BUCURESTI WHAT WHERE WHEN JULY AUGUST 2009 by CRYSTAL PUBLISHING GROUP

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TRAVEL From Bran to Rucar 10 COVER STORY The Enescu Festival 13 ENTERTAINMENT Romantic Escapes in Bucharest 16 DINING Two Salads, Please! 04, 36 DEPARTMENTS • News, Events and Attractions • The Last Word

EU Parliament Elections – Mistrust? Disgust? Indifference?

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GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL! To bring the environmental pollution issue to our attention, caused by throwing or improperly storing waste, the students of the Design department of the “Ion Mincu” Faculty of Architecture in Bucharest created six works from waste called “Monsters of Our Indifference” and located in Cismigiu, Piata Victoriei, University passage, at the Romana Square, in Piata Unirii and in the Tineretului Park. Anyone who has passed by these places

in spring this year could see the hideous faces of the monsters made from plastic bottles, defective ironing machines, old mobile phone chargers, waste objects and of course, the habitual cables which are so ugly and uselessly hanging on many of Bucharest’s streets, due to the authorities' and the citizens’ negligence, making the city look untidy, unfriendly and alienated.

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The evening of June 7th. Sunday. In the morning I did not rush to go and vote. It is true that by 2:00 p.m. I was invited to a “terasa”, to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but the ballot boxes stay open until 9:00 p.m, so, a short evening walk, after a copious meal, at the hour when the heat of the day has cooled off and I can even hope for a breeze, is most welcome. I said “short walk” because I knew that starting with these elections I could vote anywhere, in any voting district. This detail is of particular interest for me, since the address registered on my ID card, although still in Bucharest, is different from the address where I live, which now will have no effect on me: I no longer have to go to another neighborhood, in which I lived a long time ago, I can vote at the nearest polling place or even at random, in town, wherever I may end up, at any moment I find the time to vote. It is very practical and civilized. I return from the party at 8:00 p.m., I change into more comfortable clothes and I head to the nearby high school, 5 minutes away from my apartment building, where I am positive that there is a polling place. When I reach there, surprise: “no, you cannot vote here, only at the address specified on your ID card.” Ok, but I live across the street, I have the commuter's visa on the ID card and even if I had no visa, I know that starting this year you can vote anywhere. “No, we are terribly sorry; the mass-media released the wrong information. Only people who are not from Bucharest can vote anywhere in Bucharest”. How is it possible that the authorities, the organizers of the elections, correct this information only individually, at 8:30 p.m, half an hour before closing the ballots, when the voter comes to vote and finds, to his/her surprise that he/she cannot vote, at an hour when it is too late to reach the address registered on the ID card? Does the same thing apply in your country as well? You are told one thing and you discover something completely different when you reach the polling place? However, the problem raises a more serious question than the one of inconsistency and lack of coordination between the media and the authorities. Why can a citizen coming from the provinces vote anywhere in Bucharest, while a person living in Bucharest cannot? Maybe to minimize possibilities of fraud… I returned home with a long face, totally disappointed at the failure of my legitimate desire to exercise my citizens right. I turn on the TV. The three leaders of the main winning parties appear on screen: the Social-Democrat Party (31%), The Democrat Liberal Party (29%) and the Liberal Party (15%) and later the representatives of the other groups who have won a seat in the European Parliament. Their faces and speeches are photocopies: all exult, declaring their victory, with a happy, commercial, artificial smile. The liberal leader alone admits that the low turnout – only 27% of the electorate – means a failure of the political class in general but also of the party he is leading. A string of questions are fired by journalists, at the glorious "winners". Two topics are of great interest: “electoral tourism” and absenteeism. The first topic is a sad reality of the past 10 years in Romania: vans with electors, especially from rural areas, are taken from village to village, from city to city, to support an important political party, to vote at several polling places. Because, let’s not forget, you can vote in a different locality than the locality of your domicile. It is practical and civilized. And this is how some people have voted 4 or 5 times, if not more, while I did not manage to exercise my right to vote even once, a right which we are all entitled to, theoretically. Why couldn’t I vote? What do you mean why?? To prevent fraud! Finally, a most serious question: how can you say you have won, when only 30% of the 27% of the electors voted you, that is only 1.5 million Romanians out of the 14 million eligible voters? Could it be that you have won something which is too insignificant to brag about? The smile and the joy are they not indecent? Shouldn’t you better worry, realize that you have no legitimacy, or a very shaky one? That something is wrong with you and your party, if the people you have convinced to come to vote are so few? And the situation is no less troubling in the other European Union states. The average participation in this election was 43%, while in Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, the turnout was even lower than it was in our country.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

NEWS, EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS A heatwave... You walk through town with the sun burning above, a cap on your head, sunglasses on your nose, with the water bottle getting warm in your bag, ice-cream melting in your hand faster than you can eat it. In your other hand you are holding a copy of “Bucuresti What, Where, When” and getting oriented by the map you have found in the magazine. Or maybe you are going, or coming back from a business meeting – no chance to escape the heat, there still are some footsteps to go to get to the car! Maybe you are a visitor passing through, on your way to the mountains, or the seashore. What’s going on in Bucharest? Let’s see! Although, like in most European capitals, many people leave the city for vacations in July, and especially August, still there is lots of “action” in town.

B'ESTFEST 2009 The B’ESTFEST festival, on its third edition, will take place at the Romexpo complex,

broken all the rules and has been a leader for months on end. “Zece” has outranked international hits such as "Smack That" (Akon ft. Eminem), "Promiscuous" (Nelly Furtado), "Hurt" (Christina Aguilera), "I Don’t Need A Man" (Pussycat Dolls), etc. After nine major cities around the country, the artist will perform in Bucharest, on July 6th, at the Patria Cinema.

SUZANNE VEGA AT SALA PALATULUI

between the 1st and 5th of July. The festival’s line-up: The Killers, Patrice, Snails and White Lies (July 1st - ''Zero Day''), Motorhead, Ayo, Moby, Polarkreis 18, Grimus and Les Elephants Bizarres (July 2nd), Franz Ferdinand, Orbital, Klaxons, Alternosfera, AB4, Gabriella Cilmi (July 3rd), Persona, The Ting Tings, Carlos Santana, The Charlatans, Gravity Co, Looptroop Rockers and The MOOod (July 4th), Ulytau, Trooper, Thunderstorm, Nexus, Manowar and Holyhell (July 5th – "Aftershock"). As you will note, the festival’s last day, B’ESTFEST AFTERSHOCK, will be dedicated to rock music fans and it will be headlined by the legendary heavy-metal band, Manowar. Tickets are only available for one festival day, the day for which they are bought (“Day Zero”, the days of July 2nd, 3rd and 4th) and they are available on www.myticket.ro as well as in Diverta stores.

FLORIN CHILIAN ON A NATIONAL TOUR Florin Chilian is one of Romania’s best known artists and the two gold records and the platinum record ROTON has awarded him with stand proof of this fact. Even though he is not featured in playlists that list a song’s “popularity” nor in major radio targets, “Zece” (Ten) has

Bucuresti what, where, when

The artist will perform in Romania for the first time on July 16th. Suzanne Vega was among the major artists who revitalized folk music in the beginning of the ‘80s when, accompanied only by her guitar, she played what was described as contemporary folk or neofolk. “Luka”, the artist’s best known song, is the only song ever written from the perspective of an abused boy while “Tom’s Diner” remains one of the most played and hummed songs out there. Her most recent album - “Beauty and Crime” – won her a prestigious Grammy award. Tickets are available on eventim.ro, ticketpoint.ro, bilete.ro, blt.ro, in Diverta, Muzica and Germanos stores, as well as at the Sala Palatului.

MY METAL FESTIVAL The event will take place on July 10th and 11th in the Arenele Romane. It will bring together the bands Meshuggah, Zeromancer, Negura Bunget and Insane on the first festival day and Biohazard, Comeback Kid, Defeater, Last Hope on the second one. Meshuggah is a Swedish experimental metal band, founded in 1987 and considered to be one of the top 10 hard&heavy bands by Rolling Stones Magazine and the most important metal band by the Alternative Press, thus establishing its place in the extreme underground music world. The concert in Bucharest is part of the world tour promoting the band’s latest album, „obZen”, released in 2008. Negura Bunget seem to be ready for a new start. After the recently announced changes within the band, its fans are anxious to find out if the black metal band will go on. Negura Bunget made an exclusive statement for My Metal Festival: “We are aware

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of the challenge represented by the new band line-up and we are looking forward to meeting the Romanian public again. We have a few surprises in store on this occasion and we hope the breath of fresh air will produce an even stronger whirlwind”. Insane was founded in 1998 and its line-up has continued to change over the years. It is the Hungarian band which has the most intense show out there. “Hocus Pocus”, with their 4th album, has risen to second place in the MTV Rock tops. The Fonogram awards prize, the highest musical award in Hungary, was won with the same album, “Our Island, our empire” - 2008, re-visits the band’s 10 years of activity. Tickets are available on www.ticketpoint.ro and in Diverta stores.

LIGHT AND SHADOWS IN THE BALKANS The exhibit hosted by the Carturesti book store until July 11th was organized by the Greek Cultural Foundation, aiming to promote an intercultural dialogue, the peaceful co-habitation of South-East European peoples and their harmonious cooperation. The works were first presented in the Greek Cultural Foundation’s branch in Belgrade (April 9th - May 24th

2009), and after Bucharest, it will travel to other Balkan cities as well. The Greek Cultural Foundation searched for “Light” in the Balkans, without trying to hide the “Shadows”. In this exhibit, hope co-exists with despair, dreams with deception, disappointment with expectation, craze with passion. A camera’s click is enough for the Balkan reality to turn into art, for frontiers to be shattered, and for people to be able to sit in full light, letting the shadow retreat to the place it belongs. Such polymorphous cultural actions can make a contribution to retiring the psychological frontiers that are still dividing the peoples of the Balkans, a region which is old and yet somehow new at the same time. The works selected seek to redefine space through the recording of time and figures. Similar to a dream, fears rise to the surface together with uncertainties and deep unrests. Accentuated tones of black and white create a scenario of a wild graciousness. The themes come from each photographers personal experiences. Each style is in an undivided connection with the space in which it lives and moves. These diverse perspectives’ synthesis emphasizes the spaces’ universally Balkan values.

