Ø BRONX A free publication dedicated exclusively to Østerbro
01 Oct 2013
Jacob Mchangama A Rebel With A Cause Jan Grarup The Shooter From Ryesgade | Cordelia Wythe Do Rome Like The Romans Do Fashion Down By The Docks | Normann Copenhagen David Vs. Goliath - No Plan B
INTERVIEW JACOB MCHANGAMA
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CATEGORY SHOPS
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FASHION DOWN BY THE DOCKS
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INTERVIEW JAN GRARUP
16 CATEGORY GOING OUT
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ARTICLE CORDELIA WYTHE
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INTERVIEW NORMANN COPENHAGEN CATEGORY CULTURE
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK So, a new magazine? Thought printed magazines were a dying breed? We say hell no! We, the gang behind this publication, have a real love for nice mags. There is something nice about turning actual pages, feeling the paper in your hands that is second to none. For just under a year now, we have been surfing the streets of Nørrebro, discovering and sharing all the best hideouts in that lively neighbourhood. And after three issues of N*Bronx we think it’s time to share our love of Østerbro! We are proud Copenhageners who support hard working entrepreneurs such as ourselves - that’s why we founded Ø*Bronx: To help local one-of-a-kind shops to get the word out about what they offer. For us, the actual Copenhagen vibe and soul is on the streets among the shop owners who go all-in to share their passions and treasures from around the world with the rest of us. Most members of our little gang have their daily run around Østerbro. Our editor-in-chief is an original kid from the block; our writer lives here and you will often see him with his sons walking about and playing in the playgrounds. And Jón, our Icelandic art director, did his masters at the Danish Design School when he was brand new to this city. So as you see, this is kind of personal to us. And we think it’s about time it becomes personal to those visiting Østerbro. Our strategy is quite simple: We don’t deal with big shop chains in our reviews. We handpick the best stores and hideouts. The shops are featured in the magazine and we get our photographer to come around and take a few snaps. We’re not getting rich in the traditional monetary sense - but we are certainly getting wealthy in every cultural way.
CREDITS Editor: Thomas Ørum Co-Editor & Writer: Andreas Mørk-Hansen Co-Editor: Jenelle Gonzales Art Director: Jón Ingi Hallgrímsson Photography: Seth Nicolas
In this edition, you can get under the skin of Jacob Mchangama who grew up in Musikbyen. Jacob is the brain behind the conservative CEPOS think-tank. This man has got more to say than you’d think after watching him all dressed up on the news. Then we’ll introduce you to one of the world’s most respected photo journalists: Jan Grarup, who hangs out down Ryesgade (which used to be an old squatter street). This travelling artist just can’t leave Østerbro, despite the fact he is usually on a plane to shoot covers for magazines like Time and National Geographic. His kids, his wife and his soul still have a home in Østerbro. Join us for a walk with Jan and read some of the artists’ tall tales. As our magazine is presented as a guide for those who are not already Østerbro insiders we also like to include viewpoints from those who came from abroad and began a new chapter of their lives in Østerbro. One of the inspiring souls we met on our voyage is shop owner Cordelia Wythe who established her female luxury boutique in Østerbro 8 years ago. Go page hunting and see this English Rose’s perspective on the Danes and life on Østerbro. We sincerely hope you like this new contribution to Østerbro! Please let us know how you feel about it and get involved! Write to us @ amh@obronx.net . Until next time! Jón, Grethe, Kristina, Andreas, Jenelle and Thomas
Ø*Bronx is published by Brand Aid Aps, Nørrebrogade 52C, 3. sal, 2200 København N, Denmark. All editorial content is published under copyright and cannot be copied or reprinted without written approval from Brand Aid Aps. Points and opinions made in Ø*Bronx are those of Brand Aid’s and are not subject to insult nor meant to be provocative in any way. All feed-back will be answered if written to: amh@obronx.net Let us know what you think, please!
ØBRONX SHOPS
OZ Østerbrogade 116-118 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 00 89 www.o-z.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 11-18. Saturday 10-15
In the middle of Østerbrogade you stumble into OZ. This mythic land of women’s clothing will seduce you from the moment your heels click in the door. Nothing is left to coincidence. The shop is actually a 2-in-1 store –one part focusing on contemporary fashion with brands such as Helmut Lang, Kenzo, Stella McCartney and Alexander Wang. The other part specialises in accessories and everyday essentials such as Second Female, Won Hundred and My Mint. Waltzing into OZ is a full-scale sensory experience not unlike that dream-like state where you are half awake and half sleeping. The style is raw and tempting yet sensitive and very delicate. With more than 300 m2 you need
more than just one passionate owner to make sure things run smoothly. Personal service and dedication are trademarks around here. Up to 8 stylists are on the floor at any one time, ready to meet your needs. The staff is valued here; they help to select the styles that make it in the shop. Every season they all go style scouting in Milan and Paris during the fashion weeks. The result is very impressive as they manage to tastefully mix budget-sensitive brands with high-end couture in a way that you rarely come across. The raw, understated feminine style makes you believe you’ve stepped into wonderland and you have—in OZ.
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Elviro Østerbrogade 154 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 10 71 www.elviro.eu – Open: Monday-Friday 11-18. Saturday 10:30-14:30
Down by the more anonymous part of Østerbrogade, more precisely close to the corner of Jagtvej stands Elviro. This amazing shop is discrete at first glance - but the local women know about the hidden treasures inside. Over the last 8 years Cordelia, originally from England, has built up a boutique that cares for style-conscious women who desire the level of fashion and beauty products that is normally out-of-reach in Denmark. Brands like Moncler, Barbara Bui, Hotel Particulier, Missoni, Pierre Balmain and Cacharel await discovery when you enter this little corner of extreme luxury. Cordelia has always had a passion for
the finest women’s wear. As a former ballerina she travelled most of the world surrounded by the fashion forward in the most trend setting metropolises. Today her ability to pick out the most intriguing pieces from the collections is celebrated among Cordelia's regulars, and she often shops directly for her clients while on location in Paris, Milan or New York. Insider Tip: Check out the Elviro website and find out the phenomena of Air Ballet. We are talking ballet on the neck of airplane racing around the skies over Havana! We think its fair to say Cordelia is an haute couture, dare devil!
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Voigt Østerbrogade 110 2100 København Ø tel: 35 38 59 89 www.butik-voigt.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 10-18. Saturday 10-16. Sunday 12-16
This is one of the classics in Østerbro for women’s clothing. Ladies in the know, know about this place. It’s been around for more than two decades and always in the same cosy place in the centre of Østerbrogade just across Park Bio. You’ll find brands like Heartmade, Sign, and Custommade, cool ass shoes from Alberto Fermani and funky sneaks from Kangaroos. It’s eclectic and electric. Voigt is run, owned and governed by Chalotte, whose signature can be found in the details and style that come together in this shop. Her style and skill combine to achieve this special Østerbro kind of chic
look-- feminine elegance with a hit of sporty, raw attitude. It’s all very wearable yet exclusive. When asking her about the essence, Chalotte explains it this way: “It´s just like mixing the right spices for a good dinner. You need to balance the spices --strong, sweet, sour, salty and hot-- to get that magic. Like the flavours she espouses, she’s a fan of colours. The entire spectrum. Never one for black head-to-toe, Chalotte introduces colours playfully for the colour-averse. To stand out but not shout out, we’ll see you at Voigt.
