EuroCircle Travels to Australia & New Zealand October 2017

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This year, our gathering takes place down under, as we meet in Sydney to embark on an 13 day tour of both Australia and New Zealand.

EUROCIRCLE TRAVELS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, 2017

Sydney/ Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queenstown
Departure Date, Oct 4  2017 (depart USA on Oct 4 and land in Sydney Oct 6)

Join EuroCircle for its annual global adventure.
For the 7th year in a row, our members from all over the world will gather to make new friends, explore two beautiful destinations, and make memories that last a lifetime.

This year, our gathering takes place down under, as we meet in Sydney to embark on an 13 day tour of both Australia and New Zealand.

Please contact Travel Organizer:
Email Sherry Kumar here [the trip organizer] for complete trip details.

MAIN TRIP

All pricing is based on cash/check/wire and include a 3% discount.
Credit cards are accepted but the 3% discount will be lost. Travelers will have option to purchase airfare directly through an air consolidator.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND 13 Day / 12 Night

Deposit $950 plus balances due below:

Balance due $2,990 based on twin or double occupancy**
Balance due $3,825 based on single occupancy**
** land only. International or local air is NOT included.

DEPOSIT: Click Here

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS SYDNEY & THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

A 1 Hr Tour and Tasting Plate

Begin your journey by exploring underneath the sails with a spectacular Sydney Opera House Tour, or Bento Tower taking you inside one of the worlds greatest buildings of all time. You will see inside the theatres, discover the stories, history and magic of the House and learn of how architect Jorn Utzons heritage-listed masterpiece came to life.

You can also decide when to take your Opera Kitchen three-tier gourmet Tasting Plate, before or after your tour as lunch or return for dinner at dusk or a late supper. There’s nothing more to do than sit back at Sydney’s newest dining spot and indulge in succulent prawns, mini wagyu burgers, or fresh sushi, and soak in the Sydney Harbour views.

Opera Kitchen is home to Sydney’s best chefs, food artisans and producers that will tantalise your tastebuds and leave you spoilt for choice. The perfect way to experience one of the world’s most stunning icons and Sydney’s newest dining destination.

Sydney Sights, Bondi and Magistic Harbour Lunch Cruise

Enjoy a magnificent luncheon cruise on the famous Sydney Harbour travelling aboard Magistic Harbour Cruises. After your leisurely cruise follow instructions from Magistic Harbour Cruises staff to board our coach, to discover the dynamic and diverse charms of Sydney. Enjoy fabulous harbour views as you pass through the historic Rocks area, Chinatown, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and visit Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair. Head to the entrance of Sydney Harbour, known as the Gap. Travel to Bondi Beach where you’ll have the chance to stroll along the sand or time for afternoon tea (own expense). Return to the city through Double Bay, Paddington and Kings Cross. Tour concludes at King Street Wharf or Circular Quay.
Magistic Harbour Lunch Cruise.

A Blue Mountains tour including short hike

Your informative and knowledgeable guide will collect you from your Sydney hotel as we commence our small group deluxe tour into the heart of the unique Blue Mountains World Heritage Region. The Blue Mountains National Park is one of seven national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. This wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests boasts luxury retreats and the world’s steepest railway. Today your guide will take you off the beaten track to visit remote lookout locations and discuss the history, flora and fauna of this magnificent region.

Our first stop this morning is at Featherdale Wildlife Park where we arrive before any other tourists to meet the native Australian animals here – guests can actually get up close and personal, stroke a koala and hand feed kangaroos, wallabies & emus, a great experience.

Departing from Featherdale, we commence our drive to the Blue Mountains via the highway. We will travel through the picturesque village of Wentworth Falls, home to a good collection of Victorian and other historic buildings and onto the Wentworth Falls Lookout. With spectacular views over the Jamison Valley and the magnificent waterfall for which it is named, this beautiful lookout is our first stop. Here we enjoy a leisurely 30 minute round trip walk to see the Waterfalls.

Continuing on we arrive at Eaglehawk Lookout, a remote lookout point away from the crowds for views of the famous 3 Sisters. Whilst the Blue Mountains features so much more than this natural attraction you can’t help but admire the unquestionable beauty of this amazing rock formation. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. Here your guide will discuss the legends behind this famous rock formation and time available for you to take some great photo’s.

Travelling around the mountains, we arrive at Evans Lookout where you will be issued your lunch pack and instructions on the hiking track.