Romanian public, put face to face with all that culture can offer best: Theatre. Dance. Performance Art. Music. During the previous editions, new theatre plays, drawing exhibits, such as of the work of Antonio Canova (1757-1822), an artist, especially known for his neoclassical sculptures, reminiscent of the perfection of Greek Antique creations – an exhibition which could be visited at the Museum of Bucharest City – as well as dance shows have been performed. As part of this cultural exchange, Romanian dancers and choreographers have delighted the Italian public during the OperaEstate Festival in Italy. Razvan Mazilu, Cosmin Manolescu, Andreea Capitanescu and Andreea Novac have all participated in the dance section of the event, in Bassano del Gappa, near Venice.

THE ANONYMOUS VI, Sfantu Gheorghe The Independent International Film Festival “The Anonymous” (Anonimul), for the 4th year, will take place between 10th and 16th August, at Sfantu Gheorghe, in the Danube Delta. It is, as the organizers like to call it, “a festival on the sand”. During the day, films are projected in the Cinema Complex of the Green Village. Entrance is based on invitations which will be distributed at the Info-Point of the Anonymous (located in the camping areas), starting on Tuesday morning (11th August), as available. At night (starting from 21:45) all the films will be projected at the Delfinul Camping, on a huge, open-air screen. The program of the Festival includes three competition sections: feature films, short films, fiction, and short animation films. Besides the competition, there are other non-

THE FIDELITY OF IMAGES. RENÉ MAGRITTE AND PHOTOGRAPHY Curator Louis Scutenaire presents the photographs from the “Fidelity of Images” exhibit to be an allusion to the “ HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Treachery_of_ Images"The Treachery of Images (La trahison des images)” painting by Magritte, through which the artist insisted on the fact that the most realistic representation of an object is still something fundamentally different from reality. At the same time, the title makes reference to a series of 19 photographs taken in the winter of 1929 by one of Magritte’s friends, Paul Nougé. Regarding the photographs displayed at the National Museum of Art, they make specialists face difficulties because they are not only executed by Magritte, but also by the friends he selected as models for the respective slides: Nougé, Scutenaire, Irene Hamoir, Magritte’s wife and his brother and the artist himself. He was not interested in the “scenographic” aspects, such as the pictures’ framing or using complicated, elaborate angles and lights. Moreover, the artist worked with a basic Kodak camera, in simple locations and settings. However, the simplicity of the means, the framework and the technique is balanced out by the bizarre compositions, where mystery and the burlesque intertwine in an unusual, almost shocking manner. Some works served as an intermediary step in elaborating a painting, an intention that also partially explains the works’ remarkable atmosphere. The exhibit can be visited until July 19th.

FESTIVAL VIA CULTURE (July 15th - September 15th) The Romanian-Italian cultural exchange between our City and the “OperaEstate Festival Veneto”, entitled Via Cultura, celebrates its third edition this summer. Communication through the art of the two cultural entities brings into view, as part of the two festivals, events of great value: shows, exhibitions, happenings. The main actors are and will be the Italian and www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

seum of Modern Art in Salzburg, displaying works by 33 artists, such as: Iris Andraschek, Sabine Bitter / Helmut Weber, Guenter Brus, Carola Dertnig, Johannes Deutsch, Peter Dressler, Valie Export, Bernhard Fuchs, Seiichi Furuya, Dorothea Golz, Manfred Gruebl, Ilse Haider, Ralf Hoedt, Franz Hubmann, Paul Kranzler, Paul Albert Leitner, Michael Mauracher, Inge Morath, Michaela Moscouw, Hanns Otte, Constanze Ruhm, Eva Schlegel, Werner Schroedl, Rudolf Schwarzkogler, Otmar Thormann, Harry Weber, Manfred Willmann, Anita Witek.

31st July, 350 until the 19th of August, and if you buy your ticket at the entrance you will pay 400 lei. Tickets are available online www.eventim.ro, in Germanos all over the country, and in other sales points.

MADONNA IN BUCHAREST Madonna will perform in a concert on 26th August in Izvor Park, within the "Sticky &

ROCK CITY OPEN AIR competition programmes: International Panorama – films which received prizes at other festivals of that respective year, reviews, projections of Romanian films, special programmes, public debates with the film directors, film critics and invitees. All the prizes for the long and short films will be awarded based on the vote of the public present at Sfantu Gheorghe. For more information on the festival, transportation and accommodations, please visit the sites www.greenvillage.ro and HYPERLINK "http://www.dolphincamping.ro/"www.dolphincamping.ro.

FRAGILITY OF BEING Until the 16th of August, the National Museum of Contemporary Art will host the exhibition "Fragility of Being" on loan from the Mu-

Bucuresti what, where, when

The lucky people who will have the festival Rock City Open Air organized a stone’s throw from their homes will be the residents of the city of Fetesti. The festival will take place between the 20th and 23rd of August, on the banks of the Danube – the commune of Borcea, on the island of Ialomita, 12 km away from the Highroad of the Sun (Autostrada Soarelui) and from the railway station of Fetesti. The transportation to the festival will by buses and microbuses. So far, the following bands have announced their participation: Agathodaimon, Amon Amarth, Ancient Rites, Betrayer, Blaze Bayley, Brainstorm, Cirith Gorgor, Claymore, De Profundis, Dawn Of Destiny, Eastern Front, Einherjer, Ghamorean, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Hollenthon, Lake Of Tears, Moribund Oblivion, Onslaught, Paul Di'Anno, Primal Fear, Sinner, Sirenia, The Cold Existence, The Revenge Project, Theatres Des Vampires, Trail Of Tears. The price of the tickets is 300 lei until

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Sweet" world tour, in a show sponsored by Vodafone Romania, promoted by Live Nation and organised by Emagic. A special guest will

be DJ Paul Oakenfold, the artist who opens all the shows on the "Sticky & Sweet Tour". At the first stage, Madonna has finished the world tour "Sticky and Sweet", which started in Cardiff, in Great Britain, in August 2008, with a SouthAmerican concert, on 21st December, in Sao Paulo. According to the newspaper Jurnalul National, the four sections of the concert, which lasts for two hours are: "The Pimp", a homage paid to the 1920s and to the style of "gangsta' pimp" of the modern music; "Old School", in which Madonna returns to the style of the'80s, which made her famous, and to the beginnings of rap music; a section dedicated to the music and dance of Balkan folklore, with influences from Gipsy music; and a section of Rave. The show has all the glamour which is typical of shows by Madonna, the stage costumes were created by 36 designers. The shows of this tour include songs from the latest album of the star, "Hard Candy", but also older hits such as "Vogue", "Hung Up" and "Ray of Light". Described countless times as "one of the best pop artists of all time", called "Queen of Pop", Madonna is the best selling female singer of the XXth century, according to Recording Industry Association of America, with over 200 million albums sold worldwide. In March of last year, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

ION MINCU. DRAWINGS AND PROJECTS OF ARCHITECTURE Ion Mincu (1852-1912) is the creator of the neo-Romanian style of architecture. His sources of inspiration have included the Byzantine church architecture, the architecture of the old boyar mansions and rural houses, as well

Air France KLM & Novotel Innovative Services and Products At the end of May, Air France KLM together with its partner Novotel Bucarest City Center have inaugurated the check-in online terminal for the hotel’s guests who take trips from Bucharest to any destination operated by Air France KLM. Novotel Bucarest City Center is the first hotel in the world benefiting from the Air France KLM terminal. The electronic boarding card was introduced in Romania in 2004 and is part of a complex range of electronic services the two air companies offer their passengers: on-line reservation, electronic ticket, e-newsletter notification, registration in the fidelity program and the administration thereof. This checkin service facilitates the choice of the seat’s

as the picturesque aspects on the outskirts of Bucharest, that kept elements with oriental influences. This exhibition presents six examination papers with sketches of projects for some given themes and three notebooks including 85 sketches from the period of Ion Mincu’s studies at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris. In addition to this, we will find drawings and water colours of landscapes and archaeological remains from his journeys to Italy, and three sketches for the project of the restaurant, with Romanian specialities, which was to be installed at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889. Another part of this exhibition is of the façade plans for the Central School for Girls, the most representative architectural project in the new-Romanian style of Ion Mincu. Sketches of funeral architecture and church furniture elaborated by this great architect are also displayed. The exhibition can be visited until the end of August, at the Romanian Modern Art Gallery, within the National Museum of Art.

Olympic Casino Opened Its Romanian Flagship Casino Bora Bora Romanian subsidiary of Olympic Entertainment Group (OEG) opened its flagship casino Bora Bora in the state’s capital city Bucharest, in May this year. Close to 100 mln kroons (6.4 mln Euros) were invested in the opening of the new casino, which is located in the Accor Hotels chain’s 4-star hotel Pullmann. The two-storey Olympic Casino Bora Bora covers an area of more than 1400 square metres and has 72 slot machines, three electronic roulette tables and 17 casino tables, four out of which are located in the luxurious VIP room. In addition, the new casino holds a restaurant with a wide menu.

NEW US AMBASSADOR TO ROMANIA On June 11, US President Barack Obama nominated Mark Henry Gitenstein for the seat of US Ambassador to Romania. The next day, Romania's Foreign Ministry announced the decision. Mark Gitenstein is presented on the White House website as "a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution, where he specializes in issues related to national security and civil liberties. He is also a partner at the Washington office of the multi-national firm Mayer Brown LLP. Prior to his work at Mayer Brown, Mr. Gitenstein was the Executive Director of The Foundation for Change Inc. Previously, Mr. Gitenstein worked as a Senate staff member for 17 years, both in Senator Biden’s personal office, and then as Chief Counsel with the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is the author of Matters of Principle, an award winning book on his experience managing the Judiciary Committee staff during the confirmation battle over the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court in 1987. Mr. Gitenstein holds a B.A. from Duke University and a J.D. from Georgetown University."

position according to personal preferences, 30 hours before the time of the flight and until the deadline of registration and the payment of the excess luggage at a 30% discount, and for inter-continental flights, passengers can choose seats with an added comfort. “This service is a real time gain for our clients and a journey without worries. With the boarding card printed from home, passengers can go to the airport relaxed, go straight to the boarding hall if they have no luggage to check. This partnership with Novotel is very rewarding because we can offer a state of the art application to our common customers”, declared the manager of Air France KLM for Romania, Alexandru Dobrescu. Novotel was the first option of the air company on the basis of the global partnership Air France KLM- ACCOR and of the fact that a high percentage of the hotel’s guests can benefit from this service.

