Nina Gonzalez-Lehto -A Local Childcare Consultant for an au pair agency in NYC

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Please introduce yourself?

My name is Nina Gonzalez-Lehto and I work as an LCC, which stands for Local Childcare Consultant, for an au pair agency. I am originally from Finland and have lived in New York City for almost four years now. I originally came to the U.S as an au pair over 10 years ago and met my husband during my second au pair trip six years ago. We currently live in Queens, NY in Jackson Heights, which is a wonderful historic neighborhood with delicious food and beautiful gardens.

What is your typical workday like??

My typical day as an LCC starts with responding to inquiries from families interested in hosting an au pair. Many of them have found out about the au pair program online or through word of mouth. Au pair childcare provides up to 45 hours of childcare for an average of $360 per week with all agency fees and paperwork included, so it is often the most affordable childcare option available, especially in NYC, where a nanny can cost a family more than $700 weekly. However I do get requests from all over the country and have helped families from Seattle, Boston and San Francisco to find an au pair to name a few. I like to be involved in the matching process.
Depending on the registrations in my area, I might go interview a new family that has registered, to see if they are a good fit for the program and to mutually decide if this is the right childcare option for them. The au pairs provide childcare for the family, but as our program is an exchange program, our au pairs are also expecting to be treated as part of the family. I need to make sure that the family’s expectations are right.
Another part of my job is to do a welcome call to new au pairs in the area and to go over to do an orientation once they have arrived. I explain the program rules and answer any questions about the au pairs upcoming year. I also keep monthly contact with my host families and organize monthly meetings for the au pairs in my area. I am also the person, who provides support for the program participants if they were to experience any issues.

Who are the au pairs?
Au pairs are young men and women from all over the world, who want to experience life in America, while living with and working for a host family, providing childcare. All of our au pairs are CPR certified and come with different levels of childcare experience.

Outside of work, I like to spend time with my husband and our dog, go out for coffee or drinks with friends and occasionally binge on Netflix or Hulu.

When you think about what did you think about life in New York before you moved there – did you misconceptions that turned out to be wrong?

When me and my husband first decided to move to NY, I told him I would only live in Manhattan, no matter what the cost or the size of the apartment, but after living in a closet sized studio on the Upper East side, that needed major renovation and had no air conditioning, I finally agreed to my husbands wishes of moving to Queens, which is where he grew up. We ended up getting a wonderful apartment with a lot of space, that allowed us to take in our Pitbull-Boxer mix Barney and pay the same amount of money for this apartment that we paid for that tiny studio space that could not even accommodate guests. We are now located close to 5 major subway lines and I can get to Manhattan in 15 minutes. I was under the impression that Queens was “ghetto”, but I absolutely love our neighborhood and have enjoyed exploring other neighborhoods as well; Forest Hills for example is like it’s own little town with everything to offer.

What do you miss the most – and the least from your own country??

I miss winter and snow- In NYC the winters are windy and slushy. When it snows, everything stops and the trains don’t work. I do love the few days of snow we have here and I seem to be one of the only ones, who is excited when they announce in the news that there is a snowstorm approaching.

I also miss the food- It is difficult to find salmon that tastes like it does back in Finland and there is only one candy store I know of that sells Salmiakki, out national salty licorice candy, but they have a very limited selection.

The thing I miss the least is the September rain and fall depression, which my husband stated experiencing during our one year that we lived in Helsinki.

What should everyone know and understand about your country and its culture?
Us Finns are not very touchy feely when it comes to strangers. I still get anxious in a crowded subway over people standing too close to me and not giving any personal space. Also, we are ok with silence. We can sit next to a good friend in the car for 10 minutes without saying anything and it is not awkward for us.

What cafes or restaurants do you recommend to tourists to go to in NYC and why? Or to do something else.

The bar next door in the village has some great live jazz and you get a nice relaxing escape from the busy NYC life. For a weekend brunch, I recommend Three of Cups, which has amazing omelettes and a good deal for Mimosas. I also recommend people to take a train to Queens and experience a different side of New York. Did you know that Flushing Meadows Park was used as a background for the ending scene of the Men in black movie?

Would you move back to your country fulltime – yes or no (why and why not)?

I could definitely see myself moving back to Finland at some point, but not for a few years at least. I love the city and the energy it has and enjoy living and working here. I am excited to see what raising kids in NYC will be like and also want to experience hosting an au pair myself.

How to connect with you:

Email for inquiries about the au pair program:

Connect with Nina:
www.ngonzalez-lehto.aupairnews.com
Email Nina
Nina @ LinkedIn

Live, Work and Play at the Shop Houses in Mueller Austin TX – Journey of a master hair stylist from Hungary

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MEET KATALIN KISS

Haute European Salon owner Katalin Kiss made her way to Austin from Europe (Hungary) and is now Ecstatic to call Austin home. Katalin and her team at the Haute European Salon together bring 25 years of beauty salon expertise and strive to create a family experience for customers.

Services include haircuts, trims, coloring, styling, braiding, hair consulting, bridal services, up-do and additional aesthetician services for both adults and children. Katalin admits Mueller’s walk able and green community features were selling points when considering housing their business off Ruiz Street.

 “We’re excited about the vibrant community, energy and location. We want the salon to be a family experience for people in and around Mueller, Austin.”

Kati (as she is affectionately known as) grew up in Debrecen (Hungary) and was a very successful hair stylist working for variety of salon such as Hedge Hair and ultimately opened her own salon Coolcuts ccross from Debrecen Plaza.

