Maachew Bentley

New York City 

Enough fog machines to sin continuously for 48 hours.

5$ for a beer and tequila shot during Happy Hour - ideal for a cheap drink in Chinatown to start your evening.

Ummmmm, if you’re invited there, and looking for some wild memories, just go. I’ll leave the rest up to you.

Another restaurant mainstay with a pretty big club room in the back, with two parties usually going on. Prolly get a free drink if you ask when Elvis Guesthouse II is coming (if you know you know).

Relatively new venue with three rooms, much like the infamous Output sans all the rules. Personal favorite, haven’t really swung a miss since I’ve been going, but do go there on a weekend.

Late night dive bar in Chinatown, where the writers go, hit or miss really just a destination for the late night chill, music played on vinyl only.

Summer vibe for the rave, day time for the outdoor backyard breather.

A plot of land on the cusp of GreenPoint / Williamsburg. The Lot has become a home for every artist and local pit stop passerby. Music is playing live from 12 - midnight in a cargo trailer much like your local NTS or Balamii booth, equipped with hammocks, fire pit and outdoor cafe.

As far as I’m concerned, they have the best programming schedule all year long. From book fairs, to immersive installations, to full day raves every Saturday during the Summer. You can’t really lose going here on an off day or when there’s a line round the block.

Maachew Bentley Trippin in New York

Jorge León

Oaxaca

My favourites are the taco de chorizo and the taco de chile relleno.

My favourite dishes here are garnachas, mole estofado del istmo and the tamal de camarón seco.

Get the taco de barbacoa and the consomé.

Amazing space showing works from local Oaxacan artists.

Oaxaca with Chef, Jorge León

Lisbon

Once located in the Santos area, now in Cais do Sodré. Still a one of a kind house for music, dancing and meeting all kinds of people from various backgrounds.

One of the most revered independent record stores in Lisbon, owned by three good friends of mine. Best spot to try to score any copies still available of the Príncipe back catalogue.

A space concept by Hernâni Miguel, a major player in supporting the African nights in Lisbon and its affirmation in the city.

Whoever comes into O Cantinho da Ameixoeira is immediately immersed in a truly lusophone African embassy in the Ameixoeira Velha area, from its decorative motifs that not only embellish the place but also symbolise the restaurant’s long history and identity. I recommend getting the peixe andala and the molho de fogo – both are typical of São Tomé e Príncipe, where my parents are from.

World-famous joint of nozinha, the mistress of Cape Verdean food. It’s a place to get together, enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a cachupa (recognised as one of the best in the greater Lisbon area). I especially recommend chanfana de cabra (a goat Stew typical of the south of Portugal), cachupa (Cape Verdean traditional dish of slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, meat and morcela) and congo (also a Cape Verdean dish of a stew based on a typical kind of bean called congo).

This non-profit cultural association opened in the Beato area as a space for co-
working for emerging artists, but also with a programme to the public that has
been steadily winning traction with pop-up markets, exhibitions, various
music and outdoor film sessions at night.

Since 2014, Quinta do Mocho – where I have my home studio and where my mamma still lives – started what is now over half a hundred of works of street art displayed on the walls of its social housing project buildings, created and made by acclaimed artists. The guided visits take place in the last Saturday of each month at 10am; meeting point being the Casa da Cultura de Sacavém.

Where to Go in Lisbon, According to DJ Marfox

Seoul

Excellent okonomiyaki, yakisoba and takoyako. Take out’s great but I go there for the dining experience. The latter will double the flavour. 

A place I go to find comfort and peace, cool off and clear my head. You can also find other smaller galleries and art exhibitions at every corner of the area. 

Hands down the best Pyeongyang naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) I’ve ever had.  

You never know what to expect from this place, what you’ll end up seeing or buying. 


Always liked the 80s ~ 90s vibe of the architecture. The art center has great exhibitions and cool outdoor spaces. I recommend sitting by the music fountain and maybe even going for a short hike. 

Cakeshop has been the central hub for the ever-shifting club scenes in Itaewon. It is also where my DJ career started. 

