Bâlehoo

BE A DANCE “PARDNER”

Join connexions for an evening of line dancing lessons and an apéro. The format is very relaxed and the focus is on having fun and socializing. This event is open to non-members at no extra charge and the proceeds will be donated to the Forever Angels Orphanage in Tanzania. NOTE: Cowboy boots encouraged. But no rubber-soled shoes please.

Join them - and bring your friends.
Dates: Thursday, May 3, 10 & 24
Time: 19.00 – 21.00 approximate
Location: Freizeithalle, Dreirosenbrucke 68 Unterer Rheinweg Dreirosenbrucke
Cost: CHF 25

Special rate: Bring a friend and pay just CHF 20 each

RSVP to Jane at events@connexions.ch

For more information or to find out about other events planned for the month of May visit their website: www.connexions.ch

AMERICAN FOOD AVENUE
Longing for baked beans and hot dogs in the microwave? I know at least one person in Basel who is. Good news (at least for the baked beans). There’s a new site for American products in Switzlerland. This one, based in Geneva is called American Food Avenue and can be found at www.afoodave.com.

You can place your order online and pay by invoice at the Post office, with a credit card or using Paypal. According to the owners, the online store is constantly being updated with new products – in fact if you want something that you don’t see on the site, you can submit requests for and they will do their best to try to find it.

I haven’t ordered from it yet, but I have to say that the Fig Newtons were tempting. Hmm.

WAITER, IS THAT A WITCH ON MY SKEWER?
(Thanks to Matt Meehan for this great write-up!)

So, one night I had a hankering for a Latin American-style spicy chicken skewer served with grilled bananas and rice. Now, you might think I am out of luck when these kind of crazy cravings strike here in Basel. Ahh, but you would be wrong. You can scratch this itch (and many others) at a little out-of-the-way Witch-themed restaurant in a small patch of woods near a campground in Reinach.

Er. Yup. You read it right. Witch-themed.

Sound odd? Well, as any of you who have been there know, the Häxehüüsli is nothing if not a bit out of the ordinary. In a little building just off the beaten path in Reinach, you enter a world of witches, witches… and still more witches. Swinging from the ceiling, hanging from the rafters, lining the walls—and even occasionally (and disconcertingly) roaming around the tables. I’m not sure exactly how it all got started, or what it even means, but hey -why question it? They certainly give the Häxehüüsli a certain…atmosphere.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a cool pace - and not creepy at all. Actually, in its own witchy way it’s kind of romantic. The intimate dining room is a bit tight and cozily crowded–and it is all lit by a bevy of candles, whose flickering lights are conducive to quiet conversations and secretive looks. In summer, you can also sit outside and enjoy warm evenings in their outdoor garden. And don’t forget to plan a visit around Christmas time for the spellbinding sight of the 30,000 or so Christmas lights that surround the outside of the restaurant.

And then there’s the food. Let’s take a look at the menu - offered up in the format of a daily newspaper. Open it up and you see a fascinating array of skewered items. Whatever your taste, the Häxehüüsli has something on a stick for you. Asian? Try the Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Want to live la vida loca? You can choose the Tamarindo or the Uxmal. Or just travel the world…New York, Paris, Perth, Sofia. The owners of the Häxehüüsli have collected recipes and flavors from their many travels, and pulled it all together into this eclectic mix of kebab-ed offerings.

With your skewer comes your choice of standard, starchy sides—noodles, rice, spaetzli, fries, croquettes, oven-roasted rosemary potatoes (we are still in Switzerland, after all). The meals are not for the faint of heart—the plates are big, the portions generous, the sauces poured on a bit thick. But each time I’ve been I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my food, and since the dining room has never been anything but full and buzzing, I guess the many Häxehüüsli fans feel much the same way.

Restaurant Häxehüüsli
Heideweg 2
CH-4153 Reinach
Tel. ++41 61 711 99 91
http://www.haex.ch/

MOVING SALE
More expats returning to the States in June and that means there is stuff to sell. You’ll find everything from a toaster to an electric bass guitar. Contact GAYLE BALLIET @ 061.701.9057 or email gballiet@bluewin.ch for more information.

ELEGANT SPACIOUS APARTMENT FOR RENT
I am giving up the most beautiful apartment in the world. That’s right, my stunning, light-filled apartment is available for rent. It has 3-meter high ceilngs, crown moldings, original parquet floor, Italian tile kitchen that opens onto large formal dining room. Spacious and airy living room with pocket doors leading to study or kids’ play area – or leave it open for one large entertainment space. Loads of built-in storage (unheard of in Basel). Small balcony. Enormous white-on-white tile bath with separate shower and
Jacuzzi tub. Large storage unit in basement. Great location, walking distance to “old town” Basel as well as Schuetzenmatt Park.

133 m2, 5 room,
Cost 2870 CHF (incl)

View pictures here