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Jacob Mchangama
A REBEL WITH A CAUSE
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ØBRONX INTERVIEW
Raised in Østerbro, Jacob used to skateboard the streets during the late night as a youngin. Today, he rides a political wave as one of the brightest brains among liberals in Denmark with a burning heart for human rights. We caught up with this rising star to ask him about some thought experiments, Danes supposedly being the “happiest people in the world” and why Østerbro still feels like home. WHY DO YOU KEEP BARKING ABOUT PUBLIC DEBATES ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH? Free speech is not only essential for individual autonomy it’s also vital for democracy and political pluralism. Specifically, I think we live in a world in which a video clip or a cartoon published in Denmark is instantly available in Cairo or Karachi where attitudes towards free speech are very different. As we have seen with the cartoon crisis and the trouble over “The Innocence of Muslims” this has created a global battle of values over the role of free speech and religion. I believe that it’s crucially important that free speech comes out on top in the end. Not only for people in the West but also, very much for people living in countries where religion limits public debate.
YOU STAND OUT AS A ”TRUE BLUE”, BUT YET YOU ALSO GO FOR THE THROAT OF THE CONSERVATIVES IN DENMARK. SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE A BIT OF A BLUE-COLLAR REBEL THAT THINKS WE NEED MORE THAN JUST MINOR CHANGES. HOW BIG CHANGES ARE THE CHANGES THAT WE NEED? I think we need to be much more competitive in the future. At the same time I hope we’re able to maintain a socially free and liberal society.
FOR A WHILE NOW, DANES HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THE MOST LIBERATED AND HAPPIEST POPULATIONS IN THE WORLD. BUT IS THIS JUST AN ILLUSION? Yes and no. There is no question that Danes are freer, wealthier and happier than people in most other nations. But I think that many Danes see this as an almost natural state of affairs and think that our welfare model is perpetually self-sustainable, whereas I think we are in for a rude awakening unless major changes are made to the way we conceive of and finance our welfare. Also, for at least a decade the freedom enjoyed in this country has been steadily eroded by more rules and regulations that slowly subject Danes to increasingly coercive and intrusive measures that ease the ability of public authorities to people pay their taxes and don’t defraud the system running our ballooning public sector.
IF COPENHAGEN COULD BECOME AN ENCLOSED EXPERIMENTAL ZONE – A BIT LIKE SHANGHAI –AND YOU COULD BE IN CHARGE OF THE EXPERIMENT, WHAT BASIC INSTRUMENTS WOULD YOU PUT TO WORK? I don’t think I’d like to live in a place where that much power was given to one individual. I wouldn’t trust myself with total power to be honest, but I would certainly emphasize more freedom, both individual and economic freedom. I would also target welfare spending much more towards those genuinely in need and unable to cope. The universal welfare model is a thing of the past and I think it’s a good thing actually. BEING A CRITIC ON THE SIDE IS A PRIVILEGED POSITION TO TAKE. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE YOU RUN FOR AN ELECTED POSITION IN THE NATIONAL PARLIAMENT? Everyone keeps asking me that question. I can’t rule out that I will run for office one day but right now I’m focused on starting up a new think tank. WHEN YOU DRESS DOWN AND LEAVE THE BIG ISSUES BEHIND, WHAT DOES A GOOD DAY OUT IN ØSTERBRO LOOK LIKE? I was born and raised in Østerbro so it has a special place in my heart though I moved some time ago. I’d go for a run in Fælledparken and chill out in the sun at Østre Anlæg, I think. Simple but profound pleasures, indeed!
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ØBRONX SHOPS
Arvingen Østerbrogade 25 2100 København Ø tel: 35 46 69 72 www.arvingen.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 10-17:30. Saturday 10-14
Just before Trianglen when coming from the inner city you’ll spot Arvingen. One of the oldest kid shops in Østerbro. They were around here before the wave of children’s shops flooded Østebro. Today Arvingen is still around even after the majority have already closed down. One of the reasons for Arvingen’s success is the selection of brands carried here. Anne, who has owned the shop for the last 10 years, always keeps high quality but prices decent with brands like Miniature and Hummel for the body and timeless classic RAP shoes. Arvingen
supplies the essentials and the luxuries for your beloved little ones between 0 months and year 12 – but with a focus on the first baby years. This means they carry prams from Bugaboo and only this one brand. That’s just how it is with Anne and her team. They find their favourites and stick to them. What they believe in, they keep in stock. And the service is always out of the ordinary. One of our favourites is the over dimensioned foam coated carbine hook that is an absolute must-have for any serious pram cruiser.
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Bolig& Brocante Østerbrogade 128 2100 København Ø tel: 36 46 84 06 www.boligogbrocante.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 12-17:30. Saturday 10:30-14
If it looks old - It is old! In this spacious shop located in a rustic basement on the corner of Østerbrogade and Aalborgade you’re brought back to a French market before the digital age. Everything in here is hand-selected by Lotte; the shop owner with the Midas touch. Her passion for all things French goes back decades and it should come as no surprise that she also has her own farmhouse down in the Pyrenees. A romantic yet rough and rugged part of France where artisanal quality can still be found. Lotte swears against all fake patina, so you’re at the wrong place if you’re looking for shabby chic, cheap decor. Here you find original crystal chandeliers from the last century, ornamental candlesticks from old churches, old industrial
factory lampshades and other decor with a long narrative behind it. If you know about Fil De Fer in the inner city, then Bolig&Brocante should be next stop on your decor expedition. Tucked in this little hideout are artful brands that Lotte could not resist. Our favorite is the alpaca woolen pillows from Choia that are made in Peru. Although they are not French, they stand out for their elegant appearance in burned, earthy colors and rugged texture. This is the kind of pillow that even men can´t help from buying. You actually just want to lie down and chill on these pillows while enjoying a good glass of Bourgogne, some olives and a bit of tomme de savoie.
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Vinbørsen Nordre Frihavnsgade 6 2100 København Ø tel: 35 38 60 72 www.vinboersen.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 10-18. Friday 10-19. Saturday 10-15
One of the charms of Østerbro is that it offers hard-to-find goods and stand-out service, which is unique to this part of town. Østerbro manages to do it in a quiet, unpretentious way that makes you feel good. People out here have money to spend on the finer things in life. Vinbørsen located at Ndr. Frihavnsgade just 50m down from Trianglen is one such place. It has always been around and it shows. Back in 2006 Pascal, who is originally French, took over the shop after being part of the staff for several years. Back then wine was the name of
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the game but today the variation of carefully selected luxury goods has expanded to the very best of palette delights such as the renowned Kushmi tea, fine spirits from all over the world, delicate biscuits from the very best UK and Italian manufactures, small local products from Ebeltoft Gårdbryggeri and not to forget a constantly growing variety of French specialties. There is absolutely no snobbery in this place. Just a deep passion for the little pleasures that allow you to forget about time and place.
