BUCURESTI WHAT WHERE WHEN - OCT 2009 by CRYSTAL PUBLISHING GROUP

C O N T E N T S O C T O B E R

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TRAVEL Vatra Dornei 8 FASHION Autumn Colours 10 in Urban Melancoly 10 COVER STORY Lipscani, Mon Amour 14 CULTURE The Festival of Romanian Theater 15 REAL ESTATE Betting on Luxury 04, 44 DEPARTMENTS • News, Events and Attractions • The Last Word 15 17 City Life

BIKE PATHS A New Map of Bucharest

Sorana MAN •

ESSENTIAL INFO • HOTELS • MUSEUMS • SHOW BIZ • CULTURAL INSTITUTES • CITY MAP

Business

INT’L. ORGANIZATIONS • LOCAL INSTITUTIONS • BUSINESS CONNECTIONS • AIRLINES • TRAINS • EMBASSIES • BANKS

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Stores and More Haute Cuisine Nightlife Bucuresti by Night

GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL! The “Sustainable Development and Ecological Initiative Group” Foundation together with the Ministry of Environment, authorities from the Constanta county and local education institutions have organized during this summer the Third Forum with “The forests’ state and importance in Romania at the beginning of the third millennium” theme. An improved energetic efficiency, alternative energy sources, the conservation of forests, a consumption that does not affect the environment. Current themes

have been debated within the event, such as the forestry patrimony’s state in Romania, the conservation of forestry ecosystems, the Biosphere’s reservation - The Danube Delta, recovering and developing the forestry fund, increasing the forestry protection curtains, the forestry biomass - a renewable energetic resource alternative, as well as eligible financing schedules which are necessary for recovering the sylvan patrimony of the S - E areas.

Bucuresti What Where When Magazine is printed on paper originated from sustainable managed forests.

Earlier this year I began to write the story about the advantages of using a bike in a city like Bucharest, as well as about the facilities the Capital has recently made available for this means of transportation: the Cicloteque rental center, opened last year, free parking spaces have been made available for cyclists by various state institutions and private companies, as well as the appearance, in the last couple of years, especially in central areas, of bicycle paths. A beginning has been made, though it is still far from reaching its entire goal. Our City Hall has practical projects for the bicycle path network’s expansion, and there is an active work group, whose task consists of their development. However, because of the need to modify some laws, to move things forward, the day when we will be able to ride our bikes on all the major boulevards is still far away… The difficulties the officials are encountering are not at all negligible, and the starting point, the first thing that needs to be done to be able to continue on this path is clear: more public education. Residents of Bucharest need to understand why this means of transportation is better than their private vehicle, and to demand, and not just wait for, the cyclist path expansion. As young people form the most dynamic, as well as the most receptive part of our society, the municipal authorities - with whom we have recently had a fruitful discussion - are considering a pro-bike campaign, carried out through programs implemented in schools and universities. A vicious circle lies in the way of these plans: one of the benefits of increased bike usage will result in a reduction of automobile traffic; however, currently the traffic is so heavy and the streets are too narrow to allow bike paths to be set up. It is difficult to take space away from automobiles in favor of the small percentage of the population who ride a bike, but if a part of this space is not set aside for bike paths, people are not encouraged to use this means of transportation. This is precisely the reason why the change must start with us, those who live here permanently or for some period of time. A while ago I had the chance to see some foreign tourists on the city streets, riding their bikes relaxed, in the most natural and simple way possible, as they might in their home town, under the admiring looks of Bucharest residents. To be honest, back then, traffic was about half of what it is now Most sidewalks aren’t wide enough either, especially after cars park on them, and some of the paths installed there already conflict with the space intended for pedestrians. In some areas, such as Calea Calarasi or Aviatiei Boulevard, it is very difficult to find a solution, as the sidewalk is narrow, as is the roadway, through the middle of which run tram tracks as well. The planner’s task will be extremely difficult there. As it does not pollute, the bicycle is a much more ecofriendly and cheap means of transportation. And even if only too few of us are aware of the increasing dangers of pollution, when it comes to saving money, everyone’s attention is suddenly very alert. As the current economic crisis has emptied many pockets, if we make a small calculation, we can see that if we were to replace our car with a bicycle and use public transportation in inclement weather, our pockets would be a bit more full today. Those who still care about our poor environment will be glad to learn that the initial steps are being taken to design the future 5th Subway Artery, which will join the Drumul Taberei and Pantelimon neighborhoods, through the Universitate interchange. Picture this: the streets of Bucharest, on which only trolleys and buses and many bicyclists are riding along (through wide green spaces, and with no sky scrapers, at least not downtown!). Rarely, a few cars might be seen. And not because of any crisis, God forbid! But, because the residents have chosen an efficient transportation system and clean air, and thus a longer life. All this is possible in a city which has already had a long history and to which we, the staff of “Bucharest What, Where, When”, wish a happy birthday, and a long and bright future on the occasion of its 550th anniversary in September.

VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS ISSUE AND AN EXTENDED ARCHIVE

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NEWS, EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Just as we yearn for sunny beaches and green forests as winter ends, now when the summer and the holidays are over, we can't wait to return to the theatre, to see a play, an opera or a concert. The Enescu Festival offered hundreds of first-class concerts and shows if you were here in September. In October, the theatres, the Opera and the Athenaeum will meet our expectations: the 2009-2010 season has begun!

PAUL MORAND, L’EUROPÉEN It’s a series of events dedicated to Paul Morand, between 21 September – 23 No-

the Fitness business (gyms, sports clubs, beauty centres, spas, hotels, etc.) as well as the end consumers. More than 27.000 visitors (approx. 2.500 professionals and 25.000 members of the public) are expected during the four exhibition days. Hours are from 10am till 20pm. A ‘Fitness and Aerobic Masterclass Convention’ will take place during October 3 4. The National team of Romanian Gymnasts will hold training sessions in preparation for the upcoming international competition in Timisoara in October 2009 and other sport events. More info on www.wellfitexpo.com

ROMANIAN ARTISTS AT THE ATHENAEUM 1st and 2nd of October The 141st season of the Philharmonic ‘George Enescu’ in Bucharest opens with an vember. Morand was the French ambassador to Romania between 1943-1944. Diplomat, poet, journalist, novelist, historian, academic, bridging the gap between Paris and Bucharest, Paul Morand was a true European. Through his well-known book Bucarest, he set the Romanian capital among the metropolises seen as true icons of modernity, such as New York and London. In Paul Morand's descriptions of Bucharest we find an exquisite realism and a warm and inquisitive approach. This broad program includes various cultural events – public readings, exhibitions, colloquiums – under the patronage of the French Embassy and French Institute, which can give you more information. At www.institut-francais.ro

WELLFITEXPO WELLFIT is a Fitness, Wellness and Bodycare exhibition, October 1 - 4 at the Baneasa Shopping City. It is oriented towards

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ‘ ACCORDION WHITE NIGHTS’

extraordinary concerto with maestro Cristian Mandeal. The program includes a first Romanian presentation: Costin Miereanu – 3rd Symphony – along with a classical piece from our national musical repertoire: Paul Constantinescu (100 years anniversary) – concerto for piano and orchestra in the exceptional interpretation of pianist Valentin Gheorghiu. Towards the end of the month, the series of chamber recitals on Monday evenings will host the pianist Rebeca Omodia, a rising star, trained at the National University of Music in Bucharest, in the class of Professor Dana Borsan and who is herself now pursuing an international career in London.

IV BUCHAREST ANIM’EST The only festival of animated films in Bucharest and the most important in Roma-

Bucuresti what, where, when

nia, Anim’est, in the first three editions, attracted 900 film projections and over 18.000 spectators. The competition and special programs of the event include the animated films produced during the previous year, which received awards at Cannes, Annecy (the largest festival of animated films in the world), Animadrid, Animateka or other festivals. The fourth edition of Anim’est will take place 11 October and its offer is as generous as in previous years: five competition sections (short film, feature film, Romanian film, students’ film, video & advertising), ten show-case sections, three juries, two animation workshops and two master classes. For ten days, the cinemas Patria, Union, Elvira Popescu and Verona Terrace (Carturesti library) will host films and... ‘animated’ events. Special guests: Hayao Myiazaki (twice nominee – 2003, 2006 and winner of the Oscar for the best feature animated film in 2003, nominee of BAFTA, Cesar, European Film Academy awards; Matt Stone and Trey Parker (creators of Southpark – 8 nominations, 4 times winners of the Emmy award); Jeremy Clapin (laureate of the prestigious festivals in Annecy and Namur) Website: www.animest.ro

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For this year’s edition the organizers of the International Festival ‘Accordion White Nights’ decided – a first in our country’s history – that the festival be dedicated entirely to women who have chosen this instrument to express themselves in an artistic way. The stage of the International Festival ‘Accordion White Nights’ will present women artists who have become well-known in Europe or across the world. There will be concerts and shows

on the 2nd , 3rd and 4th of October, where the performers are exclusively women who will bring accordion into the limelight. They will use the accordion to interpret different musical genres: classical, variété, café concerto, tango, jazz and even Romanian traditional music. Concerts will be followed by an evening party specific to the respective musical style chosen for that night: a Romanian traditional party, a French soirée, a jazz party for accordion. The end the festival will bring together artists and performers who have been on stage during previous editions of this prestigious artistic event.

AUTOR – CONTEMPORARY JEWELLERY FAIR Pieces of jewellery made by young designers will leave their workshops in order to be displayed and sold at AUTOR – Contemporary jewellery fair. The fair is hosted by the

tober, 6 pm, at the Romanian Cultural Institute on Aleea Alexandru, there will be a screening of the films: ‘Tobogan intercontinental’ by Lucas Florian, ‘Alogic 11…’ by Florin Kevorkian and ‘Marea integrare’ by Marius Sopterean. The films recall some of the things that happened in the twenty years following the events in December 1989. After the films, the young directors will answer questions from the audience.

I LOVE HANDMADE This initiative consists of a display of clothes and accessories handmade by students and young artists. The starting point in the launching and promotion of the fair is the blog www.ilovehandmade.ro which is regularly visited by many and counts among its readers both creators and people crazy about handmade accessories. The fair will take

place 10-11 October, in the courtyard of the Sutu Palace (Museum of History - University Square).

French Institute on the 3rd of October, making it easier for the public to take a closer look at original jewellery made by a designer, which spells concept, uniqueness and authenticity. The event features the most important, talented and well-known Romanian jewellery designers.

ELIADES OCHOA The great ‘sonero’ Eliades Ochoa comes from the rural area near Santiago de Cuba and has his musical roots in ‘guajira’ (Cuban traditional music). His preference for black clothes and his cowboy hats have earned him the nickname as ‘Johnny Cash of Cuba’. Eliades Ochoa is the youngest of the creators of the album Buena Vista Social Club I 1997. His input to the Buena Vista Social Club translates into his special guitar playing style and his unique voice in melodies such as El Cuarto de Tula, Chan Chan or El Carretero. He is considered one of the most important Cuban musicians of all times, a remarkable keeper of traditional Cuban music. In the current tour he is accompanied by his band, Grupo Patria. The concert will be at Sala Palatului, on the 5th of October.

FILM EVENING AT THE ROMANIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE The theme ‘On the edge’ (Situatii limita) brings together three recent short films and three young directors. On Wednesday, 7 Ocwww.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

CEAIKOVSKI AND PUSKIN AT THE NATIONAL OPERA The 2009-2010 season of the National Opera in Bucharest will open on Saturday,

Enescu’ invites you to a new extraordinary recital of the Belcea Quartet, on Tuesday, 13th of October, at 7 pm. In the program: Anton Webern, Langsamer Satz; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Quartet in C Major, k 465, of Dissonance; César Franck, piano quintet in F minor. One of the most successful chamber groups of the moment, the Belcea Quartet (Corina Belcea-Fisher – violin, Laura Samuel – violin, Krzysztof Chorzelski – viola, Antoine Lederlin - cello) was created in 1994. The awards they obtained at international competitions have confirmed the exceptional value of the group. Since 2007, the Belcea Quartet is a resident quartet at the Romanian Athenaeum. Apart from the extraordinary recitals, the program also includes training courses for young quartets from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The special guest of the Belcea Quartet, Kevin Kenner, is considered by music critics as one of the most important pianists of

10th of October, with the performance Evgheni Oneghin. You shouldn’t miss this rendez vous with the music of Piotr Ilici Ceaikovski and with the superb characters of the poet Alexandr Puskin. All this in a touching show, directed by the well known artist Ion Caramitru. On Saturday, starting with 6.30 pm, you can enter the world full of love and passion of a tragic love story, whose momentum has been curtailed by pride and self-sufficiency.

EXTRAORDINARY RECITAL OF THE BELCEA QUARTET The Romanian Cultural Institute in cooperation with the Philharmonic ‘George

Bucuresti what, where, when

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the moment. On 13th of October, Kevin Kenner will give a master class to the students of the piano section of the National University of Music in Bucharest.

INDAGRA FARM Sine 1996, Romexpo has been hosting the international exhibition of agricultural and

zootechnical equipment and produced the IndAgra Farm. Exhibitions have been held continuously during these 13 years and in 2008 they included 537 companies from 23 countries, exhibiting on a surface of over 31.200 sq.m. and visited by almost 29.000 people. Between 14-18 October you may come to the Agricultural Fair; Zootechnical Fair – RomAvicola – International Bird Fair – 6th edition; Expo Suinicola – International Swine Fair – 6th edition; Flowers and Gardening Fair. Website: www.indagra-farm.ro.

CONDOMINIUM 15-18 October, Sala Palatului The demand for real estate properties, although it is still there, is frozen and the majority of those in need of a place to live postpone the comfort, either because they cannot get a loan or because they are afraid of unprofitable investments. However, the current context favours the emergence of an extremely attractive offer, both in terms of costs and means of financing – offered ever more frequently directly by the developers. Condominium brings together the newest and the most representative residential projects in Bucharest and across the country as well as holiday apartments, at the seaside or in the mountains, in Romania or abroad. The image partnership concluded with two renowned European fairs, REAL Vienna and Istambul Restate, underscores the international exposure enjoyed by Condominium, which is now at its tenth edition.

of Byzantine and Gregorian Music. The quality and refinement of the concertos presented at the Festival, the warmth with which it was received by the public and specialists in the field, ensured the success of the Festival from its very first edition. What differentiates this festival from other similar events organized in Europe is the presence of numerous groups playing early music from the Balkans or the Near East. The artists invited to play at the Early Music Festival specialize in playing old music in an authentic way, using historic instruments or replicas of such instruments (lauta, organ, harpsichord, violin, and wind instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque). Concerts will be held at: the Romanian Athenaeum, the Lutheran Church, and the Auditorium Room of MNAR.

MASTERS OF JAZZ, BUCHAREST

ROMANIA TOURISM FAIR Between 15-18 October Romexpo will host the 22nd edition of the Romania Tourism Fair – TTR 2009- autumn edition. It is an international exhibition dedicated to all operators in the field of tourism, including: tourist agencies and tour operators, professional tourism associations and authorities, official and regional participants, organizers of congresses and business tourism, tourist resorts and balneocentres, hotels, boarding houses, chalets and camping sites, public food services in tourism,

Following the success enjoyed at the first edition, 23-25 October will bring the second edition of the Bucharest Masters of Jazz Festival. In November there will also be other events organized under the aegis of Masters of Jazz. In 2008 Bucharest Masters of Jazz won the award of the Association of Jazz critics, and this year’s edition will live up to the expectations. Richard Bona, Eliane Elias Quartet, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Mike Stern Band feat R. Brecker, D. Weckl, the Branford Marsalis Quartet will perform at the Sala Palatului..

ISRAELI CULTURE DAYS (20-23 October)

tourism transport services, financial and insurance services, IT and reservation systems, tourism learning and training, culture and leisure, publishing houses and profiles, tourism promotion and marketing.

THE EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL (18-23 October) The Early Music Bucharest Festival, fourth edition, stands for a unique event intended to bring to our attention music from the Medieval times, Renaissance or Baroque. The Early Music Festival will include concerts

The program of the event hosted by the Odeon Theatre includes a theatre recital by the actress Lia Konig (Habima Theatre in Tel Aviv), the dance show ’32 Minutes of Love’, by choreographer Amit Goldenberg (Tel Aviv), a concert of the band of Emil Aybinder, playing traditional Israeli music, a reading based on a contemporary Israeli text. There will be a discussion of the Israeli theatre, held by professor Andrei Strihan (Tel Aviv) and the launching of a book of Israeli theatre plays, published by the Foundation ‘Camil Petrescu’.

energy, car engineering, transport and storage. TIB will take place simultaneously with the 13th edition of the international exhibition of inventions, scientific research and new technologies – INVENTIKA 2009 and with the 8th edition of the international fair of tools, equipment and technologies for oil and gas extraction and processing – EXPOPETROGAS 2009. On the occasion of the TIB 2009, a program rich in scientific events will be organized with the presence of experts from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and from the German Ministry of Education and Research. The conferences, seminars and symposiums which you are invited to attend will make up an information and discussion platform for the newest technology, equipment and industry services. This year will include the participation of companies from South Korea as the now usual presence of representatives from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Slovakia, Turkey and Hungary.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST ON A SPELEOLOGY THEME The National Society of Speleology is organizing a digital photography contest on the speleological theme: “The Photo of the Year 2009 in Speleology”. This contest is held exclusively on the internet. It includes the following categories: ‘Underground Landscape’ and ‘Man and the Cave’. Prizes amount to 1100 lei and they are awarded for the photo of the year, 1st place in each of the categories mentioned above and for ‘Speleological impressions’. Diplomas and honorary mentions are also awarded. Photos may be submitted until the 1st of November on the site of the Society, www.snsro.ro, or directly on the contest page, www.snsro.ro/concursfoto. Participants may submit 5 photos free of charge and they may manage their portfolio themselves until the closing date.

BUCHAREST INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL FAIR (TIB) Between 28-31 October Romexpo will host the 35th edition of the Bucharest International Technical Fair – TIB 2009. Over 500 companies from 16 countries have confirmed their attendance. The event will present machine tools, tools and accessories, apparatus in the fields of electricity, electronics, automation, pumps, compressors, hydraulics and pneumatics, metallurgy and welding as well as www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

GEORGE ENESCU PHILHARMONIC The Romanian Athenaeum 1-3, Franklin Str, Tel: 021-315- 0024, www.fge.org.ro

All concerts begin at 19 hours and are held at the Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall Thursday October1 & Friday October 2- The opening of the 2009-2010 season Conductor: Cristian Mandeal Soloist: Valentin Gheorghiu Costin Miereanu – Symphony no. 3 – first Romanian audition Paul Constantinescu – Concerto for piano and orchestra (100 years from his birth) Ceaikovski – Symphony no. 4 The Chorus of the „George Enescu” Philharmonic Conductor of the chorus: Ion Iosif Prunner Thursday October 8 & Friday October 9 Conductor: Marc Tardue Soloist: Lenuta Ciulei Beethoven – Silent Journey Paganini – Concerto no. 1 for violin Vaughn Williams – Symphony no.1

The Chorus of the „George Enescu” Philharmonic Conductor of the chorus: Ion Iosif Prunner Thursday October 15 & Friday October 16 Conductor: Paul Staicu Haydn – Symphony no.94 - „The Surprise” Schumann – Concert Piece for Four Horns and Orchestra Mendelsohn – Symphony no.4 – The Italian Symphony Tuesday October 27 Piano recital Rebeca Omodia – London Schumann – Kreisleriana op. 16 B. Bartok – Sonata (1926) Thursday October 29 & Friday October 30

Conductor: Ion Iosif Prunner Soloist: Catalin Rotaru Silvestri – Bihor Dances Koussevitsky – Concerto for contrabass and orchestra Borodin – Polovetsian Dances Ravel – Daphnis and Chloe – Suite no.2 The Chorus of the „George Enescu” Philharmonic

BUCHAREST NATIONAL OPERA 70-72, M Kogalniceanu Blvd. Ph: 021-313-1857; Fax: 021-315-7849 www.operanb.ro

Saturday October 10, 18.30 Evgheni Oneghin – The opening of the season Sunday October 11, 11.00 The Girl of the Sea – premiere, The Ballet and Opera Experimental Studio – the yellow foyer Sunday October 11, 18.30 Giselle Wednesday October 14, 18.30 Aida Thursday October 15, 18.30 Sleeping Beauty Anniversary performance Anne Marie Vretos (50 years) Friday October 16, 18.30 Don Pasquale Saturday October 17, 11.00 The Girl of the Sea – The Ballet and Opera Experimental Studio – the yellow foyer Saturday October 17, 18.30 La Boheme Sunday October 18, 11.00 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Bucuresti what, where, when

Sunday October 18, 18.30 Le Nozze di Figaro Tuesday October 20, 18.30 The National Theater and Film University – The Ballet and Opera Experimental Studio – the yellow foyer Wednesday October 21, 18.30 La Traviata Thursday October 22, 18.30 Cinderella Friday October 23, 18.30 Carmen Saturday October 24, 11.00 The Girl of the Sea – The Ballet and Opera Experimental Studio – the yellow foyer Saturday October 24, 18.30 Madame Butterfly Sunday October 25, 11.00 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Sunday October 25, 18.30 Don Pasquale Tuesday October 27, 18.30 La Canterina – Rare Opera – Premiere The Ballet and Opera Experimental Stu-

