Bâlehoo

SENDING OUT AN SOS

Call the Police, ‘cause it a hamburger emergency! A Balehoo reader recently let me know that she is in desperate need of that good ole American classic, the hamburger, here in Basel, but didn’t know where to turn. Well, here are a couple of suggestions—and let’s just exclude the fast food joints, we all know what and where they are.

PAPA JOE’S
The closest thing to an “American” restaurant here in Basel, Papa Joe’s is where you can get your fix of chicken wings, spare ribs, nachos…and a pretty decent burger. And while the prices might actually, physically knock your socks right off (CHF 22.50 for a cheeseburger?? It’s MEAT + BREAD + CHEESE, people…), you can certainly get your burger and fry fix taken care of. And don’t forget the CHF 7 margarita and caipirinha happy hour – til 7 every day.

Papa Joe’s Restaurant and Bar
Barfüsserplatz, Stadtcasino, 4001 Basel
Phone +41 61 225 93 94, Fax +41 61 225 93 99
http://www.papajoes.ch/basel/english/index.php

PADDY REILLY’S
Ok, so it’s loud, crowded and smoky. And maybe an Irish pub isn’t your kind of place. But when I’m in the mood, a Paddy’s cheeseburger and fries does the trick for me. Not a bad burger for Switzerland. Find yourself a table inside or out, and then order at the bar. Best of all – you can wash it down with a Guinness. Latecomers beware—the kitchen is only open until 9 pm. And if you feel a little guilty about the calories, you can head downstairs after 10 pm to dance and sweat it off.

Paddy Reilly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
Steinentorstrasse 45
4051 Basel
http://www.paddys.ch/basel/

EO IPSO
The cool, somewhat upscale restaurant/bar in an old tank factory in the Gundeli, eo ipso doesn’t seem like a likely place for a good burger. And, in the spirit of transparency, I myself have never consumed one there, nor been present during the actual burger eating process. But I have heard from several people that, during the summer, outside, at the bar, you can get a very good hamburger. So if you happen to be in the neighborhood, swing by and see what you think. I may just be there finding out for myself.

eo ipso
Dornacherstrasse 192
4053 Basel
061 333 1490
www.eoipso.ch

Of course, if any of you out there know of other places in and around Basel where you can get a burger, please let me know so I can add it to the list! Send your recommendations to matt.meehan@balehoo.com.

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BMW FOR SALE

Looking for some new wheels? If you are, why not drive in style:

It’s a 2002 BMW 330ci with all extras including navigation, automatic
sequential gears, leather, electric seats, M Sport alloy wheels,
automatic wipers and headlights as well as winter wheels. 6 month
guarantee. 110,000km. Price CHF 29800.

Interested? Contact Paul French via email at paul.french@syngenta.com

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OUTDOOR CONCERTS ACROSS THE BORDER IN GERMANY

If you like music in the open air, but aren’t willing to brave the hordes at the big time summer festivals, why not head just across the border into Deutschland and catch some tunes? The Stimmen Festival 2007 kicks off this Friday, July 13 and runs through July 29. With 20 acts performing at various locations (centered around Lörrach) representing different styles of music, the Stimmen festival is a great way to spend a summer evening. Some acts performing this year include Pink (Wednesday, July 18); Katie Melua (Thursday, July 19); Blood, Sweat and Tears (Friday, July 20) and many more.

For more information, check out the website (in German) at
http://www.stimmen.com

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BASEL TATTOO

The Basel Tattoo 2007 will feature a rich variety of highly professional international bands presenting shows with bagpipes, brass instruments and folkloristic dances. It will take place in the court of the Kaserne Basel from 17 to 21 July 2007.

http://www.basel.ch/en/events/up_to_date/basel_tattoo?ctool_pic_id=0

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IT’S FOOTBALL SEASON AGAIN

I know that it seems like just yesterday that FC Basel were coming this close to retaking their title as Swiss champions…but the brand spanking new 2007/2008 Swiss Super League season is already upon us. So slip on your red and blue jersey (or kit) and head over to St. Jakob for some Basel football madness on Sunday, July 22, when FCB kicks off the new campaign against rivals and defending champions FC Zurich. Game time is 8:15 pm.

For information, visit: http://www.fcb.ch/start.html (in German)

For tickets, visit: https://ticketing.fcb.ch/ (in German)

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Do you have news or information to share? Send it to matt.meehan@balehoo.com