bulgaria for its inability to fight corruption seemed set only to confirm my fears.

TWO SIDES TO THE CITY But, from the start of my cross-city excursion, it became quickly apparent that Sofia is not as gloomy or run-down as I had been led to believe. Walking along Boulevard Vitosha, it was possible to forget that I was in a former USSR satellite - the peaceful ambience of this town-centre thoroughfare, combined with the warm July sun and the many beautiful young ladies gracing the street reminded me, in fact, of Italy. In addition, all the major brands have outlets here, which makes Communism seem even more distant - Converse, Max Mara, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, Replay.

82 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 83 WIZZ prasa Bruksela.pdf 5/15/08 4:24:22 PM

SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE

A ‘SightSeeing’ bus trip (lasting around 80 minutes) is a good way to enjoy Sofia’s cultural wealth – and the most impressive monument is without doubt the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. Within its Neo-Byzantine exterior, the beautiful central dome is encircled by the Lord’s Prayer, inscribed it delicate gold lettering. While outside old women sell flowers to tourists, orthodox rites and rituals are immaculately observed inside. The structure is a perfect example of symbiosis between monumental and decorative arts.

The 10th-century Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be Inside the In Sofia, as in many of Eastern Europe’s found a little further out, in the Boyana Kempinski largest cities, the rich rub shoulders with district, while in the centre of the city (in Presidential C Suite the poor. A look at the varieties of cars the courtyard of the Sheraton Sofia Hotel, in fact) stands the Church of St. George, M © Kempinski ably demonstrates the gulfs between hotels a late-Roman construction that dates different sections of the populous - large Y German estates nestle alongside rusting back to the 4th century. And don’t miss Skodas. One thing’s for sure – some the early Byzantine Church of St. Sophia, CM the very Saint that gave the city its name people do have lots of money. By way of MY proof, the Mercedes SLR parked in front – equally, the Parliament, Court of of Chervilo (one of the capital’s best- Justice and President’s Residence are all CY

connected clubs) is worth in excess of definitely worth a visit. CMY 500,000€ – a scandalous sum, when you consider that the average monthly K salary in Sofia is only around 562 BGN PLACES TO BE SEEN (281€), compared with approximately 434 BGN (217€) in the rest of the country. KEMPINSKI HOTEL ZOGRAFSKI ‘The peaceful CULTURE Designed by renowned Japanese ambience of Sofia is also a city of architect Kisho Kurokawa, this strikingly this town- contrasts from an modern hotel is one of Sofia’s landmarks. centre architectural point of Situated in the city’s most sought-after view – ancient residential area, overlooking the Vitosha thoroughfare, cathedrals are Mountains, the hotel leads the city’s combined with surrounded by grey five-star hotel market and has recently the warm July Stalinist structures, undergone extensive refurbishment. sun and the while sprawling There are 446 guest rooms, ten many beautiful housing blocks stands conference rooms, five restaurants, three young ladies next to pre-war bars, a fitness centre, swimming pool, gracing edifices and tree-lined shopping arcade and a casino. the street European streets. remindED me, Meanwhile, all that Kempinski Hotel Zografski in fact, remains of nearly 500 J. Bourchier Boulevard, 100 of Italy’ years of Ottoman 1407 Sofia domination is one T. +359 2 969 2233 small mosque. www.kempinski.com

84 – Together #10 SOMEWHERE IN EUROPE more than 3,500 properties available on www.era.be • more than 3,500 properties available on www.era.be • more than 3500 properties available on www.era.be •

The Flocafé, one of Sofia’s trendiest bars © Together Magazine

CHEVERMETO This classic Bulgarian restaurant provides everything for your pleasure – the service is very friendly, while tradition song and dance from talented artists is there to entertain you while you enjoy generous helpings of the local specialties. Try the cheese selection followed by the barbecued pork and chicken - a delight!