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dio, the yellow foyer A tribute to Joseph Haydn – 200 years from his death Wednesday October 28, 18.30 Fantastic Symphony Thursday October 29, 18.30 Nabucco Friday October 30, 18.30 The Merry Widow Saturday October 31, 18.30 Sleeping Beauty

travel

Vatra Dornei Malvina CIUREL •

hoever cannot imagine what Heaven must look like should simply come and visit Vatra Dornei - the heart of peaceful Bucovineans, who love all that is beautiful, maintainers of traditions and virtues. You can meet the shadows of people from the past sailing a raft on the Bistrita’s waves, riding on the Tartar Road, going for a dip in the sweeping waters, showing your skill at hunting, admiring the wonders with which our kind Lord has blessed this part of our land. It is full of charm, perfumed by never before seen flowers, which only this area offers to the world. In the Dacian language, this mountainous settlement was called Dzerna, and for the Romans, it was Dornaeum; later on, the Slavs called it Durna, which later became Dorna during the Roman period, meaning a valley with water. We can also find this name on other European cities from Germany and Holland. Folklore says that this is where Dorina used to live, an indescribably beautiful shepherd girl, whom Dragos Voda fell in love with. Once, while following a deer, he managed to hit it, however, to his surprise, Dragos heard a scream from behind the fir tree where the animal had stopped for a moment. The deer got lost in the heart of the forest and the Voivode found the body of the beautiful shepherdess whom he had killed by accident. As he regretted his deed with bitter tears, he buried her in that place and, in the poor child’s memory, he called the place Dorina. The legend only brings more charm and mystery to this delightful place. Here, the forest welcomes you with a smile and surrounds you with its cool scent. The park in the city center is a place to relax, to meditate, to meet, to play - especially for the boisterous squirrels, who answer to the name of “Mariana”, maybe because they are considered reincarnations of animated, playful, charming and funny creatures, which once

populated this place. You just hit two nuts or walnuts together and… that’s it! You can’t even tell when they’re coming or where they’re coming from to receive their edible gift, with ease, as their God given right; they quickly open it, savoring it’s the kernel and blinking contently, giving you a friendly hello with their bushy tail, only to disappear just as fast as they appeared. The city has grown around its thermal water springs, becoming an important balneary treatment center. The first balneary pavilion was opened almost two centuries ago. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, you could meet Vienna’s society and fashion in the Dorna Valley, as well as Budapest’s elite who came to benefit from these waters’ curative properties. The areas hospitality keeps its doors open in all seasons; you are always welcomed with a simple and natural hospitality, with the friendship and warmth that characterize the Romanian people. Today it is accessible to everyone. A famous casino used to be here which was frequented by the century’s leading names: Emperor Franz Joseph, Arch-duke Franz Ferdinand, King Mihai I, as well as politi-

cians and writers, Nicolae Iorga, Ion Antonescu, Mihail Sadoveanu, Liviu Rebreanu, Nichifor Crainic, Lucian Blaga, Eugen Jebeleanu, Zaharia Stancu, Mihai Beniuc. Poker and roulette were played here and amazing sums were wagered, leaving one pocket only to enter another. Together with the casinos in Constanta and Sinaia, the casino in Vatra Dornei was even famous abroad. Its inauguration took place in 1899, four years after the start of construction under the supervision of the Austrian architect Peter Paul Brang. Today, only a relic remains of the building, as the passing time and a certain unanimous disinterest contributed to its deterioration. But in Vatra Dornei, tourism is right at home. Numerous hotels, villas, bed and breakfast places greet you at every step, smiling, offering “daisies” instead of “stars”, for affordable prices, even in crisis conditions. The Dornelor Country attracts the traveler right into the middle of its unique, unmatchable beauties. The ski paths (Parc, Poenita, Dealul Negru) may attract you, together with trips to the famous monasteries: Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita, Putna, Humor, Arbore, Dragomirna, Probota, Bogdana, attracting you like a magic wand, as well as paraglide sailing, horseback riding, ATV rides, hiking, rafting on the golden Bistrita and paintball fights. You are invited to the Museum of Ethnography, where 300 eggs, painted with great skill and good taste by busy hands will delight your eyes and talk to you, in their own way, about this fairytale land, where numerous ethnic groups have lived together in peace, eagerly contributing to its flourish: Jews, Germans, Hutans (Ukrainian speaking Slavic peoples), Armenians. My eyes caress the coquette buildings from the Empire’s time of glory, thinking about the savory and unique Bucovinean food, which is waiting for you, making you forget for a moment about the diet you have just begun. How could you miss the wonderful soup, tocinei, mamaliguta with potatoes, fluffy cakes, with their amazing flavors and all the relishes specific to this place? Vatra Dornei (Dorna's Hearth) remains a hearth for your soul, to rest, for all that is beautiful, to help you find your inner balance, for getting in touch with divinity, an incomparable Romanian region. You will love it and you will always long to see it again, to enjoy its wonders, its people.

ROMANIA WAS AWARDED 3 „POMME D’OR” PRIZES The “Golden Apple” trophy ("La Pomme d'Or"), the FIJET’s equivalent of the Oscar, is an excellence award granted each year by the International Federation of Journalists and Writers about Tourism (FIJET) to an attraction, a tourist destination or to a person and it represents an acknowledgement of the special efforts made to promote tourism and increase this industry’s level. The awards granted to Romania this year mark a double worldwide premier. It is for the first time that three trophies are awarded in the same year for three persons/tourist destinations belonging to the same country. The Romanian Tourism Triangle, now gold, is formed of the following sides: The Marginimea Sibiului Eco-tourist area, The Danube Delta Biosphere Reservation and the Blue Air Airline Company. Regarding the latter, it is for the first time in FIJET’s history when a trade company has received the “Golden Apple”. Romania also received a distinction 34 years ago. It was then granted to the Monasteries in Bucovina, which are a part of UNESCO patrimony, and it is exhibited in the Moldovita Monastery museum. Currently, with four out of 41 trophies, awarded in 1971, Romania comes in first, together with Belgium and Spain, thus becoming one of the most awarded tourist destinations. www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

fashion

Autumn Colours in Urban Melancholy Women or men, we are all interested in fashion. This interest can be expressed through a glance over the trends, and afterwards we return to our usual clothes, but also through exaggerations, if we are true “fashionists” – we breathe fashion every minute and do not leave our home until we have studied every aspect minutely.

Elena RADUCU •

don’t wanna say goodbye… for the summer" are the words that announced the beginning of summer and the words we are thinking during the fall, when the weather is getting cooler, when we wake up on rainy mornings and the wind blows on our faces. Autumn is a season of change, the peaceful times of the summer months are over and the chill replaces the hot days we have fully experienced this summer. When the season changes, the clothes we wear also change. The autumn-winter season must bring us fresh perspectives and the strength to go through another winter. You can always be elegant if you take into account the new trends just a little and adapt them to your personal style. During the autumn months we all try to be up to date, to feel trendy, but also comfortable in the clothes we wear, and the temptation to buy new items is very strong. But the things we buy now, carried away in a shopping spree and low prices, might not be fashionable next year.

THE RUSTY NUANCES, OLIVE GREEN OR KHAKI The chase after bargains or must-have items can start anywhere: in malls, in the stores open for many years, modernized, or in the shops of worldwide famous brands. There are many such stores in Bucharest – from the center of the city – brand and multibrand stores located on Calea Victoriei or Dorobanti – to the outskirts, where outlets have been set up in line with the Western trends – in the Militari area, for instance. Here you can find clothing and accessories at much more competitive prices than elsewhere; many times the models are from last season, but with a little talent you can adapt them to the current trends and may get lucky in finding something you will also use next season. As a woman, you will never be wrong with classic black pants, white shirt or the famous "little black dress”, a must-have in the wardrobe of any woman, irrespective of age. The colours that dominate the 2009 – 2010 autumnwinter collection are the colours of the steppe and dry vegetation: tones of grey, yellow or green, beige or blue-grey. Faded colours reminiscent of melted glass, Celtic jewellery and ethnic embroideries. This season’s colour range is generally much warmer,

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with the most popular tones being the earth nuances (ochre, terracotta) and the most intense tones are gold, red and violet. Trendy are the clothes with different calm tones of yellow, from the colour of honey to pale yellow, as well as purple or the "colour of burned clay". One of the star colours of the season, grey, will be cheered up with the help of some colourful spots. If you are a pink fan, the news is good: pink continues to be trendy, but less bright or in tones of lilac. The different tones of brown to mahogany are best complemented by plum-shaded clothing, which also suit grey or indigo clothes. The resulting colour combinations are highly compatible with coppery tones of the sky during an autumn day. The rusty nuances, olive green or khaki are also in fashion this year. Generally, the combinations of the seasonal colours are designed so that they should imitate the carpet of dry leaves covering the woods. Therefore, one of the key colours this autumn is yellow mustard. Also a “star” this season is red, in its most intense nuances. On the other hand, white, the absolute star of this summer continues to be in the spotlight, with tones ranging from the pure white of snow to the ivory shade or a butter nuance. The tones of grey vary from light grey to nearly black. Petrol grey and dark blue top the latest trends as well. Thus, if you want to buy a new pair of jeans it is recommended to chose an indigo or a black pair. Also trendy are jeans dresses and skirts, ample and full. One of the trends this fall is the glamour, abounding in lights and shadows which remind us of the film industry of the 40s (the crisis is similar to that reported in the 30s, fashion is similar to that of the 40s). The fashion back then was extremely elegant, an elegance that can be found in the silky, pastel shades, but also in the dark tones of the colour ranges. This season’s fashion is refined and brings the sophisticated woman into the spotlight. The seducing frivolity and the masculine look are combined into a sensual clothing “cocktail” in the collections of top designers like Dior, Cavalli, Dolce&Gabbana. Another trend is luxury combined with ethnic inspirations, plus some shiny objects and sumptuous ornaments. However, the combination of the gypsy, country, Irish and Russian trends results in an unexpected continuity of the style synthesis. Fashion houses use warm materials for coats and jackets, in dark colours, but also wool, fleece, imprinted materials, cotton, padded materials, imitation leather and sheep furs. Designers recommend wearing clothes made of fluid, light materials like lace, tulle and crepe that provide a feminine look. Folklore and the winter spirit impose the use of coloured wool jackets, with fur around the neck, similar to those worn in Siberia; Bucharest winters lately have seen the dry wind that blows in that faraway land, even if not the extremely low temperatures. The accent is on long clothing or blouses, made of wool. Moreover, in fashion blouses are also decorated with jewellery, embroidered

blouses and with different ornaments. Skirts are made of satin, are silky or embroidered, thus warming up the cold weather of the winter season. Back in fashion are the long pants, slightly wider from the knees (bell-bottoms); fur vests are a novelty, which we can find, after long searches, in grandma’s trunks, thus creating a Gucci or a Carolina Herrera look. Fabrics are heavy, with a vintage and dusty look. Velvet materials in warm shades of beige or damask and jacquard tapestry, adorned with some bright ornaments, are in style. You will be trendy wearing materials embroidered or painted with motifs and pictures. As textures we note sports denim, fabric combined with wool, cashmere and precious furs. Let’s not forget about knitwear that has become increasingly more popular in Romania as well (an example are the Kinga Varga collections, a Romanian designer who enjoyed great success at the Paris week fashion in September this year).

FOR MEN, A WOOL OR COTTON SCARF Dresses and skirts may be transparent, vaporous and inspired by the retro fashion. Petticoats and crinolines are in fashion, likewise corsets. At the opposite side, ladies with appropriate bodies can also wear extremely tight dresses and skirts. Large bags and handbags remain in fashion – the strongest trend, but also some small ones or the satchel-type bags with big handles. Moreover, compared to last year, such bags are worn with various accessories like chains, clasps or ornaments in various colours. The 2010 autumn-winter season focuses on sophisticated belts and girdles that highlight the waist; long pearl necklaces, put around the neck or floating down, massive necklaces, leather gloves, knitted colourful caps made of natural fabrics, extremely long scarves. As regards men, they can wear brown or dark blue clothing and especially clothes in tones of orange, a colour that reported a surprising comeback over the past years and there are no signs it will vanish in the next future from the new menswear collections. A brown leather jacket is recommended by most fashion designers, as this colour provides a distinct stylish look compared to the classic black shade. Brown is also compatible with most types of jeans, sweaters and shirts for the cold season; moreover a sports shirt is not only a regular piece of clothing, it can be worn on various special occasions, whether casual or more pretentious. Regarding accessories, the top piece is the scarf, typically worn in the first decade of the fall. Scarves can add personality and distinction to one’s wardrobe, which is usually provided by the tie. It is a basic piece included in the autumn-winter collection that draws the attention of all passers-by. A wool or cotton scarf is recommended, as the ones made of silk tend to create too pretentious a look when worn by men. As regards colour, the first recommendation is to find a scarf whose colour should match the coat or the jacket or the colour of your eyes. Women or men, we are all interested in fashion. This interest can be expressed through a glance over the trends, and afterwards we return to our usual clothes, but also through exaggerations, if we are true “fashionists” – we breathe fashion every minute and do not leave our home until we have studied every aspect minutely. Anyway, the clothes we wear are meant to make us feel good about ourselves, both physically and mentally, and give us confidence. We must always take into account that “Fashion fades, style is eternal” - Yves Saint Laurent. www.bucurestiwww.ro

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cover story

LIPSCANI, MON AMOUR

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The story of this street begins somewhere in the 15th century, even before Bucharest’s official birth - September 20th 1459. Lipscani used to be the heart of the Capital back then, the most commercially and economically prosperous area. The name of Lipscani street, the former Grand Alley, comes from the name of the city of Leipzig or Lipsca, as it was called in the 18th century by Bucharest residents impressed by the goods brought from the famous German city.

Marcela GRATIANU •

hen I remember my grandparents, I am still walking with them on the Lipscani Grand Alley, clinging to their hands with my my child’s palms. I imagine them young, and I can barely keep up with that wonderful couple, one moment through carriage trots and silk ruffling, the other through whispers of love and French perfume. Caught up in the story, I often find myself with my nose glued to some luxury shop window, praying to be transformed into a princess who indulges herself in the shops of merchants on Lipscani. Grandfather steps down from the carriage, he holds his hand out for grandmother, their arms locked, accompanied by the vigilant, but warm presence of my grandmother maid, as they both head for the narrow shop, where the merchant greets them smiling from the threshold: they are youngsters who have come to buy quality materials, something special, for their wedding attires. “Something unusual for that time”, says grandmother, “But I wanted to be the one choosing the silk, the lace and the veil so badly that my mother couldn’t say no to me. She gave in.” She laughs triumphantly, proud of her decision even now. Grandfather nods in approval. Ashe has probably been doing for 60 years. Before anything else, grandmother and grandfather are invited for a taste of rose jam, a glass of cool water and then some coffee. Only then will grandmother and the nanny mercilessly assess the French, the Chinese and the Austrian silks. One at a time, the colorful or white veils flow from the merchant’s shelves. “This is a painstaking business”, grandmother ensures me. “If I wasn’t satisfied with the goods, I would move on. But I wasn’t in a hurry. I had plenty to choose from. And even if I didn’t buy from him, after hours of selecting and plenty of mind changing, the merchant would respectfully bid us farewell, no annoyance at all in his tone, asking us to pay him a visit again soon.” It was a real pride to be a merchant at that time. People of honor, good businessmen and (yes, indeed!) good psychologists, the old merchants knew how to attract and maintain their clientele - they were thoughtful, polite, they would give products on credit. They would even help each other out, they appreciated each other, they had class customs in the morning, around 11 o’clock, they would meet at the Laden Tree Inn (Hanul cu Tei), for some coffee, or at the restaurant behind the Athenaeum, for red caviar and a glass of wine; they would chat to their heart’s desire, reading newspapers, closing a deal.

AND THE STREET IS LOST AS WELL IN THE DARK MIST OF TIME... Finally, grandmother chose an Austrian silk fabric and a veil with a gold thread in the seam, brought from Paris, and for grandfa-

ther’s suit, an English fabric. They ask for the goods to be brought to their home, they respectfully thank the merchant and they lose themselves on to the crowded street, among whispers and the sound of violins. And the street, grandparents and all, is lost as well in the dark mist of time. The story of this street begins somewhere in the 15th century, even before Bucharest’s official birth - September 20th 1459. Lipscani used to be the heart of the Capital back then, the most commercially and economically prosperous area. The name of Lipscani street, the former Grand Alley, comes from the name of the city of Leipzig or Lipsca, as it was called in the 18th century by Bucharest residents impressed by the goods brought from the famous German city. Around 1600, the political and economical power was concentrated around the Old Princely Court (Curtea Domneasca Veche), found on Calea Domneasca, today’s Franceza Street, the oldest street in Bucharest. Tens of stores popped up in this area, which, in their turn, attracted numerous guilds - fur makers, shoe makers, jewelry makers, hat makers, skinners, leather makers, coppersmiths, and saddle makers. Many streets in this neighborhood still bear the names of merchants and businessmen from that time. At the same time, along with Romanians, communities of Greek, Bulgarian, Serbian, Armenian, Jewish, Albanian and Austrian merchants also did business in this area. This explains, the fast development of the trade relations established in Bucharest’s old center, as well as the mixture of architectural styles - Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical - creating an atmosphere that sets the place apart from others. Lipscani was born on the flank of the Princely Court, especially to connect it to the Mogosoaia Bridge (today Calea Victoriei), leading to price Constantin Brancoveanu’s summer residence. Around 1690 , on his orders, the street was paved with oak beams, beams which can still be seen today at the entrance to Manuc’s Inn (Hanul lui Manuc), near the ruins of the Old Princely Court. Without a doubt, Lipscani first of tracts your attention with the architectural styles it represents. If you head down from Calea Victoriei to Lipscani, the first building on the left, on the street’s north side, is that of the former Palace of the Dacia Insurance Company (Lipscani, 19), embellished on its upper part with decorative elements inspired by Renaissance architecture. It was built in 1874, on the Filipescu Inn (Hanul Filipescu) foundations from the 18th century, at the crossroad between Lipscani street and the Mogosoaiei Bridge, based on Alexandru Orascu’s design, he was one of the first Romanian architects who studied in Munich and Berlin. The palace is the expression of the

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neoclassic style, elegantly applied to an office building. The interior courtyard (to get here, you have to enter an alleyway opening from Lipscani street) conceals the a fountain in a niche and it is still under the power of a bronze statue representing an ancient deity. A cameo with Mihai Eminescu’s face and a marble plaque, attached to the facade on Lipscani street, tell us that the poet worked in this building for two years, as an editor for the Timpul newspaper. This is on the left side. On the right side of the street, the wall yells “Warning, falling plaster!”. As you take a few more steps and, further down, at the intersection with Calea Eugeniu Carada, you run into the imposing edifice which shelters Bancorex. It was built in 1903, in an academic eclectic style, based on plans by architect Otto Maugsch. The imposing building of the former Chrissovelony Bank (today the Bucharest Branch of the Romanian National Bank) watches from across the street, it was built between 1825-1828 by architect G.M. Cantacuzino and August Schmiediegen. It is an exquisite marriage of the Italian Renaissance palace style with modern bank functions. Between Carada and Smardan streets,

since the 17th century, there was the large inn erected by Lord Serban Cantacuzino, the Serban Cantacuzino Inn, demolished after 200 years of existence. The headquarters of the National Bank of Romania stands proudly here today. Built according to the plans of architects Albert Galleron and Cassien Bernard in a French neoclassical style, the edifice was completed in 1885. The building facade is decorated with statues by sculptor Ion Georgescu, portraying Agriculture, Industry, Commerce and Justice. Next to the National Bank, the former Fashion House still takes pride in its rich decor, executed in a neoclassical style interlaced with Renaissance elements, with its marble stairs, with its golden ornaments and stained glass windows. After the earthquake in 1977, Lipscani was often threatened with demolition, and when the construction of the Civic Center began (on Nicolae Ceausescu’s orders), the street was faced with a period of downfall. In the ‘90s, the street was partially restored, particularly the banking area. The Lipscani of my teenage years was a special world, a whirling puzzle, bearing the scents of the Middle Ages: pastry shops, stands with “mititei”, a restaurant and a wine cellar made a good marriage with clothing, footwear, fabric, bride’s dresses, sports products stores, with various bank headquarters, with a bookstore, a music store a pharmacy,and a beauty salon alongside the Variety Theater. And, on top of everyone and everything, came the heart breaking sounds of the tango, stirred by the sad strings of an old street violinist.

SOME INNS CAN STILL BE SEEN TODAY Today, Lipscani is only an open wound. A project to repairing the sewer conduits and restore the pavment is currently being carried out. Six years after the Historical Center rehabilitation program started, Lipscani looks like a street that is barely surviving a bombing. Dust, garbage, uncertain catwalks, boards placed over the diggings to facilitate traffic, beaten down buildings. However, Lipscani also looks like a giant archeological site, because its insides hide important archeological remnants - the inns of old Bucharest and the

A n Am e ri c a n put s on a great s how in Buc ha re st ! The Money Channel presents: The Frank Show The new grid from The Money Channel proposes a premier for the Romanian media environment to people interested in economic information: The Frank Show, a business show which is fully performed in English. The Frank Show offers you the most important local and international news, interviews with business leaders and analyses on the hottest topics of the day. Peter Frank served for a dozen years as a Senior VP and Executive VP within Bank of America and MBNA America Bank, most recently in the Business Development of new strategies and products in the US, Europe, and Mexico. Peter also spent more than 10 years as a financial journalist, where he was Business and Financial News Editor at The Baltimore Sun and The Wilmington New Journal, and reported on business and financial issues for The New York Times. Through two economic crises, Peter wrote extensively on Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Economics and Government, including many investigative, explanatory, and consumer-oriented special reports. “I believe an economic information show in English is necessary in the Romanian media, especially as the business field is the main area of interest of emigrants in Romania. Peter is a professional with a wide experience in the field. I am certain the show will become one of the most highly watched shows from The Money Channel”, says Daniel Apostol, chief editor of the business station. The Frank Show will be broadcast Monday to Thursday, from 00:00 to 00:30, and the reruns will be aired between 6:30 and 7 a.m.

