Eat, Drink, Sleep: Berlin

Berlin is a favorite city of ours. From its powerful history to the creative energy that's birthing a new sense of entrepreneurialism and expression, it's a must-visit. Here are some of our favorite spots with links to help plan your next trip. 

EAT:

Breakfast : Roamers (pictured) - Amazing piece of hip and rustic California in East Berlin.  Fresh-made juices and smoothies alongside fantastic coffee and food. Get the avocado toast and save room for the carrot cake. Make sure to get there early as there is always a queue. Pannierstraße 64, 12043 Berlin, Germany

Lunch : Sanabel - Arguably the best falafel and schrawrma in Berlin. It is at least our favorite. Get the schwarma halumi wrap and a yogurt drink, sit outside and enjoy the great people watching along the picnic tables. Schlesische Str. 36, 10997 Berlin, Germany

Dinner : Caligari - Nothing is better than a small intimate Italian spot serving up amazing homemade pastas and fantastic bottles of wine. If you are not a German speaker just know that most of the conversation and menu are in German, but worry not: you will be able to sort your way through and the energetic hospitality will fit you right in. Kienitzer Str. 110, 12049 Berlin, Germany

DRINK:

Coffee : Nano Kaffee - Tiny coffee shop serving some of the best coffee in Berlin, alongside some a fantastic pastry selection (get the brownie with sea salt.) They roast their own beans so you can pick up a fresh bag to take home with you. Dresdener Str. 14, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Afternoon Cocktail : Have a beer in Templehof Park. Stop by one of the small local markets and grab a couple of cold beers. Then walk to the abandoned airfield turned park, take a seat and enjoy the sun or walk through the community gardens.

Night Out : Twinpigs (pictured) - Great cocktails, great playlists and low lighting are always a formula for a great bar. Twinpigs hits all of these with a familiar vibe that makes you feel at home and a crowd that represents the best of Berlin. Try a Vodka Tonic with Twinpigs' own Brown Tonic and vodka from the local distillery Our/Berlin. Boddinstraße 57a, 12053 Berlin, Germany

SLEEP:

Michelberger Hotel - Hip hotel situated centrally between all the must-see neighborhoods. The hotel has welcoming staff, a wonderful lobby bar, and a great breakfast (need anything else?). They even make their own coconut water and spirits. Pick your price with rooms that range from cozy to spacious, with the Loft Room (pictured) our personal favorite. 40, Warschauer Str. 39, 10243 Berlin, Germany

The influencer isn't the problem

A response to the now-infamous Gawker take-down of "influencer marketing," which accurately uncovered the lack of ROI in paying people that might seem like a brand's best consumer to act like a brand's best consumer. This model and mistaken definition of "influencer" is filled with flaws, and we want to ensure the word doesn't go the way of "innovation" and "insight" becoming overused, misconstrued and devalued. 

Here's the link, please take a spin: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/problem-isnt-influencer-andy-woolard

Our takeaway: Marketers have been lazy, turning what should be brand beacons into brand sub-contractors.

The Indwell Interview: Winston Peters

Note: This is the first in a series of conversations with the entrepreneurs, creatives and thinkers we find most inspiring. 

Winston Peters believes “brands are the new church” — with the potential to be seen as a positive force for and patrons of the arts and creativity. If that’s true, you could see Winston as a modern minister of culture. He’s a a co-founder of My Über Life, a NYC-based consultancy that advises and catalyzes corporations, entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and creatives within the fashion, music, art, design and lifestyle categories. Winston employs this philosophy to help his clients navigate the intersection of culture and commerce.

That intersection was the subject of this inaugural Indwell Interview, as I sat with Winston during happy hour at NeueHouse, a private work collective and creative community to which we both belong.

Before we dove into how artists and brands can best collaborate to create mutually-beneficial relationships, we covered off on equally-important topics like where to satisfy a 4 a.m. jerk-chicken craving and an L.A.-based clothing brand that’s become his go-to business attire.

What are you working on, right now, that you’re most excited about?

“There’s a health and wellness startup we’re working on, which is a new vertical for My Über Life. It’s exciting because health and wellness is the new luxury. Looking at the size of the market, and how people galvanize toward new health and wellness companies — SoulCycle, Equinox. It represents the better form of yourself. So many people connect your physical self with the opportunities you have and the rooms you can be in. It’s a deciding factor: ‘I want to look good naked. I want people to be attracted to me,’ – and clothes alone can’t do that.”

I want a unique dinner in NYC, where do I go?

