A review of three of Munich's hot spots: Starsky's, Maria Passage, and Sausalitos.
STARSKY’S Kunstpark Ost Grafingerstr. 6 Tel. 49 00 43 83 How to get there: S and U Ostbahnhof. Those of you who remember the TV duo Starsky & Hutch definitely know their buddy Huggy Bear. Huggy sometimes dressed in white polyester suits topped off with a fedora to go undercover as a pimp for the crime fighting pair. If Huggy Bear were in Munich today he’d go to Starsky’s, KPO’s tribute to the seventies. The music is as pure as polyester – no sampled boy group remakes anywhere within ear shot. The murals and decor seem to have been inspired by ER, a well-known German seventies skin mag. The mood and motif can alter with the theme. For example, the Revolution du Groove on Thursday night is decorated with funky Motown memorabilia and mirrors. Friday night brings something altogether different. Experience it for yourself. For those of us who were too young to live the disco scene in the seventies – here’s your chance. When Canadian Matt Devereux opened Starsky’s, his goal was to create the best Funk and Soul bar in Munich. He has done just that judging from the bar’s wild popularity. This Canuck’s got soul. >>>Starksky’s Events: Tuesday: BOOGIE NIGHTS with DJ JO Kraus, Disco House broadcast live on Radio 2Day (FM89.0) Wednesday: Porno Music (the SINful sound) with DJ JO Kraus and every first Wed. of the month is Wir beaten mehr (Big Beats & Drum & Bass &&&), cover DM 8 (incl. 1 Limes) Thursday: La Révolution du Groove (French Deco), cover DM 5 (incl. 1 French Drink) Friday: The best of Funk & Soul with Sammy T, cover DM 5 Saturday: The Purple Party Pub with resident DJ’s, DM 5 cover Sunday: Das Wohnzimmer (Cosmic Afro Funk) with DJ Michael and guests MARIA PASSAGNE Steinstr. 42 Haidhausen Tel. 089/48 61 67 How to get there: S Rosenheimerplatz, U4/U5 Max-Weber Platz Although it’s located in the heart of Haidhausen, don’t be surprised if you’ve never seen Maria Passagne. There’s no sign, no lights and if you didn’t know it was there you’d probably walk right by and never look twice. To say understatement would be an understatement. For you lounge lizards Maria Passagne offers the coziness of your own pad and you don’t have to clean up when the guests are gone. Here you’ll find great sounds ranging from Jazz to Musette to Trance, tasty cocktails (we loved the Hemingway Special), a creative and interesting crowd. The retro living-room decor, complete with ceramic busts covering the walls, is out of sight. Got the munchies? You’ll definitely find something tasty on the menu which features very good Japanese specialties. But remember that Maria Passagne is mainly a bar which serves food so don’t expect massive portions. If you plan on asking one of the employees who Maria Passagne was don’t, because Maria lives. But don’t expect them to be forthcoming, it’s their secret. The plaque above the doorbell reads “CLUB PRIVÉ, Einlaß vorbehalten.” It’s not legally binding, but make sure you go early or reserve in advance as space and seating are limited. SAUSALITOS Türkenstr. 50 Schwabing Tel. 28 15 94 How to get there: U3/U6 Universität. First things first: reserve ahead. Days in advance if possible. If you’re looking for one of the best Caipis in the city (not to mention one of the most popular happy hours: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm/seven days a week all cocktails are DM 8), fiesta atmosphere and Mexican food, you’ve found them. The international staff provides great service, which only enhances Sausalito’s other great features. One of the advantages of Sausalitos being so full most of the time is that it encourages strangers to share the same table. After a couple of cocktails these people you stiffly regarded as strangers an hour before will be your best amigos. The subdued earthtone walls create a mellow mood and helps to bring out the best in everybody. The menu has all the Mexican standards (enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas, nachos grande and tacos, the only thing missing is Charo shaking her booty) but it’s not “double burner” spicy as some might expect (though available upon request.) Go for the cocktails, go for the food, go for the party, just go. Another big plus is that spring is just around the corner which means the spacious patio out back will soon be open.