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street remnants from the 17th-19th centuries. Most inns from that time have not withstood the test of time, but some can still be seen today such as “The Linden Tree Inn” (“Hanul Teiului”) (1833) or “Manuc’s Inn” (“Hanul lui Manuc”) (1808), now under restoration. At the junction with Calea Victoriei, remains of the Goldsmith Inn (“Hanul Zlatari”) were found. It was built in 1708, while they are partially codered by another building, walls with a 3 meter height remain as well as and two rooms which have been quite properly preserved. The name came from the craftsmen who worked with precious metals, the goldsmiths. This inn was built around a church and it was demolished at the beginning of the 20th century. Lipscani seems to be the only street in Bucharest where housings did not exist, people did not live here, there were only stores and shops. Remains of the Greek Inn (“Hanul Greci”) were discovered on the opposite side of the street, however it was destroyed by the cable and sewerage works, but some walls still remain. It seems that a church, the Greek Church, also existed there, built in the middle of the 16th century, sheltering some Greek monks, which is where it got its name from. The church was founded by a boyar, becoming a “slum church”. Historic records certify that the merchants of that time gave up some lands for the building of the Greek Church. Forty graves have been found in the area. Between the 17th and the 18th centuries, the Greek Inn which was built near the religious establishment, was one of the most important inns in Bucharest. Despite suffering numerous fires, it operated until 1880. A storehouse with a merchants’ goods was uncovered here. It still has the porcelain and English tile containers, intact together with bottles, which is rarely seen in archeological digs. Perched up on the crooked boards of the Lipscani of today, I look down, to the Lipscani of the Middle Ages. It is one step away. A step of just a few centuries. And from the lit archway, the same old violin sound can be heard distinctly. I step down, but not into the courtyard of any inn. I am yet again the princess in the story of my grandparents who are in love. With Lipscani.

special

Following the Steps of Constantin Brancusi Malvina CIUREL •

His work consists of pure forms, the great paradox of modern art: total innovation through the return to the original, to isolation, to the traditional peasant spirituality. He will remain the innovative artist refusing to submit to any rigid rules, limited definitions, obsessed with perfection, with rendering the essence of things. The rhombus, the square, the circle are full of significance for Brancusi – they contain this essence.

f all the wonders Oltenia has to offer, Constantin Brancusi remains one of the greatest, most august and indestructible. Having stepped out into the world, to follow art, from his home in Hobita Gorjului, a house covered in chip, with a poled porch, a «guest room», a dower chest, a hand-loom, a bed covered in peasant bed-covers, a silent home lightened by modesty, where he was born in 1876, he walked the roads of Europe, as he had no means which would allow him to travel any other way. He finally settled in Paris, in 1904. He had learned the wood carving craft from his father at home in Hobita, and later he realized his works in gypsum, metal, marble, stone. His love of life was transferred to all the materials he touched and they in turn transmit it to the viewer. He benefited from the guidance of Professor Antonin Mercier at the School of Arts and from that of the great Auguste Rodin, who was then at the peak of his glory. The essential thing about Brancusi is the idea of being, working and doing. His motto was: “Create like a god, command like a king, and work like a slave.” It is not for nothing that James Farrel once said: “Next to Shakespeare and Beethoven there is another God – the Romanian Constantin Brancusi.” As you walk towards the beautiful Tismana Monastery, hidden at the rocky base of a towering mountain, haunted only by darting vultures, before crossing the Ponoare natural bridge, you can stop for a breath in his beloved village, walking along the dusty alley, where the father-to-be of modern sculpture played with other children, before revolutioniz-

ing the art of carving stone. He never forgot the roots which tied him to his ancestral land and he often returned here to leave some token of his generosity and talent. Brancusi offered his country an incomparable aura. He is still the gentle, happy Romanian, who was loved and appreciated by all the people who came to visit him at Impasse Ronsin. He is remembered by all as a bold, burning river, like a huge force never conquered. We can see him in any of his Birds, flying towards the horizon, to spirituality, higher and higher, towards unexplored peaks, which have only been dreamt about. There was a piercing flame in his eyes, which he transferred to his works. He had something of the haughtiness of the “Cock” and of the dignity of his ancestors. Flight was a constant preoccupation in his life, representing the separation from materiality, the aspiration to cast the universe in his work. “Unbind yourselves!” was his constant advice. In the master’s workshop, everything was magic, everything was stirring, alive. The artist lived here in a fabulous, ideal world. He was never alone, as he was surrounded by friends and when they left, he enjoyed the intimacy of the Seal, the Turtle, the Fish, Miss Pogany, the King of Kings, the Beginning of the World, the Wisdom of the Earth, Leda, Prometheus, the Witch... He inflicted upon our époque the awareness of sheer art, bearing the seal of a Romanian context, of a certain Romanian mythology. Brancusi is still a man of his land, the humble peasant, with infinite patience, the creator of an art full of love for matter as a ve-

hicle towards spirit, but mostly for the human being. He liked loneliness as, thus, he was free to think, to create. The great sculptor was both a very good drawer and an excellent photographer, an example of hard work, kindness, a delicate being; he kept his innocence until the end, that innocence of a peasant's son. In fact, his work consists of pure forms, the great paradox of modern art: total innovation through the return to the original, to isolation, to the traditional peasant spirituality. He will remain the innovative artist refusing to submit to any rigid rules, limited definitions, obsessed with perfection, with rendering the essence of things. The rhombus, the square, the circle are full of significance for Brancusi – they contain this essence. You cannot visit Targu-Jiu without visiting the museum complex, this monumental assembly where Brancusi stretched the limits of abstract sculpture, which you will contemplate with respect and reverence, completely charmed by the depth of its message. He needed space and a nature for himself, “he could not bloom in the shadow of other large trees “ – that is why he gave up working in Rodin’s workshop. This is how he created the Gate of Kiss, the Alley of the Chairs, the Table of Silence and the Endless Column, each carrying its own secret, its own message – and which are also monuments dedicated to life. Here, in front of Brancusi’s work, you can better understand T.S.Eliot: “…What we call the beginning is often the end/ And to make an end is to make a beginning/ The end is where we start from.” All this reminds us of the eternal return to the Earth, of immortality. What is amazing about the artist’s work is the variety and originality of the forms, but also the fact that despite their novelty, they proved to be both accessible and intelligible, like any other truly great art. “Look deeply and closely at my works and you will get closer to Divinities; those who have been persistent, have seen Them ”, he said. Hobita, Targu-Jiu, Beaubourg Centre in Paris, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, museums in Germany and Venice open their doors to those in love with beauty, who can come here to listen to the voice of the Romanian, Brancusi, who told our tales, sang our ancient lullabies to the world, the wisdom of an entire nation encompassed in extended aphorisms.

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culture

The Feast of the Romanian Theater Sorana MAN •

It is more than worthwhile to attend the shows which will take place at the end of this month and during the first days of November, when you can take part in the feast of the Romanian theater on its home turf. Many of the shows are performed in foreign languages, and the connected events are in widely ranging languages, so you have plenty to choose from, if you do not speak Romanian - even though most of the plays are so well known that not speaking the language does not represent too big a drawback. Despite the fact that it is called “national”, The National Theater Festival (FNT), which will take place between October 31st and November 8th, is a truly cosmopolitan event.

he fact that Romania has provided the world with playwrights and directors who have changed the destiny of theater is not a secret to anyone. It is enough to cast a glimpse at the posters of an Opera House such as New York’s Metropolitan or to know a thing or two about the absurdist theater to remember the contribution Romanians have brought and continue to bring to this art’s blooming and evolution. To avoid any suspicions of boasting too much, I will only mention in passing the public success and the eulogist reactions in the foreign press regarding the tours in which Romanian actors never cease to confirm the value of our theater schools, as well as the tradition we have in its twin art form, the opera. Lyric stages across the world, from the American ones to the Scala in Milan, take pride in the resounding names of Romanian performers. That is why it is more than worthwhile to attend the shows which will take place at the end of this month and during the first days of November, when you can take part in the feast of the Romanian theater on its home turf. Many of the shows are performed in foreign languages, and the connected events are in widely ranging languages, so you have plenty to choose from, if you do not speak Romanian - even though most of the plays are so well known that not speaking the language does not represent too big a drawback. Despite the fact that it is called “national”, The National Theater Festival (FNT), which will take

place between October 31st and November 8th, is a truly cosmopolitan event. Bulgakov’s Zoya’s Apartment, The Epic of Gilgamesh, Carlo Gozzi’s Princess Turandot, The Tempest, King Lear and The Winter’s Tale, Georg Buchner’s Danton’s Death, Psychosis 4.48 by Sarah Kane and the Three Sisters by Chekhov, the latter being presented in two different enactments, one of which is in Hungarian, these are only a few of the well known masterpieces that the festival offers you. The grand surprise is the La Cantatrice Chauve play by Eugen Ionesco, under the direction of Jean Luc Lagarce, a production of the Les Intempestifs company, present in Bucharest this year with the French Institute’s support. In order to celebrate Ionesco, marking 100 years from the famous Romanian play writer’s birth, the Festival is dedicating a special section to him, within which the same play will be played in Romanian by the actors of the Cluj National Theater, under the direction of Tompa Gabor, as well as in German, by the Timisoara German State Theater, under the direction of Alexandru Dabija. The same section, entitled “Ionesco Event”, includes the launching of the “The Absurdist Theater” book by Martin Esslin, translated into Romanian by Alina Nelega Cadariu, which is however sure to be found in its original in large book stores here and abroad. Despite this year’s financial difficulties, the Festival maintains the international level it has gained in the last years. This year’s edition

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is the 19th and it bears the mark of its spotter, theater critic Cristina Modreanu. The program will also include a series of film screenings with theater shows, documentaries and portraits of artists from around the world. Another novelty of this edition is a section entitled Opera Revival, including five operas presented by famous theater directors and which incorporate a high dose of theatrics. This section’s scope is to draw attention to an important movement which has recently started to lead to the opera’s revitalization through collaboration with theater professionals. At the Opera in Bucharest, you will be able to see Evgheni Oneghin and Macbeth, at the Opera in Cluj you will see Othello and Gianni Schichi, and at the Bulandra Theater, Orpheus and Eurydice. The program is complemented, as usual, with a series of other events: conferences, publication releases and debates with up to date topics. A series of presentations and discussions will take place, organized in collaboration with the International Association of Theater Critics, which the theater field’s professionals will contribute to, and a selection of the presented works will subsequently be published in a bilingual volume. Aleks Sierz is included amongst the persons who will participate in the conference, with a work entitled “In yer-face theatre (New Writing for the Theatre in Britain Today)”, on the new writing’s impact on theater, together with George Banu, preparing a communication on the Ionesco Year; and Richard Schechner, the director who formed the basis of the performance theory, will contribute with the “A 3 Day Presentation” work. Its book, “Introduction to the Performance Theory” will be among those which will be launched in Romania at this festival, together with Martin Esslin’s earlier mentioned work on the absurdist theater, and Hans Thies Lehmann’s “Post-dramatic Theater”. The shows performed by the German and Hungarian theaters from Timisoara and Cluj will be played in the respective languages. English synopses will exist for all plays, designed for foreign guests, and the festival’s full program, together with the place and time of each event can be found on the FNT site, which is also available in English: www.fnt.ro/en

real estate

Betting on Luxury Extravagance or Investment? On the opportunity to invest in luxury residential properties Evelina Necula • Marketing Manager - DTZ Echinox

A lot of stir has been caused while talking about the largest transaction with a private property in the world, but the subject is filled with enough fascination for us to approach it today as well, in the context of an article dedicated to luxury properties. We are talking about the Leopolda Villa, situated in the Villefranche area on the Côte d'Azur, built in 1902 for the Belgium king, Leopold the 2nd, which was sold for the record breaking sum of 496 million Euros to Mihail Prokorov, a Russian billionaire.

he villa’s value is based not only in its location, appearance or in the residence’s impressive size, but in a mix of details with a strong emotional charge modeling the property’s unique profile. Its noble origin is what contributes the most to its value, a universe of notable names which are included among its owners or its supposed owners, as well as the impressive gardens, through its landscaping, size and design. According to “Forbes”, a land area like this, exceeding 20 acres, is unique on the French Riviera, and it can only be obtained by joining two neighboring properties. The above mentioned glamor doesn’t seem to have just about anything in common with the local market specifics, however the same valuations also form the basis of large transactions in our local residential market. The properties’ intrinsic characteristics - location, area, style, facilities - intertwine with status and visibility, and they are spiced by their “folklore”, whether it is fashionable, aristocratic, picturesque or anything similar, in order to create a unique combination, of interest to a certain style of buyer. Naturally, such transactions most often remain out of the public eye, hidden by confidentiality contracts, however they consolidate the owner’s image among his peers, in his business environment, or they offer a hint of refinement to a purchase portfolio. A diversity of actors participate in these deals, from private persons (the so-called „high net

worth individuals”) and families with a longestablished tradition, to foreign investors and local or international companies (especially among those for whom image is essential legal firms, consultancy companies, etc.). What brings them together is a high liquidity level, a special affinity for beautiful buildings, repositories of stories and traditions, as well as a deep understanding of the market’s dynamics and cycles. A very current theme in the crisis’ context is these properties’ resistance to the devaluation marking the entire residential segment. The extent to which such properties still represent an investment and still have a real value is currently being discussed. The discourse is as complex as it is subjective. When dealing with luxury properties, especially classical ones, the stakes are seldom strictly pecuniary. Most properties or most individuals who are interested in buying them show an attachment to this type of purchases, aiming to obtain emotional benefits, at least to the same extent as financial ones. Furthermore, the high liquidity level and their low borrowing dependence make the participants in these transactions less vulnerable to the cri-

sis’ pressures. This explains why many of the deals which were closed on the luxury residential segment have not registered price reductions. Furthermore, in the context of the difficult access to credit and of the continuously higher financing costs, important purchases from the trade segment are blocked. Investments of tens and hundreds of million Euro are on stand-by for over half a year, thus making small properties, whose value does not exceed ten million, an interesting alternative for placing short and average term liquidities. Despite the fact that they are competing with other average level or B class office or commercial buildings in this segment, luxury residences have the advantage of a better preservation in time, especially due to their unique character. We can conclude the above mentioned ideas with the assumption that many of the properties with an excellent valuation, irrespective of whether they are from the Dorobanti area or on the French Riviera, shall not change their owners too often. Nor any time soon. They continue to remain investment opportunities, as well as remarkable portfolio pieces for a refined investor.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

Must See in Bucharest Here is a selection of the most representative landmarks of Bucharest which are a must to see during your stay in the city. You will see these and much more on one of our regularly scheduled or customized tours while benefitting from the expertise and knowledge of our experienced licensed guides. For more information please see the ads inside the magazine.

140 Years of Philharmonics, 120 Years of Athenaeum

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The Romanian Athenaeum: is a concert hall The Parliament Palace: is the second largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon) in terms of all-out surface: 330,000 m2. It was built between 1984 and 1989 by a team of architects led by Anca Petrescu. and was destined for the members of the Communist Party; Besides offices, Ceausescu planned to make personal living places, so the Palace's surface would have been bigger. The building currently houses Romania's Parliament. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (By appointment only)

The Village Museum: nestled on the shore of the Herastrau Lake, the museum displays 85 peasant homes, barns, churches and mills relocated there from all over Romania. Tall-roofed Transylvanian houses with beautifully crafted shingles sit alongside rustic wooden churches to form a unique neighborhood. The overall impression is that Romanian peasants take great pride in their work and homes. Everyday accessories: tools, butter-churns, hay forks, beer kegs and clothes are displayed inside the house. This museum can take a whole day to explore and, in fine weather, families settle down for picnics in the scenic grounds. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., every day, except Monday

in the center of Bucharest and a landmark of the Romanian capital city. Opened in 1888, the ornate, domed, circular building is the city's main concert hall and home of the "George Enescu" Philarmonic and of the George Enescu annual international music festival. It has the aspect of a Greek temple with Ionic columns at the entrance. The wonderful interior with round frescoes depicts important events in Romania's history. Extensive reconstruction and restoration work has been conducted in 1992 by a Romanian construction company and restoration painter Silviu Petrescu, saving the building from collapse. Visiting hours: every day, unless concerts or rehearsals are held.

The Old Royal Court: during the early Middle

The National Museum of Art: is hosted by the

The Cotroceni Palace: is a part of the Cotroceni National Museum. The Cotroceni Palace, church and monastery reflect a three-century old history that interweaves political, military, diplomatic, religious and cultural aspects, with the general evolution of Romanian society. The palace was built in the 17th century by the Prince Serban Cantacuzino. The Cotroceni National Museum exhibits a rich range of objects of art, illustrative of the Romanian decorative art. The Cantacuzino space is most suitable for organizing presentations of old art objects that can only outline the exceptional artistic accomplishments of a distant epoch. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (By appointment only)

Bucuresti what, where, when

former Royal Palace and is the most representative art gallery in Romania. The Royal Palace was the official residence of the Romanian kings. Its current facade was given the finishing touches in 1937 when Carol II was King of Romania. The National Art Museum Palace is located in downtown Bucharest (in the so-called Revolution Square). The Palace displays an extensive collection of European and Romanian fine art. The European Art Gallery offers an overview of teh most important artistic movements that marked art history from the early Rennaissance till the first decades of teh 20th century. The Romanian Modern Art Gallery illustrates the development of Romanian fine arts from the first decades of the 19th century till the second half of the 20th century. Visiting hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (May - September) 10 a.m - 6 p.m. (October - April) Closed: Monday, Tuesday

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Ages, Bucharest became a commercial center; important enough to enable the XIV century princes to build the Princely Court â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nowadays known as "The Old Court" - which formed the development core of the medieval town. The first written mention of the name of "Bucharest" dates back to September 20, 1459: it appears on a document issued from the chancellery of the famous Prince Vlad Tepes (the Impaler). By the year 1599, a new Princely Court was built. Matei Basarab (1632-1654) renovated the Old Court. By 1640, because the prince's relations with the Turks worsened, Matei Basarab moved his Capital back to the town of Targoviste. Bucharest still remained a princely residence. In May 1654, Prince Constantin Serban Basarab (1654-1658), Matei Basarab's successor, left for Targoviste after a rebellion of his mercenary troops, and he ordered the Old Court to be set of fire. The Old Royal Court is an outdoor site that can be visited any time.

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ESSENTIAL INFO • HOTELS • MUSEUMS • SHOW BIZ CULTURAL INSTITUTES • CITY MAP Rely on these pages for guidance on where to go and what to do during your visit. All telephone numbers are in area code 021, unless noted, and the letter/number combinations at the end of listings are coordinates for the map (page 22). For subway map see also page 22. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Police - Like all cities, Bucharest too has dangerous spots; however, it is considered a safe city in European terms. The city center is usually safe, but at night be careful in parks and peripheral areas. Emergency Police number: 955;

General Emergency number: 112 for Police, Ambulance & Fire Department Health Services - Dial 9611 for the ambulance public non-stop service. There are also private ambulance services: dial for Puls 9737 or 021-2431333, for Doris 978 or 021-335-5065, for SOS Medical and Ambulance Services 9761 or 0722-333-000, for Village Medical Clinic Ambulance 0723-343-219.

TELEPHONES The payphones in the city are phone card operated. When calling into Romania, you need to dial the international access code (00), country’s code (40), the city code (without the initial 0 - 021 for Bucharest), then the subscriber’s number. When dialling a mobile number from abroad, the initial 0 is also dropped. Romanian city codes (selected): Brasov (0268), Constanta (0241), Bucharest (021), Cluj (0264), Sibiu (0269), Sinaia (0244), Timisoara (0256). International country codes (selected): Australia (61), Austria (43), Belgium (32), Canada/US (1), Danmark (45), France (33), Germany (49), Greece (30), Hungary (36), Irealand (353), Israel (972), Italy (39), Japan (81), Moldova (373), Netherlands (31), Poland (48), Romania (40), Russia (7), Spain (34),

TRANSLATORS Translingua: 306, Calea Mosilor, Bl. 56A, Ap. 11 Ph.: 021-211-70-46, 0722-250-908; Fax: 021-211-70-46. www.translingua.ro Prosper - ASE Language Centre: 2, Calea Grivitei St., 2nd floor, room 4211; Ph./Fax: 021-211-78-00. www.prosper.ro

Diamondo Interpreters & Translators: Ph.: 021-230-95-17; Fax: 021-231-99-20. www.diamondo.ro Central European Translation: 19, Unirii Blvd., Bl. 4B, 1st Entr., 4th floor, Ap.13; Ph.: 021-336-28-25; Fax: 021-336-27-24. www.cet.ro Serious Business: 3, Corneliu Coposu Blvd.Bl. 101, 1st floor, Apt. 17. Ph.: 021-321-46-41; Fax: 021-320-33-13. www.serious.ro

POST OFFICES The Central Post Office is at 10, Matei Millo St. (near the Phone Company building on Calea Victoriei). www.posta-romana.ro Open: 7:30-20:00. Closed Sunday.

MONEY Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and private offices (Casa de schimb valutar). There can be major differences in rates, especially between the banks and the private exchange offices. Changing money in the street is illegal and inadvisable.

Bank notes are in the following denominations: LEI 1,00; 5,00; 10,00; 50,00; 100,00 and 500;00. Coins: Bani 1; 5; 10; 50. Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 to noon and from 14:00 to 16:00.

VISAS EU and American citizens with a valid passport can visit for 90 days with no visa requirement. All other visitors will need a visa. Visas should be obtained prior to the arrival, from Romanian Diplomatic Missions’ Offices in your country. A list of the nations for which a Romanian visa is required can be found at www.mae.ro. Three day transit visa: US$ 15/25. One entry visa: US$ 25, multiple entry visa US$ 60. For a few exceptional situations a 10-day special visa can be obtained at customs, entering Romania. For visa extensions and other information go to the passport office at 29, Nicolae Iorga St., near Piata Romana.