Chevermeto Cherny Vrah Blvd, 31 Sofia South FLOCAFE T. +359 2 963 0308 Located in the heart of Sofia, this www.chevermeto-bg.com restaurant and lounge bar is one of capital’s most chic locations. In addition to its impressive range of coffees, the PROS menu also offers a wide choice of - The very affordable cost of living cocktails at very accessible prices - The impeccable service offered at (around 3.50€ for a Mojito, for example). the Hotel Kempinski Its wide sunny terrace and its location - The City Center Sofia, an imposing make it the ideal place for a rest-stop complex of shopping outlets over five during a shopping trip. floors, and the Maserati Quattro Porte - Kamenitza, the local beer that’s served Flocafé everywhere! Sveta Nedelya Square, 3 - The nonchalant, stylish ambience of 1000 Sofia Boulevard Vitosha T. +359 2 950 6645 - The natural elegance of Bulgarian girls - The charming Wizzair hostesses SOUTH PARK - The colour of the sky – at times, it looks Near to the Kempinski Hotel, away from like a Photoshop-tinted canvas! the town centre, South Park has a superb terrace with CONS parasol-protected - Taxi drivers: always ready to ply you ‘While outside tables. The decor is very with the ‘best’ prostitutes’ calling cards old women tasteful, not unlike the and inflate their prices as soon as they sell flowers wine list, while the hear you speaking English to tourists, cuisine on offer is simple - The road to the airport – it’s full of dirty, orthodox but succulent. And run-down buildings rites and there’s a choice of more - Elderly people scavenging through rituals are than 15 vodkas on offer dustbins together, we will find your place. immaculately - but behave yourself! - Stray dogs in the town centre observed - The somewhat dilapidated and South Park inside’ outdated Sofia International Airport Rue Archimède 17 J. Bourchier Blvd,124 - Policemen hiding behind bushes 1000 Brussels Real estate Sofia 1407 - The omnipresent sex trade PROFIDI T. +32 (0)2 230 24 24 in the heart of 86 – Together #10 www.era.be/profidi October 08Brussels Together – 87 TO DO LIST Conventions and culture

writer : BITC Brussels is Europe’s number-one convention city, attracting more Brussels Expo than 55,000 international Place de Belgique, 1 meetings, congresses, 1020 Brussels exhibitions and fairs T. +32 (0)2 474 89 89 every year - an irresistible www.salonalimentation.be meeting point. A selection, then, from the best events X-TREME – LIFE IN taking place soon in EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS the capital of Europe. 15.10 > 30.08.09 The X-treme exhibition will take you to the most extreme spots on our planet. DESIGN SEPTEMBER In places where people have to use all Ends 30.09 sorts of cunning tricks to survive, even The Design September festival covers for a short time, we can find animals around 50 design-related events, and plants that have turned survival into including furniture, light, object, industrial, an art form. In X-treme, you will discover graphic, food and landscape design. who the survival champions are. A host of associations, institutions and other independent organizations have Natural Sciences Museum joined forces to offer a highly diverse Rue Vautier, 29 program, including exhibitions, private 1000 Brussels viewings, conferences, film projections, T. +32(0)2 627 42 38 debates, visits to designer workshops, www.sciencesnaturelles.be flea markets, urban trails - in short, it’s where to be after the Summer holidays. 26th BRUSSELS Various Brussels locations RETRO FESTIVAL www.designseptember.be 17 > 19.10 A classic motor show that’s streets ahead of the competition – FOOD FAIR the Brussels Expo plays host to 04 > 19.10 some of the most gorgeous cars Brussels Fairs & Exhibitions (BFE) ever to take to the road. Time to get proudly presents the 78th edition of in gear ! the Salon de l’alimentation – 171,206 visitors enjoyed the occasion in 2007 Brussels Retro Festival and this year, visitors can once again Avenue Louise, 349 discover, over two weeks, innovations 1050 Brussels in food and comfort, T. +32(0)2 582 08 57 two subjects normally very important [email protected] to Belgians... www.brusselsretrofestival.be