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Koldby Optik Østerbrogade 108 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 70 85 www.koldbyoptik.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 11-18. Saturday 11-15
Do you know the feeling of walking into one of the big eyewear shops? It's all the same - and you know what, it's a damn shame since glasses have such a big impact on the person wearing them. They are an everyday essential for some people. So it's not hot when you see half the town running around with the same frame. You don't have to play it safe. Get personal and set yourself free. That's what Peter and Maria, two of the top optometrists in town, help you to do. Literally, they expand your horizons by getting personal with their clients. Having been around for over 8 years, it's the only joint for glasses in Østerbro that is not boxed up in a chain or franchised. Instead you'll find more than 500 individual styles displayed from the walls in this 30m2 shop. Brands like Paul&Joe, Barton Per-
reira and Lindberg are among the great frames. This is how Peter and Maria (who are also a couple after hours) like to have it. This couple is in deep when it comes to eye care in both a physiological as well as, aesthetic aspect. They are in so deep that they have their own brand, Koldby Copenhagen; a clean-cut no logo line of glasses that leaves the pale Dane with the right amount of attitude. Insider tip: If you want the cool ass original Randolph Engineer glasses worn by US Navy pilots for decades and made immortal by Robert De Niro in TaxiDriver, then this is the place - probably the only place in town actually. Peter and Maria, don't ever leave us alone to the chains again. We are with you all the way!
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ØBRONX INTERVIEW
The Shooter from Ryesgade
Despite being a globe-trotting photographer, reporting on conflicts around the world from the Gulf War to the Rwandan genocide over the past two decades, Jan Grarup still has his quaint gallery in an unpretentious basement shop down on Ryesgade. Today, he’s a go-to for news outlets like Time Magazine and the Washington Post. His philosophy is unique and his art speaks for itself. The photos reflect his belief in photojournalism’s role as a witness, as a historical record, and an instrument of change. Through his lens, he tells the stories of people who are unable to tell their own. We walked and talked, drank coffee, and smoked cigarettes with this sharp shooter from Ryesgade.
WHAT KIND OF PHOTOGRAPHER ARE YOU? I don’t know… perhaps the kind that just happens to be at the right place at the right time. I don’t freeze with my camera in the real shitty moments. I go to work. I used to think that perhaps I was a bit cold hearted being able to just push past, but I dealt with it and now I don’t feel it that way anymore. I don’t know. I’m a bit old school. I have been living this way for decades now. I don’t try to box myself and sell an impression. War-time photographers have always had a bit of a shady image sometimes seen as adrenaline junkies; jumping from one war zone to the next. But I don’t share that point of view. The right person at the right spot, shooting the right picture can make an immense difference. I think we can all recall the one shot that made you take a stand. I see myself as being on a humanistic crusade, not on an adrenalin rush to get high at the expense of other people’s ruin.
WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY WITH YOUR WORK? I don’t try to tell you anything. I use my pictures to provoke questions. I know where I stand politically but I don’t use my pictures as coercion or persuasion. Photos – the really good ones I mean, they have an exquisite ability to go straight to the heart bypassing all of our normal analytic defences. It goes straight in like an arrow and leaves you with all kinds of moral questions. That’s when you know its good—when a photo hits you in the soul, leaving you with more questions and curiosity than straightforward messages or answers. CAN LIFE BE THE SAME BACK HOME WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO FOLLOW WARS FOR A LIVING? No, it can’t. Choices always have consequences. I’ve lived those consequences. I have lost great love along the way because of my way of life. I have fought my demons with alcohol and drugs 16
along the way, but with little success. Some ghosts don’t go away easily. I believe I have found a balance today. I have been blessed with a new, great love from a woman and my children. I share my life with them 100% when I am back in my studio in Østerbro. They see the work I do and we talk about how different the world might be, but we also have to get ready for soccer practise on Thursdays and remember to do the grammar homework for the next day. What’s important is family. We don’t trivialize the banal stuff. For example, discussions about noisy trucks in our hood because of the on-going metro construction doesn’t really get me when I have just returned from a war zone where every little mistake or chance can be a question of life and death. No matter if you spend 6 months on a tour of duty with a riffle in your hand or if you do like I do and travel for decades, it does change you along the way. I hope that the general public will start to see that the number of soldiers who return with
ØBRONX INTERVIEW
wounds on their souls is increasing. How do we take care of those who go abroad to fight for principles rooted in our national identity? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING IN A WAR ZONE WITH A CAMERA INSTEAD OF A RIFLE? I think it means the world to me. I have never been in a situation where I had to kill another human, and for that I feel blessed. Soldiers don’t have that privilege. I give myself the chance to think that I can promote peace and understanding for a better world amidst the tragedy I see along the way. I think this perspective also gives me a chance to rescue my own self in the long run. I don’t know where I would have been by now if I had been wearing a rifle instead of a camera. I respect the brothers in arms but I can only handle my own life with a camera in between my self and the world. This is where I can make a difference. I have no right to talk about what consequences life has when it’s being lived with a rifle in hand.
HOW DO YOU SAVE YOUR SOUL? I don’t know. I think I am starting to learn from the Danish soldiers I lived with in Afghanistan recently. Despite the fact that I don’t carry a weapon, we have more in common than I initially thought. I seek my salvation in the arms of my family; my new found love in a woman, my wonderful kids and the interest that my finished works generate among photo enthusiasts and political activists. When I see my work prompt questions, sometimes up to the highest levels in our global chains of news and decision-makings then I feel my soul has earned its right to exist—earned its right to walk and document among all the hurting people I’ve had the blessing or misfortune to come across. WHY DO YOU FEEL AT HOME IN ØSTERBRO? I think I sense a lot of emotional surplus around here. When emotional surplus is available then it becomes easier to have a broader and more colourful variety of people. I think I especially feel at home down here at the far end of Ryesgade where I have my studio. Things around here are just kind of chill in a way that mixes the best street vibe from Nørrebro with the best from the Østerbro. When moving here it takes a while to know your way around to find the best spots. But it’s worth it. Today, I have Kristian down at Kmunch at Nordre Frihavns gade who hooks me up with sweet threads. Good coffee across the street at La Esquina, my compadre around the corner who knows how to sell a good Afghan rug and not to forget: I got Parken! Being almost door-to-door with my 17
favourite soccer team FCK is a real thrill for me. I know it sounds a bit corny but that’s how I feel. These small details are the kinds of things that make me feel I belong here.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD THESE DAYS? The book that came out of my trip to Afghanistan living alongside Danish troops from Livgarden. The result is a very close on reportage about men in war, both the seasoned as well as newbies, their tattoos and their personal stories behind it. This project became very personal. We are launching the book in early October in our gallery. No matter what the reactions are, I’m proud about what we accomplished in it. WHAT IMAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHOOT AT ØSTERBRO? Shit! I have absolutely no idea! You must have smoked too much of the funny grass, mate! I don’t know how to shoot Østerbro. This is where I live. I know, it is kind of ironic, but I don’t know how to photograph the place I live. This is my home.