This is without doubt one of the most scenic hikes available in the mountains taking you across a number of valleys and ridges as you hike from Evans Lookout to Govetts Leap all the while looking out across Australia’s Grand Canyon, The Grose Valley. Once you clap your eyes on the view from many points along this track, you will know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfalls drop a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff. If you are not mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray, you will be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

The last stop is at the delightful Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens where we stop to enjoy the sweeping views across to Sydney before travelling down the Bells Line of Road to arrive back at your hotel approximately 4.30 – 5.00pm.

CAIRNS – QUEENSLAND

A Michaelmas Cay Cruise

Set sail aboard the 32 meter luxury sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, for a day to remember with a wide range of activities to fully experience Michaelmas Cays unique reef environment. Snorkel from the cay’s shallow protected waters, cruise in the semi-submersible for a diver’s view of the reef and discover the island birdlife. Or if you prefer just relax and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. The Choice is yours!

Includes all environmental management/administration charges. Morning and afternoon tea, tropical smorgasbord lunch, snorkel equipment, coral viewing in air-conditioned semi-submersible, informative ecological presentations by qualified Marine Biologists and guided nature tours of the island and bird sanctuary.

A Kuranda All Inclusive

Experience the contrast of the regions oldest railway and the world’s most beautiful Cableway, knowing that we have taken care of all the details.
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park:

This morning you will be greeted by your driver who will collect your voucher and issue your Kuranda Boading Pass. We then transfer you to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park. On arrival, meet your Indigenous guide who will show you through the remainder of the park, including bush food demonstrations, didgeridoo demonstrations, movie theatres, fire making demonstrations and the famous Tjapukai Dance Troupe.

Enjoy a buffet lunch in the Boomerang Restaurant.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway:

A short distance from Tjapukai is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Proceed directly to the boarding line – there is no need to queue as your Skyrail tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. Once aboard, be amazed as you glide silently over the rainforest. There are 2 stations enroute where you can alight and enjoy a walk through the rainforest to spectacular lookouts, or visit the CSIRO Interpretive Centre.

Kuranda Village:

Upon arrival in Kuranda, you have free time to do your own exploring.

Why not take advantage of the exclusive Kuranda discounts on your Kuranda Boarding Pass!

Kuranda Scenic Rail:

At the scheduled time, present your Kuranda Boarding Pass at the Kuranda Station ticket window – your tickets are already on your Boarding Pass. After boarding the train, your journey winds through hand-hewn tunnels, across bridges and around curves, all the time appreciating what an amazing engineering feat it is. Upon arrival at Freshwater Station, our coach will transfer you to your accommodation.

QUEENSTOWN – NEW ZEALAND

A Discover Milford Sound

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

. Te Anau
. Eglinton Valley – ancient alpine beech forest, waterfalls
. Mirror Lakes – photo opportunity
. Homer Tunnel
. Fiordland National Park
. Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise
. Knobs Flat
. Christie Falls
. The Chasm (subject to road and weather conditions)

Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound. You’ll experience the world famous fiord – rich in dense rainforest, glacier carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Journey across the Southern Alps and travel deep into the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through solid rock. Uncover Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine foresy and gushing waterfalls, take photos of the stunning Mirror Lakes, then walk across The Chasm.

At the deep waters of Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise. See the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. After your cruise return to Queenstown by coach.

A Safari of Scenes Wakatipu

BASIN Half day scenic 4WD tour. Includes gold panning and light refreshments.

Explore the magical side of New Zealand and understand why this beautiful country was chosen to protray Middle-earth. The Queenstown area featured prominently in the filming of the incredibly popular Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The perfect tour for those that want the thrills of an off road adventure but also want to discover exciting Lord of the Rings film locations. The Wakatipu Basin tour takes you to The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the trilogy including the Misty Mountains. Travelling part way up this beautiful mountain range you get a birds eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes.

Travelling from The Remarkables we head to the Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath, or Pillars of the Kings. Leaving the Kawarau Gorge the trip heads to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring at Gladden Fields was filmed. Near Arrowtown you will experience some true off road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River you will cross the river to get to the Ford of Bruinen.

At this point you can indulge in morning or afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning.

From Arrowtown you will travel to the entrance of Skippers Saddle where you will be offered spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and over Skippers Canyon.

SHOTOVER JET BOAT RIDE

“Catch the Canyons” with Shotover Jet, the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.

sydney-opera-house

Max Grigoryev Tells Us About The Glass Hour Cafe: The European Way for a Unique Study and Game Space

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I happened to hear from a Polish friend that there are these Russian guys who have started a very cool anti-cafe concept called the Glass Hour in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I contacted Max Grigoryev who is one of the founders of Glass Hour Cafe. Let’s see in Max’s own words about the opening of the first anti-cafe concept in the US.