88 – Together #10 Diary

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1. 26th BRUSSELS Belgian Comic Strip Center RETRO FESTIVAL BRUSSELS ACCESSIBLE ART FAIR (BAAF) Rue des Sables, 20 2. DESIGN > 1000 Brussels SEPTEMBER 23 2 6 .10 © Danny Venlet Highlighting the works of 20 international T. +32(0)2 219 19 80 visit@comicscenter.net 3.KORPERWELTEN artists, there will be beautiful paintings, sculpture, photography, and prints on www.cbbd.be display, all priced between 50€-3,000€. The Brussels Accessible Art Fair is KORPERWELTEN a unique initiative in Brussels attracting Ends 11.01.09 visitors ranging from first-time art buyers In Korperwelten, the exquisite form to art collectors on the lookout for new and physiology of the human body talent. Something for everyone ! is illuminated by more than 200 new authentic human specimens that show European Training Institute the latest advances in ‘plastination’ Rue Froissart, 57 and dissection technology. The exhibit 1040 Brussels features original ‘plastinates’, including [email protected] individual organs, transparent body www.accessibleartfair.com slices, and whole bodies, transformed through the revolutionary preservation process. SMURF FOR ALL, ALL FOR SMURF Caves de Cureghem Ends 16.11 Rue Ropsy Chaudron, 24 1070 Brussels Fifty years after their birth, the Smurfs www.bodyworlds.com remain among the most popular characters ever created by a Belgian comic strip author, Peyo. The Belgian Comic Strip Centre invites visitors to consider Peyo’s work from a new and original angle - through their Special thanks to : Brussels individual weaknesses, the Smurfs International Tourism & Congress discover their strength… www.brusselsinternational.be

90 – Together #10 THE PLACES TO BE ‘My album is like a bonbon’

writer : Sophie Lagesse

DJ Martin Solveig returns to the scene with C’est la vie, a wonderfully joyous album, ahead of a DJ-extravaganza evening that will take place in Mirano Continental, Brussels, on 24th October. Together catches up with him, just for you.

enowned DJ Martin Solveig released his latest opus, C’est la vie, on 2nd June. Your sets can last three hours The sounds are pure upbeat – how do you keep in shape ? pleasure – electro, combined Three hours is the absolute max. My Swith the silky tones of Jay Sebag, Martin approach towards music is both physical has once again proved he knows how and mental, so I do get very tired. To to make people dance and smile. keep in shape now, I do sport – this is is also multiplying. You need to sort Do you listen to much work And, on 24th October, at 22h in Mirano quite a novelty for me, so I am proud of Martin Solveig the wheat from the chaff. by other DJs ? Continental, Solveig and Co. it ! [Laughs] I do cardio exercises as well. Of course. I am always very curious and (that is, several other DJs and guest stars Do you have a favourite track I listen to all kinds of music. As soon as Les Bloody Beetroots), will be overseeing The 11 songs are all very upbeat, on the new album ? David Guetta releases an album, for one very hip soirée. as is your title, C’est la vie. I rarely pick ‘favourite’ tracks. On the example, I listen to it. You have to be aware Are you an eternal optimist ? other hand, I can easily say which of everything that’s going on around you. INTERVIEW I am normally a very positive person - are not quite up to scratch – on this I put all my optimism into my music. album, the ‘lame duck’ is Give it Where do you see yourself How would you describe The album is a light confection - I would to me. Nice, but it could have been in ten years ? your third album ? say that it is like a bonbon, but not like much better! I don’t like to predict – you never know The direction is electro-pop, modern pop bubble-gum, which quickly loses its where you’ll be in ten years. But I think with a definite electro sound. In fact, it felt flavour. Music is your passion, I’ll still be in music… like I produced it twice over a year and but it’s also your job. a half ! During the first nine months I shut You rarely give interviews… What do you listen to at home ? Martin Solveig’s new album, C’est la vie, myself away to write it, then I produced it, Well, more than previously - when Music is NOT my job – it remains, is available from Universal. He plays which also took nine months. I began in music, no one wanted to above all, my passion, so I don’t have the Mirano Continental from 22h on interview me, so, while I am not taking any work constraints, which is 24th October. That sounds like two pregnancies… revenge by avoiding the press, I am an advantage. At home, I listen Indeed ! [Laughs]. It is music for girls. selective about who I talk to, because to a wide range of artists, such as Mirano Continental But not arranged around my own with the rapid expansion of modern Calvin Harris, Lenny Kravitz, Erik Satie Chaussée de Louvain, 38 - 1210 Brussels experience with girls… [Laughs]. media, the number of ‘pseudo-journalists’ and Nerd. www.martinsolveig.be

