Prominent Utrechters talking about their favourite spot in the city. This month: Mayor Sharon Dijksma tells us about an old public municipal garden called Flora’s Hof, on Domplein close to Servetstraat. So… Flora’s Hof? ‘There are lots of places like this dotted around the city, so in that respect, this courtyard garden is typical of Utrecht. But not many people know about Flora’s Hof; it’s a hidden gem tucked away in the shadow of the Dom Tower. The first word that springs to mind is: serene. It’s for people who want to sit on a bench and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, or just wander around. The really special part is that it was once rescued from becoming completely overgrown by a group of locals, which is another typical Utrecht phenomenon!’ Nicest memory? ‘Two things make me very happy. I live in the old city centre and love hearing the carillon in the Dom. It’s a very characteristic, romantic sound, which gives me a sense of having landed, of being at home in this city. Another special moment was joining Queen Maxima on 9 November last year to unveil the Dom after it had been renovated. When I was inaugurated as Mayor of Utrecht four years ago, it was covered in scaffolding, so this was the first time since holding office that I’d seen the Utrecht icon in all its glory.’ Biggest letdown? ‘I wouldn’t quite use that word, but one of my biggest concerns is the 8,000 or so children in Utrecht living in poverty. That’s 8,000 too many, who are growing up in circumstances that mean that they won’t have the opportunities that other children have, and are likely to be in poorer health leading to a shorter life expectancy. I’m a mother to my children and my citizens, and it’s painful to see that these children are so much worse off than my own daughters and son. So although Utrecht has financial problems, we’re still trying to do something about this by introducing targeted policies on poverty. The city has very progressive approach to debt, for example, whereby people here are offered help at a much earlier stage than in the rest of the Netherlands.’ Best food? ‘I’m a real foodie and regularly eat out with friends or family at different restaurants. The city used to have a bad culinary reputation, but a strong army of young, dynamic chefs have made serious inroads in this respect. I can list at least ten excellent restaurants, including Maeve, de Watertoren and 273. For the last three years, I’ve arranged for the Gault&Millau restaurant guide to be distributed around Utrecht to promote our new culinary prowess.’ Most recently seen or heard? ‘A performance by the Syrian composer, singer and oud player Nawras Altaky – an extraordinary talent – during the New Year reception in TivoliVredenburg. I first met Nawras, who fled Syria ten years ago, when he performed at the opening of the asylum-seekers’ centre in Overvecht. We’ve been friends ever since, but it was my Cabinet’s idea to ask him for the New Year reception. It seemed like the perfect plan in view of the current polarisation issues. He played with an international company, including a Jewish cellist. I found the symbolism inspiring: it’s not about where you were born and raised, but who you are and what you bring to the city.’ Inspirational Utrechter? ‘This city is full of people who help each other, including informal carers and volunteers. Every year, I present many of them with royal and municipal awards, but there are never enough. During my speech, I give a potted history of each person receiving an award. This is best part of the ceremony for me: talking about ordinary people who make huge gestures by dedicating their time and energy. The Eten met je hart foundation is a prime example. They organise regular communal meals for lonely people in the neighbourhood. I went to one once and thoroughly enjoyed myself listening to the stories of authentic Utrechters with loud voices and warm hearts.’