Max, I was reading a little bit about what you guys have done. You have an anti-café, is that my understanding? Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn?

Yes we are located on a quiet street in Williamsburg, just a few blocks from the Lorimer L train. The concept is the following:  You have unlimited cocktails/drinks; everything inside is unlimited.  We have high-speed WiFi. We have lots of cool features, and the only thing patrons pay for is time.

We charge five cents per minute, three dollars per hour, or twelve dollars per day.

Note:  The real bargain is to stay all day because time is free after you hit the four-hour mark ($24).

How did you get the idea of … I know it’s a European concept, but how did you guys decide to bring it to Brooklyn and to New York?

We are from Russia where this concept was born in Russia. We used to go to Shish Kalpesh in Moscow.  We learned  how to organize the space, how to work in it, and how to manage everything inside.

We moved to New York a year ago. We realized that there were no cafes, where people could work or just chill out with their friends. Not a noisy place with lots of drinks; just a place to relax, or play board games, for example. We checked around the local places where people can play board games.  There were many cafes or bars, but patrons needed to pay for drinks and food; otherwise.  They couldn’t sit there and play. That’s why we decided to create a completely new concept in NYC. People like the concept a lot. They tell us how great and calm the atmosphere is.

Max, how do you differ from Starbucks and other cafes in your opinion?

We don’t place any pressure on people. They can serve themselves if they get coffee, take snacks, and other things. It’s real calm; a real good place to work.

So you are open from morning until night, or seven days a week? How does your hourly structure work?

We’re open from 10 am to 10 pm every day. We can expand the hours, if you want to book the whole space until 1 am or 2 am for special occasions such as to celebrate your birthday party, or you want to invite your friends to just chill out. On the weekends, we can work until 12am or 1am.

Do you ever have live music, or special guests or anything? Or is it more just very low-key …?

We have music there, but it’s not live. We have some really cool board games. We would like to have special guests, lectures, meet up with designers, and host live music, but we need to get the audience together. We’re trying to move forward in that and work with more creative experts, like designers or marketers.

So you’re looking to also bring in artists, and different people as well, and do different things so you can get a wide range of different audiences?

We had a few exhibitions in Williamsburg a few weeks ago. We’re planning to have a few exhibitions next month.

How many people does your café fit if it was at capacity? And special events  – how does that work? Or do people bring their own stuff in?

The total capacity is around 25 people who can sit. We have two floors. If this is an event where people want to sit, walk around, and drink some champagne, we can have 30 or 35 people. We allow people to bring their own stuff to the café.

If you need to work the whole day long, the only thing we have is snacks, water and tea. If you want to get lunch, you can go buy lunch and come back. If we host an event, we’ll allow everybody to bring their own food and drinks.

Are you looking to, now that you’re open here, are you looking to expand to different cities, or are you just looking at more here in New York, or any other cities ?

Right now, we’re going to expand here in New York City. We’re going to probably create some really good events. Right now, we’re trying to reach out to different publishers to write about us. We think we can stir things up here. The tourists seem really interested in this concept. Probably in the future, we will open a few cafes in Boston or in Washington.

That makes sense so you can get people to know more about it. Then once people know more about it then you can expand to other larger cities too.

People are not familiar with the concept. We always need to tell people more about how it works, to explain to people how they can benefit from it. It takes time. Once this concept spreads around, then we’ll probably think of new markets and new locations.

When people come in to either work or socialize, do they pay … I know you can pay a daily fee, but do you do like monthly memberships and give discounts, or, how does that work?

The payment scheme is the following. When you come in, you pay $3 fixed for the first hour, it doesn’t matter how much time you spend there. After the first hour, you pay by the minute. It’s five cents a minute. For example, if you need to work the whole day long, it will be cost $12 for four hours. If you want to pay one month ahead, it’s two hundred dollars and you have a month’s access to our café. The monthly membership is best.

Do you give monthly people priority as far as working in your café if you’re close to capacity? Or how does it work?

We don’t have lots of members right now, so we don’t need to give special priority to those people. But as we get more members, we will provide more perks… The monthly pass will have special access to the computers, special access to the desks, and so on.

What made you guys decide to actually, one, come from Russia to New York, and also why did you want to open up the anti-café? Was it just something that you really loved when you were abroad? Or is it just you want to do something different?

We just wanted to create some new sort of environment for different entrepreneurs to work wherever and whenever they want to. We actually worked in that type of place in Moscow, and that’s why we decided to open one here.

Do you see a lot of differences from Russia versus New York as far as the people that you work with? How do the different countries … I guess, how do you say that? I guess the differences.