Kati holds a master’s degree and many certifications from prominent hair product institutions.

In 2010, she followed the love of her life – Bosco, to Austin where they have an adorable 2‐year old Bryan, Bryan is ready for international travel with a U.S. and Hungarian passport. (Bryan did visit his grandma and other relatives in Debrecen recent last year).

Kati has also experienced Japan, Ireland and India as part of her travel itinerary. In addition to running her own salon, Kati is a part time instructor with Vidal Sassoon accredited Avenue Five Institute where she educates and inspires young minds aspire for the highest quality in hair stylist career path.

Kati prefers warm weather so Austin is her dream destination. In addition Austin has a wide mix of culture, cuisine and people that keeps Kati cheerful. She is also a member of the Austin Hungarian Association (AHA) and engages in their social and community programs when possible.

“I miss my family, my mother’s cooking and my grandma’s subtle sarcasm which are so humorous J”

Kati had her share of struggle as she converted her European academics to American transcript as well as obtaining necessary permits to start her business.
“There are also many differences in hair styling between America and Europe,” says Kati.

Example: it takes 3 years of education followed by a year of work experience to become a hair stylist in Hungary, while in America you can take 1,500 hours (a huge difference) of schooling in a private institute and obtain your hair stylist license.

Kati is here to stay with occasional visits to her home country.  If possible she and her husband Bosco  would like to retire in Ireland in a small green cottage by the Dublin bay area.

Haute European Salon & Beauty Products
4533 Ruiz street Austin TX 78723
S: (512) 368-­‐5880
C: (512) 797-­‐9351

Email Katalin
Visit Haute Salon online!

Nadia Storm in New York: Danish Scientist Who Lives to Work, Not Works to Live

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It is so great to run into people who really LOVE what they do for living. Nadia is going to tell in her own words about her life, work and expat experience in NYC (and elsewhere). Keep reading…

WHO IS NADIA
My name is Nadia Storm, I’m from Denmark and currently I live in New York.

I was born in South Korea and adopted to Denmark, where I grew up with my Danish family. I graduated from high school in 2003; I spent the following 2 years working and travelling in my “home” country, experiencing the life in South Korea. I attended University of Southern Denmark in 2005 and chose to study Molecular Biomedicine. I’ve always been interested in how the body works, and often asked questions like, why are we different, why are some people sick and some not, and why is it (still) impossible to treat diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s etc.

TRAVELLING & LIFE AS AN EXPAT
Travelling has always been a huge priority in my life, and something that I really enjoy – so when I had the opportunity to do a part of my Master’s degree abroad, I chose to move to San Diego (California) to work at Sandford Burnham Medical Research Institute, while finishing up my Master’s degree. At the end of 2010 I went back to Odense to defend my Master thesis, and one month later I continued to Germany to initiate a PhD at Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and age-related diseases. I chose this institute because of they offered me a great research project, huge scientific freedom and a professional and awesome environment. The professor for which I was working for has a great name in Ageing research, and I had met him a couple of times while I was in San Diego. 3 and a half amazing years passed by so fast, and it was absolutely incredible! Cologne is a wonderful city, the institute is growing and the science is absolutely international high-class science! I was lucky during my time there, and my result were published in one of the most prestigious scientific journals in the World, so doors were open in all directions.

In January 2014, I interviewed at six different institutions in the USA; I wanted to go back to the USA to precede my career as a scientific researcher. In February I handed in my Doctor Dissertation and in April I was awarded with a German Doctor’s degree – with outstanding remarks. In August I left Germany and October 1st 2014, I began a new life as scientist at Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York.

WHY NEW YORK?
I chose New York because of the laboratory, the professor and the science – outstanding and very acknowledged in the field of ageing and age-related diseases, with a special focus on a specific cellular pathway that has been found to be very involved in biological ageing, and therefore also in diseases that are related to aged organisms.

I love New York because of all the opportunities here, and because it’s never boring. There’s always something to do, and there’s always something going on. Typically, however, I work a lot – so I don’t have too much time to enjoy the city. But when time allows, there’s always something up! And right now, it’s amazing that I can go to the beach on the weekends – feels like a small vacation every weekend!

New York is very different from Denmark – and from Germany. Everything is super expensive and the city is pretty chaotic and always busy! The Danish health care system seems like something coming from a different planet (I guess it actually almost does) and most nature is “fake”. But let’s just face it – New York is, despite the thousands of tourists, humidity close to 100%, bad public transportation and super expensive life style, absolutely amazing! There’s just something over the city! It’s great! I love it here!

THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY & WORK
The research community is also really really strong here – there are so many great schools and institutions gathered in a pretty small area, which increases the level as it attracts many scientists from all over the World. In my current laboratory, the level is super high, and people are working crazy hours – but they love it. We live to work – not work to live, which is something many of my Danish friends and family have a hard time understanding sometimes. I love my job and what I do, because it challenges me every day and because I get to do something. I’m part of developing, moving things forward and discovering. I’m very curious, and I always have a lot of questions – doing research I can ask some of these, and try to answer them myself. It’s simple – I’m just a nerd!!

ABOUT DENMARK
While being away from Denmark, I’ve realized how civilized and lucky we are in Denmark – and how happy we should be that we’ve a strong wellfare system, and that everybody has equal opportunities from the beginning. Everybody can go to the doctor, everybody can go to school (even higher educations) and you’ll get help if you lose your job, if you’re sick or if you get pregnant. Danish people, including my self, are spoiled and used to a high degree of service and a country that works – that’s something that you learn to appreciate more when you see other countries where it doesn’t work, and where there’s no help or support from the government.