OEG entered the Romanian market in the second quarter of 2007 by acquiring three casinos in the Romanian capital city Bucharest that belonged to one of the bestknown Romanian casino operators Empire International Game World. Today OEG operates a total of six casinos and employs a total of 224 people in Romania. Friday evening, 19th June, the Grand Opening took place. This event was a real voyage to the Island of Entertainment Bora Bora, during which the guests were accompanied by mermaids so that they could completely enjoy the magical atmosphere of the night. This brilliant pearl of Bucharest revealed its beauty through exotic dances, music, fine food and drinks. The Romanian singer Elena Gheorghe, the Teodor Ballet from Chisinau and a bartending show were only some of the attractions of the party. Here you will always find your favourite games, and the latest ones in the field, all these as part of an original ambiance, in the well known Olympic style. Bora Bora offers you a varied range of entertaining games which are easy to be won, such as: American Roulette, Blackjack, Stud Poker, Texas Holdem, Oasis poker. Designed as an oasis for relaxation for the casino fans, this new nightspot reveals a theme recalling the tropical ambiance of the islands Bora Bora and brings exoticism inside the casino. As the other casinos Olympic, Bora Bora will offer you special moments and memorable events, in a friendly setting, characterized by quality, professional equipment and specialized personnel with broad experience in the most famous casinos throughout the world, at Olympic standards.

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Bucuresti what, where, when

travel

From Bran to Rucar: A Chronicle of Splendour The 22,5 km trip between Bran and Rucar presents you with a fairy tale area, with rustic dwellings hidden along one string of creeks bordered on one side by the Piatra Craiului Mountains, and on the other side, by the Bucegi Mountains. A well travelled trading road existed here hundreds of years ago, connecting Brasov and Campulung. A more modern road was built in 1891 and King Carol I himself attended its inauguration.

Mariana PASCARU •

Now this area, with hillocks, gorges and hills on which flocks of sheep are guarded by shepherds who still remember the old techniques for making cheese from pine crust, and soft cow cheese made from fresh sheep or cow milk, has become a favourite tourist destination. Ancient wooden houses are spread on the hillsides over which, in the summertime flow scents of raspberry, wild strawberry and freshly-mown hay. Here and there you will see meadows filled with carnations surrounded by clumps of birch trees or hillocks on which haystacks rise. Wandering through the villages from Bran to Rucar you will learn that rural, ecological and cultural tourism is fully functional in Romania. Bran is known as an old shepherd’s village, in which you can still sense the influence of the flock-moving traditions. Every year, on the last Saturday of September comes the celebration of the Sheep scattering. The flocks of sheep are brought down from the mountain meadows for the winter, and are returned to their owners. If you are in the area on the right dates, you can also

Bucuresti what, where, when

take part in other local festivities; the Fair of Pantelimon, on August 9th, the Days of Bran, also in August, the Pastoral festival Sambra Oilor (Sheep Society), in September, the Fair of the Archangels Saints, Michael and Gabriel, on the 8th of November. If you want to learn some of the traditions of Bran, you can take part in organized day trips such as „In the house of traditional craftsmen”. You will be introduced to some of the secrets of the furrier’s trade, weaving, knitting, the art of embroideries and woodworking; you will learn how to paint eggs Bran style, to knit hoppets, to make masks and puppets, to paint icons on glass and on wood. Stroll through the villages of the Bran commune – Poarta, Predelut, Simon, Sohodol – and admire the Transylvanian peasants' houses, scattered among the hills and valleys. Typically, the centres of the villages are dominated by old churches, built by shepherds in the 18th century. However, Bran's main attraction is the medieval castle, built in 1212 on a 60 m cliff by one of the Teuton knights brought by King Andrew II of Hungary into the County of

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Barsa, in the 12th century. Although today Bran Castle is synonymous with Tepes the Impaler (alias Dracula), its history has little to do with this character. Initially a small wooden fortress, it was in 1474 that Bran became an important bastion of defence against the Ottoman invasions. In 1377, the Saxons in the County of Barsa, who had conquered the Teuton’s fortress at the end of the 13th century, built a stone fortress for King Louis I of Anjou of Hungary there. The first incursion of the Turks into Tara Romaneasca (the Romanian Country) took place in 1369; in March 1395, Mircea cel Batran (Mircea the Old) and the king of Hungary, Sigismund of Luxemburg, concluded an alliance, promising each other support in the fight against the Ottoman armies. On that occasion, Sigismund deeded two fortresses to Mircea: one of which was Bran. In 1419, Sigismund took the fortress back from Mihail, Mircea’s son and successor, and entrusted it to a committee of Szecklers, subordinates of the Voivode of Transylvania. Later, Iancu of Hunedoara (1441-1456) repaired and reinforced Bran. He entrusted Vlad Tepes, who had lost his throne, with the defence of the North of Transylvania; Tepes might have used the occasion to make a stop at Bran, which was an important border point, but there is no historical evidence of this. Bran then passed under the control of the people of Brasov, from whom it was taken in 1612 by the Voivode of Transylvania Gabriel Bathory. Prince Gabriel Bethlen (1613-1629) renovated the castle, adding some Renaissance style flourishes. Eventually, prince Racoczy the second sold it to the people of Brasov in 1651, who would exert their dominance for a long time. Although the castle was initially designed to serve an exclusive military purpose, in time the commercial function became predominant, especially as a border between Transylvania and Muntenia. After the customs office was moved from Bran to Giuvala, the castle lost its economic importance. On December 1st, 1920, the City Council of Brasov deeded Bran Castle to Queen Mary, as a sign of gratitude for her

contribution to the establishment of the Great Union of December 1st, 1918. Queen Mary wanted to make some changes to transform the castle into a summer residence. Between 1920-1927, the architect of the Royal Court, Karel Liman, managed the restoration works. The military aspect of the medieval castle was reduced; nevertheless the exterior was not changed much, but the interior went through an amazing transformation (the great room was decorated in the style of German Renaissance, the Yellow Room, The Music Hall, the Tyrolienne Room of King Carol II, the Saxon Room of Prince Nicolae etc.). Furniture was brought from Venice, Florence, Spain, and Germany; a few rooms were furnished in the old Romanian and Saxon styles. Under the queen’s guardianship, the castle got all the modern utilities: cold and hot water installation, electricity, sewage, an elevator, telephones, etc. A park was built around the castle, with strolling alleys, a lake, fountains, a tea house and leisure terraces. A funicular was installed, which allowed the easy moving of food from the castle’s kitchen to the tea house, where the Queen received her guests. A hunting lodge, a wooden church and a wood guest house with seven rooms were also built. Here is what the queen thought of this adventure of ‘reviving’ the austere castle: „Bran meant a new battlefield, the call to life of a new dream of beauty. With the help of an old trusted architect, as heartened as I was, I started to give life to the dead walls, to enliven the old fortress that had never truly lived. I have awakened it from a long sleep, I transformed a blind object into a home with a multitude of eyes watching over the world. Asleep, distanced, beyond reach as it was, it surren-

dered to a change into a tranquil and pleasant house.” More than anything the queen loved her home in Balcic, which matched her artistic personality better. That is why, in her will, she requested that after her death, her heart be deposited in the Chapel of the Castle in Balcic. In 1940, after Romania surrendered the Quadrilateral to Bulgaria, the silver box encrusted with 307 precious stones in which the queen’s heart lay was moved into a recess in Castle Bran, from the ‘twin’ chapel of Balcic Castle – Stella Maris, at the base of the rock once called „belonging to Teodoric”. I am sorry to disappoint you, but those of you who have come here in search of the bloody Dracula will not find him here … Bran means more than a medieval castle implanted in a cliff. Whoever wants to know the real Bran must leave the “Bucharest perimeter” of luxury villas, and climb up the surrounding hills and hilltops, with heights up to 1000-1300 m, on which the haystacks mown by the inhabitants of Bran abruptly spread – you will not believe it! – often tied to the peak with a rope, to prevent it from sliding down into the valley. Lovers of exploration will not be disappointed; from the Poarta village there are three marked trails towards Omu peak (Bucegi mountains), while the village of Simon is a point of access to Bucegi. From Bran you can head on to Zarnesti (20 km), the gate to the Craiului Mountains – the most spectacular massif in then Carpathian Mountains, which appears in the shape of an isolated limy peak, spreading from Zarnesti to the Bridge over the Dambovita river at 25 km. It stands out by the various karst lands: approximately with some 160 caves (Dambovicioarei, Ursilor, Dracilor,

Stanciului) and 23 canyons (Dambovitei, Dambovicioarei, Pesterii, Brusturetului). Of course the most visited site is Bran… nevertheless, after Bran there is a line of villages, with less known names, but with an atmosphere that invites you for a pleasant stay. The villages of Cheia, Magura, Drumul Carului, Pestera, Fundata, Fundatica, Sirnea, Ciocanul, Podu Dambovitei, Dambovicioara have started to compete as attractive mountain resorts. The fact that they have preserved their rural culture, in spite of the recent travel boom, has made them interesting travel destinations. The villagers here have mastered the science of keeping things in balance: even as they have opened their homes to visitors, accepting the rules of the agricultural tourist market, they have not forgotten their business – they still herd their flocks of sheep, prepare delicious dairy products or process wool. The charm of this area lies in the indescribable winding of villages amidst hills and fields, beyond which you can see the castellated peaks of Piatra Craiului or the abrupt peaks of Mountains Bucegi. There is even a legend about these places, scattered among the hills and valleys: the legend says that old Bran, having many sons, had given to each and every one of them one of the 15 villages that lie at altitudes between 800 and 1300m: Poarta, Sohodol, Predelut, Simon, Moieciul de Jos, Cheia, Moieciul de Sus, Zbarcioara, Pestera, Coacaza, Magura, Drumul Carului, Sirnea, Fundata, Fundatica. Bucharest Tours operates guided Day trips to Bran Castle and its environs. They can also arrange overnight visits to the area. For more information call:+4-0744-510-195

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cover story

THE ENESCU FESTIVAL A Celebration of Great Music Sorana MAN •

An expression of our people’s rich cultural tradition, a major part of the European musical scene, the “George Enescu” International Music Festival and Competition is the most important cultural event in Romania. It takes place every two years, with growing global fame from one edition to the next, increasingly regarded as a real rival of the renowned Salzburg Music Festival by the international public and media. Writing about the Festival in Bucharest, the prestigious British newspaper The Guardian entitled its article in the September 19th 2007 edition: “The mighty Salzburg Festival now has a rival”, and at the end of March this year, the Austrian newspaper Observer went even further by stating: “The Salzburg Festival could only dream of a first rank concert list such as this”.