It’s a very difficult question because the whole concept was born a few years ago in Moscow and there are a lot of cafes like that in Moscow because people like it.In New York, people want to use it. We just opened three weeks ago and everybody is coming in to our cafe.

In Moscow, people are interested in making a career in a big, huge company. Here those people think about entrepreneurship, they’re self-motivated, they want to go out or go into the bar. The audience is completely different. For example, in Russia, people typically use it to chill out,or play some board games. Here people come to work, and they usually chill out on the weekends. That’s the big difference with the audience.

I feel like in the US a lot of people are very entrepreneurial and like to, as you said, work longer hours, and really want to build and do more things and build stuff, like you guys are doing here with your anti-café.

Exactly, and the whole concept is how you can pay for one hour at our place,and it’ll cost you less than what you pay for a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

Is there anything as far as food or different things you miss from Russia?  Can you find all the different things that you had there in New York? Is there anything you miss as far as either food or culture or just the lifestyle?

To be honest, it’s like two separate worlds. People in Moscow, people in Russia, people in the United States are completely different, and that’s because, for example, this financial crisis in Russia, ruined people a lot. The whole economy and lots of people are suffering. Here in the United States, you have more opportunities to grow.

I’ve lived in Moscow, I’ve been to St. Petersburg, and I’ve been there a few times. People are scared of going somewhere really far from their home country, and they always think bad things happen there. It could happen all the time.

In your free time, outside of working and being in your café, are there any cool things that you enjoy doing on the weekends or when you do take nights off and do things?

I used to play hockey when I was in Moscow. I moved here a year ago, so I’m trying to find a place where I can play. I want to get back to hockey. I also like travelling, so when I have a free day or two, I’m trying to travel. Everything depends on how much free time I have as I like meeting new people.

Is there anything else that you want to share about either your café or living in New York or anything else you want to share with us?

We can host an event, we can work with different designers, architects, we are open to anything. The concept is straightforward. You basically can get snacks, coffee, tea, and everything.

We have a website. It’s glasshour.co. Plus, we have different social networks. We have Twitter and Instagram accounts, and appear on Yelp. You can also find an article about us on Out Loud.

Connect with  Max Grigoryev and the Glass Hour Cafe:

Our company twitter handle is: glasshour

Our instagram handle is: @glasshour

Our website is www.glasshour.co

Facebook is glasshour

 

New York – Dec 22 2016

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Photography Credit goes to Goran Veljic of NY1minute

EUROCIRCLE TRAVELS TO AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND FALL 2017: If you’d like to know more head out to TRIP PAGE

You can also email to Sherry at philadelphia (at) eurocircle.com She is the one organizing this trip.
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NEW YEAR’s EVE PARTY at the Cabanas with us! GET TICKETS

Join us for our annual holiday party at this midtown hotspot!

NO COVER with online RSVP by 5 pm on December 22 and saying “EuroCircle” at the door!
Attire: Holiday Chic
If you show up in a holiday color or some sparkly, you’ll look even more fabulous!

Let’s celebrate the holiday season this great rooftop & lounge!
There will be great music playing throughout the night!
The drink special: $10 Absolut cocktails. Food is available for purchase.

Feel free to invite friends the more the merrier!

Your hosts:
Tanya Angelova, Bulgaria
Ahmet Bodur, Turkey
Diana Cristea, Romania
Ramadan Caysever, Turkey www.facebook.com/ramadancaysever
Michelle Rivera, Puerto Rico

Alexandra and EuroCircle New York Team

Please no RSVPS via email (see below) though but you can email me here with volunteer interests, interviews, sponsorships etc

San Francisco – Nov 17 2016

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This fun jazzy evening  -with a touch of luxury – will be held at the lovely Muka Bar.
A nice happening spot where the intelligent free thinkers sipping coffee meet the noveau rich wine drinking Apple pad tinkering elite where they will have the fun funky jazz in common as a bridge over talkative waters.  Let’s help build this musical bridge and support our fellow European from Italy who has mastered the funk with an Italian splendor.The show will commence at 8PM however we will meet before to catch up on good times and it will be a good opportunity to meet our neighbors from Europe.