I would like, if possible, to return to Denmark (or at least to Europe) at some point – but for now, I’m very happy where I am. I miss my friends and family from Denmark – and some special Danish bread, but other than that, there are so many other delicious and awesome things that perfectly substitute the things that I used to do and the things that I used to eat in Denmark.

I would lie, though, if I didn’t say that I miss Danish candy, Leverpostej, italiensk salat, Koldskaal, Karbonader and some other Danish food-things.

Connect with Nadia Storm:

Nadia Storm @ LinkedIn
Danes in NYC @ Facebook

On Sunday August 2 2015 Danes in NYC and EuroCircle cohost Copenhagen Street Dog Launch Party with Revolving Dansk

Like EuroCircle at Facebook

Equmix – A global shopping experience of international products

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Meet our June 2,2015 Event Sponsor Equmix a new International Online Marketplace for Vendors launching in June 2015. They also hosted our fabulous white party on Tuesday, July 14 2015 – check out their blog on the event here: http://equmix.com/index.php/blog/EuroCirclesSummerWhiteParty/

Meet Co-Founders – Rose Barghout, Sadia Syeda Hussain and Anne Kim! Come out on June 2 for our Immigrant Heritage Party at the Attic and meet them in person! Rose, Sadia and Anne came up with the concept of Equmix after searching and not being able to find the products from abroad that they loved. Equimix will allow you to find those products you love from abroad and have them shipped directly to your door!

Can you tell our EuroCircle Members about you and your background?

The best part about our business and partnership is that the founders of Equmix are immigrants from different countries. Our founders come from New Zealand, Pakistan and Korea.

How did the concept for Equmix come about?

A marketplace for international vendors is virtually nonexistent on the Internet. Many immigrants of various backgrounds and ethnicities like to purchase products brought over by vendors and people from overseas.  Equmix provides these merchants and consumers with a platform.

What void in the European Market does it fill?

It fills that void of shopping-back home or on your travels.  Save your trip and shop on Equmix!

What is Equmix’s mission?

Equmix is a global shopping experience of international products for everyone’s needs.   It’s a simple click away to find the international items that you are looking for without traveling.

What makes Equmix different from other European product sites out there?

There will be a lot of vendors & products that you just can’t find on any other website.

Why is Equmix so important in today’s global marketplace?

Every year the United States becomes more and more diverse.  Equmix brings those things we want and need from our cultures onto American soil, making them easily available to all of us.

Before Equmix what were you and your co-founder’s doing?

The co-founders come from different work backgrounds that complete perfect team for Equmix.   We have social media, finance, and fashion industry background that creates good business model.

Where are each of you originally from? Can you tell our members about where you are from?

We come from all over the world.  Our members immigrated from New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Korea.

What are your favorite places to visit in your home country?

We love to go back home to shop for things that we can’t find here!

When you’re not working what do you like to do in your free time in New York?

We keep ourselves very busy!   We love visiting galleries, shopping and trying the new restaurants around town.

How can our members sign up for Equmix?

It’s very simple – go to www.equmix.com and sign up.  Be part of the Equmix community!

How long have you been members of Eurocircle?

We recently added as a members in New York!  But have attended events in San Francisco!

Anything else about you or Equmix you would like our members to know.

Equmix is a community of International people living within the United States – we work hard to have a diverse range of products. We hope you will join our community and give us feedback on items that you would like to see more of!

Connect with Equimix:

Equmix on Facebook
Equmix on Twitter
Equmix on Instagram

 

Gaby Rios – Contemporary Latin American Art Dealer in Houston

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Please introduce yourself.

My name is Gaby Rios and I co-own an art dealing business with my mom, Susana Rios. We are from Venezuela and have been living in Houston since year 2000. We both worked as elementary teachers for a while and really enjoyed being with kids. Another passion of ours have always been traveling and art. Every time we traveled somewhere, surely a painting would make it back to Houston with us. What started as a hobby and a really small collection soon showed potential to become our business. People always complimented the works we owned and grew more interested in international artists. Just last year we decided to go full sail with this idea and started bringing Contemporary Latin American Art to Houston. We see huge potential in the arts happening in Latin America and are excited to open the way in Houston for these artists.

How did you end up in Houston, TX of all places?

In year 2000 Venezuela began to roll down and very long hill of unfortunate events. Socio-Political circumstances made it difficult to have a peaceful life. With the opportunity of my father’s career in oil & gas we were able to relocate to Houston in search of better quality of life. Houston has really become our city and our home. We are forever grateful for all the opportunities we have been giving since moving here.

What is the best and worst about Houston for you…what is a typical day and weekend??

We really enjoy the diversity of Houston. It is easy to find groups on any interest. It is easy to make friends and meaningful relationships in this city.

Houston has become an international hub of opportunity, providing an exciting professional environment full of culture. This diversity in culture brings us an international and excellent food scene. Houston can definitely provide a great meal of any kind. The arts of Houston are equally rich, we have all component of a well-rounded, rich cultured city. We enjoy Broadway musicals, concerts, restaurants and all the city events, especially during Spring and Fall.

The heat of the summer can be hard, but it is always fun. Houston is full of patios and conformable places to gather at sunset with a nice cold beer. There is also plenty of pools and friendly people to make you forget the heat. We actually enjoy that season very much.