A long time regular of Henz. Probably the only club in Hongdae I still frequent; as a customer but also as a DJ. It’s a great place to just relax and chill. 

A club located in the same building as Henz but gives off more of a lounge vibe. Make sure to check out their roof top. The Seoul night view is breathtaking. 

Amazing fried chicken with spicy cool shishito pepper and crispy skin coated in earthy nutty sesame seed oil. Get that with some somaek (soju & beer) on the side. It’s a combo made in heaven. 

Places I visit to rest and find solace from the busy city life.

This is where I had my first DJ party ‘Don’t You Know Yet’. It’s a multi-purpose venue that can turn into anything; a club, lounge, live music hall. They have great artist lineups and a nice selection of cocktails. They even have one of those good old arcade game machines. 

Seoul with 250

Alanis Forde

Barbados

This is located opposite the Garrison where Gold Cup Horse racing takes place. So you're seeing more than one cultural spot and right around the corner is a bunch of food places. So you know, all in one there. 

There's pottery places and there's an art gallery. There's some food places as well. It's very cool. It's a walkway away from the port and from where the cruise ships dock.

This recently opened in 2021 and there are these benches that these artists were commissioned to create. There's also this beautiful like brick wall with different last names of people in Barbados. I think Rihanna visited it on one of her last visits here. So it's a cool little historical heritage like brick wall. But if you're from Barbados you can find your last name.

The Art Scene in Barbados with Alanis Forde

Ethiopian Records 

Addis Ababa

Order the ye tsom firfir (fasting firfir). It is the best thing and come with friends, you won't be able to finish it on your own.

Their green juice is my personal favourite and the place is filled with artwork, most of it made by ZELALEM MERGA and Tesfahun Kebru.

Come early if you want to get those precious seats inside so you can experience the live music up close.

Anytime you want somewhere that has fresh air, greener around Mexico/ Mekenissa Zoma Musuem is the place, take a book and take time for yourself. Also take your time to explore the entire space.

Found next to Washa Mikael Rock Hewn Church. A walk up the hill with a nice view. Go during the day.

Found in the neighbourhood of Goma Kuteba and in front of the Ministry of Health. Take your time exploring the space.

Inside or out, the national theatre is filled with history.

My current neighbourhood, Kazanchis, where Fendika is situated. Sundays are the best days to work around anywhere in Addis.

I like barber shops, even though I haven't cut my hair in more than 10 years and I only go there for a trim or for my beard, because like anywhere else in the world, the barber shop conversations are lively. I used to go at least twice a month to another called Finfine Hotel Barber’s with my dad, I have very fond memories of that place.

Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Records 

Area Noir & Tope Ajayi

Ibadan

Ibadan's Best Creative Spots with Area Noir & Tope Ajayi

Hussein Hassan

Dubai

An industrial warehouse compound where experimental art is platformed - it is currently the UAE's coolest art hub.

With a focus on local artists, d3 has a workshop programme and a series of restaurants and showrooms.

Dubai with Hussein Hassan

Qeu Meparishvili

Tbilisi

German-born curator Lisa Offermann founded the LC Queisser gallery in 2018. With a focus on contemporary works, the gallery presents a balanced programme of Georgian and foreign artists – like mid-career Georgian artists, Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili, Thea Gvetadze and Tolia Astakhishvili – with newcomers such as Keto Logua, next to an international roster; including Ser Serpas, Stefanie Heinze, Sitara Abuzar Ghaznawi, Lisa Alvarado and Won Cha. Furthermore, the gallery agenda concentrates on protecting local cultural heritage and promotes important artistic figures, such as mid-twentieth century textile artist Tamaz Nutsubidze and self-taught epitome Elene Chantladze. The gallery is the co-founder of Tbilisi Residencies and the bilingual publishing initiative Kona Books.