“I’d send you to Asia de Cuba. It was part of the first hotel that Ian Schrager built. It’s a fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine. You don’t often find those two meeting…all of the tastes, the flavors, the seasonings make for a great experience. That’s my high-brow. But also, we’d go to a place called Peppas in Brooklyn — right on Flatbush Avenue. It’s a Caribbean restaurant that doesn’t seem to close. You’ll get a line out the door at 4 a.m. It’s where everyone goes for authentic jerk chicken and Caribbean food.”

If you could spend a week anywhere on earth, where would you go? 

“Mongolia. There’s so much history there specific to the Silk Road. I want to see how that area had so much impact on the world…the reason why there’s spaghetti in Italy. The things we use today, it’s because of the trade that occurred on the Silk Road.”

What is one brand that best reflects your personality?

"Chapter — a clothing brand based out of LA. It’s super relaxed, but sophisticated. Most of the clothing is black…I wear a lot of black and white. And it gives you the chance to dress it up and down. It reflects a new standard of sophistication and new business attire." 

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My Über Life has a client list that spans start-ups, established fashion and lifestyle brands, spirits companies and internationally recognized artists. As we focused our conversation, I asked Winston about the tensions that exist when artists and creatives begin considering commercial partnerships.

“There’s a stereotype that art and commerce don’t go together. That people see the world as art or commerce. But we tell our clients that you need to grow your business to elongate your art. One of the misnomers is that if you sell your art or collaborate with a corporation, you’re selling out. But I’m of the mindset that the corporations, the Pepsis, the Nikes, they are the new Church. They are the new patrons of the arts.”

Winston preaches this gospel to his creative clients, as being commercially successful is one component of what he believes are the three keys to an artist’s success. To understand: 1) their art, 2) the art business, and 3) the art world. “One can’t be a successful artist without addressing all three,”…simply “doing art” isn’t enough. Winston and his partners shine a light on smart commercial ventures, but also instill the personal branding and public relations acumen essential in self-promotion and establishing awareness.

My Über Life frequently consults directly with global brands to help them identify and collaborate with artists and designers. “Some brands go with the low hanging fruit (when it comes to artistic collaborations): ‘this artist is hot right now.’ That’s a piggyback. It ends up feeling inauthentic and calculated.”

Winston and his partners believe that real collaborations should feel authentic and mutually beneficial for both parties for real resonance. He cites two brands that have assumed the role of “patron,” not through one-off campaigns, but decades of commitment. “In terms of the arts, I would always go to Absolut — they really pay attention to the programming and truly act as a patron of the arts. A lot of people don’t realize BMW’s commitment to the arts. Their art car program and mobile museum are huge. They’ve worked with Jeff Koons, Jenny Holzer, Andy Warhol, having them design cars with their signature DNA.”

And for Winston, this collision of culture and commerce isn’t just a niche within which to consult, it’s part of his own DNA. His instagram, @wincep_ofMUL, is a blueprint for bringing diverse influences together. Among his images of gallery openings, panel discussions, behind-the-scenes brand activations and tips on managing cash flow is a quote by Zappos’ Tony Hseih: “Stop chasing money and start chasing the passion.” Winston takes the idea a step further in his own caption: “…chase after your passion, cultivate your passion, profit from your passion.” 

Fade to Black: a vintage up-cycling

The New York Times profiled a new fashion brand, Blackyoto, which creates luxury items by dipping old garments into a deep, black-dye fountain of youth. Sourcing vintage clothing, the company ships them to Kyoto to be dipped, twice, into a natural dye through a process called shinkuro. The result: the deepest, blackest black to reimagine classic styles. 

Inside the cockpit

Enjoy some visual release this hypnotic, deeply detailed, multi-media article, which has been out for a while now. It feels more of a fit as part of a new Radiohead album or hallucinogenic aid than the NY Times format its fit within. It's one of my favorite pieces from the NYTimes and my first introduction to Mark Vanhoenacker and his book, Skyfaring. And it's back again, on my proverbial radar due to a piece Mark rote for vox.com.

As most modern businesspeople, we fly a lot. Lately, Thurman and I spend the majority of our time on international vs. domestic flights. Which, when afforded a business seat is an experience (hopefully) at the convergence of luxury, entertainment and pure wonder. If you question my promise of wonder, it might be time to check in with Louis CK's spot-on take on air travel.  But as Louis knows, and we've all experienced, whether in steerage or first class, we often experience just a slightly better version of bad, for a much longer period of time.