How do you find the lifestyle in Houston compared to your hometown?

Everything is bigger in Texas. Houston is a city that works. It offers very competitive services, which makes it easier to live a conformable life. If you stay here long enough, you become spoiled and accustomed to the small luxuries of living in a large land full of opportunities.

How do you make your living now – and how would you like to develop that career?

We are in the first year of our art business and look forward to many many years of growth in this field. We are extremely excited to bring new styles and artists to a city that shows so much appreciation for the arts.

What is the essence of Houston to you – what do you absolutely want your friends to see or feel in Houston/TX vs. your country?

Houston is friendly. You want to show off this city, invite your local friends to a nice chill bar and have them enamor your guests. This city thrives in quality time, well spent with excellent people. The food scene is definitely part of the definition of Houston, as well as the historic neighborhoods that hold the most secret golden spots for fun and relaxation. You just have to DRIVE AROUND a lot.

What do you absolutely miss from your country/heritage (food, culture, movies etc.) …or elsewhere?

We miss mostly, family and the beach. We used to miss a lot of food but found new foods along the way, plus more Venezuelan food is available here every year.

What cafes or restaurants do you recommend to tourists to go to in Houston and why? Or to
do something else.

People come to Houston and expect a good stake, we like Taste of Texas or Capital Grill for that. Always offer a nice stroll through Montrose at night and show the newly revamped Downtown night scene. Honestly, the NASA is not that fun, it is very far away…. Consider that before hurtling your whole international guests on a long trip there. A pic nic at the Menil Park is fun and relaxed. Visit HEYEVENT.COM and find events of interests. Go out there, do stuff, talk to people… that’s what’s fun around here.

What would be your ideal life – with no monetary issues to make it happen!

WE ARE WORKING ON THIS. The ideal for us would be to have our own SUGAART GALLERY, to show and sale Contemporary Latin American Art. We would like to bring the artists we work with to Houston, have them be active
participants of the internationalization of their art in the city.

Would you move back to your country fulltime – yes or no?

We love HOUSTON. I don’t think we could move back. We are happy here.

Connect with Gaby and Susana Rios:
www.sugamobilegallery.com
sugamobilegallery @ Facebook
instagram.com/sugamobilegallery
Phone: 713.412.0232
Email SugaMobileGallery

Marek Danielewski : Portrait of an Artist

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Marek Danielewski was born in Warsaw, Poland. He moved to Sweden as a young child during the 1980s. After a short return to Poland, he came to the US around 1994 where he lived in Huntington Valley and later Philadelphia.

How was your art selected for the Natural Selection movie?

A friend of mine, a fellow artist, Danielle Payne, contacted me saying she was involved in this project, and that they needed artwork in their movie. So I sent over a few images to the film production designer, Eileen Dennehy. She came to my home, looked thru my inks and took about 8 pieces she felt worked best for the film.

What is Natural Selection about?

The movie is a drama, about a high school senior, the people around him, his influences- all this leads him to a horrible reaction to his circumstances. The purpose of the film is to bring attention to troubled “students” but not just them, the environment that creates and enables, drives them to these behaviors and reactions.

Were you surprised that your art, which is dark, was chosen for a movie of this nature?

Yes, in the beginning I was a little surprised. Once Eileen explained the premise of the film to me in more detail, which I’m not going to get into- go see the movie- the use of my artwork made sense. They’re archetypes, a sort of visualized frequency at which a mind operates.

What makes your art dark?

I think it could be a subconscious reaction to the general sense of angst that fills my life. Which funny enough, I feel starts in high school. But I’ve always been attracted to this type of imagery. I think for people who are into art its great, it allows them to express their emotional needs, a demons for that matter. For me as a teenager art was, and still is a form of therapy. I took art classes in high school, and that was the only time I really enjoyed being around people. These people had similar interest as me.

Is “being dark” something permanent or will your art change eventually?

Yes, my current work has already become a tiny but lighter. I reintroduced color which is a lot of fun. There was a time of about 3-4 years when I literally decided that there would be as little color as possible, if any in the work. I did only very graphic black and white inks. It was from this collection that Eileen chose for the film. But strangely enough I felt that experience really taught me about color.

What inspires you?

Images. Films. Madness. Music. Artists like Beksinski, Geiger, Moebius, Fellini. The first two especially when I was younger. I just found their work to be so beautiful, stunning. It’s an urge to make art, I have to do it.

In reading about the film the main character seems to be a bit of an outcast, were you?   Do you feel that is an influence in your work now?

Yes, I was an outcast. Not a willing one, there is a difference. I think I have always lived in a slightly different reality than my peers. I took art, in all forms- movies music, fine art- very seriously as a kid. For example in high school, we had to wear uniforms, an all boy catholic school. We had a “dress down day” or could wear what ever we wanted for one day. The goths wore black, the jocks wore sport jerseys and so on. I, inspired by the style of the movie Akira, wore red jeans and a polo shirt.

What are you currently working on?

I am finishing up a project now that was a collaboration with a local band, Starwood. It’s called “God of Drones”. Its a symbolist image. I was looking a lot at both Dore´ (Divine Comedy) and Japanese Gundam series. It’s an archetype, a god of war.- like Mars.

You mentioned you took art classes, would you ever teach art?

Not high school. But yes, people college level. I think I could contribute something there. When I took my Masters I paid a lot of attention to the style and approach my professors used. Art in high school is just very limited. There are no live models, or casts, it’s very restricted. And maybe it should be, but it’s not the right environment for me.