NO COVERThis event is hosted by the lovely and talented Elisa Rossi, Rossi & Rei and Marc DeJong (The Netherlands)

To find out more about the Band and the Musical Talent please read below:

About the band Sonamo’ – Italian Funk
Sonamo’ meaning comes from a dialect word from Napoli (ITALY) which literally means “play now!” but it’s actually slang for “show me what you got [in a provocative way]”.
We dare to change your perception of Italian music by blending funk, jazz, and rock with a Latin twist while keeping the Italian roots at the backbone. As a matter of fact, Sonamo’ performs tunes that have roots in the deepest Italian tradition with African, Hispanic and Middle Eastern influence, since the Italian territory has been colonized by many different cultures throughout the history.
Our shows are engaging and full of energy. The musicians are extremely talented and the exciting vibe is contagious and sometimes mesmerizing but easy to listen, in a nutshell, you can dance it or listen to it, you’ll have a blast either way. You have to experience it first-hand to believe.

Giuseppe Pinto – Keyboard and vocals

Rossi & Rei

Fay Lundin – A Swedish Girl Creates a New Life with a Family Real Estate Firm in Fort Lauderdale

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Florida is a super popular location for many Scandinavians for an obvious reason – the weather! Let’s find out why our Swedish friend Fay (Fanny) is living in Fort Lauderdale.

Introduction

My name is Fay Lundin. I am 22 years old and I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I am originally from Sweden, but I moved to the US about three years ago. I started my journey in Miami to study English, but a year later my family decided it was time to expand our Swedish company and try something new, and that’s how I ended up managing 12 vacation rental units in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. My family has since 17 years back worked with hotels and real estate in Sweden, and me and my sister actually grew up at one of our hotels. For that reason, this has always been a business that’s close to my heart and that I feel very comfortable working with.

I love Fort Lauderdale for many reasons. I love the fact that it’s a big city, but it feels very small after a while. It has more personality than, for an example, Miami. The worst part about Fort Lauderdale would be the distance to everything. I spend a lot of time in my car…

My schedule is never the same. So explaining what a “normal day” looks like is extremely hard for me. Some days are full of glamorous events, such as meetings about upcoming things, different fun interactions and beautiful locations. And others are less glamorous; cleaning, fixing broken toilets, garden work, etc. But when you mix all of those different things, you find a good balance.

ABOUT FLORIDA LIFESTYLE

I find the lifestyle here in Florida a lot more relaxing than in Sweden.
People are more spontaneous here. But of course that can be both good and bad.
For example, working with Americans can be more difficult than Swedes. Time is not valued as much as in Sweden, in my opinion. If you schedule something for a certain time, you, as a Swedish person, show up at that time. But that’s not  always the case here in the US. I feel like it’s a lot more “Mañana, Mañana” over here.

When I get guests from Europe, I do my best to make them feel at home.
Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful place to visit. We have so much to offer.
I usually try to find a balance between the luxury side and the soft “beach hang” that Fort Lauderdale has. That way you never get bored.

ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SWEDEN AND USA

The thing that I miss the most about Sweden and Europe in general is the food.
Everything has a stronger taste back home. The vegetables are larger here, yes, but they taste 100 times better in Sweden. You don’t have to think as much about what you are putting down in your grocery cart because we have a very healthy lifestyle in Sweden. I think that’s what I miss the most; being able to buy healthy food that really is good for you.

What I miss the least is the lack of social events. Sweden is not as spontaneous as America. If you have plans, they have been planed weeks in advance. That’s what I love about Florida. People can call you up the day before a big event and ask if you want to join.

When I think back to before I moved to the US, I remember thinking that this place would be a goldmine for opportunities.

And to be honest, it really is. Of course it all depends on your personality, but if you have an open mind, and take care of the contacts you make, like a garden; you nourish them, pay attention and get rid of the weeds, then you will soon see that the garden is growing and flourishing. And no, you won’t be able to act on every single offer that is presented to you. Making sure you take care of your “social garden” is the best way to secure a future with great contacts.

ABOUT THE FUTURE

Being a few years into this adventure, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t do a single thing differently. Every bad decision and good outcome has brought me here and it has sculptured my mind. It’s not always easy. And especially not when you are in another country, but making mistakes is just a way of learning.

To people who want to visit Fort Lauderdale, I would say “do it.” There are a lot of great spots here.

I would highly recommend:

  • Loui Bossis
  • Rhythm and Vine
  • Boatyard
  • Yolo
  • Rocos Tacos and
  • Casablanca

What I hope for in my future life is security.

I want to still have my family around me and still be as close as we are today, but I would like to expand the company. More collaborations and more opportunities in order to grow. I do not see myself moving back to Sweden – at least not fulltime. I would love to spend a few months there during the summer, and I will always stay connected to my home country. I believe roots are the foundation to build on.

ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

The reason we started our business in Fort Lauderdale, FL is because of our love for this city. My parents have been in the hotel-and real estate business in Sweden for many years, and when I finally joined the company on fulltime, we figured it was the right time to expand our company globally. My parents have always worked towards the goal of one day ending up here in the USA.