Gallery Artbeat is one of the pioneering contemporary art galleries based in Tbilisi, Georgia, representing mid-career and emerging Georgian artists. Between 2014 and 2017 the gallery started its journey as a project space, a moving gallery using a shipping container for site-specific exhibitions to introduce contemporary art in peripheral locations where museums and galleries don't function. In 2017 the gallery found its permanent home in the heart of Tbilisi. They work with Georgian artists of different generations: Nika Kutateladze, Tamo Jugeli, Keti Kapanadze, Anna K.E., Mamuka Japaridze and many others.

Founded by a curator and writer Elene Abashidze, E.A. Shared Space is a project space situated in front of the national Chancellery building, focusing on contemporary art practices with a strong political dimension. Showing outstanding Georgian artists like Salome Dumbadze, Maia Naveriani, Nino Sekhniashvili. E.A. Shared Space manages to realise solo exhibitions of well-established international artists, such as Florian Meisenberg, Jala Wahid, Sophie Jung and more. Furthermore, the project space has a curated bookstore and a communal library, commonly used for public talks, built through donations by local and international art practitioners and non-profit organisations.

The Why Not Gallery was founded in 2018 by two friends, artist Gvantsa Jishkariani and curator Ellen Kapanadze with an intention to support young Georgian artists. The gallery welcomes and encourages all sorts of experimentation and trials. They work with local practitioners in many media, such as Ana Chaduneli, George Nebieridze, Mariam Aqubardia, Shalva Nikvashvili, Ani Gurashvili and more. The gallery also hosts The Why Not Gallery Gift Shop, which closely partners with Georgian artists to release limited edition goods.

Patara gallery is an artist-run space, initially located in a busy underground passage in central Tbilisi that changed many sites in a nomadic manner. Patara, Georgian for ‘small’, is a darling of the city. [It was] founded in 2017 as the only artist-run, non-commercial space for young and daring art by Gvantsa Jishkariani and Nata Kipiani. This is a place where the invisible barrier between public and sterile – a stressful atmosphere of contemporary art galleries – is destroyed as exhibitions are visible from the outside, allowing passersby to [see] what they currently have on display. This small vitrine space utilised as a gallery discovers unknown artists, thus taking many risks, embracing mistakes, and creating a public means of experiencing contemporary art.

Gallery 4710 is a contemporary art gallery that opened in 2019. The gallery mainly collaborates with emerging Georgian artists. However, a number of mid-career artists have been shown in a group or duo show format; among them Natela Iankoshvili, Thea Gvetadze, Tamuna Sirbiladze, Gio Sumbadze, Keti Kapanadze, Vajiko Chachkhiani, Leila Shelia and Nino Kvrivishvili. It aims to function as a discovery platform that introduces local newcomers to a larger, international public, as well as gives that space for executing debut solo shows for many, like Salome Jokhadze, Tamar Nadiradze, Tornike Robakidze, Merab Gugunashvili, Aleksandre Beglarishvili, Teimuraz Eristavi, Tornike Gognadze, Mari Kalabegashvili, Anka Bochorishvili and more. 

Maudi is a multifunctional space for contemporary art, founded by a team of architects – Lado Shonia and Dimitri Eristavi – and curator Liza Zhvania. The exhibition space is situated in the Soviet industrial heritage building named after the material ‘maudi’ (​​broadcloth) manufactured there. Rather than a gallery, a project space hosts various events and happenings, such as contemporary art or architecture exhibitions, performances, live music sessions of different genres, and talks.

7 Art Galleries You Need to Visit in Tbilisi, Chosen By Qeu

Heartbroken

Brussels

It’s a very old and typical Brussels daily flea market. You can find good bargains and nice antiques as well as a lot of weird stuff. I used to go there since I’m a kid with my Dad and we would just look for some nice furniture for the house, and after that we would have a sandwich and a soup at la Clef d’Or, a cafe that’s right on the square and is still running today. Those are my dearest childhood memories.

It’s my favourite ice cream spot, I think, in the world. During the first lockdown everything was closed, and you could only have takeaways and I would walk from my home 35 minutes all the way to Bargello and every day I would go and buy one ice cream and that was like my highlight of the day. It’s a true Italian style ice cream parlour, they have these flavours that I love and that you don’t find so often, dark chocolate sorbet and tuscan cream with pistachio and almonds.