Website: inkurge.blogspot.com

Natural Selection movie website: Natural Selection is a timely drama set mostly in a PA high school, with a young cast of Disney Channel and MTV stars, including Mason Dye, Kat McNamara, and Anthony Michael Hall. The film is produced by Modoc Springs, an Elverson, PA based company whose last feature, The Suspect, (IMDB page), is currently available OnDemand and Netflix and in retail stores both domestically and internationally.

The first screening of the film will be April 22nd at 7:15 at the R/C Reading Movies and IMAX.

This screening was just announced so I believe ticketing info is still being worked out, but further information can be found at the websites:

www.naturalselectionthefilm.com

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=156634701066044&tsid=0.2201784118078649&source=typeahead

 

 

 

 

Witamy! Asia, Iza & Margie bring authentic Polish cuisine with Apolonia Catering to Austin

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We love helping other European expats to get the word out about their businesses. You all have met David Lowe, Uberpong, Varda and Vladimir from The Russian House, Florian and Romana from PRELOGS (April 30 party) and Emma Cartmell-Hochman (Excede). Now it is time to introduce you some Polish entrepreneurs. By the way, they are planning to organize an exclusive, limited space dinner event for our members featuring Polish traditions. All payments will be collected in-advance – and it will be organized in a private home. Stay tuned!! I saw the menu they were considering..yummy!!
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Witamy! Apolonia Catering has officially landed in Austin, Texas and are ready to bring you authentic Polish cuisine. Three adventurous women who all originated from Poland, have traveled the world and crossed paths in the heart of Texas. Their passion for perfecting a home cooked meal brought them together and ignited the idea in creating a catering company to share their recipes outside the family home.

Asia, Iza, and Margie were drawn to Austin and it’s many wonderful attributes. When they’re not cooking up something new in the kitchen, they enjoy hiking through the gorgeous greenbelts as well as exploring and discovering the hidden gems that reside throughout the streets of Austin. For these ladies, the best part of this city is how there is so much opportunity to grow and everyone is friendly and supportive of new ventures and ideas.

Although Texas is their new home base, they sometimes yearn for the more modest and traditional days they had back in Poland. One of the differences they notice between their homeland and the Americas, is the lack of community and family time shared around the dinner table. Americans live a very face paced, always on the go lifestyle which has benefitted them throughout the years, but for Europeans food is an art. They treasure every meal and treat it as a grand event, putting everything in life on hold to truly enjoy what’s in front of them. Living a constantly “go-go-go” lifestyle, you forget and miss out on the simple pleasures in life such as hours of conversation and laughter at the table with friends and family while enjoying a well prepared meal.

Another aspect these ladies miss about Poland is growing up with the flavorful and straight from the Earth ingredients their mothers and grandmothers would use in their meals. Numerous chain grocery stores produce for the masses, therefore disregarding quality, and this lack of vibrancy and flavor was not only missing from their recipes, but from their palates. Coming to Austin seemed to be the perfect resolution. Apolonia Catering not only supports the local farmers and advocates the use of organic products, but supply their customers with the full embodied taste and flavor that a home cooked meal should provide.

“Keep Austin Weird” is a slogan known throughout the nation, and this state of mind has been integrated into the community, events, and influenced the food scene. Within recent years, watching the growth of not only the city and it’s enthusiasm for new and innovative ideas, introducing Apolonia Catering and it’s twist on Old World Polish cuisine seemed to fit in perfectly with the Austin attitude. Asia, Iza, and Margie want to bring the community not only the classics, but a tastefully crafted product that combines generations of family recipes elevated to a new level with never before used flavor combinations.

Speaking of Old World Polish food, family recipes, and classics, their company’s highest valued product are the Pierogi. Being one of the most commonly known Polish dish, Asia, Iza, and Margie have combined their own family recipes into one master formula to create the perfect Pierogi. The Apolonia menu not only offers the more popular flavors of Pierogi, but gives the customers the freedom to create their own personal combination. The filling possibilities are limitless and can range from meats to fruits or vegetables; the customer can either request their own filling, or specify whether they crave a sweet, savory, or spicy flavor, and our chefs will create a new flavor profile to satisfy your palate.

The spark that ignited the fire of Apolonia Catering came from the simple enjoyment of cooking Polish food and keeping the flavors alive in an American world. After hosting countless gatherings from family dinners to holiday parties, and witnessing the satisfaction on people’s faces, the ladies wanted to take their recipes outside their immediate circle of family and friends and share it with everyone else who is up for trying something different.

Apolonia Catering gives you the taste of Poland without having to travel far and wide or even across the Atlantic Ocean. Their company will strive to bring Polish cuisine fresh to your table, whether it’s in the comfort of your home, or transporting your guests to the other side of the world. With their unique selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, their home cooked meals will not only bring new flavors to your table, but hopefully inspire you to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

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Connect with Apolonia Catering:
www.facebook.com/apoloniacatering
Phone: 512-586-3457
Email Apolonia Catering!

Asia Gonczar tel: 512-586-3457
Izabela Ulrich tel: 214-705-5790
Margie Knap tel: 512-743-1713

TRIP WITH SHERRY IN OCTOBER 2015 TO AFRICA
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure! Namibia, Botswana, Zambia…
From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls!