Bucuresti what, where, when

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he event was founded in 1958, as a sign of recognition of Enescu's genius, to pay homage to the Romanian composer’s life and creation. The first editions brought together some of the greatest names of international music, such as Lord Yehudi Menuhin, David Oistrach, Sviatoslav Richter, Herbert von Karajan and many others, who, through their participation, have confirmed the Enescu Festival’s status as a first class event. With the passage of years, the “George Enescu” Competition has stood out thanks to the exceptional concert activity of some of the laureates from the early editions organized until 1971, whose careers began with their participation in this Festival. After the first editions, which benefited from a large international participation, the communist regime resorted to cutting the funding, which resulted in the cessation of the Competition in 1971, and diminished the importance of the events organized within the Festival, which was reduced to a regional European or even only national Romanian event. After 1989, the Festival resumed its earlier course, regaining and significantly increasing the level and the fame it lost during the 20 years when it had been deprived of its possibilities. Carried out under the High Patronage of the Romanian President and organized by the Government through the Ministry of Culture, Cults and National Patrimony, this year’s edition will take place between August 30th and September 26th and will include symphonic and chamber concerts, recitals, opera and ballet on Bucharest’s main stages - Sala Palatului, The Romanian Athenaeum, Sala Radio, The Romanian Opera House, The National Theater - and in some towns, which are historically connected to the composer’s life: Sibiu, Brasov, Iasi, Timisoara and Cluj. Most concerts will be broadcast and recorded by the Romanian Radio and Television Society which, together with the City Hall of the Municipality of Bucharest and the Romanian Cultural Institute, are the Festivals co-producers. The Festival will open by presenting Oedipus, by George Enescu, a co-production of the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse and the National Opera of Bucharest. The production will be directed by Nicolas Joel – the director of the Toulouse Opera, while the scenery and the concepts are designed by Ezio Frigerio and France Squarciapino. Oedipus’s role will be interpreted by the famous singer Franco Ferrari, in the performance on August 30th, and by the Romanian Stefan Ignat, on September 2nd. For the first time, 7 major concerts, including Oedipus and the Gala Concert of the International “George Enescu” Competition, will be broadcast by the Mezzo TV channel, and a concert on September 19th will be seen live on the same station. The competition will take place between August 30th and September 6th and it will include piano, violin and composition sections. The jury will be composed of outstanding musicians from Romania and abroad. Aside from the I, II and III Prizes granted for each section - although the jury reserves the right to not grant certain prizes

-, the contestants can also win numerous special prizes, which will all be awarded as a part of the Laureate Gala and Concert on September 6th.. The Grand Prize is 15,000 Euro. The Gala will be followed by a concert which will also take place on later dates in the other above-mentioned cities. This year’s edition was preceded by an international promotion campaign and tour, meant to present the festival “on-site” to journalists, personalities from the cultural world, music critics, the media, artistic entrepreneur agencies, tourism agencies abroad, and their participation stands proof of this action’s efficiency. The tour was organized in March, in collaboration with the Romanian Cultural Institute and the National Music University in Bucharest and it traveled to Berlin, Brussels, London, Paris, Luxembourg, Florence, Toulouse, Rome, Munich and Vienna. Press conferences and media presentations were followed by chamber music recitals by laureates of the “George Enescu” Competition’s previous editions. Over 280 musical compositions will be performed during this edition, including 24 Enescu operas, over 80 works of contemporary Romanian composers, 10 opera and ballet shows. 13 major European orchestras will participate, 33 chamber music ensembles from around the world, 6 choirs, 41 solo artists in concerts and 6 solo artists in recital. During the press conference dedicated to offering information on the Festival’s preparations, on May 26th at the Enescu Museum, in the magnificent Cantacuzino Palace on Calea Victoriei, the Festival’s honorific director, Ioan Holender, director of the Vienna Opera, spoke about the difficult situation classical music has been facing around the world for many months. While the great lyrical theaters in Europe are generally sup-

ported by the state, in America, the state’s contribution is sometimes reduced to only 2%, and these institutions depend on private support, especially large sums donated by wealthy music lovers who, under the current economic circumstances, can no longer offer this money. Thus, an opera house such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, was forced to resort to measures which would have been considered outrageous a year earlier: productions are being canceled; romantic, light performances are being played instead of contemporary shows, as they are better attended by the public; letters are being written to the maestros and the musicians, asking them to give up part of their honorarium. Under these conditions, the huge efforts undertaken so that this year’s edition of the Enescu Festival can take place with no budget reduction are, without a doubt, more than praise worthy. Most of the Festival’s traditional partners have found solutions to continue their initially promised support, with the notable exception of the Mercedes company, which announced its withdrawal - however, the organizers were rescued by another major automobile producer, Citroen. Thus, under the harsh conditions of the period we are all experiencing, the great news of the Enescu 2009 Festival is that despite all the hardships and obstacles, great orchestras, great maestros, principal guests ARE ALL COMING! Amongst the most important choirs and musicians who will participate in the festival, are the Concertgebow Orchester, directed by Mariss Janssons, the Royal Philharmonic, directed by Charles Dutoit and Horia Andreescu – with solo artists Yundi Li and Joshua Bell -, Radio France, directed by Vladimir Kitaenko – with the participation of solo artists Remus Azoitei and Rudolph

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Bucuresti what, where, when

Buchbinder -, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, directed by Cristian Mandeal, Philharmonia Orchestra, directed by Vladimir Ashkenazi, with solo artists Dan Grigore and Lynn Harrell, Sankt Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, directed by Yuri Temirkanov, in concert with solo artists Hélène Grimaud and Denis Matsuev, Orchestre du Capitole du Toulouse, directed by Tugan Sokiev, with solo artists Nelson Freire and Renaud Capuçon, Amsterdam Orchestra – with its new Konzertmeister, the Romanian Liviu Prunaru, Symphonieorkester der Bayerischer Rundfunk, Suisse Romande under Marek Janowski’s wand, with solo artists Viviane Hagner and Jean Yves Thibaudet. The following are included among the artists and choirs presented in the chamber programs: Maria Joao Pires, Muray Perahia, Elisabetha Leonskaja, Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov, Sergei Nakariakov, Leif Ove Andsnes, Misha Maisky, Daniel Hope, Les Arts Florissants, Les Musiciens du Louvre etc. Most great composers of classical music, as well as many contemporary creators, will be represented through their works. Haendel, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Ravel, Debussy, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Vivaldi, Rachmaninov, Britten, Verdi, Messiaen, Scriabin, Poulenc, Beethoven, Stravinski, Mahler, Fauré, Prokofiev, Mussorgski, Bartók, Franck, Mendelssohn, Puccini, Schubert, Strauss, Ceaikovski, Shumann, Sostakovitch, Weber, Dvoﬁák, Saint-Saëns, Prokofiev, Berlioz, Gershwin, Wagner, Liszt and, of course, Enescu are only some whose works will delight your ears and your souls during this period of celebration and joy. The National Opera House program includes productions of Macbeth, Manon Lescaut, Swan Lake and the premiere of Celan, directed by the composer – Peter Ruzicka. One of this festival’s strong points, unanimously appreciated by the public and the critics, is, without a doubt, its diversity. Concerts are grouped in series such as “ Romanian music of the 21st Century”, “Great Orchestras of the World”, “Chamber Concerts”, “Midnight Concerts”, “Opera and

Bucuresti what, where, when

BalletSshows”, to which “Enescu and his Contemporaries” will be added in this edition, a series including chamber works in the interpretation of internationally known young solo artists and choirs (Hallynk, Tiberghien, Ugorski, Lifschitz), as well as the “Classical Themes in Modern Interpretations” concert series, with the participation of Yo-Yo Ma, the Swingle Singers, Uri Caine, Jasques Loussier etc. Plastic art, musical instruments, records, sheet music and book exhibits will be organized within the concert halls. Concerts and recitals will also take place in the Festival Square (Revolution Square: between the Athenaeum, the University Library and the Royal Palace) between September 11th - 20th, recordings of concerts and documentary films on George Enescu will be displayed. Amongst the numerous events adjacent to the festival, will be the International Musicology Symposium, with the main theme: George Enescu and his contemporaries. Esthetic and Stylistic Considerations. The participants are coming from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Japan, USA and Romania. A meeting of the

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Societies and Festivals dedicated to Enescu around the world (Paris, Berlin, London, New York, etc.) will be organized, at which their activities will be presented and, at the same time, a common promotion strategy of the great Romanian composer and of Romanian music will be considered. Another event worthy of note is of a totally different nature: the Pasarea de Foc (Bird of Fire) dance performance, by 100 young amateur dancers coming from Bucharest, Sibiu and Brasov, with no previous training in the art of dance and with no special physical characteristics, with ages between 11 and 22 years, and coming from all levels of society. They will be coordinated by the famous choreographers Royston Maldoom and Josef Eder, the first having been decorated by the Queen of Great Britain, for the projects he has carried out around the world, proving that dance can change people’s lives, freeing them from inferiority fixations. The show will take place at the National Theater in Bucharest on September 5th, in Brasov on September 7th and in Sibiu on September 9th. A Steinway D 274 concert piano was purchased with sponsor support. It was inaugurated at a concert held by Maestro Valentin Gheorghiu on May 6th at the “George Enescu” National Museum. This piano will be available to solo artists who will perform on the main stage of Sala Palatului. At the same time, substantial efforts were carried out to improve the acoustics of Sala Palatului. The number of seats will be decreased from 4800 to 3800 for this reason and a removable curtain will be installed to resize the space. The program of the festival can be found on www.festivalenescu.ro. Here and at www.eventim.ro you can find information on ticket and subscription prices. For performances within “The Romanian Musical Creation” and “Enescu and his Contemporaries” series, entrance is free. For recitals and concerts organized within the Competition, free access will be offered within the limit of the available seats.