It’s a little park located in the heart of Saint Gilles, that typically represents the diversity of Brussels as a lot of different crowds mix there. There is a basketball court and a field where people play pétanque while sipping a beer, the kids play in the grass and the skaters use the upper level’s flat ground with their friends watching them sitting on the stairs. During the first lockdown, it spontaneously became a big hang out place as the bars were closed down, to the point that the police came to confiscate the skating equipment due to neighbourhood complaints.

They make these awesome jerk chicken plates and also fish but also, they make these cocktails which are a bit too strong but are really good, it’s worth the money. They have a DJ, he plays reggae and dancehall and he’s always very hyped about being there, it’s a very nice vibe.

Decoratelier started as a scenography workshop that his owner, Jozef Wouters, opened to other collectives and people from the neighbourhood, and it quickly became a strong community and an inclusive lab for all kinds of ideas and projects. The space is easy to adapt as they use modular scaffoldings to create a different setting for every event, so they have had theatre performances, screenings, club nights as well as karaoke and a gym club.

Heartbroken’s Guide to Summer in Brussels

Andrea Martina Specchio

Venice

My favourite place to have breakfast or 'merenda' (afternoon break). This tiny pastry and coffee shop is where I always start my day when I am in Venice. I discovered Tonolo many moons ago when I was in town often to visit my friends who were studying here. Every time, I cannot resist getting at least two pastries, if not more. 

My local restaurant crush! The food is WOW and the menu has a lot of veggie options. I love the warm atmosphere and the wooden walls, so I recommend booking a table inside.

Just another excuse to go to Venice. Every other year, from April to November, Venice becomes a living exhibition of contemporary art with worldwide artists exhibiting their works in different areas of the town. The theme for 2022 is 'The Milk of Dreams': artists were asked to think of creative ways for a more sustainable coexistence between us as individuals and the universe we inhabit. 

This little old fashion bar is the king of 'tramezzini' – fresh sandwiches stuffed with different ingredients and TONS of mayo. This is my favourite lunch spot and my place-to-go to grab a 'tramezzino' for my trip back home before leaving Venice.

If you love books (and the smell of old books – something I could die for) visit this historical shop. A maze of bookshelves, vintage armchairs, old posters, retro postcards and tons of other random stuff – including a couple of resident cats!

Come here to have wine and fresh sandwiches with cold cuts. This is a spot where locals have their daily 'ombre di vino' (little glasses of wine) from 6am to 8pm… Venice rules!

Come here to hang out in the University campus area. Opt for a spritz at Bar Rosso or the 'cicchetti' ritual (aperitif in Venice style) at Ai Do Draghi. 

An Insider's Guide to Visiting Venice During the Biennale

London

One of my favourite galleries in London, it’s a good mid-sized, one room space which means it’s usually an immersive solo show [and] expertly-curated. I remember one of my favourite exhibits was an amazing Ima Abasi-Okon installation filling the room with industrial air conditioners moving at various speeds and duration.

It’s in a pretty quiet area with not much around so I don’t go very often, but Gasworks tends to have interesting cross-cultural work, and are currently doing an open call, working with artists in Indonesia and Bangkok.

I’ve been going to this institution since I was 15 or so, which is wild. I like how multi-faceted the space is – hosting gigs and club nights to lesser-known films and talks – plus, there’s a great bookshop which I love and am honoured to have the new book on my label, Doyenne, stocked at.

Not sure if this strictly counts as an ‘arts space’ but it’s such a London staple for underground culture in terms of music and disciplines that cross over.

A very DIY independent space with the best multi-channel sound system in London with insane clarity.

They have a huge artist residency and development programme, hosting events and workshops with the likes of Nkisi, Paul Purgas, Lawrence Lek and Tai Shani. I did a video and sound commission for their Gallery 31 space, and went to a circuit-hacking workshop with Taiwanese Buddha boxes which was cute.