View all trips and travel articles

Ukrainian-born Yanika Schneider finds happiness in her work and life in San Francisco

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My name is Yanika Schneider. I was born in Kiev, Ukraine and immigrated to the USA when I was nine with my parents and younger brother. First my family came to Pittsburgh, PA, but after a few years moved to the Bay Area.

So where in the Bay area did you live and study?

My early education in the Bay was marked by living in two areas with radically different demographics.
In middle school and the first year of high school, I lived near Cupertino, a suburb of San Jose that has a predominantly Asian population and is known for being the Apple headquarters. This experience exposed me to Asian American food and culture, such that Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese became my favorite cuisines. I also came to understand the immigrant experience from an Asian perspective, which I found similar to the Ukrainian/Russian/Soviet customs and values practiced in my family.

Is that where you graduated from high school?

In the beginning of my sophomore year of high school, I relocated to Redwood City, which is a middle class, largely Hispanic suburb 30 min south of San Francisco. Now my high school was half Spanish-speaking rather than half-Asian. As a result, I became more immersed in the Latino culture. I was invited to quinceañeras, learned how to make flan and took three years of Spanish, which I continued through college. I also got a chance to pursue my interests in community service, writing and science by becoming involved in a service organization, as well as taking on the positions of the editor in chief of the high school yearbook and the co-captain of the robotics team.

How interesting. Where did you go to college and why?

Exposure to diverse groups of people and experiences was excellent preparation for college. Unlike most of my peers who remained in California, I chose to attend a small liberal arts school in Iowa called Grinnell College. Despite its location, Grinnell was a fascinating place with a very international student body hailing from different parts of the U.S. and the world. I studied chemistry and history, while taking nearly enough philosophy classes for a triple major. Without a core curriculum or many required classes, I was able to get a good technical background in the sciences while pursuing my love for the humanities. Grinnell was all about getting both sides of the brain to work in symphony.

I am impressed, that is not the typical choice/s for anyone. Did you stay in Iowa after college?

After college I continued with my scientific interests by getting my PhD in materials chemistry at UCSB. Living and working a few blocks from the beach was an amazing opportunity, as was the wonderfully collaborative scientific atmosphere of the university.

What happened once you finished your PhD?

When I finished my degree, there was no doubt that I would return to my favorite Bay Area, and I was very fortunate to obtain a Postdoc position at UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. I was involved in an artificial photosynthesis project that allowed me to expand on my polymer (plastics) chemistry knowledge by learning polymer physics. Here I became fascinated by how materials function, how their structure affects their properties and how this can be altered to obtain optimal characteristics.

Academic career – most PhD’s end up that route. How about you?

After finishing my Postdoc, I briefly worked at a nine-person startup focused on developing new supercapacitors. This experience was as exciting as most startups (plus I was the only female), but after the funding dried up, I moved to an analytical lab where I work now. I use my polymer science knowledge to help engineers and scientist troubleshoot materials problems including failure analysis, deformations and contamination investigations. My job is interesting because I work with so many diverse industries that every day feels different.

Are you happy living in the Bay Area?

Since moving back to the Bay, I’ve lived in San Francisco, which is my favorite city. I cannot say enough about its diverse culture, amazing food and breathtaking architecture and natural beauty. You will most likely find me enjoying a happy hour in SoMa or Dogpatch (where I live), dancing in the Mission at BaoBab (great Senegalese food!) or Blondies or hiking up Glen Canyon or Lands End. I’m a big fan of the arts and spend quite a bit of time at SOMA-Arts, the Recology artist in residency program exhibitions as well as the galleries on Geary St. I also make a point to cross the Bay and spend time in Oakland and Berkeley. I particularly love the Oakland food scene as well as the monthly art walk.

If you’re ever in SF and need a tour guide, get in touch with me VIA EMAIL

Connect with Yanika (of course also via our member forums):

Yanika at Facebook
Yanika at LinkedIn

Bissera Antikarov – New York Based Real Estate Agent from Bulgaria

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Bissera Antikarov is originally from Bulgaria. She now lives and work as a Real Estate Agent in New York City!

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Bissera Antikarov – Bissera means “pearl” in my native Bulgarian language. I am from Sofia, Bulgaria, where I lived before coming to the US for graduate school in architecture more than 20yrs ago.

I am now a real estate broker in Manhattan  – an architect by background with passion for art. I live on the Upper West Side and work all over the city with sellers, buyers, and investors. My purpose is helping clients “sell or buy with an architect’s eye” by blending real estate, architecture, and art expertise to craft their real estate future with efficiency, creativity, and style. Expect excellence.

I studied Architecture/Urban Design & City Planning/Real Estate Development both in Sofia and here in NYC, as well as post-grad at Harvard University. I have always been fascinated by buildings and cities across the globe.

Can you tell us more about how you got started in Real Estate?

My shift into real estate sales was a natural transition from my prior work in architecture/urban planning and real estate development. While in the past I was engaged on the front end of creating real estate, I am now on the other end, selling it – I went around the industry full circle, so to speak.

What attracts you to Real Estate and why do you like doing it?

As an architect, I love buildings and interior spaces. I know and love the city with its unique neighborhoods, and I am also very social and love working with people. So all these ingredients create the perfect storm for me in real estate, which I am passionate about.

How is the real estate market today in New York?

The real estate market in New York is hot, especially now in the spring and early summer. Inventory for sale continues to be low, buyer demand is high, prices keep growing as a result, and units sell pretty fast, especially in the lower and mid-price points. It’s a great time for sellers to put their properties on the market this month in April, to capitalize on the high spring activity.