entertainment

Romantic Escapes in Bucharest Raluca ICHIM â&#x20AC;˘

Warm times have come, and with them warm feelings and places, warm plans. You do feel the buzz, right? So, take some time for yourself, get out on the streets with your new attitude and find that warm atmosphere. Bucharest can be as romantic as you are and more... Take a walk on one of the most beautiful streets of historic Bucharest, Dumbrava Rosie. Here, it is said that spring makes its first stop when coming to town. I discovered this magic place one early spring night, during one of my many wandering, soul-searching urban walks. I paused for a few moments in Gradina Icoanei, the peaceful park just in front of Bulandra Theatre, and as the evening was getting darker and my thoughts even more confused, these two feet decided to walk. As they were taking me out of the park, and leading me towards the street on my right, I saw the beautiful magnolia trees and could enjoy the scent; I kept walking for no more than three minutes, when a shy wooden sign with a rather old appearance caught my attention. I felt just like Alice in Wonderland for a second. A word written on the sign said "Zorba", the name of my beloved dog I missed so much. It was like a call of destiny, a game of faith, and it was enough for me to follow the sign's direction. A few steps in the dark later, and I realized I was probably trespassing a private property, I could see a small yard and delicate candles still burning on the tables; a relaxing sound of music magically wrapped this fantastic discovery I had just made. There was no doubt for me that I was finally living my own Bucharest fairytale experience, and I kept walking. To get to the tables I had to cross over a small wooden bridge, like passing into another world, and it was a beautiful world indeed. Once in the small garden, I chose to sit

on one of the rocking chairs. I stayed like that for some time, mesmerized, amazed, enjoying every second of my urban fairytale. I returned the next day in the evening, afraid that maybe daylight had wiped all the magic away. The magic was still there, but this time the place was full of people. That is how I learned that the magic wonderland is called Serendipity and is actually a teahouse. It also has interior rooms and here you can drink the best tea ever (all kinds of tea with honey, brown sugar or milk, biscuits and cookies, with an enchanted touch of apple and cinnamon); I had Sencha Cinnamon and I will never forget it. So, from that evening on, the magic place on Dumbrava Rosie Street at number 12 became my secret spot in town, where I only take the persons dearest to me, as this is such a special secret to keep. Another delightful place to discover and be a part of is one very close to the teahouse, called Ioanid Park (just after Gradina Icoanei, on the right, before you enter Polona street). The park bears the name of our great violinist Ion Voicu, and is a small gem right in the center of effervescent Bucharest. It was built in 1870 on the former tributary stream of the Dambovita river, Bucurestioara. The small park was projected after the English squares and French park pattern (Park Monceau). Delightful during the day and exploding with romance by night, the park embraces a pond and a summerhouse, the ideal guardians of a never-ending story. In search of a romantic city escape, there is a well-hidden place on the highest natural spot in Bucharest, Filaret Hill. On the site of a vineyard, in the time of King Carol I's reign, an architect by the name of Suter built a number of houses, ending with his own palace, an architectural gem overlooking the city. Now called Aleea Suter, this quiet "culde-sac" street hides one of the most beautiful places in the capital. To get there on foot is a revealing city journey you will not soon forget; walking along Constantin Istrati Street on the right, you will discover a 200-year-old street, one of the narrowest in Bucharest and also the only one that has never been used by car, because it really is a stair. Dating back to 1945, this stair is the one Romania's old aristocracy used to walk on in order to get from Carol Park to Unirii Square. Xenofon Street takes your adventurous steps right to the cobble stone roundabout of Carol Parc Hotel. Here, on the sec-

Gradina Icoanei

ond floor, at the end of the hallway, the former Suter Palace keeps it's most romantic secret: the "Bellevue Bar"- a small mysterious tower located on the top floor, always locked and available to the public only by reservation (or, of course for hotel guests). This magical bar welcomes no more than 8 persons and is absolutely private, because, if you wish, not even a bartender will disturb your peaceful moments. Overlooking the front roundabout, this deliciously romantic spot is destined to fly you to another time and place, as you will forget being in Bucharest of 2009. It is a magical, secret and very cozy experience you will always remember. On Stirbei Voda street, right next to Cismigiu Park, there is a place called Planter's, were you can lay down on the grass, near the street, have a drink or a snack and get romantic when the evening starts throwing its blanket of dusk; burning fire-sticks surround the grass beneath you, as you are welcomed on rugs and oriental style foot stools. The outside is separated from the inside, not by walls, but by transparent plastic curtains (with a "zippable" door). A very comfortable and appealing atmosphere takes over the place and it is just enough to enjoy the evening. If your romantic mood cannot survive without desert, I suggest the chocolate cake (with one vanilla layer) - it is deliciously soft! Romance blooms in every soul, it wanders empty streets and fills restless searches, as it is the (hidden) most desired experience of the city traveler. Till next time, I wish you never-ending searches and wonderful discoveries!

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business

Tourism – A Rocket Launcher for the Romanian Economy? Stefan ILIE •

Romania ranks among the top countries in Europe in terms of tourist potential thanks to the variety and splendor of our landscapes, and the cultural and historic attractions. Moreover, the geographic position, at the junction of the main European roads, facilitates tourists’ access by air, road, river and sea. To get to Bucharest, a European tourist only needs to fly for an hour or two at the most. Not to mention the famous Romanian hospitality and the young heart of the Romanian people which transform any holiday into an unforgettable experience full of conviviality and friendship.

After trade, tourism is the second major branch of the service sector. Domestic and foreign tourism account for nearly 4.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and for more than half a million jobs (5.8% of total jobs). Tourism is one of the most dynamic sectors of the Romanian economy, with a rapid

Bucuresti what, where, when

growth rate, characterized by a high expansion potential. Big investment and profit opportunities for Romanian and foreign investors are predicted for the future. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council projections, Romania is rated fourth among the countries reporting rapid development of tourism, which is set to post an 8% annual increase in tourist potential over 2007 – 2016. Over the past years Romania has become a favorite destination for many Europeans. More than 60% of foreign tourists come from the EU member states. “Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors today”, Tourism Minister Elena Udrea said. “I believe– she added – the development of tourism could reduce the impact the international economic and financial crisis has on Romania, because the rise in foreign currency revenues reported by tourism enterprises could support the balance of payments. At the same time, tourism could absorb the workforce laid off by other economic sectors. Last but not least, a more dynamic tourism industry would generate additional revenues for the local communities and contribute to the development of the rural areas”. Obviously, all these arguments are just some of the aspects taken into consideration when the Tourism Ministry was restructured recently. What is the role of this governmental institution? The minister believes it is “the

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overall coordination of the entire tourism industry, regarded as a strong power of the nation, and Romania’s promotion as a tourist destination. The promotion, or the marketing, of a county or area as a tourist destination at a domestic level and – if it is the case – on the regional markets, must be a concentrated effort of the local public authorities, the tourism operators, the associations for regional promotion. The associations play an extremely important role in increasing the attractiveness of the local tourist destinations, they can collectively achieve more than the tourism ministry”, Elena Udrea said. In a way these estimates also define the potential partnerships with foreign businessmen wishing to invest in the local tourism market or to promote Romanian tourism at the international level. It is a market which has a target, during the mandate of this Government, of a 3-percent annual increase in the number of Romanian tourists and a 7- percent increase in the number of foreign tourists, the creation of more than 250,000 new jobs and the rise in the tourism industry contribution to the GDP to 6.7% . One of the main measures included in the 2009 – 2012 Ruling program of the new Government, with a view of stimulating the development of Romanian tourism, aims at reducing the taxes and granting some fiscal facilities for the private operators in this sector. Moreover, according to the Ruling program, the Government has targeted the institutional restructuring and the establishment of a specialty organization for the tourism marketing policy, as well as for the issue of a multi-annual program for the promotion of the Romanian tourism. At the same time, the document stipulates the establishment of a new system for the authorization of accommodation facilities, of tourist parks and the development of rural tourism. The program also targets the matter of some specific action plans for regional tourism, on the Romanian seaside, in the Danube Delta and in the mountains. It has already been decided that the Tourism Ministry will support financially 46 investment projects, worth 226,964,000 lei. According to a recently approved government decision on the financial support granted to the authorities of the local public administration, in addition to their own resources for the development of some investment projects in tourism, 20 counties are to benefit from these funds. The projects target development in the high mountain areas (construction of units for the mountain rescue service, of some centers for tourist information and mountain shelters, the rehabilitation of some tourist trails), supporting the “Ski in Romania” project, and the

development and modernization of the infrastructure specific to the balnearic tourism. Romanian and foreign investors must remember the list of projects is still open. The Tourism Ministry will complete it as soon as the local authorities complete further projects. The allocated amounts are not fixed. They can also be modified depending on the promptness with which such projects will be developed in 2009. In this context, we noticed a major trend in the tourist markets, represented by the visible rise in demand for health-related holiday packages. This has resulted in the Tourism Ministry, local public authorities, employers’ associations and relevant associations placing the development of balnearic tourism on the priority list, considering it one of the great opportunities for Romanian and foreign investors. There are many natural springs in Romania, healing mud and gas with therapeutic properties, resources that are not capitalized to their full value. For instance, Romania has 35% of the mineral springs in Europe. In addition to the seaside and the Danube Delta, the mountain and seaside tourism, Romania also has other places and points of interest, which represent business and investment opportunities, for their development and adjustment to international standards. Among others are cruises on the Danube and the Black Sea, rural tourism, capitalization of the therapeutic and tourist potential of the salt mines in Romania, fishing and hunting, cultural tourism, the organization of exhibitions and conferences, active tourism

and the winter and water sports respectively, golf, mountain trips, horseback riding etc. Despite the progress made in recent years, relevant studies show Romania’s performance in tourism is still much below its real potential, being generally lower than those of the neighboring countries, like Bulgaria, Hungary, the Ukraine, Croatia and the Czech republic. In this context we must note that the program for promoting Romania as a tourist destination, proposed by the newly restructured Tourism Ministry, has several major objectives: „the creation of quantitative and qualitative databases regarding the market; the creation of a strong country brand and product/regional brands; the production and implementation of specific marketing and promotional programs dedicated to tourism; supporting the development of Internet advertising and of interactive marketing”. At the same time, the redesign of the marketing office network abroad, based on efficiency criteria is being mulled over, as well as Romania’s more active participation in specialty fairs and the creation of close and productive partnerships with domestic and foreign travel operators. From the geographic point of view, the touristic offer will be promoted in countries for which Romania may represent an interesting destination, including Germany, Spain, France, Austria, Israel, USA and Turkey. Russia and China are deemed as interesting countries for Romania, but tourists from these countries might have visa issues. The budget allocated to the Tourism Ministry for domestic and foreign promotion

activities amounts only to 10 million Euro, much lower than its targets and compared to budgets of the neighboring countries. „Tourism promotion requires a joint effort: of the Government, the local public authorities and travel operators, so that the amounts that can be used are in fact higher”, the Tourism Minister said, adding “there are structural funds worth 150 million Euro under the Regional Operational Program Major Domain of Intervention 5.3 for the promotion of the tourist potential and the creation of the necessary infrastructure in order to increase Romania’s attractiveness as a tourist destination”. The promotional campaign will be carried out under the logo “Romania, land of choice” and, in addition to the advertising spots, it will also include outdoor advertising, ads in foreign publications and on the Internet. The 2009 tourism year started here much earlier than in the past two decades, on the occasion of the Easter holidays and with greater pomp and festivities compared to the previous years. Attending the major events that marked the occasion of the inauguration of the tourist season this year – in Bukovina and the Black Sea resorts – was the Tourism Ministry and Romania’s president Traian Basescu. Does this mean that there is finally a strong political will to transform the Romanian tourist potential into a real launching ramp to revive the Romanian economy hit by the international economic crisis? We hope so.