PRIVATE CLINICS & EMERGENCY HOSPITALS

Biomedica International: 42 Eminescu St., Ph. 021-230-8001

Emergency Clinic Hospital: 8, Calea Floreasca, Ph. 021-317-0171; 021-317-0121

Massage: Mon-Fri 17:00 - 21:00 Diplomatilor Club: 1, Minovici Alley. Ph.: 021-222-8497; 0722-328-758. Open: daily 9:00 - 18:00 Eden Spa: 39, Primaverii Blvd., Ph.: 021-316-8148; 0721-321-294. Open: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 21:00 . Sat 9:00 - 18:00 Hilton Health Club: 1-3, Episcopiei St. Athénée Palace Bucharest Hilton; Ph.: 021-303-3777 ext.6808 Open: Mon-Fri 6:30 - 22:00. Sat-Sun 8:00 - 21:00 Intercontinental Hotel: 4, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-202; Open: Mon-Sat 6:00 - 20:00 Magnolia Spa: 20, Sperantei St. Ph.: 021-311-2779; Open: Tue - Fri 12:30 - 20:00 Sat: 10:30 - 18:00; Sun - Mon closed Ramada Plaza Hotel: 3-5, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-549-2000; Fax: 021-549-2330; Open: Tue-Sun 10:00 - 22:00 Sports Club 2000: 3-11, Gabriela Szabo St. Tennis, Swimming, Fitness Ph.: 021-434-3572; Kineto & Physiotherapy Ph.: 0723-573-028

Medico Clinique: 9, Visarion St., Ph. 021-650-7060, 021-315-5426 /27 www.medico.ro Medicover Medical: Centre96, Calea Plevnei, Ph. 021-310-4410

Ophthalmology Emergency Clinic Hospital: 1, Piata Lahovari, Ph. 021-319-2753

Unirea Medical Center: • 57, Unirii Blvd, Ph. 021-327-1188 ; • 2, Staicovici St, Opera Center. Ph 021-412-0110 • 12, G Enescu St, Ph. 021-316-5876/77/78

NON-STOP PHARMACIES There is no problem with finding a pharmacy in your neighborhood, no matter where you are in Bucharest. Here are some pharmacies with nonstop service: Farmacia Verde: 15, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph. 021-230-1451 Sensiblu: 65, Calea Dorobantlor, Ph. 021-211-1127, Farmadex: 19, N Titulescu Blvd, Ph. 0744-650-078 MedFARM: 34, I.C. Bratianu Blvd, Ph. 021-315-2309

DENTISTS Alpha Dent Company: 300, Calea Calarasilor St., Ph. 021-321-3099

Dent Elysee: 51, J.L. Calderon St., Ph. 021-312-3300; 0723-380-498

Dent Estet: 15, Aviatorilor Blvd. Ph. 021-222-1108 7, G. Alexandrescu St, Ph. 0723-602-020

HEALTH CLUBS & SPA BUCHAREST Crowne Plaza Hotel:1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-224-0034; Open: daily 6:30 - 23:00

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Bucuresti what, where, when

OCTOBER 2009

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Would You Like A Coffee Or A Tea? Catalina SOLOVEANU •

ucharest is a city which likes to party and dance clubs were always available to those looking for fun, but in the last few years many lovely places to chill out, relax and listen to jazz or blues music have appeared. We have teahouses, coffee shops and clubs, many options for the discerning traveler who wants to experience the life of the city and maybe explore a bit its old center. One place you can go to is Lucky 13, in the Glass Makers’ Court, behind the Old Court of the kings of Valachia in the center of the old city. Just a few years ago this courtyard was home to many glassmakers’ workrooms, visitors could see them working their craft and creating lovely objects and souvenirs or buy something in one of the glass shops that litter the street nearby. The shops are still there and a pleasure to visit but if you are searching for a good coffee or a tea, then enter the courtyard. Turn immediately left through a large glass door that leads to a white staircase and light musical notes will guide you to the first floor where the large hall, perhaps a ballroom in the years past, of Lucky 13, a coffee bar, welcomes you with 4meter-high ceilings, gilded columns and an airy and pleasant atmosphere. Old posters, commercials for drinks from another time decorate the walls, in accordance with the symbol of the bar, a man dressed in a trench-coat in the style of the 40s. A white tiled stove stands guard in a corner and a center placed stage assures that everyone can see the concert of the evening. They have rock, jazz and blues concerts, call for reservations. Tall paper lamps illuminate the white walls and wooden floors create quite an intimate atmosphere. Lucky 13 is a popular place, lots of people at the bar and some evenings all the tables are reserved but usually if you go around 6 o’clock you should easily find a nice table. Smoking is allowed in Romanian bars and Lucky 13 has thought of non-smokers and prepared a place for them, although it’s rather small and cramped. It is separated from the main room by green screens, and I recommend braving the smoke and enjoying the large ballroom since it is rather well ventilated. It is a classy place, created to make you feel comfortable in an elegant setting, combining the new and old for a perfect spot to relax and drink a variety of coffees and teas. The next recommendation is for those who are in the mood for loud, earthy fun. The bar is famous in Bucharest and most young people will know how to direct you there. I’m talking about the Actors’ Coffeeshop (Cafeneaua actorilor), a place that is also in the center of the city, at University Square, right next to the National Theater and across from the Intercontinental Hotel. This coffee shop is a lively place, the design combines red bricks and new warm wood and for a bit of a bohemian touch, some of the tables and chairs are painted green and orange. The contours

are soft and rounded giving the place an organic feel. This bar, like the one in the Glassmakers’Court, is also big but in quite a different manner, since parts of it are meandering, descending to a cellar and the atmosphere is more like a Hobbit’s hole than the airy and elegant room of Lucky 13. If you come with ten or twelve friends and need space, choose the first room on the right as you enter, it has big windows and is a space that can accommodate all of you at one table. If you want a more intimate setting, then choose one of the tables in page IV

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Bucuresti what, where, when

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The Art of Massage Everyone needs to relax, to escape from the turmoil of everyday life. Although often ignored or viewed as merely recreation, the art of massage is just that, and art as well as a science, and has been growing in popularity and acceptance in our community. Massage involves systematic stroking, rubbing and kneading of the soft tissues of the body in an effort to induce a state of total relaxation. Despite some misconceptions, massage has become more accepted as a means to relieve minor physical problems. Although massage has sometimes been discredited, by advocates of modern medicine, it has recently been growing in acceptance. Massage has been shown to help maintain stability and enhance performance in nearly all of the body's major systems. The muscular, skeletal, circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems can be positively affected by massage. The theory behind massage is the relief of muscle tension, and that relaxation of the body will allow for a faster healing process. Massage can increase and improve circulation to damaged tissue areas. People who play sports know that it is important to stretch and relax muscles for peak performance, and the same idea underlies the massage process. Perhaps the greatest benefit of massage, as any amateur can confirm, is the relaxing effect it can have on tense muscles. The smooth stroking motions and the kneading of muscles relieves tension, loosens joints and improves circulation, all of which are beneficial for good health. Of course it is recommended that people not replace necessary medical treatment with a massage. Sometimes medical conditions that could easily be cured by a simple medical treatment are identified as a simple tight muscle or something similar. Although massage does have positive medical benefits, in most cases it is not a replacement for modern medicine. The history of massage dates back almost as far as recorded history. For thousands of years some form of massage or the â&#x20AC;&#x153;laying on of handsâ&#x20AC;? has been used to helpl the sick. For the ancient Greeks and Romans, massage was one of the principal methods of healing and relieving pain. Generally, if you are in good health and just feeling a little tense, a massage may be a good way to go.. www.bucurestiwww.ro

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the back or the couches downstairs. The Actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Coffeeshop makes for a cozy and full of life retreat in the winter and this has made the place quite popular, so you might want a reservation to be sure you will get a table. You also need a certain amount of patience because the staff generally takes their time with your order and the check but do not let this deter you from enjoying the warm and pleasant atmosphere of the bar or the good food and drinks. They also organize parties, and if you come on the right night you can join in. Also they feature karaoke twice a week, on Wednesday and Sunday, and from Thursday to Saturday you can dance to music carefully selected by their DJ. Or maybe you are not interested in a noisy crowded place but you would like to go somewhere to enjoy a glass of good wine and some refined dishes, all in a private and friendly setting. If so, then try Sale e Pepe (Salt and Peper), a small restaurant on Luterana Street, not too far from the Lutheran Church, behind the Radisson Hotel. They offer Italian specialities and the

Bucuresti what, where, when

service is both quick and pleasant. Their wines are good and you can buy just a glass of wine instead of the usual bottle offered by many restaurants. Sale e Pepe is bigger than it appears, because it has a first floor with couches and tables but the ground floor is much nicer, you can sit at the wooden tables guarded by wood pillars and

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surrounded by, again, old drink posters. All their food is excellent and although you can smoke inside it is well ventilated. These are but a few of the many options Bucharest offers today for travelers and locals alike and every year more interesting places appear, so enjoy your stay and do come back to our city!

Beauty Center Ph.: 021-434-1741 Open: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 22:00

World Class Health Academy: • 90, Calea 13 Septembrie - JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel Ph.: 021-403-0900/01; 0730-848-707 Open: weekdays 6:00 - 23:00, weekends 8:00 - 21:00 • 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-313-1104 • 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Ph.: 0723-691-544

can also find European movies at the French Institute Cinema or the Cinemateca. The row and set number is indicated on your ticket or separate stub. Ticket prices vary from Lei 5 - 35 RON

OPERA & CONCERTS

MUSEUMS Bucharest is a city of history and arts. It probably has more museums per capita than any other capital in the world. Below you’ll find a list of selected museums. Usually there is a nominal entrance fee. Multilingual guides are typically available on request at no charge. Most museums are closed on Mondays.

National Museum of Art of Romania:

49-53, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-314 81 19; 021-313 30 30. Visiting hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11.00 –19.00 (May-September); 10.00 – 18.00 (October-April); Closed: Monday, Tuesday, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 25th December. The National Museum of Art of Romania is housed in the former Royal Palace which is located on Victoriei Avenue, in an area of great architectural and historical value.

CONSTANTA COUNTY

13, Republicii St. - Hotel Europa (Eforie Nord) Ph.: 0241--702-840 / 841; Fax: 0241-741-720 Open: Mon - Sat: 09:00 - 18:00. Sun: 09:00 - 15:00 e-mail: sales@anaspa.ro; www.anahotels.ro

PRAHOVA COUNTY Pro Estetica Sana Bali Spa: 349, Stadionului St., Cornu; Ph./fax: 0244-367-053. Open: 8:00 - 22:00

SHOW BIZ Concerts usually start around 6 pm except for Opera and Musical Comedy matinees which start around 11 am. The Music University of Bucharest presents mostly classic recitals which are usually free of charge. The Opera has an extensive repertoire and enjoys international renown. The Athenaeum hosts concerts featuring the Romanian National and International Philharmonic Orchestras. The Romanian Radio Society organizes concerts in its two halls starting at 7 pm; Generally, individual tickets for opera shows and classic music concerts range between 5 - 15 RON. In Bucharest, cinemas change program every Friday. Movies are shown in their original language with Romanian subtitles. The majority of cinemas show American movies, but one

Atheneul Roman: 6 D 1, Franklin St. Ph.: 021-315-6875; 021-315-2567 National Opera: 7 D 70-72, Mihail Kogalniceanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-6980; 021-311-5254 Sala Radio (Romanian Radio Society):

60-64, G-ral Berthelot St. Ph.: 021-303-1153; 021-314-7770. Sala Palatului: 6 D 1, Cretulescu St. Ph.: 021-315-9710 / ext. 761; 021-315-7372

Teatrul National de Opereta “Ion Dacian”:

The European Art Gallery includes painting, 7D

2, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-313-6348. 6 D 1-3, Franklin St. Ph: 021-315-0024, Box Office: 021-315-6875

George Enescu Philharmonic:

sculpture and decorative art. The most important schools of European art are well represented by works of Domenico Veneziano, Lucas Cranach the Elder, El Greco, Pieter Breughel the Younger, Rembrandt, Monet, Sisley, Rodin and other great names. The Gallery offers an overview of the most important artistic movements that marked art history from the early Renaissance till the first decades of the 20th century. The Medieval Romanian Art Gallery displays works from the 14th to the 19th century: frescoes, icons, embroideries, manuscripts, silver and gold objects and sculptures. The Romanian Modern Art Gallery illustrates the development of Romanian fine arts from the first decades of the 19th century till the second half of the 20th century. It includes works of Aman, Grigorescu, Andreescu, Luchian, Tonitza, Pallady, Petrascu, Brâncusi, Paciurea.

The Village Museum:

28-30, Soseaua Kiseleff. Ph.: 021-224-2759. Open daily 9:00 – 17:00 Monday closed. One of the most valuable ethnographic museums in the world. A creation of sociologist Dimitrie

Bucuresti what, where, when

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Gusti in 1936, the outdoor museum covers 30 hectares with over 70 exhibits of houses, 99 auxiliary buildings, churches and traditional techniques and utensils (water and windmills, oil presses, etc) from all of the country’s provinces. Folkloric art collections and souvenirs.

Art Collections Museum:

“George Enescu” Museum:

141, Calea Victoriei. Ph. 021-212-9649. Open daily 10:00–17:00; closed Monday. Houses collections illustrating the history of music composition and documents from the life of eminent Romanian musician and composer George Enescu.

The Observatory:

111, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021- 211.17.49, 021- 212.96.41. Visiting hours: Saturday- Wednesday 11.00 –19.00 (May-September); 10.00 – 18.00 (October-April); Closed: Thursday, Friday, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 25th December. Founded in 1978, the museum houses previously private collections that have been donated to the state in the course of time. They mirror accurately the development of Romanian art in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries giving a fair view of the history of taste and of the economic power of native Romanian collectors. European as well as Oriental art works are also present

The Museum of Bucharest City:

21, Lascar Catargiu Blvd. Ph.: 021-212-9644. It includes both a science fiction and an astronomic club. This small museum of Romanian history of astronomy is worth visiting.

DRIVING IN ROMANIA

2, I.C. Bratianu Blvd. Ph: 021-31025.62, 021-3156858. Open daily 10.00 -18.00, Closed: Monday and Tuesday. In the heart of the Capital, very close to the University Square, the outstanding building of Sutu Palace, a monument dating back to 1838, hosts this Museum of Bucharest City's History. You will find here collections of archaeology, numismatics, photography, maps, documents, paintings, drawings, funeral stones, coats of arms, furniture, uniforms, flags, costumes and many others.

National Cotroceni Museum:

1, Geniului Blvd. Ph. 021-430-4485. Open daily 9:30–17:30 ; closed Monday.Reconstructing the atmosphere of the Mediavale Cotroceni Church (17th Century) and the old Royal Residence of King Ferdinand, Cotroceni Museum is a valuable architectural and historic site. Works of art for sale.

The legal speed limit is 50 km/hr in cities, 90 km/hr outside the city and 120 km/hr on highways. Driving above these limits will result in fines with the possibility of losing your license. Most international driving licenses are accepted in Romania, but check with the rental company to be sure. Some rental car companies also provide the service of hiring a car with a driver. A blood alcohol level of any kind is not tolerated, and talking on a cell phone while driving is also prohibited.

RENT A CAR Cars can be rented in a variety of places. Several offices are available in the Arrivals Hall at the Otopeni International Airport and most upscale hotels. Major cities in Romania are also covered for both pick-up and collection services. Active Rent a Car: Reservations: Ph.: 0727-644-644 www.active-rentacar.ro Avis: Reservations: Ph.: 021-210-4344, 021-210-4345; Fax: 021-210-6912. www.avis.ro; reservations@avis.ro Bavaria Rent a Car: Reservations: Ph.: 021-201-4534; 0730-333-705. www.bavariarent.ro

Head Office: Ph.: 021-312-9857; 0744-586-724; 0744-638-292. Fax: 021-312-9982. www.compact-rentacar.ro Compact Premium: Head Office: Ph.:021- 312-9857; 0744-586-724; 0744-638-292. Fax: 021-312-9982. www.compact-rentacar.ro

Reservations: Ph.: 021-335-7533; Fax:021-335-7532 reservations@hertz.com.ro; www.hertz.com.ro www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

AIRPORTS Henri Coanda International Airport: – for international and domestic flights. Ph.: Switchboard: (+4021) 204-1000 Customs: ext.: 1514 ; Lost luggage: ext. 1043 Airport Police: ext.: 1523 Aurel Vlaicu Airport (Baneasa): – for domestic and international flights. Ph.: (+4021) 9371, 021-232-0020 ext.: 131.

Transportation to/from Henri Coanda Airport: RATB: City Bus #783 Connecting Otopeni to the City center. Important stops: Pullman Hotel, Piata Victoriei, Piata Romana, Piata Unirii.

TAXI SERVICES Airport taxis are available at the arrivals hall but they may charge you 3 to 10 times as much as a Bucharest regular taxi. Euro Fly Taxi is the official airport taxi, and they are queued outside Henri Coanda Airrivals terminal. If not, call 9440. The average price from Haenri Coanda Airport to Bucharest: 15 Euros.

CITY TAXI SERVICES

Scala: 2-4, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6708

Studio: 29, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-5526

CULTURAL INSTITUTES

You can olso call a city taxi by phoning one of these numbers: 9427, 9439, 9451, 9425, 9435, 9444, 9422. Prices vary from one taxi company to another.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Relatively safe and efficient, Bucharest’s public transport system covers the entire city with buses, tramways, trolleys and metro (subway) services, operating from 5 a.m. to midnight. Tickets and magnetic cards can be bought at RATB kiosks, located on the main thoroughfares in the city, for ground transportation, and in every Metro station for the underground network. Bus, Tram, Trolleys – LEI 1,30 per ticket, LEI 8,00 for one-day pass, LEI 50,00 for a monthly pass. EXPRESS buses use a magnetic card. Metro – LEI 2,20 for two-fare pass, LEI 8,00 for tenfare pass, LEI 4,00 for one-day pass, LEI 23,00 - for a monthly passcard.

CINEMAS

Learning French, English, Italian or German is what you wanted for so long but you never had the time to do it? The cultural institutes in Bucharest have language classes to suite your learning appetite. Many of them also have impotrant libraries and mediateques highlighting the culture they represent. Subscriptions to the cultural centres’ libraries can vary from 10 to 30 Euro. British Council 6 D : 14, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph. 021-307-9600. Fax: 021-307-9601/01 Open 09-19, Sat. 09-13, Sun closed. Goethe Institut (German Institute) 6 C : 22, Henri Coanda St. Ph. 021-311-97-62; 021-311-97-82. Fax: 021-312-05-85; Open Mon - Thu 10-18, Fri 10-15. Free lending library program. German language courses available. L'Institut Français (French Institute) 6 E :

CinemaPro: 3, Ion Ghica St. Ph.: 031-824-1360 Cinemateca: • Sala Eforie. 2, Eforie St. Ph.: 021-313-0483 • Sala Union. 21, Ion Campineanu St. Ph.: 021-313-9289 Cityplex: 5, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-315-1334 Corso: City Mall, 3rd floor; 2, Soseaua Oltenitei. Ph.: 021-319-8226 Europa: 127, Calea Mosilor. Ph.: 021-314-2714 Festival: 34, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-315-6384 French Institute “Elvira Popescu”: 77, Dacia Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-9930 Glendale Studio: 9, Cotroceni Ave. Ph.: 021-316-3286 Hollywood Multiplex: Bucuresti Mall. 55-59, Calea Vitan; Ph.: 021-327-7020 / 22 Movieplex Cinema: Plaza Romania. 26, Timisoara Blvd.; Ph.: 021-407-8300 Patria: 12-14, Magheru Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-9266

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

77, Dacia Blvd. Ph. 021-316-38-36; 021-316-02-24. Fax: 021-316-02-25; Open 10-20.30, Fri 10-14. Sat, Sun Closed. Theatre & film hall Elvire Popesco. Exhibition hall. Huge books, magazines, CDs and videotapes libraries. Internet café. French bistro. Language courses available. Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Institute) 7 E : 12, Serghiescu St. Ph. 021-210-27-37; 021-210-47-27; 0921-210-6777; Fax: 021-210-77-67; Open Mon-Fri 09-19. Sat & Sun closed. Library & Spanish language courses available

HOTELS See our list featuring a growing number of hotels in Bucharest, from top-of-the-line, five-star international hotels to local Bed & Breakfasts. All telephone numbers are in area code 021 (+4021 if calling from abroad). See map (page 22) for the letter/number coordinates.

AMBASADOR ★★★ 6 D : 8-10, Magheru Blvd. ph: +40-21-315-9080; fax:+40-21-312-3595

ANGELO AIRPORTHOTEL BUCHAREST ★★★★: 283, Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. ph: +40-21-203-6500; fax: +40-21-203-6530

ARMONIA ★★★★

: 112, Calea Mosilor,

ph: +40-21-312-0477; fax: +40-21-312-0406.

ATHENÉE PALACE HILTON BUCHAREST ★★★★★ 6 D : 1-3, Episcopiei St. ph: +40-21-303-3777; fax: +40-21-315-2121. 7 E : 5, Piata Rosetti ph: +40-21-312-5784; fax: +40-21-312-6547.