If someone is looking to invest in real estate what specific things should they be looking for?

It really depends on the purpose of the investment, if it would be to live, rent, flip, or hold long term. Each scenario and sub-market in NYC’s boroughs has its specific characteristics, in addition to the basic parameters such as location, type of property, size, price point, cap rates, etc.

It would be best for potential buyers and investors to consult with an experienced and competent real estate agent for specialized advice and assistance in the process, which is pretty complicated and time consuming in NYC. I would be happy to help in any of these situations.

Is there anything else about Real Estate that people should be aware of?

Yes, there are many aspects and important information people need to know on the real estate market and process in NYC, which vary depending on their role in the marketplace – if they are sellers, buyers, or investors. This is why, again, they need the consult and guidance of a competent real estate professional to help them navigate successfully the complex real estate arena in NYC.

Have you always lived and worked in New York City?

I have lived and worked in NYC for most of my almost 25 years in the US, except for a few years I spent in Boston. I know and love NYC as my home town.

What cafes or restaurants do you recommend to tourists to go to in New York and why? Or to do something else.

It’s hard to recommend just some restaurants, as the city has so many great ones to offer. So instead, I would recommend visiting the NYC highlights I’m most passionate about, such as top architecture masterpieces and art museums/galleries, of which we have an amazing selection of world-wide icons included in every tourist guide.

Could you share with us how you first found out about EuroCircle? How long have you been a member? What other groups are you a member of?

I first heard about EuroCircle from another European friend and joined right away. I have been a member for over 10 years in NYC and several years in Boston as well. Love it – met so many interesting people and made new friends from all over the world!
I am also a member of a number of other social and professional groups in NYC – too many to list here!

Connect with Bissera Antikarov

The best way to connect with me is by email or cell phone and/or via any of the online platforms below:

Cell: 646-620-8192
Bissera at Facebook
Bissera Antikarov @ LinkedIn
http://kwnyc.com/bissera-antikarov
bissera@kwnyc.com

 

The size IS everything says French Chef Alain Braux

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I am excited to share this interview with Chef Alain Braux. Alain was kind of enough to come to downtown to meet me at Alta Cafe since I can walk there easily from Rainey Street (I do NOT drive…I know, that’s crazy in Austin). He grew up in southern France, Nice.  So of course I assumed he learned to cook at his parents’ restaurant but that’s not quite how life worked out for him.

Alain, did your mom teach you to cook?

No, actually my mother was not much of a cook even if she encouraged me to cook. After my parents divorced and money became tight, I had to drop out of school and went to work as my mother’s salary was not enough for all of us to live on. I always liked baking so that was my way of helping her as much as I could. In my younger years, my grandmother Mamie had influenced my thinking towards food a lot – not so much the fancy skills but how to live on a tight budget and eat well. Eating well does not mean eating a lot – there is a difference.

My grandparents ran a small farm for the owner – and in return they paid no rent and to help put food on the table, she gardened, raised chickens, and rabbits..! She grew nearly anything we ate. And it was farm fresh, literally. She went to the garden, or sent us – the food was very fresh and tasty. I learned from her how to pick the best ingredients. The only thing I could not learn was to kill the chickens or the rabbits.

Where and how did you start in food business?

I started as a pastry apprentice at Auer in Nice, worked at different positions over the years all over France at different hotels, restaurants and bakeries, even in Belgium.

Then, while I was taking a professional class at the Lenôtre School near Paris, I was offered a pastry chef position at Dumas Pastry Shop in New York City. From New York City I worked my way up the ladder in Houston, Sarasota (FL) and Austin. Then, my French wife and I decided to open our own Amandine French Bakery and Cafe in Austin. We owned our business for over 10 years but had to close in 1997.

I realize you have written so far 5 books.  How did that start?

Upon closing our business I realized I was very interested in how food affects our health. I decided it would be interesting to combine my extensive knowledge as a French chef and my newly found passion for nutrition. So, I decided to study Macrobiotics and Holistic Nutrition. I eventually got a position as Executive Chef and Nutrition Therapist at People’s Pharmacy.

About 5 years ago, I decided to share my own experience with high cholesterol. I wrote and self-published (on Amazon CreateSpace) my very first book: How to Lower Your Cholesterol with French Gourmet Food. This book is based on my knowledge of the Mediterranean diet. I caught the writing bug and have not stopped writing about food and health since.

I specialize in allergen-free food and desserts: gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. I help clients with weight loss, diabetes and other health issues with the Paleo diet. I can also work with vegetarians and vegan clients. Although I don’t work at PeoplesRx anymore, I am available for private consultation to people with assorted food allergies and health issues.

I want to make clear that our readers understand you are an accomplished and well-versed professional so let’s just list here some of your former jobs, ok?

Ok, well we talked about some of them already. Here are a few of the most notable:

  • Grand Hotel du Cap d’Antibes near Cannes, France
  • Moulin de Mougins, Mougins, France with chef Roger Verger
  • Wittamer, Bruxelles, Belgium
  • Lenotre, Paris, France
  • Hotel Negresco with chef Jacques Maximin, Nice, France
  • Dumas Pastry Shop, New York, NY
  • Delices La Cote Basque, New York, NY
  • Texas French Bread, Austin, TX
  • Amandine French Bakery, Austin, TX

How is it work in these great restaurants?

