How does sound operate in society? It’s a question Christine Sun Kim has been exploring her entire life. Born deaf to hearing parents in Southern California, she learned early on to navigate multiple modes of communication. Her work—spanning drawing, video, performance, music, and graphic notation—explores communication through sign language, body language, and visual scores.
In 2006, she earned a master’s degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York. Two years later, she began working at the Whitney Museum, where she established a Deaf-led program. Later, she set up a studio practice, and has since shown at museums across the globe.
Now based in Berlin with her husband and children, Kim is back at the Whitney, this time as an exhibiting artist with a large-scale, multidisciplinary show. Here, Kim shares her favorite places to eat, stay, and visit in the city she calls home.
AL CATZONE
I’m allergic to dairy and eggs, so I love getting vegan Neapolitan pizzas with my family at Al Catzone. They have this cute, coin-operated kiddie ride that my kids love. Also, their vegan espresso martinis—obsessed! The restaurant is located in Mehringplatz’s historic Hans Scharoun circular apartment complex. (alcatzone.com)
BORCHARDT
When I’m in the mood for an old-school restaurant serving classic German dishes, I head to Borchardt. It reminds me of Balthazar in New York. My go-to dish is the vegan schnitzel. (borchardt-restaurant.de)
FREA
I love every vegan dish at Frea. You can never go wrong with their five-course menu. They also have a good kids’s menu. (frea.de)
MADAME NGO — UNE BRASSERIE HANOI
There’s a huge Vietnamese community in the city because many Vietnamese people came to East Berlin in the 1980s. Have a bowl of hot pho at Madame Ngo. (madame-ngo.de)
NANUM
Nothing makes me feel at home like Korean cuisine. I love that it’s gaining recognition in fine dining these days. It really pushes Korean chefs to experiment and create new dishes, and puts our food on the global stage. Get bossam and bibimbap at NaNum. (nanumberlin.com)
Örnek Lahmacun Evi
Whenever I need a break from writing countless e-mails, I grab a Turkish pizza and a Coke at Örnek.
SOI & CO.
All of the pastries at Soi & Co. café are made from soy, and they taste and look equally delicious. Perfect for your sweet tooth. (instagram.com)
SWORD MASTER NOODLE
Whenever I need some quality time with my first kid, we get hand-cut noodles at Sword Master Noodle. Kimchi is life. (instagram.com)
ROY kombucha
I was never a fan of kombucha, even though my husband often makes it at home. Now, I’ve found my new favorite: cucumber and mint. Get a taste pack at Roy’s brewery—they have eight flavors. (instagram.com)
Whisky & Cigars
Whisky & Cigars has an excellent whiskey collection. My first visit was to get a bottle for my father-in-law’s birthday. Ever since, I’ve been coming back to buy different drinks for myself or as gifts. (whiskyandpassion.com)
CHÂTEAU ROYAL Berlin
Whenever we have visitors, I always take them for martinis at Hotel Chateau Royal. Good ol’ martinis are very hard to find in Berlin, especially after having them over my 12 years in New York—so props to them! (chateauroyalberlin.com)
KaDeWe berlin
Whenever I get homesick, I hop over to a department store called KaDeWe. It’s very American in some ways. KaDeWe name stands for “Kaufhaus des Westens,” which means “Department Store of the West.” It became a symbol of West Berlin during its economic boom. I go there with my kids every Christmas to take photos with their Santa Claus, because that’s not a widespread thing in Germany. (kadewe.de)
Vabali Spa
If I get a hangover or need some serious rest after a long night of clubbing, I go to Vabali Spa for their sauna and heated pools. It’s massive, co-ed, and full-service. You can have three full meals there in one day, plus desserts, smoothies, and wine. (vabali.de)
Photos: Iga Drobisz; Courtesy of Borchardt; @instagram/freaberlin; @facebook/whiskyandpassion; Courtesy of Vabali Spa