BANAT ★★

RAMADA - PARC ★★★★

: 3-5 Poligrafiei Blvd.

ph: +40-21-549-2000; fax: +40-21-549-2330 7 D : 29, Calea Victoriei ph: +40-21-313-9440; fax: +40-21-312-4169

CAPITOL ★★★

CAROL PARC HOTEL ★★★★★

9 D : 23-25, Aleea

Suter , ph: +40-21-336-3377; fax: +40-21-336-3736 2 E : 164A, Barbu Vacarescu St. ph: +40-21-208-6100; fax: +40-21-208-6101;

CARO ★★★

CASA CAPSA ★★★★★

: 36, Calea Victoriei

ph: +40-21-313-4038 4 C : 44, Emanoil Porumbaru St. ph: +40-21-222-5723, +40-21-222-9626 fax: +40-21-222-9436

CASA VICTOR ★★★★

CENTRE VILLE APARTHOTEL ★★★★

6D:

George Enescu St. and Luterana St. crossing ph: +40-21-305-3666; fax: +40-21-312-0927 7 D : 13, Brezoianu St, ph/fax: +40-21-315-5636/37.

CENTRAL ★★★

1 B : 30A, Gârlei St. ph: +40-21-233-2814; fax: +40-21-233-2886

CLASS ★★★★

CONFORT OTOPENI ★★★: 255A, Calea Bucuresti ph: +40-21-350-4110 - 16 ; fax: +40-21-350-4117 - 18. 7F

CONFORT TRAIAN ★★★

: 55, Traian St.

ph.: +40-21-308-3153/4; fax: +40-21-308-3155. 2 A 1, Poligrafiei St. ph.: +40-21-224-0034; fax: +40-21-318-1302

Crowne Plaza ★★★★★

DALIN ★★★

9 D : 70-72, Marasesti Blvd.

ph.: +40-21-335-6306 ; fax: +40-21-336-6284

DALIN CENTER ★★★

: 33A, Soseaua Stefan cel

Mare. ph.: +40-21-211-0070

DUKE HHH

: 33, Dacia Blvd,

ph: +40-21-317-4186/87/88; fax: +40-21-317-4189. www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

EURO HOTELS INTERNATIONAL ★★★

IBIS Gara de Nord ★★★

4, Ghe. Polizu St. ph: +40-21-316-88-39; fax: +40-21-316-8360

EURO HOTELS INT’L TRIUMF ★★★

4B:

IBIS Palatul Parlamentului ★★★

32-34, Maresal Averescu Blvd. ph: +40-21-224-5496; fax: +40-21-224-5554 1 + 2 D : 27, Av. Alex Serbanescu St., ph: +40-21-232-6856, +40-21-232-6857. fax: +40-21-232-6527.

ERBAS ★★★

GOLDEN TULIP BUCHAREST ★★★★

166, Calea Victoriei. ph: +40-21-212-5558; fax: +40-21-212-5121

8 C : 82-84,

Izvor St., ph: +40-21-401-1000; fax: +40-21-402-2898. One IBIS reservation: +40-21-401-1011

INTER-CONTINENTAL ★★★★★

7D:

4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd., ph: +40-21-310-2020; fax: +40-21-312-0486.

JW MARRIOTT BUCHAREST GRAND HOTEL ★★★★★ 8 B :

GOLDEN TULIP TIMES ★★★★

7 G : 19, Decebal

Blvd. ph: +40-21-316 6516; fax: +40-21-316-6517

GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL ★★★★

90, Calea 13 Septembrie, ph: +40-21-403-1012; fax: +40-21-403-1001. 6 C : 25, Occidentului St., ph: +40-21-210-1274; fax: +40-21-319-0910.

LEV OR ★★★

5 D : 25 Albac St., ph./fax: +40-21-231-6006.

GRAFFITI ★★★

56, Calea Victoriei ph.: +40-372-010-300; fax: +40-372-010 301.

7E : 2, Dr. Emanoil Bacaloglu St. ph: +40-21-314-0880; fax: +40-21-314-0888

MARSHAL ★★★★

HOWARD JOHNSON GRAND PLAZA HOTEL ★★★★★ 6 D 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor,

MINERVA ★★★★

ph: +40-21-201-5000; fax: +40-21-201-1888.

ph: +40-21-311-1555; fax: +40-21-312-3963

6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei, ph: +40-372-121-800; fax: +40-372-121-801 reservation: +40-372-716-464

MONTE NELLY ★★★★

HELLO HOTELS ★★

HERASTRAU ★★★

6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei,

ph: +40-21-300-9100; fax: +40-21-300-9098. reservation: +40-21-401-1011

2 C : 7-9, Soseaua Nordului,

ph: +40-21-232-9666; fax: +40-21-203-9923.

5 C : 2-4, Gh. Manu St.,

: 30, Corbeni St.,

ph: +40-21-211-0979; fax: +40-21-211-0980

NOVOTEL BUCAREST CITY CENTRE ★★★★

37B, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-308-8500; fax: +40-21-308-8501

NH BUCHAREST ★★★★

8 E : 21, Mircea Voda

Blvd., ph: +40-21-300-0545; fax: +40-21-317-9154

OPERA ★★★ 7 D : 37, Brezoianu St., ph: +40-21-312-4857; fax: +40-21-312-4858.

PARLIAMENT ★★★★

8 C : 106, Izvor St.,

ph: +40-21-411-9990; fax: +40-21-411-9991 2 B : 10, Piata Montreal, ph: +40-21-318-3000; fax +40-21-316-2550

PULLMAN ★★★★

RADISSON SAS ★★★★★ 6 D : 63-81, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-311-9000; fax: +40-21-313-9000

RAMADA BUCHAREST NORTH ★★★★

2C:

44A, Daniel Danielopolu St., ph: +40-21-233-5000; fax: +40-21-233-5001;

RAMADA MAJESTIC BUCHAREST ★★★★ 7 D : 38-40, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-310-2715, +40-21-312-1967; fax: +40-21-310-2799

RAMADA PLAZA BUCHAREST ★★★★★ 2 B : 3-5, Poligrafiei Blvd., ph: +40-21-549-3000; fax: +40-21-549-3001 7F : 159, Calea Calarasilor, ph: +40-21-320-0173 / 83; fax: +40-21-322-0811

RAZVAN ★★★

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

REMBRANDT ★★★ 7 D : 11 Smardan St., ph/fax: +40-21-313-9315, +40-21-313-9316.

RESIDENCE ★★★

4 B : 19, Clucerului St.,

ph: +40-21-223-1978; fax: +40-21-222-9046

RIN OTOPENI ★★★★ : 255A, Calea Bucuresti, ph: +40-21-350-4110/16; fax: +40-21-350-4117/18

RIN GRAND ★★★★ : 7D, Soseaua Vitan-Barzesti ph: +40-31-106-1111; 0731-111-000 3 A : 319C, Ion Mihalache Blvd., ph: +40-21-224-0282/83; fax: +40-21-224-0284

SAMAA ★★★

7C : 59A, Calea Plevnei, ph: +40-21-319-5160; 319-5161; fax: +40-21-319-5162

SIQUA ★★★

STARLIGHT SUITE HOTELS ★★★★

5D:

89-97, Grigore Alexandrescu St., ph/fax: +40-21-211-3413 / 14 7E : 19, Armand Calinescu St., ph: +40-21-310-1216; fax: +40-21-310-1241

TEMPO ★★★

TRIANON ★★★ 9, Grigore Cobalcescu St., ph: +40-21-311-4927; fax: +40-21-316-2281 TULIP INN Bucharest City ★★★★

3A, Nerva Traian St. ph: +40-21-200-6270; fax: +40-21-200-6273

VENEZIA ★★★★

: 2, Pompiliu Eliade St.,

ph: +40-21-310-6878; fax: +40-21-310-6873

VICTORIA ★★ : 16, St. Gabriela Szabo St., ph: +40-21-434-3075.

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

• INT’L. ORGANIZATIONS • LOCAL INSTITUTIONS • BUSINESS CONNECTIONS • AIRLINES • TRAINS • EMBASSIES • BANKS

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS United Nations Information Centre: UN House, 48A, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-201-78-77; Fax: 021-201-78-80. www.un.ro UNICEF: 48A, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-201-78-72; Fax: 021-231-52-55. www.unicef.ro World Bank: 2-4, Armand Calinescu St. Ph.: 021-201-03-11 International Monetary Fund: 7, Halelor St., 2nd floor (Unirii Sq.) Ph.: 021-311-58-33; 031-805-70-40 Fax: 021-318-14-10. www.fmi.ro European Bank for Reconstruction EBRD: 8, Orlando St. Ph.: 021-202-71-00; Fax: 021-202-71-10. www.ebrd.com Delegation of the European Union: 18, Jules Michelet St. Ph.: 021-203-54-00; Fax: 021-212-88-08. www.infoeuropa.ro

ment: 24, Carol I Blvd. Ph.: 021-307-85-00. www.mapam.ro Ministry of Communication and Information Technology: 14, Libertatii Blvd. Ph./Fax: 021-311-41-21; www.mcti.ro Ministry of Economy & Finance: 152, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-202-51-06; Fax: 021-202-5108. www.mfinante.ro Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 31, Aleea Alexandru Ph.: 021-319-21-08; 021-319-21-25; Fax: 021-319-68-62. www.mae.ro Ministry of Public Finance: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 021-202-52-34; Fax: 021-202-52-39. www.minind.ro Ministry of Justice: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 021-314-44-00. www.just.ro

Ministry of Labor, Family and Equal Opportunities: 2-4, Dem I. Dobrescu St. Ph.: 021-313-62-67; www.mmuncii.ro

LOCAL INSTITUTIONS Presidency of Romania: 1-3, Geniului St., Palatul Cotroceni; Ph.: 021-410-05-81; Fax: 021-410-38-58 . www.presidency.ro Chamber of Deputies: Palace of Parliament, 2-4, Izvor St; Ph.: 021-316-03-00; Fax: 021-316-03-34 021-414-11-11. www.cdep.ro Senate of Romania: Palace of Parliament, 1-3, Calea 13 Septembrie; Ph.: 021-402-11-11; Fax: 021-316-03-34; www.senat.ro Government of Romania: 1, Victoriei Sq. Ph.: 021-314-34-00; 021-313-15-64. www.gov.ro

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Develop-

Ministry of Defense: 3-5, Izvor St. Ph.: 021-402-3400; Fax: 021-319-56-98. www.mapn.ro

Ministry of Transport: 38, Dinicu Golescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-319-61-24; Fax: 021-313-88-69. www.mt.ro

Ministry of Interior Affairs and Administrative Reform: 1A, Revolutiei Sq. Ph.: 021-303-70-80; 021-314-10-50. www.mira.gov.ro

Ministry of Education, Research and Youth: 28-30, G-ral Berthelot St. Ph.: 021-405-6200. ww.w.edu.ro

Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Companies, Trade, Tourism & Liberal Professions: 11, Poterasi St. Ph.: 021-336-1451; Fax: 021-336-18-43. www.mimmc.ro

Ministry of Public Health: 1-3, Cristian Popisteanu Entr. Ph.: 021-307-25-00; 021-307-26-75. www.ms.ro Ministry of Development, Public Works & Housing: 17, Apolodor St. Ph.: 037-211-14-09. www.mie.ro

Ministry of Environment & Sustainable Development: 12, Libertatii Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-02-15; 021-316-38-74. www.mmediu.ro Ministry of Culture & Cults: 30, Kiseleff Ave. Ph./Fax: 021-224-2510. www.cultura.ro

ANAT -National Association of Travel Agencies In Romania: 16, Splaiul Unirii. Ph.: 021-312-68-43; 021-312-08-02. Fax: 021-312-19-08. www.anat.ro

The Prefect's Office of Bucharest: 47, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-312-65-25; 9866 www. prefecturabucuresti.ro Bucharest City Hall: 24, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-305-55-00. www.pmb.ro Sector 1: 7-9, Banu Manta Blvd. Ph.: 021-319-10-13 to 17. Fax: 021-319-10-06; www.primariasector1.ro Sector 2: 11-13, Chiristigilor St. Ph.: 021-209-6000. Fax: 021-209-62-82. www.ps2.ro Sector 3: 2-4, Parfumului St. Ph.: 021-318-03-23 to 29. www.sector3primarie.ro

Sector 4: 6-16, George Cosbuc Blvd. Ph.: 021-335-9230. www.ps4.ro Sector 5: 29-31, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-46-80; Fax: 021-311-04-65

Sector 6: 147-149, Calea Plevnei; Ph.: 021-318-0148. Fax: 021-318-01-52. www.primarie6.ro

MOVING COMPANIES AGS Bucharest: 9, Pipera St., entr. 2, 2E Building, 3rd floor, apt. 11. Ph.: 021-201-17-91; Fax: 021-232-52-89; www.ags-worldwide-movers.com Allied Pickfords: 29,Topraisar St. Ph.: 021-221-95-46; Fax: 021-221-94-42. www.alliedintl.com Corstjens Bucharest: 7-9, Intrarea Gherghitei Ph.: 021-240-37-02; Fax: 021-240-37-03. www.corstjens.com De Groot IRS: 20, Parangului St. Ph.: 021-224-25-63; Fax: 021-668-64-25. www. degroot.ro Orbit Worldwide Movers: T98, T370 Bucuresti Urziceni, Afumati, Ilfov; Ph.: 021-350-15-00; Fax: 021-350-15-01. www.beinoglou.gr

FOREIGN TRADE CHAMBERS The American Chamber of Commerce: Union International Center; 11, Ion Campineanu St. Ph.: 021-312-48-34; Fax: 021-312-48-51. www.amcham.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Deutsch - Rum채nische Industrie und Handelskammer Bukarest: 35, Clucerului St., 2rd floor Ph.: 021-223-15-31; Fax: 021-223-15-38. www.ahkrumaenien.ro

Japan External Trade Organization: IBC Modern - 34-36, Carol Blvd. 5th floor; Ph.:021-310-68-01/02. www.jetro.go.jp Foreign Investors Council: 11-13, Kiseleff Ave., ING Building, Ph.: 021-222-19-31; Fax:021-222-19-32. www.fic.ro French T.I.C.C. in Romania: 4, Vasile Conta St. Ph.: 021-311-09-13; Fax: 031-8161-580. www.ccifer.ro Romania Russia T.I.C.C.: 27-29, George Enescu St. Ph/Fax: 021-311-09-13 Romania Turkey T.I.C.C.: 1, Libertatii Blvd, Ph.: 021-336-97-22 Romania China T.I.C.C.: 28, Ion Cimpineanu St. Ph.: 021-313-51-14; 0744-518-344; Fax: 021-312-13-71. Source: Bilateral Chambers of Commerce and Industry Union

NATIONAL AGENCIES T.I.C.C. of Romania: 2, Octavian Goga Blvd., Ph.: 021-319-01-14 / 18. www.ccir.ro

National Trade Registery Office: 74A, Unirii Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-08-04; Fax: 021-316-08-03. www.onrc.ro Bucharest Office of Trade Registery: 1, Sectorului Entr. Ph.: 021-316-08-20; 021-316-08-24. www.onrc.ro Romanian Foreign Trade Center: 17, Appolodor St. Ph.: 021-318-50-50; Fax: 021-311-14-91. www.traderom.ro Romanian Agency for Foreign Investments: 22, Primaverii Blvd. Ph.: 021-233-9103.

LAWYERS Kinstellar: 8, Nicolae Iorga St. Ph.: 021-307-15-00; Fax: 021-307-15-55.

Mazars - Duncea, Stefanescu & Asociatii SCA: 31B, Economu Cezarescu St. Ph.: 031-229-26-00; Fax: 031-229-26-01. www.mazars.ro

Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen: Bucharest Business Park, Entr.A, 4th floor1A, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti. Ph.: 021-201-1200; Fax: 021-201-1210. www.nndkp.com Pachiu & Associates: 4-10, Muntii Tatra St., 5th floor. Ph: 021-312-10-08; Fax: 021-312-10-09. www.pachiu.com

Rubin Meyer Doru & Trandafir affiliated with Herzfeld&Rubin, P.C.: 7, Putu cu Plopi St. Ph.: 021-311-14-60; Fax: 021-311-14-65. www.hr.ro

Salans-Moore, Vartires & Associates SCA: 28-C, General C. Budisteanu St. Ph.: 021-312-49-50; Fax: 021-312-49-51. www.salans.com

Vasile Deleanu Attorneys at Law Member of Warwick Legal Network: 2, Maresal Josef Pilsudski Entrance. Ph.: 021-201-66-84; Fax: 021-201-66-85.

www.deleanu.ro

Wood Oltenasu & Associates SCPA: 11-13, Kiseleff Ave. Ph: 021-222-88-88; Fax: 021-223-44-44

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Cosmote: 9-9A, Dimitrie Pompei Blvd., Building 19, Southern Wing, 1st floor; Ph.: 021-404-12-34; 0766-12-12-34; Fax: 021-413-75-30. www.cosmote.ro Orange Romania S.A.: 51-53, Lascar Catargiu Blvd., Europe House. Ph.: 021-203-30-30; 021-203-33-33; Fax: 2021-03-35-99. www.orange.ro RCS &RDS: 73-75, Dr. N. Staicovici St. Ph.: 031-400-44-40; Fax: 031-400-44-41. 031-400-60-60 for outside Bucharest Romtelecom: 1B, Garlei St. Ph.: 930; Fax: 925. www.romtelecom.ro Telemobil (Zapp): 11-15, Tipografilor St., Building B3-B4, 5th floor; Ph.: 021-402-44-44; Fax: 021-402-32-56. www.zapp.ro UPC Romania: 62D, Soseaua Nordului; Ph.: 9399; 031-100-04-00. www.upc.ro Vodafone Romania: 4A, Vasile Milea Blvd. Ph.: 021-302-22-22; Fax: 021-302-14-13. www.vodafone.ro

SCHOOLS The following English-speaking schools are located in Bucharest: International British School: 21-23, Agricultori St. Ph. 021-252-37-04, International Nursery School: 119, Sos. Nordului. Ph. 021-232-69-03, Mark Twain International School: 25B, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Ph.0724-000-900; 021-267-89-12, Lauder Reut Kindergartden: 15, Barsch Iuliu St. American International School: 196, Soseaua Pipera-Tunari. Ph.: 021-204-43-00 International School of Bucharest: 428, Mihai Bravu St. Ph. 021-327-54-32.

MAIL SERVICES Cargus: 1, Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph.: 9330; Fax: 021-351-02-00. DHL International Romania: 85-87, Emanoil Porumbaru St. Ph.: 021-222-17-77; Fax: 021-222-17-66. Federal Express Romania: 13, Fermei St., Otopeni Ph.: 021-201-48-22; Fax: 021-201-48-27. Pegasus/Airborne Express: 13, Soseaua Iancului. Ph.: 021-250-93-60; Fax: 021-256-95-04. Posta Rapida/Express Mail: 140, Dacia Blvd. Ph.: 021-200-75-00. TNT Express Worldwide: 1A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti, BBP, Corp C; Ph.: 021-303-45-67; Fax: 021-303-45-43. UPS - United Parcel Service: 81-83, Calea 13 Septembrie, Bl. 77 AB; Ph.: 021-410-06-04; Fax: 021-410-99-10. www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

AIRLINES

TRAINS Romanian railroad is very reliable. We suggest you always travel first class. Tickets can be bought at the station or from an agency (10, Domnita Anastasia, ph: 021-313-2644 [7D]). For information call 01860-0952; for reservation call special # 9522. www.cfr.ro

Dacia R366 Bucharest - Budapest - Vienna 16:10 05:32 09:00

Karpathy R388 Bucharest - Krakow - Warsaw 19:35 05:30 22:54

Muntenia R372 Bucharest - Budapest - Zagreb - Venice 00:20 14:12 23:55 09:18

Intercities Bucharest - Brasov 09:30 12:26 (IC 537) 20:30 22:58 (IC 539) Bucharest - Constanta 07:14 09:40 (IC 581) 13:20 17:16 (IC 583) Bucharest - Timisoara 05:47 13:20 (IC 591) 15:45 23:06 (IC 593) Bucharest - Cluj 13:30 20:52 (IC 531) Bucharest - Iasi 06: 00 12:29 (IC 561) 18:00 23:43 (IC 563)

Bucuresti what, where, when

EUROJET AVIATION: 5 C 24, Sev-

port. Ph: 021-204-19-68; 021-201-45-50 AEROFLOT: 5C 5, Gheorghe Manu St. Ph: 021-315-03-14; Fax: 021-312-51-52 AIR FRANCE: 6 C 85, Calea Buzesti, 2nd floor. Ph: 021-206-92-00; Fax: 021-206-92-11. AIR MALTA (GSA): 1 B Baneasa Int’l Airport, 14-22, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti. call centre: Ph: 021-201-18-52/2, Fax: 021-201-18-53 AIR MOLDOVA: 7 E 3, Toma Caragiu St. Ph: 021-312-08-22 ALITALIA: 1, Louis Blanc St. Ph: 021-318-76-65; 021-318-76-61. AUSTRIAN AIRLINES: 6 D 9A, Aleea Alexandru. Ph: 021-204-45-60; Fax: 021-204-84-28 BALKAN AIR (GSA): 6 D 5-7, Eugen Carada St. Ph: 021-314-39-45; Fax:021-314-39-49 BRITISH AIRWAYS: 6 D 15, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-303-22-22; Fax: 021-303-22-11. CSA: 7 D 27, Uruguai St., 1st floor. Ph: 021-223-32-05; Fax: 021-223-08-84. DELTA AIRLINES (GSA): 5 C America House 1st floor. 4-8, Sos. N. Titulescu; Ph: 021-313-35-82; EL AL: 1, Dimitrie Cantemir Blvd. Ph: 021-317-88-60/61 Fax: 021-317-88-62 EMIRATES (GSA): 5C 57, Dr. Iacob Felix St, 1st floor; Ph: 031-403-5030

astopol St; Ph: 0745-003-604; Fax: 021-314-0893 ION TIRIAC AIR: 2 B Sos BucurestiPloiesti, Km 16,5; Ph: 021-230-6081, Fax: 021-204-2224

SAS Scandinavian Airlines (GSA): 5C 57, Dr. Iacob Felix St, 1st floor; Ph: 031-403-5040; Fax: 031-403-5049 KLM: 85, Buzesti St., 2nd floor, Ph: 021-206-9222; 0800-070377; Fax: 021-206-9211. LUFTHANSA: 6 D 9A, Aleea Alexandru, Ph: 021-204-84-10. Fax: 021-204-84-24. LOT: 6 D 41, Gh. Magheru Blvd., Ph: 021-314-1096; 021-317-4228 MALEV: 9 G PGV Tower - 6-6A, Calea Vitan, Ph: 021-326-8072/73; Fax: 021-326-8074. OLYMPIC AIRLINES: 6 D 6, Anastase Simu St., 1st floor, ap. 18; Ph.: 021-316-6360; Fax: 021-316-6365.