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Pico Østerbrogade 98 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 87 69 www.p-i-c-o.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 11-17:30. Friday 11-18. Saturday 10-15
Welcome to a kingdom of feminine accessories that will delight and surprise with a shot of colour and originality. When you first see the products then check out the prices, you think that it can’t be true. But it is! Originality and accessible prices come together in all of the pieces. Anne Marie, who founded Pico and who still takes the lead is blessed with a rare set of skills combining an edgy, light and warm design attitude with cool-ass business skills that make this little shop stand out. Anne Marie and her small team go hard-core for what turns them on. And they get around. They work with antique Swarovski crystals, skulls and bones in plaster and smoking guns in neon colours. Everything at Pico is originally crafted in the
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small workshop behind the shop or from around the world. From soft delicate pastel Italian produced ballerinas to charming, sterling silver earrings (that won’t irritate the most sensitive of ears) made with antique French brass muzzle from the 1960s and customized with single golden chains into an urban, delicate Scandinavian piece of jewellery – all produced in the back workshop. Insider Tip: Prices at Pico are far from standard because they cut of the middlemen. They produce, sell and pass along the discount to you instead of a random retailer. These girls mean business! Female business! Check them out if you dare being something else than all black.
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Con Amore Ndr. Frihavnsgade 50 2100 København Ø tel shop: 20 88 59 47 tel webshop: 31 19 22 19 www.cona.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 11-17:30. Saturday 11-14. Webshop 24/7
This is a unique and different gift shop you need to go into every now and again to bring joy to your life. If you’ve been here once, you’ll be back. If nothing else for a soul soothing chat with Carsten, who makes you feel tranquil in less than two minutes. This guy radiates good vibes and has a warm heart. Don’t forget to bring your kids! They are always welcome around here. Con Amore became famous in Denmark last year when the shop was a key setting in one of the best children’s TV productions in years. If you are a Dane with kids, you know what I’m talking about. Con Amore is the place where you find gifts for your friends and family, who normally are hard to please, or things for yourself and your home that you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Eg. the
iconic Cobra phones, more than 30 versions of retro wall clocks and the colourful Orbit tables from Present Time as well as tons of funky accessories. This is a wonderland for frisky souls who can’t get down with the sterile style decor shops that normally dominate Østerbro. In here, nothing is sacred and everything comes in bright colours that make you smile even on these typical autumn rainy, windy days. Go get lost among sling-blade combs and a wide variety of birthday cards that soothe even the most sour among us. Lene and Carsten refuse to have anything in their shop that does not make them smile and feel good. And that makes us smile and feel good. Don't forget to check Con Amore's website www.cona.dk for even more fun items.
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Pif Paf Puf Strandboulevarden 108 2100 København Ø tel: 35 43 11 40 www.pif-paf-puf.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 10-17:30. Friday 10:30-18. Saturday 10-14
Walk a bit down Strandboulevarden a bit off the beaten shopping track in Østerbro and voila! Pif Paf Puf. The name alone hints at this little kingdom of 3 and 4 wheeled wonders. A long standing bastion of independent pram pushers. Owned and governed by Anders, he has been in this business for more than 18 years. He paved his own way starting from nothing. At first, he brought old prams and toys back to life by selling them second hand. A business that went well with a lot of happy clients because there was some who actually knew every little screw and detail. Along the way, capital grew. Today he no longer sells second hand prams but focuses solely on his favorite brands of high end 3 and 4 wheelers for toddlers. If you want to
have 20 different pram brands to choose from, then head to one of the one-stop baby monster shops. If you are are looking for a more curated selection, with way more hits than misses, and to shop exclusively among the best selected brands such as: Bugaboo, Mountainbuggy, Maclaren, Seed, Brio, Bumbleride, Babyjogger and Philandteds then take a trip to see Anders and his highly professional staff at Pif Paf Puf. They know more than most when it comes to this important ride for your comfort and your baby’s. Bonus info: Around here you also get all the best accessories for you wagon, and much of it hand knitted and kept in organic materials These guys know what they are doing.
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Pif Paf Puf toys Ndr. Frihavnsgade 23 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 18 04 www.pif-paf-puf.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 10-17:30. Friday 10-18. Saturday 10-15
When you walk down one of the very best shopping streets in Østerbro, Nordre Frihavns gade, then promise yourself you won't miss out on the toy store affiliate of Pif Paf Puf. It’s the other pea in the pod. If you don't know the place, perhaps your kids already do. Whether you’re with the kids or not, this place will make you feel at ease. Around here you won't find any of the hideous plastic toys that pollute our environment and clutter children's rooms. Anders, the man behind the dynamic duo, has always been on a mission. He just wants us to share the basic idea of having a clean, imaginative childhood experience with solid toys that don't mess your little toddlers up because of dangerous chemicals and shoddy manufacturing. Each little piece makes you smile because you can see and feel it's made for a purpose and with respect for the world we live in. This is the toy shop you wish all the big ones would learn from.
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Goods Østerbrogade 44 2100 København Ø tel: 35 43 05 05 www.goodscph.com – Open: Monday-Friday 11-18. Saturday 11-15
Coming from the inner city one of the first really great men´s wear stores you will encounter is GOODS on Østerbrogade at the spot the locals call “Lille Trianglen”. At Kasper’s place you get quality and design perfection for the modern man. Kasper doesn’t really give a shit about fancy subcultures that he can hang his shop identity on, which is a trend that is infecting more and more men’s shops these days. GOODS grew from being a small basement shop around the corner on Classensgade for several years, to this levelheaded yet sophisticated urban
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Østerbrogade shop without losing the vibe and touch. Kasper and his mates still print all their brown paper bags themselves with humongous old-school stamps. In here you find a cool gent’s stash such as tech bags from Porter, classic bags from Filson, coats from Mackintosh, customized boots and shoes from Italian Fracap and Special Forces watch technology from Luminox. The style in this shop is clean cut yet edgy for the man, not the young boy. The goods in here are all classy in a modern, masculine way. It just works!
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Corpus Massage Willemoesgade 7 2100 København Ø tel: 35 55 13 01 www.corpusmassage.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 9-18. Sat-Sun by appointment
Down at Willemoesgade 7 one of our local heroes with 20 years of experience has her residence. Step inside Corpus Massage and let the incense subtly calm you and feel how it infuses the place with a zen feeling. Randi is a multi skilled body therapist who can knead out the most stubborn aches and pains. Trained as a nurse at the tender age of 17, she worked her way through the Danish health care system for decades but something was missing so she took matters in to her own hands (literally!). She was then trained in traditional massage, oriental
acupuncture, modern laser acupuncture and classic zone therapy, or reflexology. The last part always sneaks in when Randi explains her treatments. It’s simple –your entire body reflects itself in your feet. They are literally what carry you so they have to be taken care of. She’s got a point! The magical hands of Randi are restorative; addictive even. Perhaps that’s why she’s never had to worry about clients. This is a word of mouth thing, but we wanted to share this great experience with you. Scout’s honour.
Mott Århusgade 8 2100 København Ø tel: 26 17 15 64 www.mott.dk – Open: Monday-Wednesday 8-17. Thu-Sat by appointment
Classic men’s tailoring is a trade most don’t think exists anymore in Denmark. Sadly, that’s almost true. Back in the ‘60s when mass clothing production exploded there were about 2500 men's tailors around in Denmark. Today there’s 3 left in Denmark who master this demanding trade for gentlemen. One of them is Karina Mott who has her small workshop on Århusgade, just down the corner from Østerbrogade. In addition to the need for superior skill, crafting a suit from scratch is a matter of establishing a close relationship between client and tailor. You don’t just walk out the door one week after; you actu-
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ally need to have an opinion on what you want. If you got the style, bravado, and the wallet for it (expect around 15,000DKK for a suit) Karina will measure every corner on your body to make you look sharp in a way you never imagined. The fit makes all the difference. If you already occasionally spend large amounts of money on expensive suits to look like a gentleman, you should consider going the full step. This is simply as refined as it gets if you are a man of style and desire nothing but the best. You’ll definitely look the part.