It is a lot of work, you learn a lot and in this industry but it is crucial to learn by doing it yourself. It can be very intense. You learn about superb quality, work very long hours, no weekends and Holidays and spend a lot of time on your feet. But it was necessary at the time for me to learn my skills as a pastry chef. My interest and love for food and nutrition came later.

By nature, I question everything (hmm…sounds like a few other French men I know) which does not always work well with famous chefs with large egos but ma passion helped me overcome these obstacles. As a perfectionist in my profession, I do it well or I don’t do it.

I assume I like teaching since you like writing as usually these two skills go hand in hand?

Yes. I am very much an introvert but I love teaching people who want to learn the food trade. I can be demanding as a teacher but it’s all for a good cause. If you were to see my house, my walls are lined by cookbooks and nutrition books – there are piles of them everywhere. I love reading and learning. There is always something new to learn all the time. I have taught at a few places in Austin, for example retail classes at Central Market and Whole Foods Markey as well as professional Pastry and Baking Arts at the Culinary Academy of Austin and Food as Medicine at the Natural Epicurean School of Culinary Arts.

Any advice for aspiring chefs?

I think I mentioned before that the best and in fact the ONLY way is on the job learning by doing. It’s always best if you can work directly with the great chefs and learn your trade daily in a real working kitchen. There is no secret for success. It is not a reality show. Real life in the kitchen is hard, you work long and inconvenient hours – it is not for everyone and without the passion for food, you will not survive that world.

So how do you eat yourself?

Surprisingly, my daily diet is very simple. It is not how much you eat – what is most important is the ingredients’ quality. I keep things simple but healthy. I eat a couple of eggs with cheese or bacon in the morning, a fresh fruit, and my special mocha (cocoa/coffee) drink with almond milk and a teaspoon of grass-fed butter. No refined sugar. Very little processed food. For lunch I usually have a nice organic mixed greens salad, with 4 ounces of fish (wild, never farmed) or grass-fed beef and a fresh fruit. Low carbs. My home-made salad dressing is also simple and healing. Extra virgin olive oil, apple cider, French mustard and sometimes miso. I also add sea salt and cayenne pepper. My dinner is light and smaller than lunch. I sleep better that way. A fruit, nuts and a square of dark chocolate. I like my food to be tasty so spices and herbs really count! And again, I make sure everything is of the best quality I can afford. Nowadays, my night treat is a rice/nut cracker (gluten free) with roquefort cheese. Sometimes I add a glass of red wine.

You are divorced. Is there a special lady in your life?

I am at very good terms with my ex-wife who is about to remarry. I have not found that special lady yet. Since I am a romantic Frenchman, I do miss having that special person in my life. However, I don’t want to be thought of being someone’s personal chef. Although food is my passion, cooking for me is work. That is why I keep things simple at home. I’d like to meet someone to share ma passions with food (of course), music, arts, travel and a simple but healthy life, “la belle vie en somme”. I am an introverted and quiet guy and prefer to be with someone who shares my interest in a healthy lifestyle, does not smoke and is not a big drinker. For a Frenchman I must confess that I do not know much about wines. Although I do enjoy a glass of nice red wine once in a while, I am not a big drinker. I hope to find that special lady one day – unless she finds me first 
Do you have kids?

Yes, we have a son, Gilles. He is in his 30s and lives close by in Austin. He recently started his own business – a private chauffeuring and limousine service. He is very close to me – and contrary to me, he’s totally a people person. You need to be in his line of work and he’s very good at it.

How are the cooking lessons nowadays days for you?

Well, I teach at the Natural Epicurean Academy of culinary Arts – Lead Vegetarian Recipe & Menu Chef. Don’t forget I am a classically trained French Chef. I am also a Certified Executive Pastry Chef with the American Culinary Federation and a Certified Master Baker with the Retail Bakers of America. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and have studied macrobiotics, subsequently serving as a Macrobiotic Counselor. However, I eat meat. I avoid gluten, dairy and refined sugar – and all processed food. I’d happily teach some more but I hear even Whole Foods is shutting down their school and there are rumors about other local institutions shutting down their classes which is sad.

Anything you’d like all of us to learn from you?

Lesson 1: Size IS everything. I know everything is bigger in Texas but let’s face it. Portion control is very important.

Lesson 2: No processed food, no refined sugar, no processed dairy (avoid industrial dairy loaded with growth hormones, antibiotics and genetically engineered grains). That means raw milk, yogurt, butter and cheese if you can handle dairy. If you are lactose intolerant, drink almond, coconut, soy (organic only), hazelnut, rice or hemp milk.

Lesson 3: Avoid grains and beans. They contain anti nutrients and can be inflammatory.

Lesson 4: Think quality, not quantity.

Lesson 5: Healthy food should be beautiful and tasty, not bland and boring.

Lesson 6: It is possible to eat well for about $10 a day – very well.

My professional motto is, A Votre Santé! – To Your Health!

Okkido, now I feel sufficiently unhealthy. Ugh…got to start eating right. I know for a fact that what Alain says makes sense. I have to really face the reality. Alain follows the paleo diet which is what my neighbors do..and they look very healthy.

How to connect with Alain Braux and get his books:

www.alainbraux.com

And Healthy Chef Recipes

Chef Alain Braux @ Low Carb Magazine – Free PodCasts

Chef Alain Braux @ Facebook

Chef Alain Braux @ Twitter

Chef Alain’s professional email!

Keep in mind, Chef Alain does private consulting for nutrition and cooking. If you’d like to arrange a healthy meal at home for your friends…ask him to take care of it.