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dining

Two Salads, Please! Marcela GRATIANU •

The afternoon of a hot day in July. During my lunch break I rush to the terrace of a restaurant where my friend is waiting for me to have lunch, to see each other, to share the latest news… Quite a lot for such a short time, but we are optimistic, especially I, who cannot wait to see the surprise that Laura has in store for me – on the phone she already told me she has ordered… something good. Well good then, but it is a real risk to take it for granted (only by looking at her you can see why)… nevertheless it's a risk I'm willing to assume. On the table there was no pizza with sour cream chicken, nor steak, but a bowl of salad. Two portions of salad intimidated by the presence of the imposing Laura, who, with her blue eyes, was testing them, carefully and... leeringly. "We need something light and cooling. Hurry up!“, she answers my surprise, without offering me a single glance, as her fork attacks the first leaf of the salad. I know that today it is in fashion to eat salads and to drink still water with lemon. But Laura is not a fashionista. I resist any comment, I take my seat and I enjoy my salad, while she enjoys hers. Lately, at least, salads are in great fashion. Well, for a healthy life they should always be in fashion. With their long and colorful history, salads, accompanied by the typical dressings, have led to the birth of an industry. Last year alone, the salad was in the first place in competitions for overcoming a national record and a world one. In the village of Sapoca, near Buzau, 21 housewives have rolled up their sleeves and have started preparing the biggest country salad in Romania, from specific vegetables (onions, tomatoes, pepper, herbs), weighting over 500 kilograms, prepared, as tradition calls for, in a wooden bowl of approximately 10 square meters. In 2008 alone, 50 persons from the Chanchamayo province, in Peru, struggled to prepare the largest fruit salad in the world, a desert which entered the Guinness Book of Records. The fruit salad contained 18 tons of fruits such as papaya, tangerines and pineapple, the residents of Chanchamayo breaking their own record, registered five years earlier, when they prepared only a 10 ton fruit salad. History tells us that our Roman ancestors were the first salad experts, salads prepared by mixing a few vegetables with salt, seasoning them with simple dressings, like oil and vinegar. It is known however that the Chinese have been using soy sauce for more than 5000 years and that the Babylonians used oil and vinegar for seasoning herbs 2000 years ago. As for the Egyptians, they preferred salads seasoned with oil, vinegar and oriental herbs. Later, at the courts of the European kings we find salad to be a central dish. The cooks of the royal houses used up to 35 ingredients in a giant salad bowl, including exotic herbs such as rose, violet petals and other plants with strong flavors. In the 18th century the dinners of the French noblemen

Bucuresti what, where, when

were seasoned with the queen of salad dressings, mayonnaise. It is believed that the mixture of egg yolks, oil and spices was made for the first time to celebrate the capturing of the city Mahon in 1756, a city on the Spanish island of Menorca, by forces lead by the Duke of Richelieu. Aside from his talent as a military strategist, the duke was also renowned as a „bon vivant“, having the weird custom of inviting naked guests to his dinners. The duke, or better said, his chef was credited with the invention of mayonnaise to celebrate his military success. The famous Caesar Salad was born in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1924, out of chance. On a busy day, Cesare Cardini, an Italian restaurant owner and hotel manager, rapidly scraped together what was available in the kitchen and created a unique dish which quickly became

popular, specially created for celebrated stars. Cardini’s original recipe included lettuce, rosemary, garlic, bread croutons, parmesan, eggs kept a minute in boiled water, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce. In time, the ingredients diversified, adding to those used in the original recipe, anchovies, mustard, vinegar, although Cardini was totally against adding anchovies to the salad, saying that the Worcestershire sauce brought all the subtle fish flavor that was needed. All these types of salad, as well as the accompanying sauces and mayonnaise which add to their flavor, are typical of Bucharest restaurant menus, but many Romanians prepare them at home as well, with pleasure and skill. In the top rank of salads preferred by Romanians, the boeuf salad is the first – a must at holiday dinners –, with its controversial story. Although its name suggests its origin , „les connaisseurs“ say that what we are eating is in fact a German mayonnaise salad. The French have something similar, but with a different sauce and only with vegetables, calling it „macedoine“, while the Germans make a

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meat and boiled vegetable mixture with pickles, but unlike us, they add red beets and a rosy sauce, calling it „Berlin salad“; the socalled „à la russe“ salad is also quite similar. So specialists have ruled: the boeuf salad so popular in our country is, after all, ours, a strictly Romanian dish, bearing a foreign name and made by combining two foreign dishes. Besides, Romanians sometimes replace the beef with chicken, turkey or fish, so.... In time, all salads became more sophisticated, different ingredients making their way towards such a dish: raw or cooked vegetables, pasta, chicken, fish, red meat, all have led to the diversification of salads. Obviously, the dressing has also changed, the common oil or vinegar being replaced with sauces whose taste was intensified by various spices and herbs offering originality and savor to the salads. Americans in the 20th century went even further in the preparation of salads, turning it into an art by using the basic seasoning (oil, vinegar or lemon juice and spices) and the inventiveness of cooks in creating an infinite array of sauces for obtaining the most delicious salads. Until the beginning of the 20th century, dressings and sauces were not available in stores. Cooks had to start from scratch to prepare them and due to the variety of ingredients, the poor storage conditions and the unavailability of some ingredients for the entire year, the results were diverse. In time, restaurants started packing and selling their clients’ favorite sauces and this led to the birth of the salad seasoning industry. Important energy and health sources for the body, salads are easily adaptable to any season, to every taste, to every situation and are also recommended in the majority of diets, as a major factor in maintaining a silhouette. Salads can be served as an appetizer – lighter salads which usually have raw vegetables, fruits and herbs, with or without a dressing, but a light sauce nevertheless, spicy-sour; as garnish – these are more consistent than the previous, or accompanying the main dishes and completing their flavors, for example marinated vegetables are well suited especially when they accompany heavy dishes with more fat; or even as main dish – combinations of vegetables, fruits and meat are ideal for these more consistent salads. Salads can be a delicious desert – we are talking of sweet fruit salads combined to mix and intensify the flavors, with or without cream, usually served cold, sometimes frozen. No matter how you eat it, the salad is always an inspired choice. The afternoon of another hot day in July. During my lunch break I storm to a restaurant where I am to meet Laura. I try to reach the restaurant before her and surprise her. „Two salads please!“, I hear two voices, at two different tables.

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

Farmadex: 19, N Titulescu Blvd, Ph. 0744-650-078 MedFARM: 34, I.C. Bratianu Blvd, Ph. 021-315-2309

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.

DENTISTS

MONEY

Ph. 021-312-3300; 0723-380-498 Dent Estet: 15, Aviatorilor Blvd. Ph. 021-222-1108 7, G. Alexandrescu St, Ph. 0723-602-020

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.

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

Dent Elysee: 51, J.L. Calderon St.,

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

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 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

The National Bank of Romania

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, www.bucurestiwww.ro

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

www.fge.org.ro

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 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

The National Museum of Art: is hosted by the 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.

www.bucharesttours.ro

JULY - AUGUST 2009

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When the Sun Goes Down Adriana RADUCU •

As soon as the sun sinks below the horizon, the night atmosphere in Bucharest becomes animated and the bars, night clubs, discos and casinos come to life (though casinos are open 24/7). A cosmopolitan lifestyle, a multi-cultural manner of thinking, clubs inspired by all eras and cultures are entwined in new and exclusive ideas - this is how one could sum up, in a few words, Bucharest’s night life. So, if you want to get down on the dance floors, you can opt for a disco or a club. The non-conformists can go to the Control Club, which has three rooms, one for dancing and another for conversation. If you are indie and alternative fans, this club, located on Academiei Street, is the perfect place to spend an evening with music to your liking. A poll on the metropotam.ro website indicated that the club holds the first place in clients’ preferences when it comes to atmosphere. Recently, Vlad Lomnasan’s "Strange and seductive” photograph exhibit took place here, an erotic-grotesque collage, using chiaroscuro’s seductive aesthetics. The photography by Vlad Lomnasan aims to be a collage that does not pro-

pose something refined and explicit in its symbolism, but simply wants to send a message on woman’s existence in this world through her body expressions. Clubbers who are a bit more “down to earth”, who want to listen to live covers, usually choose between Alive, Coyote or Becker Brau. This is where you will listen and dance to international covers and enjoy fresh brewed beer to the Becker Brass Orchestra’s rhythms. Becker Brau is a special place, a micro brewery, where beer is brewed on their own premises. If you feel like having a fresh filtered or non-filtered beer in a genuinely German atmosphere, this is where you will definitely find it. The decor is unusual, but delightful, there are guitars hanging from the ceiling or framed on the club’s walls, next to which, after a few beers, you can even eat. Another club where you can enjoy a meal, in a more unusual way, however, is Ota. This is one of a kind, as it only serves soup and does so only after a certain hour of the morning, when you want to get rid of your hang-over. The bar, where you would only order your drink, page IV

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Bucuresti what, where, when

Massage T 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

Bucuresti what, where, when

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e Therapy 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

Bucuresti what, where, when

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now offers you something to eat, bagels being the house specialty. Ota also has a legend. It is known as the «Secret Club», because the club is in the basement of a house next to the Romanian Opera, where no one could ever think to find a club. This is why, in this club, the idea of “urbanity” continuously acquires more and more new meanings. If up to yesterday you were certain that you had experienced all that is HYPERLINK "http://www.gigel.org/post-674Urbanul.html" \n _blankurban, then guess what - you were dead wrong! Go to Ota and get to see all that has still been hidden from your sight. People who prefer more peaceful locations and are jazz lovers will have a great time at the Green Hours and Art Jazz. You will find both clubs downtown, easily accessible even for tourists who are not very familiar with the city. Each is spectacular in its own way. Green Hours, where theater plays and jazz concerts are held in the open air, also has a gorgeous terrace aside from the club itself, as well as a... bookstore, while Art Jazz is special not only through its jazz concerts with renowned artists, locals such as Maria Raducanu, as well as from

