LEYLA PIEDAYESH
OCCUPATION: Founder and owner of Lala Berlin
MY STYLE: Eclectic—from classic prep to colorful and sexy. Mostly I wear my own styles from Lala Berlin.
I LOVE BERLIN BECAUSE: In Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, there are almost two playgrounds per street! Little things like this make life vivid and full of happiness.
Borchardt
This bustling and grandiose restaurant—best known for oysters and duck—may not seem family-friendly at first, but kids will love the classic schnitzel plate, which comes with Borchardt’s signature bacon-infused potato salad. The place is sure to be packed with regulars, but don’t be surprised if you spot a few celebrities, too, as Barack Obama and Karl Lagerfield have been spotted amidst the restaurant’s marble columns.
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Puppentheater Firlefanz
“Firlefanz” may translate to “frippery” or fooling around, but this classic puppet theater takes its mission—to interpret classic tales with a modern twist—quite seriously. Program mainstays include Puss in Boots, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Cinderella, and The Frog King—all produced with the help of top-notch puppeteers, costumers, and set designers. Private performances are also available for birthdays or special occasions.
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Weinbergspark
Whether you’re looking to chow down on a picnic lunch or sweat it off in a rigorous game of soccer, Weinbergspark is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon. Park-goers can enjoy the rose garden, pond, and playground on the park’s southwest lawn—once home to Mitte’s primary winery. And if the weather fails, it’s easy (and delicious) to take cover in Nola’s, a Swiss-German restaurant on the premises that’s famous for cheese fondue.
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Lala Berlin
It’s hard to believe that when Leyla Piedayesh first began this exclusive knitwear line in 2003, she was knitting all the ultra-chic pieces on her own. Now, due to high demand, her garments (made primarily from cashmere silk, fine jersey, and even bamboo) are produced internationally and admired by such devoted fans as Heidi Klum and Cameron Diaz. “It’s not just luxury, but a distinct tactile, snuggly experience,” says Leyla Piedayesh.
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Soho House Berlin
As a hotel, Soho House may technically be geared towards out-of-towners, but that doesn’t keep the classiest locals from frequenting its restaurant, pool, COWSHED spa, and House Tonic, the in-house bar. For members and guests, the hotel offers free childcare so parents can relax, read the paper, (and maybe sip on the signature Ron Zacapa Centenario rum drink!) while their little ones play.
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Spirit Yoga
Classes at this popular studio range from pre-natal yoga to power lunch and moonlight flow. The staffs from all three locations (Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Prenzlauerberg) work together to organize city-wide workshops led by world-famous spiritual leaders, as well as retreats to Thailand and beyond. Studio director Patricia Thielemann not only trained under celebrity guru David Life, but she also starred in Lindenstrasse, a popular German soap opera!
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Dudu
Dudu's elaborate sushi rolls and colorful salads are perfectly fresh, and great for sharing along the restaurant's long, communal tables. The "crunchy Dudu roll," which combines yellow fin tuna, cucumber, sesame seeds, crispy tempura flakes, and spicy guacamole, is a house specialty. Kids will love the whimsical goldfish mobile hanging from the ceiling.
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Cookies
Twenty-somethings know Cookies as one of the trendiest dance spots around, but every now and then the space opens up to "Kidz Want Cookies," a themed party for Berlin's tiniest club-goers. Food and plenty of age-appropriate activities are part of the fun. "On the weekends, there's a stage performance and the kids get popcorn or nachos and do a disco!" says Leyla Piedayesh.
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LPG Biomarkt
LPG Biomarkt has six locations throughout Germany, each brimming with over 18,000 pesticide-free and reasonably priced products. Leyla Piedayesh goes with her daughter to the Kollwitzstrasse branch to stock up on kitchen needs. Her three-year-old daughter Lou "happily helps to buy what we need for the week," says Piedayesh.
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