I think success is different for everybody. Some might say it is being recognized for something you’ve done, others may say it’s the number on your bank account, but I’m not so sure. I do agree with the above, that’s what motivates me, but I believe that when I can be happy for other people’s success without feeling bad about myself, that’s when I know I’m on my way to success. At least that’s how I feel for now. I feel very comfortable in my life and myself. And what I’ve noticed is that it’s a lot easier to be happy for others when you are happy with yourself.

ABOUT YOUR SKILL SET AND YOUR CHALLENGES

The best skill that I posses is the fact that I make people feel relaxed and, again, comfortable around me. I think that’s very important if you want to build long lasting connections. No one wants to hang around a person that scares them, or makes them feel bad about themselves. I actually learned that from a very successful friend that I have here in the US. He always brings people up. He makes everyone around him feel so important and special.

My top challenge is staying focused. Ever since I was very young I have never been able to stay focused on one task for very long. I get very involved in the beginning, but then I lose interest and I want to move on the next project. I think that’s my biggest weakness. But as I am trying to take on more responsibility, I have to work on focusing on the things that I get involved in.

ANY ROLE MODELS

My most important role models are my parents. They have both such amazing qualities and they balance each other so well. My father is the bloodhound. He is always finding new projects or businesses that he believes in. He´s an amazing businessman because he sees what other don´t, and I hope to learn a lot more from him.  And then my mom.  She´s a real superwoman. She steps in after my dad finds a project, and somehow she just makes it all work. She is juggling several companies and a crazy family all at the same time. To me, she´s the ideal woman. I hope to be like her.

The most important lesson that I have learned in this industry, is that even though the customer isn’t always right, you have to act as if their problems are the most important issues of the day. Their happiness equals success for you.

ADVICE TO OTHERS

My advice to women who want to do the same thing as I do is:

“If you haven’t got it, fake it. If you look confident enough, you can pull anything off.”

Bayview Crowns is still a relatively new company, so I hope that within the next few years, we will have a stable foundation and a good circle of costumers.

I would like Bayview Crowns to be a vacation rental that brings customers back every year for their annual holiday, sort of like a second home.

How to connect with me.

Website : www.BayviewCrowns.com
Instagram : FayLundin
Email : Fay@Lundinrealestate.com

Connect with our company:

Website: www.BayviewCrowns.com
Email: BayviewVillasFL@gmail.com
Instagram: BayviewCrowns

Austin – Nov 12/13 & 19/20 2016

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EAST SIDE STUDIO TOUR

Open Studios 11/12-13 & 11/19-20 2016

EuroCircle Friends:

come by during the East Side Studio Tour to check out the studio and see our latest paintings, photography, and prints. Special EAST pricing & wine and snacks until we run out. =)

Hours: 11am-5pm

Saturday 11/12
Sunday 11/13
Saturday 11/19
Sunday 11/20

EuroCircle member Katerina Tsasis is opening up her studio during the East Side Studio Tour.
READ KATERINA’S INTERVIEW

Big Medium’s East Austin Studio Tour (East) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning across two weekends in November. East provides opportunities for the public to meet the local artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces.

This year,  they celebrate the 15th edition of East! With 534 participants the 2016 East Austin Studio Tour is the most robust in their history

Find out more

Pardon My French By Eric & Lindsey Fillion – Doing Their Best at Everything They Do

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The purpose of EuroCircle is to bring to life the multiple stories behind European, Europhiles and the good people who surround us.  There is great food, culture, art, education, startups, families, heartbreaks, and romances.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Lindsey and Eric Fillion, the owners of Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen in San Diego.  I “met” Eric online a few years back but never really knew what he did and since I personally don’t live or visit San Diego, I never thought I would have the opportunity or reason to interview Eric.  However, that all changed when one of our favorite Austin members, David Lowe (UK) and his lovely wife decided to move to San Diego.  One day David and I were both admiring the cutest name for a restaurant, Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen and then I realized I actually knew the owner.  I became incredibly curious to hear their story and decided to reach out to them so that I could share it with you.

Who are you two and how did you meet?

We are a husband and wife team who own a small neighborhood French fine dining restaurant in Hillcrest.  “I am a San Diego native and Eric is a French Canadian from Montreal”, says Lindsey.
“We met in the winter of 2008 at the Casbah, a small but well known bar for local musicians.  Lindsey worked as a promoter and was wearing a pair of red high heels and I wanted to compliment her style, so that’s how our first conversation began” Eric recalls.  Casbah was not really his cup of tea in many ways but he happened to be there for his friend’s birthday celebration.  Eric spent the majority of his life as a top ranked professional Ballroom & Latin dancer, so dive bars with live rock and roll wasn’t on his list of choice.