But no matter the carrier or food or level of in-flight service, flying still can be — and should be — an opportunity to grab a bit of amazement and import it into your world. Flights begin in a familiar city and continue over vast ocean. Arrival is at a different time, date, place...like circumventing time itself. If you're lucky, you can be anonymous — completely unknown for hours — diving beneath the radar and into a totally new world. For me, the possibilities are tantalizing. 

So when I came across Mark's piece on Vox, I was nicely reminded of how we can each celebrate not just flight, but our daily tasks. His job. He loves it. He finds grandeur, wonder, and marvels at flying an airplane each day. Let that infect you! His depiction underlines the great preparation and privilege of flight. The gift we receive by being part of a technological innovation so commonplace yet so breathtaking. 

When a backstory is a brand

We've spent a good part of the past two years with clients who want to understand where the "Craft" movement might go. From CPG to spirits brands to a start-up greeting card company, decoding the future of craft is on everyone's agenda. It's no secret that we've hit peak craft - across many categories. So much so that being artisanal, local, handmade or any of the other ingrained cues of quality, is now table stakes vs. stand-out. And this is a good thing — as it's created a new standard for quality and expectation for connection between brands and consumers.

What was once a niche culture has reshaped the mainstream mindset. It's allowed makers and artisans to find financial and cultural success. And it's forced big brands to rely on more than their good name, designer label or premium price point. 

This is not a post about craft. This is a quick post on one of the key takeaways from our interviews with artisans, workshops with big and small brands, and, deep dives into a variety of industries: your backstory is your brand. 

Backstories are everywhere. We all have one. And whether sexy or not, you'll find a history, an intention behind any product within your arm's reach right now. Below are three brands, and the backstories they've employed, which we find particularly compelling for their authenticity, emotionality and integrity.

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Example 1: The Yoshida Sake Brewery, a 144-year-old family-owned sake brewery in northern Japan...and subject of a recent (and quickly spreading) documentary, "The Birth of Sake." Now, a beautifully compelling, often centuries-old backstory from sake brewers is nothing novel. However, telling that story to a global audience in a way that quickly engages them and humanizes the process is novel. Now, I know a good deal about sake. Enough to navigate menus and understand the special taste outputs caused by a brewery's origin or type of rice used. But this film brought this specific brand to life in the most meaningful way: by showcasing not only its traditional process, but the many stories that connect the men responsible for that process. What begins as a rather usual dramatic profile of the brewery's traditions and exacting approach turns into a story not of sake, but the diverse personalities and personal stories each of the staff brings to their yearly six-month sequestration within the brewery's walls. The result: an association with individuals over process or place, which creates an even more compelling reason to believe in and buy this brand. The trailer follows:

The second example: Juniper Ridge. Breaking through the vast global fragrance market seems a daunting task, even for the biggest brands. Juniper Ridge is an Oakland, California-based "American West" perfumery. While the brand checks many of the traditional "craft" boxes, its adherence to original roots and the story it allows consumers to experience are what excite us. Juniper Ridge is created using wild foraging techniques, all natural ingredients and even labeling that helps consumers identify the origins and intention of their bottle. Moreover, the perfumes are meant to literally bottle place, taking users to that wild area, region and even time of year. Juniper Ridge is celebrates its creation story, leaning heavily on both the HOW and WHY of what they do. The result is a clear point of view and an invitation to experience something bigger than a scent. Here's a brief clip of their creation of a Redwood fragrance, which brings to life their passion and process.

Example 3 is near and dear to our hearts, as we spent years working in collaboration with some truly wonderful people to bring it to life: Made Real Vodka. What started as a connection between Pernod-Ricard, one of the world's largest spirits companies and a group of female entrepreneurs has grown into a living, breathing brand that stands for female empowerment and constant collaboration. The vodka was developed through a co-creation process including Pernod-Ricard as the industry expert, advisement by marketing and design professionals and the inspiring women the brand is meant for. Each step along the way, these partners came together with a mandate to create: from naming the brand and its signature cocktails to designing the bottles to running publicity and events. It's impossible to separate Made Real's backstory from its brand, creating a bond that goes beyond the product. Follow the Made Real story via its series of YouTube films.

What makes a successful city?

I had lunch last week with a friend. We went to the Breslin in the Ace Hotel. I committed what is likely my top lapsed judgement in a while (or a few days) and had a mushroom sandwich. I guess that renders all of our recommendations on the where/what/who irrelevant. But I was feeling vegetarian that day and the Breslin is always a great spot for a long mid-week lunch. We were talking about Indwell and my friend insinuated that we specialize only in the biggest, brightest cities — a positive in his mind.