ØBRONX ARTICLE
Do Rome Like The Romans Do By Cordelia Wythe, shop owner at Elviro, Østerbrogade 154
iving in a foreign country makes you sensitive. You know from day one that you are not a natural member of the tribe you joined. I’ve been living in Copenhagen for more than 8 years now. I came here as a slave to love. Yeah, I met a wonderful Dane who made me go all the way—all the way to Denmark. And along the way a son was born and became part of our lives. Half English, half Danish. I guess this is where ‘the Danish thing’ happened to me. Having a Danish family forces you to become part of Danish society no matter what you may think of the Danes and their ways. By now I have become a foreigner even in my own country. I still keep my English passport, and I can’t access several of the services Danish citizens take for granted. But, hey that´s alright. I like to take care of myself and not depend on anybody else. I actually think I have a love/hate relationship with all the privileges that are available in this little kingdom. Some may still call America the land of opportunities. If you ask me, this tiny country is the real land of opportunities. The only problem is; too many don’t see what they are offered. I mean do you realise you actually get paid to get educated?! In England putting your kids through University is something that eats up the majority of any middle class budget. Quitting along the way or extending the studies for years is just not an option. Doing your best becomes personal. Around here it seems like ”Big Mother” is making too many, a bit too lazy. I don’t get it. It’s a bloody waste of opportunity in a country with such great potential. I mean; let’s face it: It’s hard to find something really bad to say about this place when you come here as a foreigner. This is an intellectual hub where there's high morale and correspondingly optimistic behaviour.
"In general Østerbro is a good place to check out. For me it’s a bit like Kensington in London just with less shops. It’s residential without being sleepy, and all without ever leaving the city."
In general Østerbro is a good place to check out. For me it´s a bit like Kensington in London just with less shops. It’s residential without being sleepy, and all without ever leaving the city. Shops and good hangouts are spread out. So you’ll need some time and a loose agenda when you get here. It’s worth it. For me, a good leisurely morning out is a solid morning workout then brunch in Charlottehaven. A cool, ambient hotel with an international vibe. I’d head to Østerbrogade and some of the small side streets. It takes a while. But that’s how it is. A must-see during the day is the wonderful Normann shop situated at Trianglen; a great cinema/theatre space that has been rebuilt into a world-class design shop. For lunch, I would go to St. Jacques – French that never fails. For most women, shoe or bag troubles happen at the wrong time, far away from your normal safe havens. Yes, we are talking multitalented shoe smiths! Just 200m from my shop is the “Østerbro Nøgle og hælebar”. Small and unpretentious, it is owned and managed by Nafael Killic who’s from Turkey. No gimmicks or glamour just honest craftsmanship and the best service-- a trade that is not always well remembered in Danish retail. I think I am just a sucker for good manners. I think life just becomes better this way. Small actions can create big reactions.
My daily surroundings are found in Østerbro, where I have my shop and therefore spend a lot of my hours. I love this place. Always have. I love the bohemian ambiance. It’s not posh like Hellerup and it’s not hipster infected like Nørrebro. It’s just kind of elegant without being noisy. Yeah, I know I sound a bit like an old lady. But hey that’s ok. I absolutely adore the older ladies in their 60s and 70s who come by my shop to check out the latest. I mean these superior senior chicks know about style and attitude. And they know about manners. I love when I see their attention to detail and their affection for good behaviour. Even if they don’t like me for some reason. You can kill with kindness; you don’t need to use foul language or be vulgar. You just have to master your manners. Next time you cross one of these chic ladies check them out! 24
Perhaps it’s also the great mix of good quality and personalized service makes me recommend the little fish shop 50 meters from me. They have been around for more than 15 years, husband and wife. They have clients driving in all the way from Rungsted. That’s a 30 minute drive – off-peak! So that would be the final recommendation for the day. Buy some great fish and hook up with a local and cook a great meal together. You know the rumour among expats is that Danes are very uptight and reserved. My impression is; if you dig in and get yourself involved, the stiff-lipped Danes open up and become very personal and involved. They are committed once you’re in.
ØBRONX SHOPS
MUD Østerbrogade 51 2100 København Ø tel: 35 38 76 88 www.mud-dk.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 10-18. Saturday 10-15
Right by the old charming yellow “Brumleby” you might run into the good man Kenneth –a clothier who lost his heart in Østerbro many years ago. This is his hood and as a result, he’s got a good handle on what the Østerbro man is all about when it comes to men’s clothes. The name makes sense-- Men Under Development. Kenneth’s personal style is a mature mix and never very strict. He offers preppy styles such as Oxford shirts and university ties from Gant Rugger, clean cut goodies from NNo7 as well as, classic testosterone brands like Alfa industries and their evergreen pilot jackets in here. Its
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kind of preppy vs. rugged heritage in here and it works! Kenneth isn’t a snob. If you fancy items from the brands he carries but he doesn’t have it in his assortment, he will track it down and get it for you! He walks that extra mile. That’s rare and very much appreciated. The Insider Tip: If you are a man with a body size that’s a little out of the ordinary, consider consulting Kenneth. At MUD they do made to measure shirts crafted by Italian Xacus. You get a full body measure and 3 weeks later you’ll be rocking a perfectly fitted shirt for about 1100-1500 DKK. That’s pretty wicked!
ØBRONX SHOPS
KMunch Nordre Frihavnsgade 26 2100 København Ø tel: 40 31 91 50 www.kmunch.com – Open: Monday-Thursday 10-18. Friday 10-19. Saturday 10-16
Watch yourself when you walk in the door. The only lady in the house awaits you. And she is hard to ignore. Say hi to Fie a 4-year-old English Bulldog with an intense charm. If you are looking for a place to chill in good company during your Øbro voyage then check out Kmunch. Shop around cool ass brands such as Mads Nørgaard, Adidas and Le fix while listening to music that never gets played on the radio stations any more—old Johnny Cash, Ramones and even rare bootleg recordings from the King. Kristian Munch –Kmunch—owns the shop and he has partnered with Kevin pretty much since he started. These two fine gents know how to mix the right street wise brands in a melting pot that ensures you will walk out their door
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feeling as cool as if you were Steve McQueen walking around in the World Wide Web days. They only put out one piece of each style on display as new stuff constantly arrives. As a result, Kmunch delivers the visual impact you normally only expect from bigger shops. At Kmunch you will find an expertise in especially the denim brand Nudie Jeans – a brand with a quality and CSR profile that surprises most. If you have a thing about sneaks, then you will be in good hands at this casual hideout. Both Kristian and Kevin count their private collections in hundreds. In here you will find rare styles that set you apart. Yes, this is a men’s place. And a damn good one!