So this was a professional connection that grew slowly into a romance?

No, we were both there for a mutual friend’s birthday and the romance began at “hello”.  We had an immediate connection.  The two of them laughed and explained: “When Lindsey was making her exit from the Casbah, she yelled out her phone number”.  “If he remembers, he remembers, and let the chips fall where they may”, Lindsey thought to herself.

Eric counted on his friends to help him to remember Lindsey’s telephone number, each of them memorizing different parts of the number. They later tallied their notes and Eric had a full number.  Slow burning romance was not in his mind. In fact, three weeks later he proposed to Lindsey. Eric even asked her father for permission.

Following 25 years in a career built on continuous hosting, some might consider taking a step back and not opening a bar and kitchen.

Why did the two of them open this restaurant?

Eric says since the time he was 11 years old he had in his mind to own a bar or restaurant. Not to mention there is a difference as he says “before, I was hosting for other people.”
He wanted the freedom to construct his own experience for others to enjoy. In many ways Lindsey felt the same. “I have always been a “social butterfly” as my parents would say, a natural hostess and believer that providing people with a comfortable and inviting space to occupy can improve your well being, which is what drew me to both of my previous professions, Interior Design and Music promotion.  They may seem like polar opposites to some but to me they are not mutually exclusive.  When I met Eric, I was promoting and booking events for Rockit Entertainment where we helped musicians find their place in the local music scene and produced events for them to shine.  Prior to that, I was an Interior Designer who specialized in yacht design.  Being social, outgoing and elevating others made me happy on a personal level and the Interior Design provided me with a creative outlet to beautify someone’s surroundings.  We have combined those elements in the restaurant; we are constantly socializing, we provide a warm and welcoming environment and even book live entertainment every Friday and Sunday, and occasionally Thursday”.

How did the name come up?

We were determined to find our own stage to do what we wanted with our multiple interests. We started Pardon My French events, a series of art exhibits raising money for “A Reason To Survive”, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing art and music supplies, plus education, to children in the San Diego community. Kids would otherwise be unable to explore and nurture their creative talents.
areasontosurvive.org. We had a tagline “Emerging art, fine champagne, and sexy music – welcome to the good life.”

People loved the events but we were losing money. Donations were less than the costs which happens easily with art events. We wanted upscale events, which meant catering and we also felt compelled to provide some sort of donation to insure the nonprofit benefited. We had no choice – the exhibits had to be put on the back burner.

Lindsey says “We knew we had a great idea, but needed to put the plan to bed and re-think our business model.  We started searching for properties. We are pretty certain at one point we must have known every restaurant and bar for sale in San Diego.  Once we entered HEAT on Park Blvd. we knew we had found OUR spot.”

Why did you like the location?

Eric says “two things made 3797 Park Blvd the only acceptable choice. First, we personally clicked with the previous owners and they were fastidious about cleaning the place – we have kept it up. Even at the end of the week after we have served 800 covers, it is still the cleanest kitchen in San Diego.  Second, we both feel at home here.”

When they first came to the restaurant they were having dinner with Lindsey’s parents. A group of four, all different ages, and each one of them agreed. The space cost more than they had budgeted but Eric and Lindsey decided to take their chances.

Eric says “all that has happened to me in my past, and all that has happened to Lindsey in her past, it all amalgamated and we ended up here, home. Even though we are from such different backgrounds, we have many things in common. I have spent my entire adult life, 25 years on the ballroom dance floor, everything was host driven. We are doing the same thing now, just with a restaurant.”

It did not scare you off knowing how many hours you will be working in a notoriously risky industry?

Lindsey laughed and says “it is a lot of hours and a lot of work. However, we truly have fun while we’re here so it doesn’t always seem like work. We are surrounded by wonderful people, we make new friends every day, drink great wine and eat top notch food prepared by a Michelin trained chef; it doesn’t get much better than that.  I have always lived by the adage “work to live, do not live to work” and that remains the case even though we are here more than at home.  It’s cliché but true, do what makes you happy and you never work a day in your life”.

Eric adds “You don’t need to wear multiple hats.  Just be a good person and do your best at everything you do.” Eric is a farm boy from Montreal who began his days at 4am to take care of the animals before school, began learning the basics of dancing in his basement as an adolescent to taking lessons and practicing 12-15 hours a day to become professionally ranked 5th in Canada and 6th in the US, so is not new to hard work.  Lindsey adds, “when Eric wants to learn or do something new, he goes all the way, no short cuts and he is not satisfied until he’s an expert”. “And I found myself a perfect accomplice in Lindsey who not only knows what a hard day’s work is but chooses to live her life with flair and like there is no tomorrow”, adds Eric.