REGIONAL AIR SERVICES - AIR TAXI: Ph.: 0745-058-654; 0742-055-095

SN BRUSSELS AIRLINES (GSA): 1 B Baneasa Int’l Airport; Call centre: 021-201-1851/2; Fax: 021-201-1853.

SWISS INT’L AIR LINES:

All the above trains leave from Gara de Nord.

PRIVATE FLIGHTS

AEGEAN: Henri Coanda Int’l Air-

Ph: 021-312-0238; Fax: 021-212-5774 TAROM: 7 C 17, Splaiul Independentei. Ph: 021-303-4400; Fax: 021-316-44-44. TURKISH AIRLINES: 6 D 35A, Balcescu Blvd., Ph: 021-311-3210, Fax: 021-311-2920.

www.bucurestiwww.ro

BANKS ALPHA BANK: Neocity Tower. 237 B, Calea Dorobantilor, 3rd-9th floors; Ph: 021-209-2100; Fax: 021-231-6570; BANK OF CYPRUS: 187 B, Calea Dorobantilor, Ph: 021-409-9100

BANCA COMERCIALA ROMANA: 5, Regina Elisabeta Blvd. Ph. 0801-0801-22; Fax: 021-407-4200

BANCA ITALO ROMENA GRUPPO VENETO BANCA: 1, Dimitrie Cantemir Blvd. Ph. 021-317-1311; 021-317-1314; Fax: 021-317-1316 BANC POST: 6 - 6A, Calea Vitan. Ph. 0800-110-200 Banca Romaneasca: Member of the NBG; 35, Unirii Blvd. Ph.: 021-305-9300; Fax: 021-305-9191

BANCA C.R. FIRENZE ROMANIA: 55, Unirii Blvd. Ph. 021-201-1930; Fax: 021-201-1931

BRD - GROUPE SOCIETE GENERALE: 1-7, Ion Mihalache Blvd. Ph. 0800-803-803; 021-301-6100 Fax: 021-301-6636 CEC BANK: 11-13, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-311-1119; 0800.800.8488; Fax: 021-312-5425 CITIBANK ROMANIA: 8, Iancu de Hunedoara Blvd. Ph: 021-203-5550; Fax: 021-203-5565 CREDIT EUROPE BANK: 26Z, Timisoara Blvd. Ph: 021-406-4000; Fax: 021-317-2066 EMPORIKI BANK: 19, Berzei St. Ph. 021-310-3955; Fax: 021-310-3991 GARANTI BANK INT’L: Floreasca II Business Center, 40-44, Banu Antonache St. Ph: 021-230-8430; 021208-9260 Fax. 021-318-5690 ING BANK: 11-13, Kiseleff Blvd.Ph: 021-209-1798; Fax: 021-222-1401 LIBRA BANK: 11, Grigore Mora St. Ph. 021-208-8000; Fax: 021-230-6565 MARFIN BANK ROMANIA: 90-92, Emanoil Porumbaru St. Ph. 021-2064230; Fax: 021-206-4280 OTP BANK ROMANIA: 66-69, Buzesti St. Ph.: 021-307-5700; Fax: 021-307-5730 PIRAEUS BANK ROMANIA: 34-36, Carol I Blvd., ground floor & 3rd floor. Ph.: 021-303-6969; Fax: 021-303-6909 RAIFFEISEN BANK: 15, Charles de Gaulle Sq. Ph. 021-306-1000; Fax: 021-230-0700 ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND: 10, Montreal Sq., World Trade Center 2nd floor. Ph.: 021-202-0400 Call center: 0801-022-622 UNICREDIT TIRIAC BANK: 23-35, Ghetarilor St. Ph: 021-200-2000

VOLKSBANK ROMANIA: 171, Soseaua Mihai Bravu. Ph. 021-209-4400

EMBASSIES Albania: 021-211-98-29 Algeria: 021-211-51-50 Argentina: 021-312-17-39 Armenia: 021-319-76-04 Australia: 021-320-98-02 Austria: 021-210-43-54 Azerbaidjan:021-233-24-84 Belarus: 021-223-17-76 Belgium: 021-210-29-69 Brazil: 021-230-78-25 Bulgaria: 021-230-21-59 Canada: 021-307-50-00 Chile: 021-312-73-11 China: 021-232-88-58 Congo: 0740-808-009 Croatia: 021-313-03-69 Cuba: 021-211-87-95 Czech Republic: 021-303-92-30 Denmark: 021-300-08-00 Egypt: 021-211-09-38 Finland: 021-230-75-45 France: 021-303-10-00 Germany: 021-202-98-30 Great Britain: 021-201-72-00 Greece: 021-209-41-70 Hungary: 021-311-00-62 India: 021-211-54-51 Indonesia: 021-312-07-42 Irak: 021-233-90-08 Iran: 021-312-04-93 Israel: 021-318-94-15 Italy: 021-305-21-00 Japan: 021-319-18-90 Jordan: 021-210-47-05 Korea/N: 021-232-96-65 Korea/S: 021-230-71-98 Lebanon: 021-230-03-02 Macedonia: 021-210-08-80 Malaysia: 021-211-38-01 Mexic: 021-210-45-77 Moldova: 021-230-04-74 Morocco: 021-317-41-24 Netherlands: 021-208-60-30 Norway: 021-210-02-74 Nigeria: 021-312-86-85 Pakistan: 021-318-78-73 Palestina: 021-310-74-22 Peru: 021-223-12-53 Philippines: 021-224-80-70 Poland: 021-308-22-00 Portugal: 021-230-41-17 Quatar: 021-233-90-53 Russia: 021-222-31-70 Serbia & Muntenegru: 021-211-98-72 Slovakia: 021-300-61-00 Slovenia: 021-300-27-80 Spain: 021-233-91-90 Sweden: 021-406-71-00 Switzerland: 021-206-16-00 Syria: 021-319-24-67 S Africa: 021-313-37-25 Thailand: 021-311-00-31 Turkey: 021-210-04-07 Ukraine: 021-211-69-86 Uruguay: 021-222-58-74 USA: 021-200-33-00 Vatican: 021-313-94-90 Venezuela: 021-222-58-74 Vietnam: 021-311-16-04

On the following pages, boutiques, major department stores and specialty shops and markets are grouped by the type of product they sell. Most establishments are open Monday to Saturday from 10 or 11 am to 6 or 8 pm closing time. Malls and other boutiques are also open during the weekend, though some may close earlier on Sundays.

SHOPPING CENTERS One can easily find ready-to-wear clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, watches, sportswear, lingerie, perfumes and gifts. Food courts can often be found on or near the premises. These shopping centers might be similar in many ways with those that you are already familiar with. BANEASA SHOPPING CITY: 42D, Sos. Bucuresti-Ploiesti BUCURESTI MALL: 55-59, Calea Vitan 8 F CARREFOUR GALLERY: Autostrada Buc-Pitesti, km 11/12 CITY MALL: 2, Sos.Oltenitei.

COMMERCIAL CENTER FEERIA: 44A, Sos. Bucuresti Ploiesti

COMMERCIAL CENTER ORHIDEEA: 210 - 210 B, Spl. Independentei 6 A

ESPLANADA SHOPPING CENTER: 20, Sos. Vergului.

GRAND ARENA MALL: 12 Metalurgiei Blvd..

GRAND AVENUE SHOPPING GALLERY: 90, Calea 13 Septembrie JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel 8 B

JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA: 103 Bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St.

LIBERTY CENTER: 151-171, Progresului St. 9 C

MARIO PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER: 172, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D MILITARI SHOPPING: 546-560 Iuliu Maniu Blvd.

PLAZA ROMANIA: 26, Timisoara Blvd. RIN GRAND HOTEL SHOPPING GALLERY: 7D , Calea Vitan. UNIREA SHOPPING CENTER: 1, Unirii Square 8 D

WORLD TRADE PLAZA: 10, Montreal Sq. 3 B

CASH & CARRY METRO: • Militari • Baneasa • Berceni • Voluntari

SELGROS: • Pantelimon, 90, Biruintei Blvd; • Baneasa, 55-65, BucurestiPloiesti • Berceni, 92-108, Turnu Magurele St.

HIPERMARKETS AUCHAN: 33A, 1 Decembrie 1918 Blvd. CARREFOUR: • Militari, Autostrada Buc-Pitesti, km11/12. • Colentina, Soseaua Colentina 426 - 426A; • Orhideea, 210, Splaiul Independentei, • Baneasa Feeria, 44A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti • Unirii, 2, Corneliu Coposu Blvd. CORA: • Lujerului, 19, Iuliu Maniu Blvd. • Pantelimon, 20, Sos. Vergului BILLA: • 102-104, Barbu Vacarescu St. • 23, Brasov St. • 24, Postavaru St. IKEA: 42A, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti XXL: 38-40, Soseaua Fundeni

• 27-33, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • 26, Timisoara Blvd. - Plaza Romania SEPHORA: Orhideea Shopping Center CLINIQUE: 100, Calea Victoriei 6 D ESTEE LAUDER: 100, Calea Victoriei

FASHION

Bucuresti Mall C & A: Fashion for Men and Women. Militari Shopping CACHAREL: Fashion for Men. Baneasa Shopping City CASA FRUMOASA: Luxury men’s wear, handmade shoes and exquisite accessories from: Scabal, Brioni, Loro Piana, Santoni, Lorenzini. • 40, Lascar Catargiu Blvd. 5 C • Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery 8 B DISTINTO: Canali • 196, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D ELEGANCE - PARIS: Clasic ladies’ look, warm textures.

INA CENTER: • Unirea Shopping Center (ground floor) 8 E • 27, I Campineanu St. 7 D • 14-16, CA Rosetti St. 6D

• WTC Galleries 3 B • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Esplanada Shopping Center • 103, Erou Iancu Nicolae St. Jolie Ville • Cora Lujerului. PRIVILEGE: • 172, Calea Dorobantilor • Mario Plaza Shopping Center 4D

• Unirea Shopping Center 8 E • Carrefour Militari Gallery, • Carrefour Colentina Gallery, • Selgros Baneasa • Selgros Berceni, • Selgros Pantelimon

BLISS: Valentino, Louis Feraud, Calvin Klein, Lorenzini; 23, Calea Victoriei 7 D BERSHKA: Baneasa Shopping City

BRAY SUITE ANTHOLOGY:

DEPARTMENT STORES Old department stores in Bucharest are in a transition period. Besides specialized departments, it is not unusual to find a large number of small private “Turkish-bazaar” type stands inside. Crowded but convenient because of their diversity, the Bucharest department stores offer low- to mid(sometimes even high-) quality products. GALERIILE VICTORIA: 17, Calea Victoriei 7 D BUCUR OBOR: 2, Soseaua Colentina 5F

SUPERMARKETS There are stores in each section of town that present a complete range of products, from European to American, Arabian and Asian. Many worldwide brands are available. Prices may differ slightly because of the location of the store (downtown – periphery) or the availability of products. GIMA: Bucuresti Mall 8 F MEGA IMAGE: Every neighborhood has one!

COSMETICS & BEAUTY

BEAUTY SHOP: • Bucuresti Mall 8 F www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

Brioni, Emanuel Ungaro, Strenesse, Vicini; 63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D KENVELO: Bucuresti Mall 8 F LANCEL: • Feeria Shopping Center; La Perla: 122, Calea Victoriei 6 D L’ARMOIRE - Concept Store: Special evening & office clothing, limited series or even uniques created by Romanian designers such as: Lena Criveanu, Wilhelmina Arz, Elena Perseil, Irina Marinescu, Dorin Negrau, Sepala by Mihaela Glavan, Kinga Varga, Ludmila Corlateanu, Zasha. 1, Intrarea Noptii with 18, Ion Mihalache Blvd. 5 C LOUIS VUITTON: 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B • 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B •118, Calea Victoriei 6 D

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA - Flagshipstore: Ermenegildo Zegna, Z Zegna, Zegna Sport 63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D GANT: • 52, Calea Victoriei 7 D • Bucuresti Mall • Baneasa Shopping City

GRIFFES: Feraud, Missoni, Giorgio Armani - leg & bodywear, D & G, Roberto Cavalli Class, Roberta Scarpa, Moncler, Calvin Klein Jeans, Vicini, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, Dolce & Gabbana cravatte. 170, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D

GUESS: 87-89, Calea Victoriei 6 D J. KRISTENSEN: Luxury women’s fashion & accessories from: Blumarine,

Specialized men’s apparel • 118, Calea Victoriei 6 D MANGO: • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Plaza Romania MARELLA: 21-23,Calea Victoriei 7 D MARIELLA BURANI: • 21-23, Calea Victoriei 7 D MARKS & SPENCER: • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Orhideea Shopping Center MAXMARA: 122 A, Calea Victoriei 6 D MENGOTTI: Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Etro, Prada, Alessandro dell’Aqua, Cesare Paciotti, Balli, Loro Piana. 4-50, Calea Victoriei 7 D MODA & STYLE: Red Valentino, Valentino, Byblos Blu, Byblos, Roccobarocco, Gianfranco Ferre, Moschino

Cheap & Chic, Moschino Jeans, Mochino, Cerruti, Lanvin, Love Sex Money, Versus, Versace, D&G, Just Cavalli, GF Ferre, Emporio Armani, Giorgio Armani, Diesel, Vicini, Ungaro, Krizia, See by Chloe, Emilio Pucci. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. C.C. Accepted. Tax Free. MOTIVI: • Baneasa Shopping City • Bucuresti Mall 8F • Plaza Romania NAUTICA: Latest collection. • 35, N. Balcescu Blvd. 6 D • City Mall, 1st floor

JEWELRY Gold jewelry with precious and semiprecious stones, silver jewelry, watches, purses and other similar goods from famous designers. CELLINI: Italian art in jewelry • 1-3, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • 16, N. Balcescu Blvd. 7 D DAVID SANDU JEWELRY: 30, Smardan St. 1st floor 7 D FOLLI FOLLIE: Jewellery, Watches & Accessories. • Baneasa Shopping City • City Mall - groundfloor GMT Everytime: Men & women watches: Omega, Mont Blanc, Longines, Revue Thomen, Tissot, Tag Heuer, Rado, Sector, Calvin Klein 172, Calea Dorobantilor 4 D (Mario Plaza Shopping Center) HELVETANSA: Swiss watches: Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Movado, Longines, Piaget, Tissot, Rado, Vacheron Constantin. 88, Calea Victoriei 6 D ZEN DIAMOND: Baneasa Shopping City

OPTICIANS OPTICA MALAGA: Large selection of top designer’s frames. 26, C.A. Rosetti St. 6 D

OPTIPLAZA:

2, Soseaua Oltenitei • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor -55-59, Calea Vitan • Baneasa Shopping City - 42D, Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti • “No 36” Shops PAL ZILERI: 63-81, Calea Victoriei 6 D PEEK & CLOPPENBURG: Armani Collezioni, Hugo Boss, Vogue, Burberry, Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein Jeans, DKNY Jeans • Baneasa Shopping City PULL & BEAR: • Baneasa Shopping City RIVER WOODS: • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Mario Plaza Shopping Center. 4 D

Top designer’s frames, sunglasses, accessories. • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Plaza Romania SOVER: • 102-110, Calea Dorobantilor 5 D • Unirea Shopping Center, Central wing ground floor. 8 D • 18, Vergului St. Cora - Esplanada Shopping Center Granitul • Galeriile Victoria 17, Calea Victoriei 7 D • Sover Medlife 365, Calea Grivitei • Cora - Lujerului • Sover Bucur Obor, 2, Soseaua Colentina

FOOTWEAR CESARE PACIOTTI: •101, Calea Victoriei 6 D • 118, Calea Victoriei 6 D

DEICHMANN: • Militari Shopping • Grand Arena Mall

SEROUSSI, PIERRE CARDIN, BRUNO SAINT HILAIRE: • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F • Plaza Romania • America House - 4-8, N. Titulescu Ave. 5 C • 241, Calea Mosilor (Outlet) STEILMANN: • 1-5, Magheru Blvd 6 D • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall 8 F TERZOATTO: Italian Fashion. 172, Calea Dorobantilor 3 B TIMBERLAND: Latest collection. • 35, N. Balcescu Blvd. 6 D • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza Romania • City Mall, 2, Soseaua Oltenitei • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor - 55-59, Calea Vitan ZARA: • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza Romania

FASHION FOR KIDS KID SELECTIONS: Geox, Harmont & Blaine, Mariella Burani, Phard, Primigi, Tru Trussardi. Commercial Center Feeria Z: Kids fashion. • 112, Calea Victoriei 6 D • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor 8 E • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Unirea Shopping Center 8 D

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

ECCO: Men, women, kids & performance footwear. • Commercial Center Feeria • Baneasa Shopping City GEOX: • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall 8 F HUMANIC: • Baneasa Shopping City • Militari Shopping

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

MIHAI ALBU: Selling his own creations of leathergoods and Deluxe footwear. Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery 8 B OTTER: • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • Unirea Shopping Center 8 D • Commercial Center Feeria • Orhideea Shopping Center 6 A • Militari Shopping • Grand Arena Mall

BOOK STORES NOI: 18, N. Balcescu Blvd.

INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATION ANATOLIAN CARPET BOUTIQUE: Massive silver objects, Romanian Handicraft, glass objects, home life collection. • Carrefour Colentina. 8 D • 31, Soseaua Kiseleff. 4 C • Unirea Shopping Center. CASA MIA: • Mario Plaza Shopping Center. INNOVA: Crystal, design home accessories, home textiles, Christmas decorations, Limoges porcelaine. • 4, Patriei St. 7 D

10, Montreal Sq. 3 B • Henri Coanda Int’l Airport HERVIS SPORTS: • Liberty Center. 9 C • Militari Shopping INTERSPORT: 39, I.C. Bratianu Blvd.

GALERIA NUMISMATICA: Coins,

Antiques, furniture, porcelain, art glass, jewelery, paintings, decorative art, Oriental carpets, old coins, medals, clocks, ikones & collectibles. The knowledgeable staff graciously assists beginnin collectors, corporate interests & seasoned connoisseurs. C.C. accepted. 63-65, Lipscani St., 1st floor.

medals, banknotes-expertise & sale. 35-37, Academiei St. 7 D

HANUL CU TEI - ANTIQUES, ART GALLERY & AUCTION HOUSE: 7 D

KAPPA: City Mall LACOSTE: • Baneasa Shopping City • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F LOTTO: • 225, Calea Mosilor 6 F • Auchan - 33A, 1 Decembrie 1918 Blvd. • City Mall NIKE: • 25, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F • 95, Stirbei Voda St. PUMA: Unirea Shopping Center. 8 E SERGIO TACCHINI: Carrefour - Autostrada Buc.-Pitesti km. 11-12 UMBRO: City Mall

ART GALLERIES

ANTIQUES Make sure you get a signed receipt when buying antiques in Romania. Ask about an export permit as well.

ADIDAS: • 28-30, Magheru Blvd.

ROMARTIZANA: 18-20, Calea Victo-

53, Calea Victoriei

ter • Mario Plaza Shopping Center 4 D • Bucuresti Mall 8 F TOTEM: Handicrafts & decorations from South-East Asia, India, Africa, South America; Aromatherapy items; Jewelery & fashion accessories; Personalized gifts. • Bucuresti Mall 8 F • 1, Unirii Square 8 D

63-65, Lipscani St., 1st floor. HILTON GOLD ART: 1-3 Episcopiei St. Athénée Palace Hilton. ORIZONT: 23A, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. SIMEZA: 20, Magheru Blvd.

• Bucuresti Mall. 8 E • 116-122, Calea Dorobantilor 5 D DECATHLON: Militari Shopping DIADORA: Auchan GBS - WORLD OF BRANDS: Samsonite, Lacoste - accessories, Showroom: • 71, Soseaua Panduri. 8 B (JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel) • World Trade Plaza (Sofitel Hotel)

4, Patriei St. 7 D

CAMINUL ARTEI: 16, Biserica Enei St. GALLERY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART OF ROMANIA: 49HANUL CU TEI - ANTIQUES, ART GALLERY & AUCTION HOUSE:

SPORTS EQUIPMENT & TRAVEL

INSIDE-forever gifts by INNOVA:

riei 7 D

SARRA BLU’: • Unirea Shopping Cen-

ROMANIAN HANDICRAFTS

GIFTS

ART GLASS: 9-11, Selari St. 7 D “CRAII DE CURTEA-VECHE”: Furniture, artifacts, photography, art deco, documents from the last period of the 19th century. 14, Covaci St.

MARKETS IN BUCHAREST

One of the unique and more pleasurable forms of food shopping in Bucharest are the outdoor markets. Due to transportation difficulties, supplies are often copious at one market and non-existent at another. Of the markets listed here, Amzei market has the best selection and prices. It is advisable to bring your own shopping bags when shopping at the outdoor markets.

5 F A huge covered market located behind the Bucur Obor Department Store at the intersection of Calea Mosilor and Calea Stefan cel Mare. Although the selection of goods is big, the market is crowded and appears dirty. Watch your pockets and bags. If you’re looking for a truly Romanian market experience, this is your spot. Pets, including aquarium supplies, are available, as are fishing needs (including live worms, poles, lures). Wooden and woolen goods, ceramics, clothing, as well as plants cut and growing, are available. A large pedigree dog and cat market at least once a month on the street nearest Mosilor is a fun experience.