Bucuresti what, where, when

abroad, but also for the exhibitions of less known artists. Collectors take note: the paintings are actually for sale! Some Bucharesters, as well as many visitors, hang out with their friends in a pub where they can sit and chat and watch the shows. «La scena» is a renovated club in a mansion from the last century, with Hollywood glamour furniture, in some rooms, or new, Orientally inspired pillows, in others. Here, young people put on theater plays, they exhibit plastic arts, photography, they perform stand up comedy. What I thought was innovative as well as avant-garde was the attic which was transformed into a theater, with a stage, where independent productions are presented. And this type of theater’s advertising slogan is as interesting as the place itself: «If not closer to God, then at least closer to flying. ARCA theater - A place where ideas float and exist in abundance». A place of creativity, a space where you feel free. The kitchen is not to be sneezed at either and the chef’s specialty is fish and Italian pasta. And since we are already in the middle of the summer and each of us wants to feel a

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breeze like to the one we experience at the seaside, visit the Motoare Terrace, found in the National Theater of Bucharest, on the top floor. Here, high above most of Bucharest, you can enjoy a very special summer evening. As you enter, you are greeted by cartoons, a colored and lively miniature city. The large space, the (relatively) cheap draft beer, French fries, maybe a Bacardi, a coffee or plain water. I think Motoare is best defined by colors. People are colorfully dressed, the walls are no longer gray, movies are projected onto the large screen in front of the bar, even if the sound is far from perfect. Motoare has become a typical space for a certain group of people, which is described as “urban”. You have alternative theater here, you can see Film students’ graduation works, artists sometimes come here to draw or to perform, events are organized here. From Converse sneakers to string sandals, from pink belts and emo hair-cuts to rock band t-shirts, from baseball caps and loose pants to flower skirts, from dresses down to the knee, possibly worn over jeans, to African jewelry, in the Motoare club, people come in all shapes and sizes.

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 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

DRIVING IN ROMANIA 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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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 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

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

Atheneul Roman:

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”:

2, N. Balcescu Blvd. Ph.: 021-313-6348.

George Enescu Philharmonic: 6 D 1-3, Franklin St. Ph: 021-315-0024, Box Office: 021-315-6875 www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

MUSEUMS

National Museum of Art of Romania:

6 D 111, Calea Victoriei. Ph: 021- 211.17.49, 021- 212.96.41. Visiting hours: Saturday- Wednesday 11.00 –19.00 (May-Septem-

Art Collections Museum:

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. 6D

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. The European Art Gallery includes painting, 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: 5 C 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 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.

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

ber); 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:

2, I.C. Bratianu Blvd. Ph: 021-31025.62, 021-3156858. Open daily 10.00 -18.00, Closed: Monday and Tues-

day. 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: 7 A 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.

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 ★★★★ 7 E : 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. BANAT ★★ 7 E : 5, Piata Rosetti ph: +40-21-312-5784; fax: +40-21-312-6547. RAMADA - PARC ★★★★ 2 A : 3-5 Poligrafiei Blvd. ph: +40-21-549-2000; fax: +40-21-549-2330 CAPITOL ★★★ 7 D : 29, Calea Victoriei ph: +40-21-313-9440; fax: +40-21-312-4169 CAROL PARC HOTEL ★★★★★ 9 D : 23-25, Aleea Suter , ph: +40-21-336-3377; fax: +40-21-336-3736 CARO ★★★ 2 E : 164A, Barbu Vacarescu St. ph: +40-21-208-6100; fax: +40-21-208-6101; CASA CAPSA ★★★★★ 7D : 36, Calea Victoriei ph: +40-21-313-4038 CASA VICTOR ★★★★ 4 C : 44, Emanoil Porumbaru St. ph: +40-21-222-5723, +40-21-222-9626 fax: +40-21-222-9436 CENTRE VILLE APARTHOTEL ★★★★ 6 D : George Enescu St. and Luterana St. crossing ph: +40-21-305-3666; fax: +40-21-312-0927 CENTRAL ★★★ 7 D : 13, Brezoianu St, ph/fax: +40-21-315-5636/37. CLASS ★★★★ 1 B : 30A, Gârlei St. ph: +40-21-233-2814; fax: +40-21-233-2886 CONFORT OTOPENI ★★★: 255A, Calea Bucuresti ph: +40-21-350-4110 - 16; fax: +40-21-350-4117 - 18. CONFORT TRAIAN ★★★ 7 F : 55, Traian St. ph.: +40-21-308-3153/4; fax: +40-21-308-3155. Crowne Plaza ★★★★★ 2 A 1, Poligrafiei St. ph.: +40-21-224-0034; fax: +40-21-318-1302 DALIN ★★★ 9 D : 70-72, Marasesti Blvd. ph.: +40-21-335-6306; fax: +40-21-336-6284 DALIN CENTER ★★★ 7 F : 33A, Soseaua Stefan cel Mare. ph.: +40-21-211-0070 DUKE HHH 6 D : 33, Dacia Blvd, ph: +40-21-317-4186/87/88; fax: +40-21-317-4189.

EURO HOTELS INTERNATIONAL ★★★

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

EURO HOTELS INT’L TRIUMF ★★★ 4 B : 32-34, Maresal Averescu Blvd. ph: +40-21-224-5496; fax: +40-21-224-5554 ERBAS ★★★ 1 + 2 D : 27, Av. Alex Serbanescu St., ph: +40-21-232-6856, +40-21-232-6857. fax: +40-21-232-6527. www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

GOLDEN TULIP BUCHAREST ★★★★

166, Calea Victoriei. ph: +40-21-212-5558; fax: +40-21-212-5121 GOLDEN TULIP TIMES ★★★★ 7 G : 19, Decebal Blvd. ph: +40-21-316 6516; fax: +40-21-316-6517 GRAFFITI ★★★ 5 D : 25 Albac St., ph./fax: +40-21-231-6006. HOWARD JOHNSON GRAND PLAZA HOTEL ★★★★★ 6 D 5-7, Calea Dorobantilor, ph: +40-21-201-5000; fax: +40-21-201-1888. HELLO HOTELS ★★ 6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei, ph: +40-372-121-800; fax: +40-372-121-801 reservation: +40-372-716-464 HERASTRAU ★★★ 2 C : 7-9, Soseaua Nordului, ph: +40-21-232-9666; fax: +40-21-203-9923. IBIS Gara de Nord ★★★ 6 B : 143, Calea Grivitei, ph: +40-21-300-9100; fax: +40-21-300-9098. reservation: +40-21-401-1011 IBIS Palatul Parlamentului ★★★ 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 ★★★★★ 7 D : 4, Nicolae Balcescu Blvd., ph: +40-21-310-2020; fax: +40-21-312-0486.

JW MARRIOTT BUCHAREST GRAND HOTEL ★★★★★ 8 B : 90, Calea 13 Septembrie, ph: +40-21-403-1012; fax: +40-21-403-1001. LEV OR ★★★ 6 C : 25, Occidentului St., ph: +40-21-210-1274; fax: +40-21-319-0910. MARSHAL ★★★★ 7 E : 2, Dr. Emanoil Bacaloglu St. ph: +40-21-314-0880; fax: +40-21-314-0888 MINERVA ★★★★ 5 C : 2-4, Gh. Manu St., ph: +40-21-311-1555; fax: +40-21-312-3963 MONTE NELLY ★★★★ 6 E : 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 PERSEPOLIS ★★★★★ 2 C : 27, Virgil Madgearu St., ph: +40-21-232-1116 / 233-5020; fax: +40-21-232-11115 PULLMAN ★★★★ 2 B : 10, Piata Montreal, ph: +40-21-318-3000; fax +40-21-316-2550 RADISSON SAS ★★★★★ 6 D : 63-81, Calea Victoriei, ph: +40-21-311-9000; fax: +40-21-313-9000 RAMADA BUCHAREST NORTH ★★★★ 2 C : 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

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

7F : 159, Calea Calarasilor, ph: +40-21-320-0173 / 83; fax: +40-21-322-0811 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 SAMAA ★★★ 3 A : 319C, Ion Mihalache Blvd., ph: +40-21-224-0282/83; fax: +40-21-224-0284 SIQUA ★★★ 7C : 59A, Calea Plevnei, ph: +40-21-319-5160; 319-5161; fax: +40-21-319-5162 STARLIGHT SUITE HOTELS ★★★★ 5 D : 89-97, Grigore Alexandrescu St., ph/fax: +40-21-211-3413 / 14 TEMPO ★★★ 7E : 19, Armand Calinescu St., ph: +40-21-310-1216; fax: +40-21-310-1241 TRIANON ★★★ 9, Grigore Cobalcescu St., ph: +40-21-311-4927; fax: +40-21-316-2281 TULIP INN Bucharest City ★★★★ 8 F : 3A, Nerva Traian St. ph: +40-21-200-6270; fax: +40-21-200-6273 VENEZIA ★★★★ 7 C : 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.

RAZVAN ★★★

www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

6 D 141, Calea Victoriei. Ph. 021-212-9649. Open daily 10:00–17:00; closed Monday. Houses collections illustrating the

“George Enescu” Museum:

L'Institut Français (French Institute) 6 E : 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

TRAINS history of music composition and documents from the life of eminent Romanian musician and composer George Enescu. The Observatory: 5 D 21, Lascar Catargiu Blvd. Ph.: 021-212-9644. It includes both a science fiction

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: 021313-2644 [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

and an astronomic club. This small museum of Romanian history of astronomy is worth visiting.

CINEMAS 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 Scala: 2-4, Magheru Blvd.Ph.: 021-316-6708 Studio: 29, Magheru Blvd.Ph.: 021-316-5526

CULTURAL INSTITUTES 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.

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

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)

All the above trains leave from Gara de Nord.