92 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 93 THE PLACES TO BE Upcoming parties…

1 2 3 4

1 Les Soirées Les Soirées des Compilations The Backstage des Compilations Hôtel Costes 24th October, Tour & Taxis Hôtel Costes` 26th September, Concert Noble Avenue du Port, 86 2. Golden Fête Rue d’Arlon, 82 1000 Brussels Moët & Chandon 1040 Brussels www.thebackstage.be 3. Martin Solveig : www.lessoireesdescompilations.be “Soirée C’est la Vie !” Crosse Royale Noce Cathodique 7th November, Mirano 4. The Backstage 10th October, Mirano Chaussée de Louvain, 38 Chaussée de Louvain, 38 1210 Brussels 1210 Brussels www.noces.be www.noces.be

Golden Fête Moët & Chandon Golden Fête Moët & Chandon 11th October, d-club 11th November, Nanno Damplein, 27 St Laureiskaai, 2 2060 Antwerp 2000 Antwerp www.bemoet.be www.bemoet.be

Anarchic Appel d’Air Night 17 th October, K-Nal 14th November, Tour & taxis Avenue du Port, 1 Avenue du Port, 86 1000 Brussels 1000 Brussels www.anarchic.be www.appeldair.be &2)$!9/#4/"%2THFROMPM

Défilé des Petits Riens Deep Senses - Dom Pérignon &ORONENIGHTAT4OUR4AXIS 4HE"ACKSTAGEWILLTAKEYOUBEHINDTHESCENESOFTHEFASHIONWORLD 17 th October, Centre de Tri 21st November, Tour & Taxis PLACINGTHESPOTLIGHTONASPECTACULARTRANSPARENTCUBEINWHICHMODELS MAKE UPARTISTS Klein Bijgaardenstraat, 49 Avenue du Port, 86 HAIRSTYLISTSWILLALLBEWORKING ALONGWITHWELL KNOWNDESIGNER-!$%-/)3%,,%*%!. THESECRETS 1600 Leeuw-Saint-Pierre 1000 Brussels OFTHEIRELEGANCEANDEXPERTISEWILLBEREVEALED
www.petitsriens.be www.deepsenses.be $*S,ORENZO/TTATI#OSY-OZZYWILLBEMANNINGTHETURNTABLES Martin Solveig : Anarchic -OREINFOSONWWWTHEBACKSTAGEBE “Soirée C’est la Vie !” 21st November, K-NAL 24th October, Mirano Avenue du Port, 1 4OUR4AXIS (AVENLAAN!VENUEDUPORT "RUSSELS Chaussée de Louvain, 38 1000 Brussels 1210 Brussels www.anarchic.be