A Guide to London’s Art Spaces by Flora Yin-Wong

Lazare Hoche

Paris

This is the symbol of my current area - the 9th district of Paris. Originally opened in 1879, the biggest renovation took place in 1926; the magnificent gold Art Deco 'bas-relief' reflects the sun on surrounding streets. This theatre also hosted one of my favorite TV Shows from the 90’s called “double jeu”.

Known more as 'Colonnes de Buren'. A highly controversial art installation created by French artist, Daniel Buren in 1985–1986. It’s found in the inner courtyard (Cour d'Honneur) of the Palais Royal in Paris, France. Unusual sight in the city

The Lebanese restaurant of my aunt - featured in the guide michelin - is a family food display, with generous portions, a warm atmosphere and a lot of personality. Located in a very random and residential area, this place is not the usual tourist trap; it's a secret weapon. It's what we love best - Lebanese gastronomy.

Back in the 9th district of Paris, very few people know that there's a Tunisian food scene here. I’m obviously from Lebanon, but Tunisian food is kind of a non-hidden love affair. Some of them, open since the 70’s, are still going and proud. La Boule Rouge has got it all. A true favorite of all the kemia enthusiasts and couscous nerds. The homemade tuna meshouia is the real deal here. No fancy vibes here or “wanna-be hipsters”, but a very comfortable family feeling as soon as you enter the place.

For record shops, it's pretty much around the center-east side of Paris, where you will find all types of stores, with great selections. My favorite one is this one; Melik, the owner, is one of the finest listeners and selectors of the city.

This is a cultural explosion in Paris. It's thrown on a Thursday night in the infamous Pigalle area. It’s an extension of all your fantasies at once; curated by the mighty DJ Dorion. The vibe is mind blowing, the music selection and people are eclectic, the performers and the show are authentic and fine-tuned.

Legend is the party of DJ Deep in Paris since 1997. It's the purest NYC House vibe you can get in Europe. This shot is the infamous, Kerri Chandler, doing what he does best in Rex in August 2019.

Paris with DJ, Lazare Hoche

Keita Morimoto

Tokyo

Meguro River in Nakameguro is a nice place for seeing cherry blossoms but if you hate extremely crowded places, head to Ueno Park.

A two hour train ride from Tokyo, Hakone is famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Stays usually cost $200-$300 per person all inclusive. For an affordable hotel, try Tenseien. Higher end options are Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu or Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone. Hike to see Mount Fuji Otome Pass. Hakone Yumoto, Pola Museum, Hakone Open-Air Museum are all fun areas to explore.

When I want to unwind I usually go to a cafe in the Asakusa area to grab a cup of coffee and research.

Dollar sushi is a Tokyo fast-food staple. It’s cheap, quick and delicious.

I worked at Sushiro, which is a dollar sushi place. It was a fun experience learning how food was made in those fast food chains. I'd say sea urchin, red shrimp and scallops are the best dishes there.

New Chelsea-type [NYC] area, a really good place for art galleries as well.

In Harajuku, Gallery Target, Nanzuka are good venues. But I still have to recommend my own gallery in Roppongi, Kotaro Nukaga.

You have to try monjayaki. Pour the batter, sauce and bonito flakes onto your hot plate. Wait for it to crisp up on the bottom but eat it while it’s still kind of gooey on top. I recommend the Mentaiko mochi cheese monja (monjayaki with seasoned pollock roe, rice cake and cheese fillings) and kimchi pork monja.

Rather than a portal to a specific place, it's almost like it's like they’re these mysterious windows that people are attracted to. Using light to attract people is a huge part of life here, both religious and commercial use of light. These vending machines are so interesting because they are literally everywhere, every corner. Landlords can get a percentage of the sales if you have one in front of your house. They have always struck me as these strange portals, almost like black holes, that I am drawn to in my day to day. Whatever you want, pretty much anything, you can get one in the machines.

Keita Morimoto’s City Guide to Tokyo

Eyedress

Manila

Be nice to the vendors and you might get a good deal.

Nice and quiet place for crepes and coffee.

