OCCUPATION: Works at FakePR (fashion public relations)
MY STYLE: Casual with a twist. I am most comfortable in a pair of dark PRPS skinny jeans, my grey Chloé knee-high boots, and an embroidered beige cardigan: casual but still chic! I am also lucky enough to work with wonderful designers, so I sometimes get to wear their designs. For special occasions, I dress up in my Victoria Beckham and Rupert Sanderson shoes.
I LOVE BERLIN BECAUSE: In Berlin, everything is possible. There are so many playgrounds and parks, and it’s very green—even right in the city. With art clubs, museums, and cinemas, it’s a city filled with art and culture.
Oliv Café
This light-filled café is the perfect lunchtime refuge amid the hurried streets of Mitte. Dine solo with the periodical collection at your fingertips, or meet up with friends over local coffee and delicious sandwiches (the sourdough bread has the perfect amount of chew). “This wonderful little spot is right by our office,” says Clare Langhammer, who loves to take a homemade cake home to her kids.
Adlon Day Spa
“If I’m lucky enough to have a day off, I love coming here for the 120-minute Swedish massage,” says Clare Langhammer of the spa affixed to Hotel Adlon Kempinski, a.k.a. one of the most celeb-ridden hotels in all of Europe. In its pre-war heyday, the Adlon housed the likes of Josephine Baker and Charlie Chaplin; and more recent press has stemmed from Michael Jackson’s controversial stay (and balcony behavior) in 2002.
Petite Boutique
“Petit” is certainly the buzzword at this charming boutique, which offers pieces from Petit Bateau, Anne-Claire Petit Accessories, and Petit by Sofie Schnoor, among other (less coincidentally named) brands. “If we’re looking for a special outfit for Milla we always come here,” says Clare Langhammer. “They also have the best selection of winter boots and coats.”
La Perla
Once a small corsetry factory in Bologna, the La Perla empire has, throughout nearly 60 years in business, evolved into a market leader in women’s lingerie, swimwear, and nighttime luxury items. Whether you prefer eyelet lace detailing or boldly scalloped edges, La Perla has quality intimates that are sure to fit your figure and style.
Resort A-Rosa
Whether your family is seeking relaxation, athleticism, or a combination of the two, Resort A-ROSA in Scharmützelsee, Germany (complete with a golf course, spa, and boat rental service) is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. “The resort is only 90 minutes away from Berlin, but it’s like another world,” says Clare Langhammer.
Locanda Pane
The menu at Locanda Pane curiously combines Italian and German flavors, and is known for its top-notch wine. Be sure to try the tagliatelle with black truffles and local asparagus (a recommendation straight from Clare Langhammer. “If we can find a babysitter, we love to eat at this wonderful and very small family business,” she says. “I cannot leave without having their homemade Panna Cotta!”
Konzerthaus Berlin
What do Sleeping Beauty and Benny Goodman have in common? Probably not much aside from their ties to this stately and historic concert hall. Among Konzerthaus Berlin’s special programs are “Espresso Concerts” (afternoon sets where espresso comes included in the ticket price) and classical music shows for kids. “Whenever I’m here, I make sure to pick up a Juniorprogramm!” says Flea Hoefl von Löhneysen.
Alpenstueck
Don’t be fooled by the stag head on the wall; Alpenstueck’s south German and Austrian cuisine is nothing if not sophisticated. Many come to this gleaming gold-walled restaurant for the Wiener Schnitzel, which comes with cucumber salad, and kids will adore the apple strudel. “The pastries are delicious and unique,” says Lene Koenig. “They’re made south German-style instead of Berlin-style.”
Dudu
Dudu’s elaborate sushi rolls and colorful salads are perfectly fresh, and great for sharing along the restaurant’s long, communal tables. The “crunchy Dudu roll,” which combines yellow fin tuna, cucumber, sesame seeds, crispy tempura flakes, and spicy guacamole, is a house specialty. Kids will love the whimsical goldfish mobile hanging from the ceiling.