ØBRONX SHOPS
Ben Ben Cykler Nordre Frihavnsgade 27 2100 København Ø tel: 33 24 50 60 www.benben.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 8-17:30. Saturday 10-14
Take some wild and experimental wall art by pro artists –upcoming and established ones like Tal R—add some bad ass NYC tracks in the speakers then mix in some sweet rides and you have Big Ben. Not your average bike shop. But that’s how it is around here. Ben and his crew do bikes with a passion you don’t see every day. A little over a year ago they took over the rather worn down vacuum cleaner shop called Støvsugerbanden. When Ben and his crew took over they set a creative bomb in to detonate – What a blast! Around here quality seems to be the religion. At Ben Ben a bike is customized
to each customer. So don’t expect to see two identical bikes roll out of here. They even weld their own frames just to get the right feel. Both father and brother are involved in this production and they can’t imagine things differently. At this shop, family, business, art and passion for life in general just blend seamlessly. When asked about style Ben makes sure the bikes are functional, not just fashionable fixies. You don’t find your dirt-cheap bike around here. Here you get the bike built just right that gives you that ‘ah’ moment when you hop on. Smooth, easy riding.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Down by the docks PHOTOGRAPHER Seth Nicolas STYLING Sophie Kilic HAIR & MAKE-UP Julie Hugau Raunstrup MODELS Aske Nørskov Gejl & Eva Fiil Nielsen
Eva M Missoni Sweater – Elviro 2700,M Missoni Skirt – Elviro 2399,Bracelet – Pico 300,Aske Brixton Hat – KMunch 500,Our Legacy Shirt – Goods 1200,Le Fix Chino – KMunch 700,-
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
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ØBRONX FASHION
Napp Jeans Denim/Leather Jacket – KMunk 2500,NN07 Shirt – MUD 900,Nudie Jeans – KMunch 900,Brixton Hat – KMunch 500,Our Legacy Shirt – Goods 1200,Norse Projects Sweater – Goods 1400,-
Han Kjøbenhavn Jacket – Goods 1500,Junk De Luxe Shirt – KMunch 700,Han Kjøbenhavn Jeans – Goods 1000,Tyr The Last Conspiracy boots – MUD 2800,Han Kjøbenhavn Jacket – Goods 2000,Han Kjøbenhavn H Crew Sweater – Goods 1000,Han Kjøbenhavn Jeans – Goods 1000,Filson Briefcase – Goods 2200,Tyr The Last Conspiracy boots – MUD 2800,-
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ØBRONX FASHION
Kenzo Shirt – OZ 1750,Barbara Bui Knitted Sweater– Elviro 2899,M Missoni Skirt – Elviro 3399,Kenzo Bag – OZ 4400,-
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ØBRONX FASHION
Helmut Lang Blazer – OZ 4600,Kenzo Sweatshirt – OZ 3950,Karen By Simonsen Pants – Voigt 899,Necklace – Pico 400,Bracelet – Pico 250,Stella McCartney Bag – OZ 5400,-
Moncler Jacket – Elviro 3299,Kenzo T-shirt – OZ 700,2nd One Jeans - Voigt 299,Kanga Roos Shoes – Voigt 799,Ring – Pico 300,American College Sweatshirt – Voigt 599,Graumann Cardigan – Voigt 2299,American College Sweatshirt – Voigt 599,Necklace – Pico 400,-
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Fischer Victor Borges Plads 12 2100 København Ø tel: 35 42 39 64 www.hosfischer.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 12-24. Saturday-Sunday 10:30-24
If you love the indulgent life like the Romans, filled with good wines, good talks and quality food based on authentic Italian traditions, then take a stroll down to the tranquil plaza called Victor Borges Plads, halfway down Nordre Frihavnsgade. At the best spot of the plaza you’ll see David Fischer’s trattoria. David’s gastronomic love affair with “la cucina romana” started when he moved to the proud capital of Italy as a kitchen chef and started living la bella vita. David fell in love instantly. Not only with the food but also with the way people dined together – the social aspect. That’s why
Fischer’s place, which used to be a bodega, still keeps some bits and pieces to respect the history that characterizes this building. To this day you can still play a good round of billiards in the basement, catch up with friends during a round of beers or enjoy a good, international football match. The place is for both men, women and even, families! There is something very homey, very “Romanesque” about this place. High quality food for decent money, nice people and a relaxed atmosphere making you forget about the harsh reality that you’re still in windy Copenhagen.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Gyhrs & Niller Øster Farimagsgade 31 st. 2100 København Ø tel: 35 38 27 77 www.gyhrsniller.com – Open: Monday-Friday 16-20. Sunday 16-20
Shhh don’t tell anyone! That meal in your kitchen that tastes homemade, it isn’t! There’s a kitchen in the neighbourhood that does home-style cooking for you. You know, the food you prepare when you can afford all the right and best ingredients. The kind of food that takes time to prepare that most folks don’t have between Monday and Friday. When you want take away but that tastes wholesome and homemade, come to Frederik and Maja´s place. Gyhrs & Niller’s is made for take away but folks sometimes hang around this nook because it feels like home anyways. You can take your
beer from the fridge yourself and you grab your plate from the kitchen window when Frederik calls. The menu is inspired by whatever the season has to offer in Denmark. Local is best. The meals are lovingly prepared and you can taste it! Consider this place during this autumn weather- Frederik cooks up hearty dishes that can keep you warm and full on the dark, cold and windy nights. Insider tip: Don’t miss out on their classic dessert– white chocolate mousse with lime or go to the dark side of the moon and try the chocolate mousse with espresso.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Gustavs Bistro Classensgade 11 A 2100 København Ø tel: 50 94 79 57 www.gustavsbistro.dk – Open: Tuesday 16-24. Wednesday-Friday 11-24. Saturday 10-24
Gustav’s Bistro offers you the real deal bistro experience. This place actually serves simple but wholesome dishes. One of the real treats around here is that chef Gustav uses biodynamic and organic products preferably all as local as possible. No fancy plating, just quality flavours in unpretentious surroundings 100 m down Classensgade from Østerbrogade by the lake in “Lille Trianglen”. Prices are fair, which is a pleasant surprise and the atmosphere is always lively. The open concept kitchen allows
you to see, hear and smell what’s cooking and rest assured – the smell alone will make tantalize your taste buds. You are also welcome to browse and buy in the little shop of specialties to bring that special something home. Together with the stimulation of your gustatory senses, you’ll have some smooth jazzy tunes soothe your ears. Gustav’s Bistro is a beloved hide out during Copenhagen jazz festival where major international as well as local legends regularly drop in for a live session or two.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
La Esquina Ryesgade 76 2100 København Ø tel: 35 36 33 36 www.laesquina.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 8-24. Friday 8-01 Saturday 10-01 Sunday 10-18
Close down your laptop, call up your friends and head down the curve to one of our best kept secrets– La Esquina—or the corner as it’s called in Spanish. Down the far end at the famed and arty Ryesgade you’ll find the new neighbourhood café, bar, restaurant - La Esquina. The curated furnishings leave you with an ambience of Copenhagen industrial minimalism infused with contemporary Spanish bodega. A style that is unique and just right. There are no dogmas around here. They just want you to
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chill and leave your busy work life for a short while by checking in with your friends, ordering a healthy round of tapas, enjoying a good decent priced bottle of Spanish red grapes and perhaps some lamb for sharing. The Insider Tip: If you are out for a chill cruise around the lakes on the weekend make sure you don’t miss La Esquina’s wicked brunch that include goodness like Spanish omelettes fried with sliced potatoes, chorizo and fresh basil. This feisty little baby does wonders to most hangovers.