Great place to see art, exhibitions, vinyl toys plus sneakers and streetwear.

Great place to find anything from fabric to rare band shirts and pirated everything.

Great place to walk within the city lots of trees and greenery and a beautiful campus with cheap restaurants nearby.

Thrift store heaven. Dress down, be nice to the people and you'll get a good deal on rare finds.

Eyedress Takes Us Trippin in Manila

Maria Amor

A secondhand gem for dance music lovers in a rock-oriented record shop.

A restaurant and club run by women. The food is surreal – so good! You can still have a snack while partying. Perfect, right?

The best ‘unclub’ club around. I’d personally recommend the parties Angel, No UFO’s and Mina.


A multidisciplinary venue where you can find exhibitions, showcases, some of the best concerts in Lisbon and also club nights with a mega vibe. They even have a bookstore, and it’s incredible!

A small queer bar in Bairro Alto that has been around for decades, and will always be an institution. Starting your night there is always a good idea.


It’s the biggest club in town, has been open for more than 20 years [and] used to be a smaller venue in Bairro Alto that opened in the early 80s. And hey, that’s where the Paraíso parties have always been!

A venue where there’s live acts, DJs and concerts. Every night is super different and I bet that you can find multiple genres of music you like in just one week. Also, they only close on Sundays!

Get Your Groove On in Lisbon with Maria Amor

BAYLI

Le Paris Dakar is an incredibly cozy coffee shop with a super clean and modern design. It is owned by the most beautiful Senegalese family and they have the best homemade cold brew and croissants in all of New York City. I promise you!

Kiki’s is my absolute favorite spot to go for dinner in NYC. Whether I’m going out on a sexy date night or having a girls night out with friends, Kiki is a perfectly lowkey environment with spacious seating and low-lighting. It is very well priced for such an amazing and 1-of-1 menu. It’s a Mediterranean restaurant that is owned by a beautiful and brilliant Greek woman, who the restaurant is named after. The best part about Kiki’s is they have really delicious and inexpensive wine carafes.

GUSH is a party that happens in unique, secret locations all over the city. GUSH parties feel like a safe space for queer-identifying people especially femme-identifying people and that is a rare commodity even in the most “liberal” city in the world! The parties last all night and include incredible DJ sets and performances by all different types of queer artists. It gets super hot and steamy at GUSH parties. If you attend you’ll probably have one of the best nights of your life! 

Cafe Select is the perfect place for a breakfast meeting. The staff is always incredible and it’s just a beautiful restaurant with a great menu and cozy seating. It’s in the heart of Soho so it’s the perfect place to start your day off if you have a busy work day in the city.

I live in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn and a big part of my morning routine is taking early walks through my neighborhood and into Fort Greene Park. It’s a super peaceful walk and the park is always filled with locals and dog-walkers but it somehow never feels crowded. There is always an empty bench, in Fort Greene Park, to rest on while you eat your breakfast or people watch or meditate.

Pioneer Works is a gallery and artist-space that focuses on empowering community through art and sciences. They have really cool events that include inspiring exhibits that show incredible artists in their mastery and innovation, as well as educational panels that touch on social and environmental awareness and activism.

D70 is my go-to studio whenever I need to get high quality vocals or production. They’re one of the only studio’s in NYC that hold a large live room (called Studio A) that can host a whole orchestra, which I’ve done there with them for my Orchestral Version of “Sushi For Breakfast”! Their staff is incredibly eco-aware and covid-safe, making sure that each guest is temp checked before entering and has their own reusable water bottle while using the studio. If you’re in NYC and looking for a place to record I would most definitely recommend Dimension 70!

A Guide to Brooklyn's Best Spots with Local Musician BAYLI

Moe Saavedra

Mexico City 

My studio where you can find me tattooing most days.

This is an amazing mix of art & technology. It’s a fountain / water system / sculpture designed by Diego Riviera in the Chapultepec forest. There’s also a skatepark nearby here that I like to skate at.

This is a food market, famous for it’s mariscos (seafood). I always get the 'alambre de camaron’ and a corona.

