Where were you born?

I tell everyone I was born in Toronto because it’s way cooler to say you’re from the biggest city in Canada than the outskirt suburbs of … Mississauga. It usually saves a lot of explaining and embarrassment.

Where do you live?

In Berlin, in a charming one-bedroom flat in the south-east neighbourhood known to locals as Neukölln. Trendsetters see it as the next big thing, as the rent is low enough for the creative class to live here.

What's best about your neighbourhood?

The former runway of the pre-WWII Berlin Tempelhof airport, which opened in May 2010 as a city park. You can rollerskate, bike or jog down the runway – it’s hugely popular for kite-flying and toy plane enthusiasts. The airport was built in 1927 and the main building is still there, abandoned.

If money was no object, where would you live?

The moon? The possibilities are endless! Probably the tallest standing structure in Berlin – the Fernsehturm (television tower) in Mitte, which was built in 1969.

Which is your favourite Berlin neighbourhood?

I’d have to say I’m a sucker for Mitte. It was the first neighbourhood I stayed it when I first arrived. Some people say it’s an open-air shopping mall, but I don’t care what other people say: it feels like home to me.

Which are your favourite Berlin stores?

The Happy Shop is your best bet for upscale designer finds. Kippis specialises in Finnish design and also has a great collection of vintage glasses. I highly recommend a visit to the Gestalten bookstore for big, luscious art books like the great collection of political art in a recent release called Art & Agenda.

Where do you take out-of-town friends?

If my friends want to party and dance, I take them to Backyard, a former printing press turned nightclub which always has cool parties tucked up its sleeve. Picknick is great, too. Peres Projects is a great gallery with two locations in Berlin. Vöner in Friedrichshain is a totally unique vegetarian doner place and, if you’re searching for a sugar coma, try Vux in Neukölln, a great dessert place.

How do you like to travel around Berlin?

I travel around the city on my trusty mountain bike, which has the word California emblazoned on its side. Whatever you do, do not ride on the sidewalk in Berlin. You will surely get yelled at in non-California ways.

Which is Berlin’s best city landmark?

I’d have to say the most fascinating city landmark I’ve found is Die Deutschule, the German school in Neukölln. Here, you’ll find ex-pats trying to work their way into local culture. It’s an eye-opener. You get one free class to try out and see which level of German you’re at. Try yours out today!

Which do you think is Berlin’s best museum?

The Currywurst museum captures German culture at its best. Here, you get to learn why it has become a national tradition to sprinkle curry powder onto ketchup. There is a ‘spice chamber’ with sniffing stations, an experimental kitchen and tour guides in English. Yes! It will make you hungry – and question that hunger.

Can you reveal any secret spots?

The Spreepark in Treptow is a great romp through an old GDR amusement park. Here, you’ll find old rides, a ghost house and trains with cartoon faces. There will be an artist’s project called Kulturbahn opening in the Spreepark next summer during the Berlin Biennale.

Where are the best bargains to be found?

Every Sunday, there is a flea market at Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg from 10am to 6pm. I’ve found a vintage kangaroo wallet for €0.50, fur hats for €1 and Armani shirts for €2. Best time to come is the end of the day.

Any advice for visitors?

Check out the Vatos Tacos taco truck every Friday in Kreuzberg. They serve killer quesadillas, soft tacos and fizzy drinks to cool the hot sauce.

Can you recommend any good hotels?

The Weinmeister hotel in Mitte has walls splashed with local street artists like Klub7 and 44flavours. Truly an enchanting experience and they always have treats like sour gummies or apples the front desk for the grubby hands of Willy Wonka children who refuse to grow up – and go to the dentist.

What can’t you live without?

David Balzer.

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