• PIATA OBOR:

• PIATA AMZEI:

OBART: Vases, glassware and contemporary icons. 20, Magheru Blvd.

STICEROM: Authentic glass artifacts made on the spot at Curtea Sticlarilor, a courtyartd dating back to 1857. 9-11, Selari St.

TOBACCO SHOPS

Located between Calea Victoriei and Blvd. Magheru near Piata Romana. The selection is somewhat better than other markets. There is a large and lovely flower section in a separate building at the edge of the outdoor section. Small buildings selling meats and imported items surround the outdoor market. Many kitchen utensils and housewares as well as personal care items can be found here. Recently the Market has started opening all night.

5 C Located near La Fourmi on Ion Mihalache Blvd. It is a small market but has a good selection of fruit, vegetables and flowers. As with all the above markets, clothing, shoes, and household items for cleaning and cooking may also be found. Honey and other bee byproducts are a national pride of Romania and are found at all of these outdoor markets.

• PIATA 1 MAI:

• PIATA DOROBANTILOR:

Located indoors on Calea Dorobantilor north of Calea Stefan cel Mare. It offers produce and flowers. The quality is better than Amzei, but the prices are olso higher. Out of season exotic fruits and vegetables can be found here. There are several other stores in this area. The meat market inside is particularly good.

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

LA CASA DEL HABANO: Large selection of original Cuban cigars; accessories. 1-3, Episcopiei St. (Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest) 6 D

LIQUOR SHOPS VINLUX: Large selection of special Romania & Imported wines, cognacs, champagnes, whiskies, etc. 8, Libertatii Blvd., Bl. 115, ground floor 8 C

To make your choice a bit easier, we have selected a number of places for you. The following restaurants currently advertise in B3W Magazine or are otherwise worthy of note. Each listing has a code corresponding to the gridded area on our visitor’s map. Hours, prices and entertainment are subject to change.

ASIAN CUISINE Benihana Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar: 6D

Flavors of Japan & world class Asian Chefs, preparing the food right in front of your eyes, tantalize all your senses in Bucharest’s Premier Teppanyaki Restaurant & Sushi Bar. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030. Open: 12:00-15:00, 19:00-23:00 last order. Cafe' Shangrila: Thai, Filipino, Chinese and Japanese food prepared by world class and versatile Asian chefs. Also serves choices of continental breakfast, salads, selection of wines and beverages. A place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and have a taste of the scrumptious cake selections. Take out food service available. 172, Calea Dorobantilor (Mario Plaza Shopping Center) Ph.: 021230-47-69 Open: 10:00 - 21:00 Maiko: 2 C One of the most fashionable Restaurant, Sake Bar & Lounge. The ethos behind Maiko is that the true aims of cooking are to give pleasure and satisfaction to guests, to communicate trough each individual ingredient emotion, personality and culture; to create a special event with every dish, to produce a series of little surprises that invariably introduce a new flavour. The restaurant is always delighted to host your Business Lunches, daily between 12:00 and 15:00, and to offer you the perfect 25 Euro meal for such an occasion ( Includes Salad, Rice, Miso Soup, Meat or Fish Dishes). 2729, Grigore GafencuSt. Ph.: 021-233-2633, 031-805-3985, 0751-262-465, 0730562-456; Open: daily 12:00 - 24:00 Mandarin: 6 D Explore the exotic flavor of the Asian with Mandarin cuisine. Come join us and taste! C.C. Accepted. Guarded parking. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. Ph.: 021-206-8066. Open: 12:00 - 23:00 (10:30 pm - last order).

restaurants in Bucharest with a traditional French menu, a fine selection of wines and a relaxed atmosphere. Ingredients are carefully chosen by the chef himself as proof of their freshness and quality. Restaurant. Wine cellar. Private & Corporat Events. Tematic Events. Gourmet Events. CC accepted. Guarded parking lot. Ph.: 021 210.88.50; Open: Mon - Fri : 12.30-24.00 (22.30 last food order) Sat: 19.00 - 24.00 (22.30 last food order) Sun Closed. Hilton Brasserie: 6 D The brasserie of the Hilton Hotel. Specialized in French cuisine. C.C. accepted. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777. Fax: 021-315-2121; Open: 12:00-24.00. La Bastille: 5 D Down the Caderea Bastiliei St. c’est la France qui vous acceueille... French specialties mastered by the Chef Philippe Faynot, served in refined atmosphere accompanied by a perfectly balanced choice of execelente french and romania wines. Special business menu (12:00 - 16:00). C.C. accepted. Air conditioning. Ph.: 021-310-7359; Fax: 021-310-7360. Open: 12:00-24:00.

FUSION/CONTEMPORARY CUISINE

6 D Attentive waiters, a fine dining atmosphere, gourmet fusion cuisine that tackles your senses, make dining at Avalon an unforgetable experience. Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030. Open for rich breakfast and a la carte lunch & dinner, between 7:00-22:00 till last order.

Avalon:

GERMAN CUISINE

5 D Traditional German cuisine, drinks and atmosphere. C. C. accepted. 9, Stockholm St. Ph.: 021-233-9462, 021-230-1120 0722-284560. Open: Mon.-Sat 15:00 - 23:00. Sunday closed.

Die Deutsche Kneipe:

INDIAN CUISINE

Agra Palace: From the City of Agra, once capital of the famous Mogul Empire, where the white marble of Taj Mahal guards the banks of river Yamuna, among the Hibiscus flowers and majestic archways, chef Arun Kumar has brought the essential: the mysterious taste of India. C.C. accepted; Free Wi fi internet access; Guarded parking lot. Open: 12:00 .- 24:00 Sos. Pipera-Tunari nr. 47. Ph: 021-350.31.14 Karishma: 6 F Traditional & contemporary Indian cuisine; finest Indian ingredients; Indian Chef native of New Delhi; Young, friendly well trained staff. Large selection of fine wines and cocktails. C.C. accepted. Parking lot. 36, Iancu Capitanu St. Ph.: 021-252-5157. Open: 12:00 - last guest (Mon. - Sat.) 15:00 - until the last guest (Sun.) Taj: 8 B Indian cuisine. Genuine Northern Indian menu creared by Indian chef. Special brunch offer. Indian live show, Fri & Sat. Indian decoration, soft music, pleasant atmosphere, separate smoking area. Air conditioned; terrace. C.C. accepted. Parking lot. 127-131, Calea 13 Septembrie. Ph.: 021-410-1820. Open: 12:00 - 02:00.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Allegro: Enjoy the flavors of International - Mediterranean refined cuisine superbly executed and served with professionalism. Cosmopolitan and casual atmosphere at breakfast & lunch and more elegant overtoues in the evening. CC accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu St. - Ramada Bucharest North Hotel. Ph.: 021-233-5000. Open: breakfast 07:00-10:00; lunch 12:00-15:30. dinner 18:30-23:00. American Beer House: 7 G American-style decorations, first - class service. Also Romanian cuisine. CC accepted. 92, Drumul Taberei St. Ph.: 021-444-1777. Open: 11:00 - midnight

BELGIAN CUISINE

La Belle Epoque: 4 D The largest selection of Belgian beers in town. Belgian and international cuisine. Air conditioning. C.C. accepted. 6, Aviator Radu Beller St. Ph.: 021-230-0770; Open: 11:30 - 24:00. Waterloo: 7 F Original Belgian recipes with Belgian Beer. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking. 188, Traian St. Open daily from 12:00 - until the last guest leaves (24:00 last order)

BULGARIAN CUISINE Balcic: Wide range of Bulgarian appetizers and meals. Try spitted mutton & rabbit specialties! Nice decorated location. Smokers & non-smokers areas. C.C. accepted. 1, Stefan cel Mare Ave. (Perla block), Ph.: 021-230-5535. Open: 11:00 – till the last guest

FRENCH CUISINE

Casa Vernescu: 6 D Exquisite restaurant in a historical building, hosting Casino Palace. Luxurious interior. Also Romanian cuisine. C.C accepted. 133, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9744; Fax: 021-311-1645. Open: 18:30-01:00. L’Estaminet: 6 B French restaurant, within the new Ibis Continental Nord Hotel. CC accepted. 143, Calea Grivitei. Open: 7:00-22:30. Heritage: 6 D The restaurant located on 19, Polona Street was built in 1920, serving as residence to Gheorghe Tatarascu, Romanian prime minister in the 30s. It is a place that impresses through its architecture and elegant refinement. The Heritage Restaurant is aiming for going on top of the "fine dining" www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

4 C Finest culinary experience in a charming setting surrounded by paintings from a well-known art gallery. Refined atmosphere, excellent service. Two private rooms, non-smoking area, Guarded parking lot, CC accepted. 8, Prof. Ion Cantacuzino St. Ph.:021-260-2960; 0753-999-333; Open: 12:00-24:00. Cafe Theatro Restaurant: 7 D Enjoy a simple and generous cuisine in our restaurant. Summer Terrace. C.C. accepted. Secure paying parking lot. 37B, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-312-5114. Open week days: 06:30 - 10:30; 12:30 - 16:00; 18:00 - 23:30 (last order). Open week-ends: 6:30 - 11:00; 12:30 - 16:00; 18:00 - 23:30 (last order) Caredy * Casa Ardeleneasca: 4 C Transylvanian & International cuisine restaurant, placed in an esquisite villa. Large offer and special selection of wines. C.C. ccepted.Guarded parking lot. 1, Sofia St. Ph.: 021-2302769. Open: 11:00 - until the last guest leaves. Casa Capsa: 7 D Established in 1852, Casa Capsa is the symbol of the Romanian high-life society. The founder, Grigore Capsa (1841-1902) introduced from the very beginning the occidental standards of quality and refinement. He made Capsa's name a well known commercial brand all over the continent. Having a very good position, this old and famous restaurant is placed right in the focal point of the Bucharest historical center. CC accepted. 36, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021-313 40 38 Open: 12:00-24:00 Casa Doina: 5 C Large villa dating from the 19th century transformed into a very nice restaurant. Wine cellar. Terrace. C.C. accepted. 4, Soseaua Kiseleff. Ph.: 021-2223179. Open: 12:00 - 01:00. Casa Doina La Parc: 5 C Within Ramada Plaza Convention Center Compound in a green island, Casa Doina is offering a luxury location, fully air-conditioned and a brand which is providing a special evening. With a adjoining playground for kids and terrace. C.C. accepted. 35, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-549-2541. Open: 12:00 - 23:30. Chez Marie: 6 D Try the wide selection of international cuisine and special wines in this recently opened restaurant located in the heart of the city. 48, Dionisie Lupu St. Ph.: 031-107-2033; 0721-376-118. Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Corso Brasserie: Take your business downtown and treat yourself and your partners to a special mix of international and Romanian cuisine, buffet or à la carte in the Corso Brasserie. The spectacular view onto Bucharest’s busiest boulevard is complimentary! 85 seats Air conditioned. Free parking. InterContinental Hotel, 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-2020; Open daily: 06:30 - 23:00; Business Lunch Buffet: Monday-Friday, from 12:00 to 16:00 hrs. Every Sunday, from 12:00 to 16:00 hrs. we offer a top quality “Brunch on the Boulevard”. Kids’room with entertainment. Crowne Plaza “Brasserie”: 2 A The “Brasserie”will entice you with its casual ambiance, great homemade specialties, numerous theme buffets and entertaining atmosphere. C. C. accepted. 1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021224-0034; Open: 18:00-23:30. Cupola: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Cupola is an all-day International dining restaurant. Great American breakfast buffet, modern classics evening menu and mouth-watering Sunday brunch. CC accepted. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021-403-1903; Open: 06:30-23:00 Dacia Felix: 6 D Group restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 224 persons. Terracce available. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Super Breakfast Buffet: Mon.-Fri. 6:30 - 10:30, Sat. & Sun. 7:00 - 11:00, Sunday Brunch 12:00 - 16:00. Hotel Marshal Restaurant: 7 E From the glassy salon, the open kitchen and the charming covered terrace, Marshal Restaurant is waiting for you with delicious dishes carefully selected and prepared in front of you. Our secret: the charcoal grill. Fresh imported Argen-

Arcade - Atmosphere & Gourmet:

4-star service

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

tinean beef and New Zealand lamb. C.C accepted. Air conditioned. Guarded parking. 2, Dr. Emanoil Bacaloglu St.; Ph.: 021-314-0880; Open: 07:00-01:00 Jadoo: 7 E Mediterranean & International cuisine restaurant. Special lunch offer - 20% discount (food only). Wood oven baked pizzas. Catering services available in neighborhood (12:00 - 15:00) Smoking and nonsmoking areas. Parking lot available. C.C accepted. 3, Nicolae Racota St. - entrance from Clucerului St.; Ph.: 021-222-0502; 0724-365-583. Open: 12:00-until the last guest leaves (23:30 - last order) La Boema: Enjoy the European cuisine, the selected French dishes in the "La Boema" Restaurant. The relaxing atmosphere and the delicious dishes will make you realize why it is called "La Boema"... And if you have not understood yet, we bring especially for you an entire collection of refined wines. C.C. Accepted. Air Conditioning, parking. Calea Vitan Barzesti 7 D ; Ph.: 031-106-1111 ext. 345 Open: 11 am - until the last guest leaves. Madrigal Restaurant: We offer a full à la carte menu with our famous, suculent prime Argentinian beef cuts as our signature dishes. International cuisine at its best! 65 seats. Air conditioned. Free parking. InterContinental Hotel. 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-2020; Open: Monday - Saturday,18:00 -23:00 . Majestic: 7 D Classic, luxurious restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, café-concert music. Snack bar and catering services. Major C.C. accepted. 11 Academiei St. Ph.: 021-310-2720; Open: 12:00 - 23:00. Poem: 9 D Modern European Cuisine. Indulge in the intimate and classic atmosphere, enjoy a refined menu and quality service. Offering breakfast, lunch & dinner, business lunch. Special wine collection and drinks at the Tower Bar or the Piano Club. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking lot. 23-25, Suter Entr. (Carol Parc Hotel) Ph : 021336-3377; Open 07:00 – 1:00 Prime Steaks & Seafood: 6 D Grill Steak & Seafood restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 44 persons. Red glass for show kitchen, walk in wine cellar set-up in a hot, relaxed and upscale mood. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Lunch: Monday to Friday 12:30 - 15:00; Dinner: Monday to Sunday 18:30 - 23:00. Sangria: 5 D International menu, few Spanish dishes, nice atmosphere. Open/covered terrace! C.C. accepted. 78, Caderea Bastiliei St. Ph.: 021-211-2276; Open: 12 pm 12 am. Times Restaurant: 7 G Panoramic view restaurant with great Romanian and International cuisine at Golden Tulip Times Hotel. C.C. accepted. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6516. Open: 12:30-23:00. The Harbour: 6 D You’ve come a long way... you need to relax... dock to The Harbour where you will find a buffer zone, the taste of the finest international cuisine and maybe an acquaintance just to make you feel you belong... Terrace and parking. C.C. accepted. 10-22, Piata Amzei; Ph.: 0724-388-686; Open: 11:30 - until the last guest leaves. The Sunlight Restaurant: The culinary world of the angelo Airporthotel Bucharest is provided by this restaurant. A copious buffet breakfast, a gala dinner and a variety of Romanian and international dishes are at your disposal every day. The Sunlight Restaurant has a capacity of approx. 110 persons. For special events such as cocktail parties, anniversaries or dinner parties, the conference rooms can be turned into functional restaurant rooms. And the stylish live music may even put you in the mood for dancing. CC accepted. 283 Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph: 021 20 36 500; Fax: 021 20 36 530; Open 24 hours a day. White Horse Business & Events: Situated in the Northern area of Bucharest, the new established business district of the city, the restaurant offers carefully prepared traditional and international specialties for daily lunch while being in the same time the perfect location for corporate & private events. 12 years of experience, professional services and equipment and the dedicated staff assigned complete the fine quality of the

taste. C.C. accepted. Baneasa Business &Technology Park, Building B, wing B2, 42-44, Soseaua Bucuresti Ploiesti, Ph.: 031-620-8412; Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 18:00

ITALIAN CUISINE

6 D Northen Italian Menu restaurant within Radisson SAS Hotel for 126 persons. Enoteca, espresso bar, pizzeria, salumeria, gelateria, pasticceria in a fresh, natural, urban and contemporary mood. Terracce for 96 persons available. 63-68, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-601-3436.Open: 11:30 - 23:30. Caffe & Latte: 7 C Wine Restaurant. Our Italian chef will remind you the taste of the real Italian food from the north of Italy, accompanied by the best Italian wines. Rooftop with park view - Cismigiu - in spring/summer. C.C. accepted. 35, Schitu Magureanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-3143800; 0744-333-100. Open: Mon. - Sat. 12:00 - 23:00. Cucina: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Authentic Italian food served in rustic surroundings. Fine choice of wines. Calea 13 Septembrie 90. Ph. 021-4031902. Open: 12:00 - 15:00; 19:30 – 23:30 De Gustibus: 6 F Restaurant, Terrace & Pizzeria. A menu dedicated to only the most simple, appetizing and brilliantly executed Italian dishes, mainly with a Tuscan twinge. Happy Hours 11:30 - 16:00, From Mon. to Fri. 10% Off. Air conditioned. CC accepted. Parking lot. 10, Marcel Iancu St. Ph. 021-211-1449; 0744-520106. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Roberto’s: 6 D The main restaurant of the Hilton Hotel. Specializes in Italian cuisine from various Italian regions, including Tuscany, Rome and Venice. With a genuine Italian Chef. C.C. accepted. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-3033777; Open: 06:30 - 24:00. Trattoria “Il Calcio”: 6 D Extensive menu of Italian dishes. Large selection of wines, beers and spirits. Nice interiors, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff. 14, Mendeleev St. Ph.: 021-312-2430; 0722-134-299. Open: Sun - Thu: 12:00 - 24:00, Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 01:00. Zigolini: A taste of Italy in Zigolini ristorante! A deliciously intimate dining experience nestled in the most elegant Galleria of Bucharest! C.C. Accepted. Gurded parking lot. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., first floor. Ph.: 021-206-8015. Open: 12:00 - 23:00 (22:30 - last order).

Caffé Città:

Guaranteed parking. 164A, Barbu Vacarescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-208-6100. Open: (restaurant) 16:00 – 24:00. Sunday closed, (wine cellar) 12:00 - 14:30 Caru’cu Bere: 7 D Historical restaurant (established 1879) in the old town district, behind the National History Museum. Original German style interior. Live music and dancing on weekends. CC accepted. 3-5, Stavropoleos St. Ph.: 021-313-7560; Open: 10:00 - 24:00. Casa Romaneasca: Authentic Romanian culinary delight in the traditional setting of a Romanian mansion with a splendidly decorated terrace, rich wine-cellar, large selection of Romanian wines, traditional Romanian customs and hospitality. CC accepted. 285A, Calea Bucuresti. Ph.: 021-236-1510; Ph./Fax: 021-236-1511. Count Dracula Club: 7 D Unique theme restaurant, with a cozy atmosphere. Transylvanian and venison dishes. C.C. accepted. 8A, Splaiul Independentei. Ph.: 021-312-1353; 0788-312-878. Open: 16:00 - until the last guest leaves. Decebal Rustic: G 8 Exquisite Romanian dishes. C.C. accepted. 17, Decebal Blvd. Ph.: 021-321-67-00; 0723515-009; Open:. 10:00 until the last guest leaves Decebal Classic: 5 E NEW !!! Traditional Romanian cuisine, folk music band, select atmosphere, terrace. Business meetings, special events. C.C. accepted. 51, Barbu Vacarescu St. Ph: 0724 891 819; Open:10:00 until the last guest leaves Hanul Hangitei: 7 D Traditional Romanian cuisine. Daily special lunch offer. 16, Gabroveni St. Ph.: 021-314-7046. Open: 11:00 - until the last guest leaves. Locanta Jaristea: A genuine taste of Romania, both food and atmosphere, a real part of the city’s history. C.C. accepted. Reservation neccessary! 50-52, George Georgescu St. Ph.: 021-335-3338; 0744.240.126; Fax: 021-301.98.45. Open: 11:00 - 02:00. Vatra: 7 D Romanian cuisine. Air conditioning. 23-25, Brezoianu St. Ph.: 021-315-8375; 0721-200-800; Open: 12:00 - 24:00.

VEGETARIAN CUISINE

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE Alfresco - Restaurant & Lounge: Famous dishes from Portugal, Italy, Spain, Marocco, Greece and France, such as : Skate Wing, Cataplana, Sea food risotto, Fillet of Turbot, Grilled Calamari with chorizo sausage, Surf & Turf, Tiramisu Savoiardi. Excellent service, great atmosphere! C.C. Accepted. Air conditioning, parking lot. 11, Uruguay St. Ph./Fax: 021-222-7700 / 01. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Il Giardino: Exclusive atmosphere; exotic cuisine; exquisite ambient. C.C. Accepted. 19, Clucerului St. Ph.: 021-223-1978; 0723-671-657. Open: 12:00 - till the last guest. Les Oliviades: 2 B Stunning decoration recreating a typical Provençale home, for an experience of relaxation, with the delight of quality Mediterranean dishes. 10, Montreal Sq. Ph.: 021-318-3000. Open: 06:30 - 24:00. Valencia: The Spanish House. Spanish & Int’l cuisine, Paella and Sangria like matadores have it. A discrete and intimate place, ideal for passionat encounters. Air conditioning. C.C. accepted. 12, Dr. Leonte St. Ph.: 021-312-8196; 0722-204-884. Open: 11:00 – 24:00.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

Golden Falcon: 7 E Best Turkish restaurant in town. Full range of kebab dishes, Turkish aperitifs and traditional sweets. Catering service available. 18-20, Hristo Botev St. (near C.A. Rossetti Square). Ph.: 021-314-2825; 313-2833. Open: 12:00 - 24:00.