This place is famous for it’s 80s high energy music vibe. It’s a must-experience for Mexico City there’s nothing else like it.

I find lots of cool weird stuff at this flea market. A lot of frames for art in my studio. Be warned this market is next to a trash station so I’ll shop there but I would never eat there haha. There are other good flea markets such as Lagunilla but now there’s a lot more tourists so the prices are higher. La Bufola is where you can find weird stuff super cheap.

CDMX with tattooist, Moe Saavedra

Carl Jan Cruz

It's a great 'one stop shop' experience that's composed by amazing galleries, stores, and restaurants: Toyo, Panaderya, Sidechick, Aphro, ArtinFormal, and Bellas Artes Projects to name a few

World's oldest China town. Amazing food and supply finds

For those chill times you only want 'one drink' 

Filipino multi brand Tropa Store and Hoodwink are here along with other contemporary int'l brands and outlets like Archives

Amazing block parties and an emerging community of creatives. Celine Mallari and Jao San Pedro's works are to be seen here too

No exaggeration - the best caramel cake in town

Carl Jan Cruz' Best Spots in Manila

MMYYKK

Minneapolis 

This is a staple Black-owned restaurant in North Minneapolis. They definitely keep non-traditional hours but if you catch them while they’re open, you’re going to want to try the “Soul Roll.” Basically, it’s an egg roll but with unique soul-food inspired filling combinations. My favorite is the “Nanny”, which has a Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, and Fried Chicken filling. **Chef's kiss*

Located in the Greater Rondo area in St. Paul, Taste of Rondo is a Bar and Grill with great Soul food and southern cooking. Their signature dish is catfish but they also make a mean philly sandwich, which is my favorite item on their menu. The restaurant has also been featured in Small Business Revolution Season 6.

Black Table Arts is a community driven arts cooperative located in Minneapolis. They have a great bookstore, shared workspace and a performance space. It’s a really great place to connect with other artists and organizers and they offer dope arts activities and events. I’ve purchased some great literature from them.

Juxtaposition Arts (or Juxta as we call it) is a teen-staffed art and design center, gallery, retail shop, and artists’ studio space in North Minneapolis. Juxta does a lot of great work with youth in the community and really empowers young artists to become entrepreneurs. They also have a skate park that anyone can access and use at any time which is super dope. I’ve actually played a show in the skate park and it was a great time.

FYI, the location changes every month! The Black Market mpls is an organization that creates marketplace events specifically for black businesses around the twin cities. They are super dope because they give black businesses that may not have a brick and mortar location, a place where they can regularly set up and sell products or services.

They hold events usually once or twice a month and there’s usually a great diversity of products. I’ve purchased fresh produce, skin and hair care products, men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry and cosmetics, body work, cleaning products, books, vinyl, all sorts of great products. The location changes month to month so make sure you check their website for the location info and schedule.

One of the only black owned music venues in the twin cities, Pimento Rum Bar is a great place to find black music, entertainment and events. They have Afrobeatz nights, Dancehall, Reggae, Afro-cuban bands, open mic events, karaoke, etc. They have a really nice patio and stage setup in the back where they host bands in the summertime. When you come to turn up, make sure you grab a Rum Punch from the bar. But be careful because it will get you there QUICK. They also have a restaurant attached where they serve Jamaican food. The restaurant has some of the most fire Wings in the cities.

Houston White is a Barber, entrepreneur and community leader. And his barber shop is one of the dopest spots in the cities. Not just because he’s an amazing barber and does great work, but he also has a storefront where you can buy his branded ‘Black Excellence’ apparel; and a 3rd space where folks can chill, listen to music, engage and exchange ideas. Houston is just a really good dude and his vibe permeates the space. He’s been a supporter of mine for many years as well and I have mad love and respect for him and everything he does in the community.

For the ladies, Beauty Lounge is a fantastic salon owned by my friend Melissa Taylor. It really is THE Minneapolis multi-cultural hair destination. They can work with any hair texture and also offer workshops on styling hair for kids as well as more advanced training for hair professionals. Melissa is super dope and really has a passion for what she does so if you’re looking to level up your look definitely stop in.