Though correct, it's not the full story. While we can absolutely connect you to amazing experiences in the cities that continually top the world's list of most innovative, most traveled to and most worth your bookings, we actually have quite a passion for those cities that are just under the radar. And nowhere has that mentality been better rewarded than in the U.S., where over the course of the past decade both brands and humans have begun celebrating — even flocking to — the second tier...the smaller town. 

I've been thinking about how we ensure our reach isn't limited only to Amsterdam and Hong Kong and LA and Miami. But to the pockets, the popping, the can't-yet-see but soon-can't-miss spots across the globe that will have to stretch their boundaries to accommodate new residents, change their codes to take advantage of business relocation and brace for the windfall of well-wishers that catch note of something worth discovering. 

It's why I'd buy up plot after plot in Kamakura (not only for proximity to the Daibutsu) instead of Tokyo. It's why every damn New Yorker lusts after a life in Beacon (which now most argue is already too big, too Brooklyn'ed).`

So I read a recent piece in The Atlantic with interest... "Eleven Signs a City Will Succeed" by James Fallows. It's an excerpt from his and his wife's journey across the U.S., visiting towns big and small, while interviewing the residents. 

And it's a reminder, that "being there" can be anywhere. That some places have arrived long before you do. That the biggest insights, the most powerful movements, and the most inspiring people don't have to reside in Brooklyn or have a storefront on Abbot Kinney. They don't have to be developing Shoreditch or run galleries in Galata. They could be in your old hometown. They could be your high school doubles partner. They could be anywhere, as long as the spirit is right. 

Hello, Tokyo

A beautiful and expansive tour of Tokyo by Christoph Gelep.

The beauty of the hotel bar

The hotel bar may be our favorite type of bar. The best examples aren't just places to forget the day's meetings or combat restless jet lag, they are portals to the city one is staying in. Saddle up to the right bartender or take advantage of your visiting status, and you'll benefit from more than a buzz in a new time zone. The hotel bar is a passport to insider knowledge, the latest happenings and, often, new friendships. 

We've compiled a few of our most admired examples from our recent travels. From cozy, transporattive retreats to one-of-a-kind designs, these are the types of bars we book a hotel because of. Promise us this: you'll sit at the bar, introduce yourself to the bartender and stay for a couple rounds. 

Friends are made easily at the Broken Shaker

(above) Miami: Broken Shaker at The Freehand. Tip: if you need to offset your bar bill, The Freehand offers a chic take on shared hostel-style spaces in addition to its private rooms.

Toronto: Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel. Tip: beg out of your meetings and pitch camp on the rooftop for Toronto's best day-drinking perch, friendly staff and an eclectic crowd. 

Panama City: Danilo's Jazz Club at The Ace Hotel

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Don't be distracted by the mirrored ceiling — the Gold Bar's real distinction comes from its super-talented and happy-to-talk bartenders

Stockholm, Sweden: In a city with some of the most sincere service industry professionals, it's a tie between The Bistro Bar at the Hotel Rival and The Gold Bar at The Nobis Hotel. Tip: get the Bistro Burger at Rival. 

Amsterdam: - Lotti's at The Hoxton Hotel

NYC: Get the best of Manhattan and Brooklyn with these two polar opposites, but equally unique experiences. Bemmelmans Bar at the Carlyle and The Ides at the Wyeth Hotel. Tip: even as a hotel guest, find your space in The Ides early...its rooftop view means its a popular place no matter the time. 

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Stue Bar's rustic outdoor annex 

(above) Berlin: Das Stue Hotel's Stue Bar

Seattle: Dunbar Room at The Sorrento Hotel

London: Bar 190 at The Gore Hotel. 

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Drinks worthy of a spotlight at the Old Imperial Bar

(above) Tokyo: the Old Imperial Bar at The Imperial Hotel. Tip: though you may be tempted to reenact your best Bill Murray at Park Hyatt Tokyo (nothing wrong with a little "Suntory time"), you can't beat The Old Imperial's history.

Medellin: Envy, the rooftop bar at The Charlee Hotel

Shanghai: One more rooftop gem...why not. The Roof at The Waterhouse Hotel.

Austin's #1 tourist attraction may surprise you

In a city that lives (or now trying to retain) its "keep weird" personality, one may find it difficult to be truly taken aback by a cacophony of the unique and expressive. That is until you come upon a formerly abandoned plot of land, occupied by the decayed concrete footprint of what once stood that is Austin's most expressive canvas: Hope Outdoor Gallery.  

Graffiti artists - from pros like Shepard Fairey to aspiring amateurs can tag, spray, create and leave their own marks. The park is whitewashed repeatedly as a symbol of recreation and an invitation to keep coming back for new experiences.