ROMANIAN CUISINE

6 E Traditional Romanian cuisine & Venison dishes. CC accepted. 14, Batistei St. Ph.: 021-211-8929. Open daily: 12:00 – 24:00. Caro: 4 E Caro Hotel’s Romanian restaurant. International cuisine. Wine cellar and terrace. C.C. accepted.

Burebista Vanatoresc:

Vegetarian and Fish Cuisine. Organic Ingredients and Wines. 25, Banu Manta Blvd. Piata Victoriei area, near sector 1 Town-Hall; Ph.: 0788-788-111

SUMMER TERRACES

Corso Terrace: 7 D Unique location in the heart of Bucharest. Top quality menu and drink bar with an excelent out-door view of one of the biggest boulevards of the city, at Universitatii Sq. Intercontinental Hotel, N. Balcescu Blvd., corner with Batistei St. Ph.: 021-310-2020. Open: daily 07:00 - last order. Orange Garden: 2C Mediterranean & International cuisine, fresh and relaxing atmesphere are waiting for you on the most exclusivist garden in the city. C.C. accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu St. (Ramada Bucharest North). Ph.: 021-233-5000. Open: daily 12:00-24:00. Poolside Grill: 6 D Refresh, revive and rejoice in the garden setting of Poolside Grill, at the ground level of Radisson SAS. Located in Downtown Bucharest, the place offers BBQ Argentinean rib-eye steak, fresh lemonade, mineral water, draught beer, Slush Puppie, frozen margarita, as well as many other dishes and drinks. Smoking allowed. Dress code: Casual. Seating capacity: 110. Open: 12.30-23.00 seasonal; Sunday Brunch 12.3016.30 seasonal, 63-81, Calea Victoriei, Ph: 021 311 90 00. The Cafe Theatro Summer Terrace: 6 D Enjoy the new a la carte and wine menus. Try as well the Novo Express promotion with a delicious ribeye steak grilled on the barbecue right in front of your eyes, coming up with a side dish, salad and a drink of your choice, for only 59 Lei/person. 37B, Calea Victoriei, Novotel Bucarest City Centre, Ph.: 021-308-8500. www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. The promise of a great summer – tasty food and attractive shade for a relaxed atmosphere. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.:021-403-1919; Open: 12:00 – 01:00 from May till October.

The Garden:

Times Terrace: At the Golden Tulip Times Hotel. The perfect palce to have a great time relax & get into the mood with cold beer, refreshing cocktails, or summer tastes delights. Free wireless internet available. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.:021-316-6516; Open: 08:00 – 23:00.

COFFEE SHOPS

7 C Italian Coffee Bar & Pastries Shop. One of the best cappuccino in town, just like in Italy. You may come and try it with our homemade pastry. 35, Schitu Magureanu Blvd. Ph.: 021-314-3834. Open: Mon. - Sun. 08:00 - 22:00. Cafe Klein: 7 D At Rembrandt Hotel mezzanine, Café Klein is an intimate and pleasant place for all guests who want to enjoy either a delicious breakfast or just a glass of wine. Open 12:00 – 19:00 also for those who are not the hotel's guests. The bar is for non-smokers. Free wi-fi internet inside the bar for all clients. 11, Smardan St. Ph/Fax: 021-313-9315; 021-313-9316 Grand Cafe Galleron: Large selection of drinks & coffes, quality simple food. Charming interiors, cozy atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city close to Atheneum in a superb old villa. C.C. accepted. Air conditioning. 18A, Nicolae Golescu St. Ph.: 021-312-4565. Open: 09:00 - 24:00. Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest: Over 1500 sqm building; one of the largest HRCs in Europe, the new Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest has inside seating for 300 guests plus an outside terrace with a view over the lake and additional seating for 150. 32, Kiseleff Avenue. Ph.: 021-206-6261. Open: 12:00 - 23:30 Hilton Le Bistrot: 6 D Cosy, friendly atmosphere, perfect for enjoying sastey snacks, drinks and the French -

Caffe & Latte:

Bucuresti what, where, when

Style pasty counter. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777. Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Jolie Cafe: Ideal venue for a coffee break or a business meeting. C.C. accepted. Guarded parking lot. JOLIE VILLE GALLERIA - 103 bis, Erou Iancu Nicolae St., groundfloor. Ph.: 021-206-8067. Open: daily 12:00 - 22:00. Geisha Cafe: High quality coffe in a very popular downtown location. 10, C.A. Rosetti St. Ph.: 021-315-7298. Open: 08:30 - 24:00. Kartell Cafe - Lounge: Nice cafe located downtown in historical part of the city. Friendly staff. Small summer terrace. St. Smardan 7. Ph.: 0749-057-770. Open: 10:00 - till last customer. Tekaffe: 6 B The ideal atmosphere for your portion of energy. Large selection of coffees, cocktails, sandwiches, salads and delicious desserts. Within Hello Hotels. 143, Calea Grivitei. Ph.: 0372-121 821; Open: week days 11 am- 2 pm; Sat-Sun 11 am- 22 pm Times Cafe: Large selection of coffee, cocktails and fancy drinks, sandwiches, salads and deserts. Summer terrace. Within the Golden Tulip Times Hotel. C.C. accepted. 19, Decebal Blvd. Ph.: 021-316-6516. Open: 09:00-23:00. Vienna Cafe: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. Chocolate, pastry and cake lovers, this is the place for you - known to be so good that ladies go there for a lunch of cakes only! Viennese and International desserts, freshly baked tarts, cakes and pastries. Wedding cakes on order. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021-403-1901; Open: 09:00 - 23:00.

PUBS, COCKTAIL BARS & CLUBS

Bar “37”: 7 D A trendy and dynamic bar, with a young but elegant look, placed in the main hall of Novotel Bucarest City Centre Hotel. You can serve from foie gras to lobster club, from a mere caffe to a sophisticated drink. C.C. accepted. 37B, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-312-5114. Open: 07:00 - 02:00.

www.bucurestiwww.ro

6 C Real pub atmosphere! Draught Guinness, live sports, darts and a wide variety of pub and international food. In the summer we invite you on our amazing terrace located on the roof of the pub and enjoy our large selection of fine wines and cocktails. 111, G-ral Berthelot St. (close to Casa Radio). Ph: 0744.366.350, 0723.112.200. www.dreamers.ro Open Mon – Fri: 10 AM - until the last guest Sat & Sun: 2 PM - until the last guest Dark Bla Bar: 6 D Cognac & cigars bar within Radisson SAS Hotel for 34 persons. Single Malts, Cognacs & Cigars in an upscale & late night mood. 63-81, Calea Victorie. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: 17:00 - 02:00. Light Bla Terrace: 6 D Outdoor, atrium bar within Radisson SAS Hotel. Beverages, cocktails, cakes, pastries, snacks in a chill, cool stuff and contemporary mood. Terracce available. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: 12:00 – 02:00. Bla Lounge Bar: 6 D Ice bar within Radisson SAS Hotel for 108 persons. Vodka, Cocktails, Beverages & Snacks in a hear, feel and taste mood. 63-81, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 021-311-9000; Open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 - 02:00; Sunday 09:00 till midnight. Champions: 8B At the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel. The American Sports Bar and Restaurant. A place for good food, good times and good sports. Live TV Sport coverage on 27 flat screen TV sets. Calea 13 Sept. 90. Ph.: 021-403-1917;Open: 17:00 - 01:00 (Closed for lunch during summer). Crowne Plaza “Lobby Bar”: 2 A Crowne Plaza Lobby Bar is the best place for an apperitif, a glass of wine or beer (every time with peanuts and snacks) and for a cocktal. The professional bartender is happy to fulfill your every wish, creating a special cocktail for you. 1, Poligrafiei Blvd. Ph.: 021-224-0034. Open: 06:00 - 24:00. Centro Bar & Lounge: 6 D In the throbbbing heart of Bucharest, be part of the city center action in Centro Bar & Lounge, while savoring your tailor made cocktails in the hospitality of our experienced bartenders. Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel. 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-5030; 021-224-3000; Open: 09:00-23:00 last order. 2nd Centro Bar & Lounge: 2 A It is a great inner city Bar & Lounge newly opened. It was made with the finest furniture and design, to look very trendy indeed. The greatest cocktails and coffees are made here. The food is just fantastic! The menu is filled with interesting dishes, crammed with fresh ingredients. At every lunchtime you can find also a menu of the day. The crowd is super cool; you can party late in the night weekends. Friday & Saturday DJ Y-lau is spinning tunes and setting the groove. 239, Calea Dorobantilor; Ph.: 021-331-5533; Open: 8:0024:00. The Dubliner Irish Pub: 5 B Genuine Irish atmosphere. Draught beer. Air-conditioned. Very popular among the members of the English speaking community. 18, Titulescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-222-3737; 021-222-9473. Open: 12:00 - 02:00. Gaia Bar & Lounge: Perfect place for special parties. Interior design made by well known Romanian fashion designer C.C. accepted. 40-44 Banu Antonache St. Ph.: 0726-327-061. Open: Thu. - Sun. 22:00 - till morning, Green Hours 22 Jazz Café: 5 C Hip and unique. Enjoy exotic cocktails and coffee in a neon-lit, tube-shaped bar, with live, trippy jazz-rock on one end and cozy couches on the other-like spending an evening in a surreal submarine. Also a relaxing outdoor patio that's packed on weekend nights. Music most nights after 9 pm.. Morning coffee or nightly cocktails. 120, Calea Victoriei. Ph.: 0722-234-356. Open: non-stop The Sky Gate Bar: This bar of the angelo Airport hotel Bucharest offers a pleasant and relaxing environment where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, an afternoon tea, a refined cocktail or simply a cigarette in pleasant company. The hotel’s professional bartenders are always there just when you need them. Located right beside

Dreamer’s Pub & Restaurant

the lobby and restaurant, the bar offers its guests an intimate, private area. CC accepted. 283 Calea Bucurestilor, Otopeni. Ph: 021 20 36 500; Fax: 021 20 36 530; Open 24 hours a day. The Harp Irish Pub: 8 D Very popular Irish hangout with great selection of beer, a warming atmosphere downstairs complete with fireplaces candle-lit tables and extensive seating upstairs. Guaranteed to be packed with younger Romanians and expats alike any weekend evening. The second Irish hangout in Bucharest. Air-conditioning. C.C. accepted. 1, Piata Unirii. Ph.:021-335-6508. Open: 09:00 - until the last guest leaves. Hilton English Bar: 6 D Within the Hilton Hotel. C.C. accepted. St. Episcopiei 1-3. Ph.: 021-303-3777/ ext. 3962. Open: 11:00-02:00. Intermezzo Bar: After a meeting or before a concert relax and enjoy the live piano music. 50 seats. InterContinental Hotel. 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd. Ph.:021310-2020 Open daily: 08:00 -01:00 Onx Pub: 6 A Lot of fun, karaoke, live concerts & special parties. 290, Splaiul Independentei, Regie P16 Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Orange Bar (lobby bar): If you are looking for a place to enjoy the highest standards, a perfect coffee, fresh sandwiches, sft drinks and the best cognac in town, you most go high, go North! C.C. accepted. 44A, Daniel Danielopolu. St. Ph.: 021-233-5000 Open: daily 10:00-24:00 White Horse: 4 D Pub & Restaurant. English & International cuisine. Wide selection of draught beers. CC accepted. 4A G. Calinescu St. Ph.: 021-231-2795. Open: 12:00 - until the last guest leaves. Trafalgar Pub: 5 D Beer, wines, spirits and snacks. Close to Turkish Embassy on Calea Dorobantilor. 4A, David Emanuel St. Ph.: 021-211-3151. Open: 11.00 till last gues. Twice: 8 E Your only vice. Cocktail bar & exquisite club. Two floors, two music levels, two art galleries. The ideal

place to meet a friend or to see a celebrity. 4 St. Vineri St. Open: 09:00 - 05:00.

OTHERS

Madrigal: 7 D Piano Bar on the 2nd floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. Quiet Club for pleasant cocktails. 4, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-310-2020. Open: 09:00- 23:00. Beverly Hills Bistro: 8F Rafined Int’l menu. 55-59, Calea Vitan (Bucuresti Mall, 2nd floor). Ph.: 021-321-0086. Open: 10:00 - midnight. Café Royal: 6 D Brasserie, Pastry shop and French Bistro at the ground floor of the Hilton Hotel. CC accepted. 1-3, Episcopiei St. Ph.: 021-303-3777. Open: 08:00-24:30 Bistro, 12:00-24:00 Brasserie. Kentucky Fried Chicken: 6 D Chicken-based food. Summer terrace. CC accepted. 28-30, Magheru. Ph.: 021-312-0023. Open: 10:00-23:00. Pizza Hut: 6 D The same menu across the world. CC accepted. 1-7, Calea Dorobantilor. Ph.: 021-201-1755. Open: 11:00-23:00.

DISCOS

Blue Night: 6 A This is the place for joy and fun. 290, Splaiul Independentei. (Complex Regie R3). Ph.: 021-222-8821. Open: 22:00-05:00. Club A: 7 D The hang-out of architecture students, a good choice for Monday nights. Air conditioning. 14, Blanari St. Ph.: 021-315-68-53. Open: 20:00-05:00

THEY DELIVER... Jerry's Pizza: Ph. 021-327-4040. Open daily: 11.0023.00. Fri. -Sun. 11.00-24.00. Mike’s Delivery: Oriental & European dishes. Ph.: 021-320-2030. Open: 10.00-24.00. Wu Xing: Chinese menu. Phone: 021-222-2126. Open: daily. 10:00-22:30. The Editor: We decline the responsibility for any changes in the schedule.

We have compiled for you a list of the nicest places in Bucharest for nightlife relaxation to help you lose your daily stress. For more details please read our Bucuresti by Night supplement, in the middle of the magazine (where available). NIGHT CLUBS

Session: 47-49, Elefterie St., www.session.ro

Bamboo: 39, Ramuri Tei St.,

Ph.: 0729-292-541, 0721-151-649

www.bamboosportingclub.ro Ph.: 0722-132-283, 0788-296-776 Cuando Club: 35-37, Academiei St., www.cuando.ro; Ph.: 0722-505085 Disco Club Maxx: 290, Splaiul Independentei, www.clubmaxx.ro; Ph.: 021-223-00-39 Embryo: 3, Ion Otetelesanu St., www.embryo.ro Ph.: 0727-379-023 Fuchsia: 18, I. Brezoianu St., www.fuchsia.ro Ph.: 0727-315-713 Gossip: 9-11, Lanariei St., www.clubgossip.ro Ph.: 0721-GOSSIP Kristal Glam Club: 2, J.S. Bach St., ww.clubkristal.ro Ph.: 021-231-21-36, 0721-993-988 Music Club: 31, Baratiei St. Ph.: 021-314-61-97 The Office: 8, Tache Ionescu St., www.theoffice.ro Ph.: 021-211-67-48 Posh Club: 19, Orhideelor Ave., www.clubposh.ro Ph.: 0751-157-575

Studio Martin: 41, Iancu de Hunedoara Blvd., www.studiomartin.ro. Ph.: 0722-399-228

Temple: 25, Splaiul Independentei, www.clubtemple.ro; Ph.: 0748-881-086, 313-35-75, 0727-297-610

MASSAGE PARLOURS Illusion Massage: Luxury salon Erotic Massage. Phone: 0735-750-991; www.illusionmassage.ro

Ibiza Massage: Erotic, Double, Body and Relaxing Massage. Phone: 021-316-9929; 0727-239-744; www.ibizamassage.ro Karma Massage: Erotic body & relaxing massage. Hotel visits or free car to the downtown salon and back (in 20 min). Free minibar. Open non-stop. By appointment, Ph.: 0722-699-488; 021-327-3884; www.karmamassage.ro Perfect Massage: Erotic, Double, Body and Relaxing Massage. Phone: 0733 571 690 www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

THE LAST WORD • Volume 16 • Number 8 • • October 2009 • Published by Crystal Publishing Group srl. http://www.bucurestiwww.ro

What a Difference a Generation Makes....

Publisher: LUDWIG GELOBTER Editor-in-Chief: SORANA MAN Coordinating Editor: Gabriel Arsene Web Site: Vlad Alexandrescu Editorial Dept. e-mail: office@bucurestiwww.ro

Dear Reader,

Photos:

Twenty years ago, there was an agricultural community called Agricol-Ilfov, just a little north of the City, long before you come to Otopeni. Today, driving to our office from the airport, we went off the main roads, to avoid the traffic jams of the city center. We made a left turn, and drove through PIPERA. I had never been in this area before, and was amazed at the agglomeration of new construction, clearly built without any zoning plan, nor indeed any plan except to get the maximum built square footage out of what had been, but a short time before, farm land. Indeed, as we drove on towards the city, through a bit less developed area, you can still smell what must be an operating dairy farm. The result is truly amazing, expensive villas, with ornate gates and garden areas, visible medium prices houses scattered, or more often than not crowding each other "cheek to jowl". And, a number of "gated communities", rows upon rows of attached two story houses facing a narrow alley with parking for cars. This is truly an amazing sight, a brand new community, visibly luxurious, yet developed without any visible over all perspective or vision. So of course, even though many of the new buildings are not yet completed or occupied, the two lane "main road" is already overcrowded. I do not mean to sound naive, but looking at Pipera, full of "for rent and for sale" billboards, reading about Baneasa, and seeMAKE A LITTLE MONEY, HAVE A LOT OF FUN, BUT WORK HARD

CPG IS LOOKING FOR AN EDITOR Send CVs to: sorana.man@bucurestiwww.ro lgelobter@bucurestiwww.ro; office@bucurestiwww.ro

ing the building skeletons and cranes filling every small piece of land in Bucharest, I have to ask: where will the buyers or renters come from? With the majority of Romanians earning some 200/400 Euros a month, with pensioners not having enough money to pay the heating bills in the coming winter, how many people can rent apartments for 500 Euro a month and up? Who will buy the condominium apartments for 100,000 Euro, at the low end? Are there enough businesses who can pay upwards of 15 Euros per sqm to fill the office buildings and business parks springing up all over town? As I think about these questions I wonder how much this uncontrolled and optimistic real estate boom has contributed to the economic malaise of today, and how long will it really take for the society to absorb the results of this over building. I know that most visitors, if they have a few hours to spare, take a tour of the historic parts of the City, the museums, churches and palaces. But I think a visit to the new areas of the town, a look at the showy excesses of the very wealthy, and what I can only think of as a middleclass ghetto could be fascinating as well, especially if juxtaposed with some of the old style "blocks" of the communist era in our neighborhoods. If this interests you, why not call BUCHAREST TOURS, and they'll custom design such a tour for you. I hope that I am not too discouraging, and that you will have a productive visit, and enjoy Bucharest. It’s a great town!

Ph./Fax: +4021-323-3829; +4021-323-7033

Ludwig Gelobter, Publisher lgelobter.bucurestiwww.ro

Crystal Publishing Group 253, Calea Calarasilor Bl 67 A, Suite 4 Bucharest, Romania Phone & Fax: (004021) 323-3829; (004021) 323-7033, (004021) 323-4706 Executive Director: Valeriu Stefanescu Oancea Financial Manager: Victoria Serban Marketing & Sales Department Senior Sales Executive: Sorin Patrascu Sales Representatives: Elena Marinescu, Onut Gheorghe e-mail: advertising@bucurestiwww.ro GRAPHIC & DTP OFFICE Art Director: Mihai-Cristian Rampelt DTP Designer: Aurel Preda To Advertise in Bucuresti What, Where, When call: Phone & Fax: (004021) 323-3829; (004021) 323-7033 (004021) 323-4706 or e-mail at: advertising@bucurestiwww.ro North America US International Office 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 300, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA Ph: +1 337 704 0554 Annual subscription Romania 80,00 Lei Payable to Crystal Publishing Group Banca Comerciala Romana – filiala sector 4 Bucharest Account no.: RO08 RNCB 0075035221160001 (Lei). For all other countries Euro 36,00. Please send the order and a check or money order to Crystal Publishing Group 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 300, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA Circulation up to 21,500 copies. Distributed on a complimentary basis in major hotels: Ambasador, angelo Airport Hotel, Armonia, Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest, Capitol, Caro, Carol Parc, Central, Centre Ville Aparthotel & Elite Apartments, Class, Confort Otopeni, Confort Traian, Crowne Plaza, Dalin, Dalin Center, Duke, Elizeu, Golden Tulip Times, Golden Tulip Bucharest, Hello Hotels, Herastrau, Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel, Ibis Gara de Nord, Ibis Palatul Parlamentului, Inter-Continental, JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Lev Or, Marshal, Minerva, NH Bucharest, Novotel Bucarest City Centre, Parliament, Pullman Bucharest, Radisson SAS Bucharest, Ramada Majestic Bucharest, Ramada Bucharest North, Ramada Parc, Ramada Plaza, Razvan, Rembrandt, Rin, Rin Grand, Starlight Suite Hotels, Tempo, Tulip Inn Bucharest City, Venetia; Airlines and airline offices: Air France, Air Malta, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Balkan Air, British Airways, Carpatair, CSA, EL AL, Emirates, Eurojet Aviation KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Malev, Olympic Airways, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, SN Brussels Airlines, Swiss Int’l. Air Lines, Turkish Airlines; rent a car agencies; government offices, business centers, important banks & consulting companies.

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© 2009 Crystal Publishing Group, srl. ISSN 1222-5703 All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Reproducerea articolelor fara acordul scris al editorului este interzisa.

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Bucuresti what, where, when