MMYYKK's Guide to Black Businesses in Minneapolis

Public Possession 

Munich

It’s sort of like the area where a lot of young people meet, either for going to the river or having some food or shopping. At night, it has a lot of bars so it’s one of the most lively areas in Munich so it felt natural to open something there.

It’s like one of the oldest food markets, definitely in town, and the whole approach is still very old school so like every stall has its own product and they can only sell that product and they have to get creative if they want to break some rules.

It’s one of the biggest parks in the world and it’s also the place where, when we all grew up, we hung out there in the summer because you could swim there. People also surf there. It’s kind of special.

It’s this industrial hall, warehouse kind of thing where we basically give space to a lot of different creative working people and try to create a space where you can share ideas and work together. A goal we have is to create a space where a lot of synergies can develop.

High Bar is a neighbourhood bar that’s been around for a while. It’s run by friends of ours and when we go out and have a drink that would be one of the places that would be a go-to. They have a very nice concept of serving small drinks called Highballs. It’s very good to be there because you always meet friends but also if you come from somewhere else you will easily get to chat with other people because it’s a small space that quickly gets crowded.

It’s our home base when it comes to DJing and clubbing in Munich. Despite everything else that was going on in the scene here in Munich they always stayed true to themselves and the idea and the vision they had which makes it, in a sense, unique.

Public Possession’s Guide to Summer in Munich

Octa

Berlin

This restaurant is run by my good friend Tim Ligtenberg and they make a fantastic Neapolitan. It's also my go-to spot on Friday evenings, as Tim always has a DJ or two spinning in their outdoor space in Mitte's Hackescher Hof, where I can be sure I'll run into at least a few friends before heading to the next event.

A small, quiet wine bar in Neukölln – the perfect stop for a chilled glass of orange wine on my way home from the office. They also offer a limited selection of authentic Italian goods, such as my very favorite Nocellara olives and bread sticks.

This local nut and dried goods store has a couple of locations around Berlin, but I like to frequent their shop on Karl Marx Straße for familiarity. In addition to their wide selection of traditional Lokum (aka "Turkish Delight") they also offer a huge selection of roasted nuts and dried fruits – I recommend their candied hibiscus, or the sesame roasted almonds – my go-to snacks since the first time I entered their store.

Probably the best way to describe Hopscotch is as an oasis. In addition to a sprawling selection of non-western English-language literature, emphasizing diaspora narratives and marginalized experiences, Hopscotch hosts workshops and events for a general audience.

To be frank, I haven't had a chance to visit the SAVVY Contemporary space, but that is only because of lockdowns hindering the accessibility of cultural institutions. SAVVY's focus, as an arts center, classroom, and communal space, is on interrogating notions of the "West" and "non-West" to attempt to deconstruct some of the firmly held social constructions surrounding such notions. SAVVY founder Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung was recently appointed as the new director of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin to take effect in 2023, which is a huge deal – especially in Germany, where visible examples of Black cultural architects are very limited.

Berlin is home to a huge selection of swimming lakes and ponds. Sadly I have a deep connection to the Ocean, but since Germany is largely landlocked, lakes will have to do. Bernsteinsee is one of my favorite places to go swimming, but at around an hour's drive outside the city, it is a rare visit for me. The vibe there is just very clean, very quiet, and SANDY – which is not the case for all of the lakes in Greater Berlin.

Octa's Favourite Spots in Berlin

Surf Ghana

Accra

The kids go Trade Fair to learn skateboarding in a space that is secure and private but in the open street still. It is a fun and inclusive space and a coach is also available to give lessons and guides through the process of skateboarding for an easy ride.

National Theatre is a mix of both Trade Fair and Mile 7 and it has a larger space to contain the gender mix. This year, as the skateboarding scene grew larger the National Theatre was voted the best place to meet all the skateboarding crews without hassles. You will not see any female skateboarder at Mile 7 but you will see them at the National Theatre because of how comfortable the environment is.

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