• 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

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 Development: 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 Ministry of Defense: 3-5, Izvor St. Ph.: 021-402-34-00; 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:

Deutsch - Rumänische Industrie und Handelskammer Bukarest: 35, Clucerului St., 2rd floor

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

Ph.: 021-223-15-31; Fax: 021-223-15-38. www.ahkrumaenien.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

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

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 www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

NATIONAL AGENCIES

Salans-Moore, Vartires & Associates SCA: 28-C,

T.I.C.C. of Romania: 2, Octavian Goga Blvd.,

General C. Budisteanu St. Ph.: 021-312-49-50; Fax: 021-312-49-51. www.salans.com

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

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

Vodafone Romania: 4A, Vasile Milea Blvd.

RCS &RDS: 73-75, Dr. N. Staicovici St.

SCHOOLS

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

The following English-speaking schools are located in Bucharest:

Ph.: 021-302-22-22; Fax: 021-302-14-13. www.vodafone.ro

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.

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

AIRLINES AEGEAN: Henri Coanda Int’l Airport. 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

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: 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.

PRIVATE FLIGHTS

EUROJET AVIATION: 5 C 24, Sevastopol 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

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 www.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

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

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.

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

treal 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

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 world-wide 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

• 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

Bucuresti what, where, when

www.bucurestiwww.ro

INA CENTER: • Unirea Shopping Cen-

ter (ground floor) 8 E • 27, I Campineanu St. 7 D • 14-16, CA Rosetti St. 6 D • 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 4 D • Unirea Shopping Center 8 E • Carrefour Militari Gallery, • Carrefour Colentina Gallery, • Selgros Baneasa • Selgros Berceni, • Selgros Pantelimon

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, 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.

FASHION BLISS: Valentino, Louis Feraud, Calvin Klein, Lorenzini; 23, Calea Victoriei 7 D BERSHKA: Baneasa Shopping City BRAY SUITE ANTHOLOGY: 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. • 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B •118, Calea Victoriei 6 D

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA - Flagshipstore: Ermenegildo Zegna, Z Zegna, Zegna Sport

1, Intrarea Noptii with 18, Ion Mihalache Blvd. 5 C LOUIS VUITTON: 90,Calea 13 Septembrie (Grand Avenue Shopping Gallery) 8 B

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

DAVID SANDU JEWELRY: 30, Smardan St 7 D

Victoriei 7 D

FOLLI FOLLIE: Jewellery, Watches &

MARKS & SPENCER: • Bucuresti Mall

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

• 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 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

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

GEOX: • Plaza Romania • Bucuresti

Mall 8 F

SEROUSSI, PIERRE CARDIN, BRUNO SAINT HILAIRE: • Bucuresti

HUMANIC: • Baneasa Shopping City

Mall. 8 F • Plaza Romania • America House - 4-8, N. Titulescu Ave. 5 C • 241, Calea Mosilor (Outlet)

MIHAI ALBU: Selling his own cre-

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,

• Militari Shopping ations 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

N. Balcescu Blvd. 6 D • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza Romania • City Mall, 2, Soseaua Oltenitei • Bucuresti Mall, 1st floor - 55-59, Calea Vitan

BOOK STORES

ZARA: • Baneasa Shopping City • Plaza

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

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

JEWELRY

SPORTS EQUIPMENT & TRAVEL

Romania

FASHION FOR KIDS

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

NOI: 18, N. Balcescu Blvd.

INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATION ANATOLIAN CARPET BOUTIQUE:

ADIDAS: • 28-30, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • Bucuresti Mall. 8 E • 116-122, Calea Dorobantilor 5 D DECATHLON: Militari Shopping DIADORA: Auchan GBS - WORLD OF BRANDS: Samsonite, Lacoste - accessories, Showwww.bucurestiwww.ro

Bucuresti what, where, when

PUMA: Unirea Shopping Center. 8 E SERGIO TACCHINI: Carrefour - Autostrada Buc.-Pitesti km. 11-12 UMBRO: City Mall

Calea Victoriei

ANTIQUES

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

Make sure you get a signed receipt when buying antiques in Romania. Ask about an export permit as well. GALERIA NUMISMATICA: Coins, medals, banknotes-expertise & sale. 35-37, Academiei St. 7 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.

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

room: • 71, Soseaua Panduri. 8 B (JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel) • World Trade Plaza (Sofitel Hotel) 10, Montreal Sq. 3 B • Henri Coanda Int’l Airport HERVIS SPORTS: • Liberty Center. 9 C • Militari Shopping INTERSPORT: 39, I.C. Bratianu Blvd.

CAMINUL ARTEI: 16, Biserica Enei St. GALLERY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART OF ROMANIA: 49-53,

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.

ROMARTIZANA: 18-20, Calea Victoriei 7 D

SARRA BLU’: • Unirea Shopping Cen-

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

ROMANIAN HANDICRAFTS

GIFTS

ART GALLERIES

KAPPA: City Mall LACOSTE: • Baneasa Shopping City

ART GLASS: 9-11, Selari St. 7 D “CRAII DE CURTEA-VECHE”: Furni-

• Bucuresti Mall. 8 F

LOTTO: • 225, Calea Mosilor

ture, artifacts, photography, art deco, documents from the last period of the 19th century. 14, Covaci St.

• Auchan - 33A, 1 Decembrie 1918 Blvd. • City Mall NIKE: • 25, Magheru Blvd. 6 D • Bucuresti Mall. 8 F • 95, Stirbei Voda St.

INSIDE-forever gifts by INNOVA: 4, Patriei St. 7 D

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 1 MAI: 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. 4 D 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.

• PIATA DOROBANTILOR:

Bucuresti what, where, when

TOBACCO SHOPS

• PIATA OBOR:

• PIATA AMZEI: 6 D 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.

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.

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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

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Bucuresti what, where, when

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.: 021-230-47-69 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). 27-29, 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).

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)

FRENCH CUISINE

Casa Vernescu: 6 D Exquisite restaurant in a historical building, hosting Casino Palace. Luxurious interior.

Bucuresti what, where, when

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 house located on 19, Polona street was built in 1920, serving as residence to the Tatarascu family. Gheorghe Tatarascu was Romania ’s prime minister throughout two periods, also acting as foreign minister and Romania’s ambassador to Paris. The Heritage Restaurant is aiming for going on top of the most sought-after restaurants in Bucharest in terms of exquisite gastronomy. The menu at L’Heritage is a contemporary French one with a Mediterranean touch. Products are carefully chosen by the chef himself as proof of their freshness and quality while the bread is home-made. Epicerie Fine boutique, Wine Cellar, Summer Terrace and Gourmet Events Club. 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:

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INDIAN CUISINE

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.

Karishma:

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 Arcade - Atmosphere & Gourmet: 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, nonsmoking 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.: 021-222-3179. 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. 3-5, 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.: 021-224-0034; 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 Argentinean 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 non-smoking 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.: 021-3102020; 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 : 021-336-3377; 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.

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

The Harbour:

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.: 021-314-3800; 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. 021-403-1902. 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.: 021-303-3777; 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.

Caffé Città:

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4-star service

Bucuresti what, where, when

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).

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.: 021312-81-96; 0722-204-884. Open: 11:00 – 24:00.

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 12.30-16.30 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. The Garden: 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.

MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE

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.

Golden Falcon:

ROMANIAN CUISINE

Burebista Vanatoresc: 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. 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. 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

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.: 021-3102020. Open: daily 07:00 - last order.

Bucuresti what, where, when

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 - 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.

Caffe & Latte:

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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.: 021403-1901; 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. 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: 8:00-24:00. 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, tubeshaped 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 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.:021-310-2020 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: 09:0023:00. 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 Eros Massage: Pure Erotic Massage. Phone: 021315-5112; 0720-780-161; www.erosmassage.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 6 • • July - August 2009 • Published by Crystal Publishing Group srl. http://www.bucurestiwww.ro

Editor-in-Chief: SORANA MAN

A Good Man is Gone…..

Coordinating Editor: Gabriel Arsene Web Site: Vlad Alexandrescu Editorial Dept. e-mail: office@bucurestiwww.ro Photos:

A few weeks ago, Dan Patriciu, our long time General Manager passed away. He had retired from our company at the end of April. At the time none of us knew just how ill he was, and his death came as both a shock and an unhappy surprise. Dan Patriciu took over as GM of Crystal Publishing Group in the early 90’s, as the company was taking its early tentative steps, and he led us forward into growth and success over the following 15 years. Working mostly behind the scenes, he oversaw our expansion in the development of our regional magazines, our annual book “Welcome to Bucharest” and more recently, our very successful Bucharest Tours division. He was able to keep CPG on a steady forward course; even as I occasionally intervened with “brilliant” new ideas, which sometimes became expensive failed experiments. As I liked to say, only half in jest, “ I would come to Bucharest with an idea for a new project, and leave it to Mr. Patriciu to figure out how to pay for it, as I went back to the States”. Sometimes we disagreed, and argued and debated, but once the discussion was done, he did his best to implement our decision. And, when the company was in trouble, he would spend sleepless nights trying to find a solution, which he always did.

there, available to answer a question, or give advice, a repository of our company history, was a comfort, which we have now lost, and we miss him greatly. Dan Patriciu was not just a good manager; he was a caring family man. He leaves behind a loving wife, Dida, and a son, Dan Jr., to whose care and support he devoted years of love and effort. He was a wise and educated man, who spent years in the Romanian Navy, and traveled the world as a Business Manager, even during the old days. He loved history, especially Romanian history. Whenever we published an article about Romanian history he was the one to “fact check it” and more often than not he would find a mistake by the expert who had written it. He also seemed to know every small town in Romania and the best way to get there. He was the steady hand on the tiller of our small ship, guiding us forward, through sometimes turbulent waters. His spirit shall remain with us for a long time to come, as we mourn our loss.

Ludwig Gelobter, Publisher Although his formal association with CPG had ended, just knowing that he was

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 BUREAU Art Director: Mihai 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 225, Lafayette, LA 70503, USA Annual subscription Romania 80,00 RON Payable to Crystal Publishing Group Banca Comerciala Romana – filiala sector 4 Bucharest Account no.: RO08 RNCB 0075035221160001 (Lei). For all other countries Euro 50. Please send the order and a check or money order to LUBAR GROUP inc. 1001 W. Pinhook Road, Suite 225, 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, Persepolis, 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.

B3W is a Romania Audit Bureau of Circulation (BRAT) Audited Publication

Publisher: Ludwig Gelobter © 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.

The Publisher accepts no responsibility for the content of advertisements. Bucuresti What Where When Magazine is printed on paper originated from sustainable managed forests. Printed by: Coprint

Bucuresti what, where, when