Who is your chef?

We have a wonderful Michelin trained chef Dariusz Szelag. He is originally from Krakow, Poland and attended the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at the Westminster Kingsway College London Victoria where he began working along great chefs including Daniel Galmiche, Jun Tanaka, and Norbert Niederkofler. Before moving to the United States, Dariusz’s career took him all over Europe and the UK where he learned to marry flavors from across many regions.  He trained in the 2 Michelin star restaurant, The Vineyard at Stockross, part of Relais & Chateaux, and later as the Pastry chef at the five star and two AA Rosette acclaimed restaurant, The Milestone. In London Dariusz worked alongside Michelin star chefs from across Italy with Prêt à Diner at “Italians do it better”.  Having been at the helm of a great concept with Prêt à Diner, he then worked at London’s first pop-up members club in the Royal Academy where he worked alongside Michelin star Chef Ollysan.  Additional experience includes being hired as the Senior Chef de Partie at the Coworth Park run by a Dorchester Collection alongside Michelin Star Chef George Kostis, the US Grant Grill Luxury Collection and finally as the executive chef for us.  He brings an energy and love to the kitchen and we take care of the hosting.

What has been the biggest challenge in restaurant industry, and how did you overcome it?

Not being a corporate restaurant with deep pockets and a large PR/marketing firm, i.e. “Mom and Pop” it has been challenging to get attention from the media, food critics, and get on the “best of” lists despite our numerous attempts at reaching out to them to come sample our food.  Those lists typically feature restaurants that have large advertising budgets and certain PR firms in town.

As far as overcoming it goes, we simply won’t give up.  We will keep contacting them about menu changes and events, continuing to do our own PR and social media marketing and talking to everyone who comes in to get our message out there.  These efforts are working slowly but surely, we are starting to gain attention, receive “best of” awards in local publications and more personal stories written about us in general, not specifically just the merits of the restaurant.

Could you tell us your best-hidden San Diego gem?

I don’t know if it would qualify as a “hidden gem” but the Old Globe theater is just down the street from us and has amazing production. Also, the people involved are so lovely and gracious.  We work with them a lot and do some cross promotions – they suggest us to their members as the restaurant to dine in before the show and we share all their new productions with our guests.  We recently catered their yearly “Out Night” and are very excited to be hosting their closing night cast party here this weekend, it will be a blast.   I would highly recommend seeing a play there, it’s a wonderful experience.

And finally, if somebody would go to Pardon My French what should they order in your opinion?

It’s hard to say because it all depends on your mood.  Our most popular “signature” dishes are the Salade maison, Tarte flambée “Flammekueche” as an hors d’oeuvres; the grilled Duroc pork chop with smoked potato puree, grilled peaches, summer squash and truffle red wine sauce as an entrée, and the Tarte tatin with calvados ice cream and smoked sea salt caramel for dessert.  For the chocolate lovers like me, I would recommend the Crémeux au chocolat with homemade honeycomb and whiskey cream, it’s heavenly!

Future plans?

“Oh, there are so many ideas flying around.  We started making “Pardon My French…on the go” sandwiches and pastries for the coffee shop Balboa Perk down the street and want to expand on that; we are working on packaging pre-cooked meals for delivery and home preparation. We have even entertained the idea of a retail wine store.  We have been asked to open another location but our concern with that is that we fear it may dilute the experience with us being spread too thin.  We like to meet everyone who comes in, get to know them, share stories and become friends.  That would be much more difficult if we were going back and forth between locations.

PS. They have been nominated for three Nicky Awards so check the out and VOTE:
Outstanding New Business, Outstanding New Restaurant and Outstanding Brunch

Connect with Pardon My French & The Fillions in San Diego:

Call (619) 546–4328 from 10a – 11p daily, or book online with Yelp.
Reservations required for parties of 6 or more.

WEBSITE:  Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen

Vienna – Nov 24 2016

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Hey “EuroCirclers”

next event will take place in the heart of the heart of the 7th district. 🙂
The Amerling’s courtyard is in the middle of the Christmas market Spittelberg.

It’s a cosy place. It feels outside, but less wind and super cool.

There are tables where we can stand around and join our Punsch.

Looking forward to seeing you guys,

Christian

Public transport:
Tram 49 – Station Stiftgasse
U3 – Station Neubaugasse (Exit Stiftgasse)

Christian
Vienna (at) eurocircle.com