94 – Together #10 HOROSCOPEs

finding short-cuts to the accumulation of in ages, you are totally in charge of your vast fortunes. own destiny. Some critically important An eye on corners have been turned this year. TAURUS Do not look backwards with regret, 20th April > May 20th only forwards with enthusiasm and A bright time for finding new determination. the heavens inspiration – for trying out new ideas and for significantly improving your finances. writer : James CHRISTIE LEO Travel aspects are well starred and tie 23rd July > 2 2 nd August in with any artistic endeavours and This is wonderful time of romantic ambitions. Work routines will be tiring and sexual opportunity. Do not close Our Starman takes a peek fun. Reunions, parties, fine wines in nice and demanding, but provide you with your eyes to the obvious and do not say into your future… restaurants, and the feeling of being a buzz of energy that augers well for “no” when favour slips between your where you’re supposed to be. the winter ahead. Romantic aspects are sheets. Where families are concerned better now than at any time in the last pregnancies and childbirth will be high SCORPIO AQUARIUS twelve months, so make the most of on the agenda, and it is also a period 20th January > 1 8 th February 23rd October > 2 1 st November your opportunities. of birth and regeneration where old A very active time ahead wherein There will be homecomings and friendships and new businesses are all travel aspects play a key role. There important reunions. Deep meaningful GEMINI concerned. With regard to the latter, should also be “movement” in a major st th conversations re-establish disconnected 21 May > June 20 remember two heads think better relationship as you become increasingly relationships and new ways forward are Your world is changing. This than one. dependent on a partner’s good will if found. A removal of emotional (and might be hard to accept, but trust me ; your own plans are to be successful. sexual?) tension enables you to focus these changes are to your advantage. VIRGO One specific ambition comes one step rd nd more clearly on business and career Today’s decisions, however difficult to 23 August > 2 2 September closer when a door that has been closed aspects and as such one would expect make, lead you forwards to a greater There is a cosmic inevitability of suddenly swings wide open. A long all professional matters to enjoy a period degree of emotional delight and fiscal the “old” making way for the “new” and standing debt will be paid, and of renaissance. Expensive gifts could be solvency, so don’t be afraid of taking this energy is critical within the House of the financial overview is very much seen as love tokens or subtle bribes ! the bull by the horns, or stepping out Virgo at this time. Go with the flow, and in your favour. of your safety zone and taking a few embrace change rather than putting up SAGITTARIUS risks and gambles. With these thoughts any resistance. Overseas travel links in 22nd November > 2 1 st December PISCES in mind, when somebody offers you with property deals, and where jobs and th > th A month of doing unusual deals 19 February 2 0 March a new job, say yes. careers are concerned other people will Regardless of what might be and for some horse trading within the be looking to you to solve some of their happening on the business front it confines of your personal life. Females CANCER credit crunch problems. You may not be seems that family matters take top st nd in particular will have to juggle with their June 21 > 2 2 July enthusiastic about this, but will acquit priority at this time. A partner’s different roles – the personal in conflict A very definite change in yourself well. stubbornness will be a cause for irritation with the professional. Finances are the pattern of your luck – not that I and concern and you will have to enlist improved by the payment of some kind believe in luck – is validated by welcome the help of a “third party” to resolve this of bonus and it looks like being a busy news from overseas, a tremendous For details about private readings, please problem. Finances seem secure, but this period on the home front when you have surge of energy and activity in your love contact www.magepublishing.co.uk or is a period wherein you will be redefining to make up a couple of extra beds life, and the feeling that for the first time T. +33 561 940 678. priorities and dealing with more than your beneath your roof. fair share of bureaucracy and red tape. CAPRICORN 22nd December > 1 9 th January ARIES st > th This should be an auspicious 21 March 1 9 April SIGN OF THE MONTH following weeks and months. Not an easy period. You will period of fresh starts and new LIBRA Legal aspects take up some of want to run but circumstances dictate rd beginnings. Short term finances improve 23 September your time, and in another context, a walking pace. You will resent the need nd quite dramatically, but there may be 22 October some old injustices are sorted out to be patient and will hate the feeling of some confusion with regard to longer Study and education are high on to your advantage. A time of having your hands tied behind your back. term aspects. If you don’t like somebody the agenda at this time, and healing and forgiveness in all Given this powder keg mood, you need else’s idea, then you’d better come up within the framework of a broader family and emotional affairs, and to relax more and enjoy what pleasures with a better one of your own! Lots of learning curve, new job skills can also for finding a greater degree you can find. Definitely not the season for hard work ahead, but also quite a lot of be well employed during the of spiritual strength.

96 – Together #10 October 08 Together – 97 Le Chat Paws for thought Our Belgian icon reflects on his home country...

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