ØBRONX GOING OUT
At Sankt Jacobs Square just in the middle of Østerbrogade you will find French flavours rarely experienced outside France. On one side of the square you have renowned restaurant Saint Jacques and on the other side, the French deli called Letz Shop. Both places are owned and operated by the famous top chef Daniel Letz. Monsieur Letz was the man who earned Denmark its first Michelin star back in the '80s and was one of the most eager professionals introducing Danes to French cuisine on a larger scale as head chef, TV chef, writer etc. His name and reputation are still rock solid today. Today, his competent staff, of mixed Danish and French food lovers and specialists, holds down the fort. Go get lost in this little piece of France in Denmark.
Le Saint Jacques Skt Jakobs Plads 1 2100 København Ø tel: 35 42 77 07 www.lesaintjacques.dk – Lunch: 12-15 (Sat & Sun 12-16) Evening: 18-22
At Sankt Jaques, Denmark and France marry in the loveliest of ways. A menu that gives you the best French dishes made out of the best available Danish raw ingredients. Chef Nicolas runs this restaurant in an unpretentious way that makes you feel good and at ease the minute you walk in the door. Fish from just up the sea is an essential part on the French menu and so is a good steak. Beef and fish are king
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and queen here so much so that Daniel Letz ended up doing his own individual cookbooks on each subject. In addition, you can savour regional dishes from all over France served at decent prices with perfectionism and professionalism. Insider tip: Hit up Sankt Jaques on a Sunday night and enjoy their Sunday special - a 3-course menu for a mere 200 kroners. So French in a good way!
ØBRONX GOING OUT
Letz Shop Sankt Jakobsgade 4 2100 København Ø tel: 33110057 www.letzonline.dk – Open: Monday-Thursday 10-18. Friday 10-19. Saturday 10-16
If you have ever been to France then you probably also left with the feeling that food can be an emotional issue, an issue of skill and pride that demands respect. In France they know that quality ingredients make the difference. And at Letz shop you can access all the real good stuff you regretted not buying at the farmer’s market in Avignon. Expect to find more than 30 local cheeses as well as dried sausages and other tasty meat specialties from Ardeche and Alsace. If it’s French and really good, then there is a good chance you can find it here. Over the last 30 years, Daniel has earned himself a name that has become synonymous with the best smoked salmon in all of Denmark, all organically
grown and locally smoked. So if you are going for signature item, then don’t leave without this. Must-have number 2. Daniel’s exclusive virgin olive oil. Why settle for something ordinary and overpriced if you can get the best taste by meeting up with the best of the best suppliers? Daniel is heavily engaged in his olive oil production down at a secret peninsula in Greece. Tender, smooth and elegant with brief notes of fresh cut green grass and black pepper. No bitterness – just pure, smooth oil that keeps your body running the way it should and keeps your taste buds in awe. We dare you to try and leave with just one thing.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Kitjn Århusgade 14 2100 København Ø www.kitjn.dk – Open: Wednesday 18-24. Thursday 18-01. Friday 16-03. Saturday 18-03
'Kitjn Cocktail Bar' on Århusgade is the place to go if you crave a professional cocktail to spiff up your night in Østerbro. Exposed brick walls and beautiful black wooden floors lined with rustic tables and soft leather sofas will embrace as you step into this establishment. Experienced mixologists are on-hand, always on the lookout for new, exciting flavour combinations that light your mind and body abuzz in pure pleasure. Haven't you noticed that at house parties people always gather in the kitchen? There's
something easy, relaxing about being there. The conversation and laughs just flow. Despite the name, you won't find any food in this kitjn but the talented staff here know that the best part of private parties is the vibe-- people need to feel good. So there’s a little twist in the décor. We won't say anything more than that. Just let your imagination wander, then check it out for yourself. Insider tip: Head down to Kitjn with your friends on a Friday before 9pm. 2 cocktails for a 100 kroners flat. That is the kind of dessert that goes down well on a Friday night out.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
Raw Sum Rosenvængets Alle 2 2100 København Ø tel: 32 10 03 10 www.raw-sum.dk – Open: Monday & Friday 11:30-15:30. Tuesday-Thursday 11:30-18:30. Saturday 11:30-14
Just down the corner from Østerbrogade on Rosenvængets Alle you find some of the very best take out gourmet shops in our hood. Among them is a new kid on the block. Raw as hell and delicious like a flower field. Raw Sum is a passionate raw food joint by the intense and passionate owner, My, who just got fed up by the fact that it was hard to find any tasty healthy, raw food around Østerbro. Raw food is still kind of new around here for many Danes, but more developed in places such as California where the raw food wave has been a buzz for the last 15 years. Some of these joints can be really dogmatic and very vegan like, but not My. She just really believes in the power that raw
food can infuse to brain and body. The dishes around here are vital in more than just a banal way. One of our favorites these days is My´s delicious creamy yet chunky pesto made with parsley and the rare ramson herb harvested by herself down on her brother’s little island by the archipelagos of Lolland. The passion put into the salads and side dishes is intense! The Insider Tip: If you are a small local office/shop on Østerbro, you might be able to pursue My to fix you up with a good business lunch solution that says we care about health and also about taste. But don’t expect to find anything on paper. My hasn’t had to advertise or push her products. This joint goes around by word of mouth.
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ØBRONX GOING OUT
KH Clausen Øster Farimagsgade 24 2100 København Ø tel: 32 12 26 86 www.khclausen.dk – Open: Monday-Friday 16-22. Saturday 12-24. Sunday 12-18
The best food joints won’t be found on the main streets. You have to track them down and search a little bit. In Copenhagen you have a handful of chains that go for all the obvious corners. But local just can’t be beat. When you have the owner in the kitchen, playing his own music and taking pride in serving you the best of his skills, it just rules over any chain. At KH Clausen you’ll get one of the finest burgers in town. Sebastian, who’s been the man around here for the last four years, keeps it personal. What’s better than a quality, juicy burger, with fresh-baked bread, topped just right, crispy yet non-greasy French fries and a beer to wash it all down? Nothing. The menu is short: burgers and
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steak sandwiches with a few to choose from because they do one thing and they do it very well. We like that commitment. Sticking to what they do best. Despite attending to the carnivorous amongst us, the restaurant isn’t a man’s domain in any way. The décor and atmosphere combine in chill, Scandinavian style leaving you with a relaxed, casual feeling. It’s a place you can feel confident about bringing a date or your friends. Insider Tip: we love Sebastian’s steak sandwich served with homemade mustard mayo, pickled red onions, French emmental cheese and a steamy side dish of crunchy, sesame-sprinkled potato wedges. Nom, nom, nom.
ØBRONX INTERVIEW
David vs. Goliath
- NO PLAN B The famous designer darling hideout Normann Copenhagen at Trianglen in inner Østerbro is in a retail showdown. The biggest supermarket chain in Denmark, Dansk Supermarked, is getting ready to open a Føtex supermarket in the historic building that was originally built for great cinema- and later theatre experiences. The duel represents more than coveted retail space. It’s about identity and purpose. That’s what gets Jan and Poul the founders of Normann Copenhagen, so fired up about the situation. It’s definitely complicated and whether it’s right or wrong heavily depends on who you’re talking to. At Ø*Bronx, a magazine about the uniqueness of our hood, it’s natural that we always fire our guns for the little man, the courageous ones, the creatives and the daredevils. In this case that is Normann Copenhagen. We went in for a coffee with Jan and Poul and this is what they had to say about being the little guys facing a big mountain.
DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW WHO YOU ARE UP AGAINST? Jan: Yeah, we are up against the beast! These are the boys from big business and they are here to feast, but we don’t give a shit. We’re gonna fight for our rights. Why the devil should we surrender to a goddamn supermarket? We spent all our blood and sweat building up our business around this great, soul infused spot over the last 7 years. Should we surrender to another outlet of anonymous global soft drinks and white on white toilet paper? Hell no! For Christ’s sake, we have managed to get this space on the international map of “must-sees” in Copenhagen. We got buses full of eager tourists from the cruise ships heading in while the rest of the streets around us are laying low in the summer heat. Visit Denmark and Wonderful Copenhagen promote us as one of the best design spots in town, and according to some magazines also among one of the best design spots in the world. International lifestyle journalists drop in on a regular basis together with our local clientele. So yeah, we know who we are up against, but we are not gonna bite the dust and we are not going for a plan B. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THIS FEISTY? Poul: You have to be in this line of business. We’ve been ambitious from day one and we had a vision when we took over the old cinema at Trianglen, which back then was a ruin. We wired up 4 km of electrics, we had craftsmen working there in 7 months. If you want to stand out and take a stand, then you better bring some guts and spirit. So yes, we have always been feisty. WHY IS THIS OLD CINEMA AND THEATRE SPACE SO SPECIAL TO YOU? Jan: It´s special in several ways for us. The room in itself is impressive and inspiring to be in. We love every little inch of this elegant theatrical white dinosaur. I have lost count of the numbers of external events this place has 43
been used for during our years here. It’s been a darling for many since day one. For Dansk Supermarked it is a question of getting prime location in the heart of Østerbro. Not a question of using this amazing space for something aesthetic or mind bending in any way. It just feels plain wrong to rip apart a space like this, just to put a pin on the map and say, yeah now we also sell our toilet paper at this historic place. I just don’t get it. Why destroy something that showcases the idea of Copenhagen and Østerbro as one the must see stops while in town? As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” We are damn proud of what we have achieved. We purposely mixed our identity with our location. It’s gonna be interesting to see if that is gonna end up being a nemesis for us when we get to the other side of this conflict. WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD THESE DAYS? Poul: It makes us and our team proud to see how the community is standing up for us. Making their voices heard. It’s so great to see that we are not the only ones that think this is just an overkill in the name of mass consumption. The support we receive on blogs, Facebook and petitions is just incredible and gives us that much more stamina to fight this situation. We hope the men in grey suits will start listening to the word on the street one day and come to their senses. Let us do what we do best. We got a city and a hood that need all the street cred it can access. I mean take a look around. It´s not like we only have a few supermarkets around here. Come on, we are already flooded in fake scented, bright white toilet papers and great bargains on jumbo sized soft drinks. In our modest opinion we think we can offer more to the curious minds who come and visit our great city and who want to know about the details that make up our lifestyle, than yet another supermarket.
ØBRONX CULTURE
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ØBRONX CULTURE
Images By Jan Grarup Ryesgade 77 2100 København Ø tel: 91 97 90 00 www.imagesbyjangrarup.tumblr.com – Open by appointment or Monday-Friday 10-18, if not travelling
Bad Ass Art! That makes your soul start shaking and wonder. This is what Images by Grarup is about. Stirring the pot, requiring you to think critically, and reflect. Not by providing answers but by asking the right questions. Jan Grarup's ability to put real life in all its beauty and ugliness into a visual language has earned him the right to work globally for the most respected media outlets in the world. On his client list you find prominent names such as The Herald Tribune, Times Magazine and the Washington Post. He’s won too many prizes over the years to list. Jan Grarup doesn’t do art images according to himself. But to us, this is art at work. A glimpse of life captured in a split second where life, death, beauty and pain melt into a single shot. This is a skill that many want but
few have. Most days Nadia, Jan’s assistant, runs the studio since he is often on the road. Nadia knows how to welcome you to this challenging land of new encounters and questions. This is no place for snobs or arty high-flyers. This is a place where you can roll some tobacco, drink black coffee and engage in a good talk. All the prints are limited edition and signed with very reasonable prices. Jan has never been one for the high-end, pretentious art scene. Instead, Ryesgade is home for Jan, Nadia, the children, photographers, writers, artists and other creative people, who come by and share their passion at this great hideout. Be sure to check this place out, especially if you only have limited time to discover Østerbro. It communicates volumes without saying much at all.
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ØBRONX CULTURE
Park Bio Østerbrogade 79 2100 København Ø tel: 35 38 33 62 www.park-bio.dk – Open: 9-13 and 30 minutes before screening.
The one place that pretty much everyone in Østerbro can agree on meeting is at Park Bio. This place is an institution in this part of town. Always independent! Park Bio is one of the few places that makes Copenhagen feel like a small town. Park Bio is rare –it’s a family owned cinema. Søren and Therese have provided some of the best visual moments for the Østebroers since 1984. The really cool thing about this place is aside from a cosy experience reminding you of the days before big box stores and chains, you actually also get a
complete audio and visual experience that will blow you away! Heavy investments were made in some of the best equipment on the market over the last couple of years. So the next time you think about heading into one of the sterile and soulless monster cinemas in town, then forget about it and go loco at your local cinema instead. Promise yourself. You will not regret it ‘cause it just feels good to be part of this crowd; supporting the independent guys and the local economy.
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ØBRONX CULTURE
Korridor Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 33, st. 2100 København Ø tel: 30 22 35 59 www.korridor.nu – Open: Tuesday-Friday 10-17.
Just before Lille Trianglen becomes Østerbrogade you will find the enchanting Korridor No.33 at Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 33. The art reaches out for you in mysterious and multiple ways, using poetry, literature and photography – even the occasional sound project. Like life, the pieces in here are experimental. Korridor No. 33 is a place where even the soul is up for investigation. Independent and unique, they publish their own books and they hand select their pieces from around the world – enabling you to find editions and artists you normally can’t find in Copenhagen. It would hold its own in places like New York, Berlin or London. Even though they’ve only been around a couple
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of years, their number of regulars is impressive. People keep coming back because it’s dynamic. The exhibitions rotate regularly and they often have interactive readings to take part in. Public readings are a real and rare treat because they can touch your heart and bring us much-needed introspective time. Korridor No. 33 provides that space; that’s so coveted but so hard to find. They are closely connected to similarly spirited galleries in Berlin and Beirut. Do yourself and your mind a favour and go get your dose of mental juice. They know how to blend it well around here.
Når I er klar til at flytte, er vi rigtig gode at tale med
faglighed og · Høj troværdighed
mulige · Færrest prisnedsættelser
køberkartotek Ærlig dialog og · Stort · og kort liggetid godt humør
LokalBolig Østerbro Østerbrogade 1 67 · 2 1 00 København Ø T: 43 58 23 33 · F: 43 58 23 3 1 Mail: nmb@lokalbolig.dk 48