Athens Insider Weekly / 20 June

Page 1

Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 15 • Friday, June 20, 2014 Art ART meets Fashion

DANCE Dancing Through Kalamata

The Benaki & Deste Foundation present DESTEFASHIONCOLLECTION: 1 to 8. A curatorial art collection including Juergen Teller and Helmut Lang’s work. 26 June-12 October. For more info: http://deste.gr/exhibition/destefashioncollection-1-to-8/

20th Kalamata International Dance Festival from 17-24 July, supporting Greek creativity, from workshops and talks to performances covering the wide range of trends in dance. For tickets and info: http://www.kalamatadancefestival.gr/ index_en.php

WEEKEND ESCAPES

KALAMATA: Luxury on the horizon

Kalamata rightly holds a place of pride amongst Greeks, as it was the first city to be liberated from Ottoman rule. And, of course, its name is intrinsically linked to its best-known produce worldwide – Kalamata olives. But despite its rich history and the popularity of its produce, Kalamata has only recently come into its own as a tourist destination with daily connections to most European capitals and a super-highway from Athens that gets you to Kalamata in just 2 hours. Plus its most recent addition – a five-star hotel it can call its own! Stay: Horizon Blu opened just two weeks ago and promises to be the go-to place for Athenians and tourists looking for a quick escape. Designed by architect Vangelis Stylianides, the hotel exudes an air of discreet luxury with large water features such as cascades and infinity pools stretching into the Messinean Gulf. The roaming spectrum of blues that greets the visitor aptly justifies the name of the hotel, but when asked about the missing ‘e’ from the blu, Gerry Tranakas, the General Manager of the hotel explains: “It stands for

the emotions and the experience that we hope our guests will relive at the property.” The emotions are guaranteed to be plentiful (awe and pure joy immediately come to mind) and the experience, rich. With 38 rooms and suites – of which 15 have their own private pool (!) and a spa that pampers your every need, you’d need look no further. But throw in Michelin chef Ettore Botrini’s culinary magic as he adds his creative twist and sophistication to local Messinean cuisine, based on fresh, organic produce sourced from local farmers, and its reason enough to take the trip. Online bookings at horizonblu.gr or call 27210 80099. See and Do: 1. The legendary Castle of Isabeau, amphitheatrically constructed on the site of the Farai Acropolis offers panoramic vistas of the city. Constructed in the 13th century by William Villehardouin, the castle has touches of Venetian and Turkish architecture. 2. It is also the venue for Kalamata’s annual International Dance Festival (in its 20th edition this year, it runs from 16 to 24 July.

For more info, kalamatadancefestival.gr) 3. The Old City at the foot of the Castle boasts several Byzantine churches including the Panagia Ipapanti church (1873), the 12th century Kalograion Monastery with its famed silk weaving workshop, and the Byzantine church Agioi Apostoloi (13th century) with its brick enclosed masonry. 4. For culture buffs, take your pick from the Modern Greek Art Gallery, the Benakeion Archaeological Museum with findings dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman period, the Folklore and History Museum, which is housed in the Kiriakou mansion, with traditional objects and relics from the 1821 Greek War of Independence and the Railway Park with exhibits of old motorcycles and railway wagons. Watch the world go by: 1. At the spacious central Vassileos Georgiou (King George) square lined with coffee shops, 2. At the pedestrian walkway of Aristomenous Street. 3. Around the picturesque railroad station with a network of pedestrian ways, small coffee shops, bars and tavernas. 4. On the waterfront, in front of the city’s extensive beach, almost 4 kms long.

EVENTS THIS WEEK

Concert

Theatre

Music Soothing Saxophone Charles Lloyd and Maria Farantouri, the world renowned saxophonist and singer perform together at the Herodeion, this evening at 9 pm. For more info: greekfestival.gr

Nikos Platyrachos Nikos Platyrachos performs ‘’The Homeless’’ on 23 June at 9pm at Megaron. For more info: 2107282333, megaron. gr. For free tickets,‘Like’ us on Facebook and tell us why you like ‘Insider Weekly’! facebook.com/insiderpublications Outdoor ‘Day of Music’ The Megaro Mousikis celebrates the International Day of Music on the lush lawns of the Concert Hall on Saturday, 21 June at 8pm. Free admission. For more info: megaron.gr

ATHENS FESTIVAL Film meets Orchestra

Charlie Chaplin’s Gold Rush (1925) open-air screening in The Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Music composed by Chaplin is performed live by the Athens State Orchestra. 20 June 3pm, Free admission, For more info: www.greekfestival.gr

receive your digital copy ! Receive your own interactive digital copy of Insider Weekly in your inbox, every Friday. Send us an email to info@insidermagazine.gr or a message on facebook. com/insiderpublications with your details and become an Insider! www.insider-publications.com

TV THIS WEEK

ENTERTAINMENT

Castle 6 Finale

©ABC Studios Irresistible TV

Castle and Beckett’s long-awaited wedding is almost here, but when a shocking surprise threatens to ruin the big day, they are sent on a wild mission filled with masked men, angry bikers and a charming ne’er-dowell from Beckett’s past. 25/06 @ 21:00

Girls 2

When we sat down with actress Stana Katic of the acclaimed TV series ‘Castle,’ now in its 7th season, we had no idea of the response it would elicit from social media. Hundreds of likes, shares, retweets, comments and messages later from fans (both ours and her so-called ‘Stanatics’) we truly understand why this endearing woman has won the hearts of audiences globally. Stana is a quirky, down-to-earth, warm, funny and a deeply analytical woman...and of course, needless to say, GORGEOUS. Excerpts from the interview. This is your first trip to Athens. Has the reality of Athens been different than your expectations? The people here are very generous, happy to share their language and culture – and are very connected with the water. The architecture in Athens is much more modern than I anticipated and also the city is much more spread out. People have been shocked that unfortunately I am not going to any of the islands on this trip. (Then, in her best, dead-on, thick Greek accent she says ‘And then they tell me...But this is not GREECE!’) This is your 7th season playing Kate Beckett. She is now an integral part of you really. How do you relate to her – any similarities? Other than looking alike (haha) I learn a lot from her. She’s very black and white. I am a little bit more hippy, rock n roll than she is. But in recent seasons, she’s acquired this edge. I’m a bit more girly and goofy than she is. I admire her because she is a woman who is in charge of a Detective force - and she does it in heels!

As far as Beckett as a character, she has developed colours and layers. She’s a woman in authority and I believe women in this position have to wear all kinds of hats in their lives. We’ve been able to showcase all the sides of her: the vulnerable side, the romantic side, the playful side, the strong side and I think that’s very relatable and believable. Why do you think Castle has become the success it has? It has a little bit of everything, it is like dessert after dinner---it has drama, romance, comedy and suspense. Each episode is like a finished package, people can come in after missing a week and pick up where they left off. It makes it easy to jump and jump out. The characters are alive, complex, unusual but believable. Can you tell us any spoilers or give us hints about Season 7? They are currently writing the Season 7 script in LA so as of now, I don’t know a thing. The end of season 6 was so shocking even for myself - so I have no idea how we are going to come away from that. Post-Castle, what are your plans and goals? Any specific roles you’d be interested in playing? I am working on a film in Florence right now called “The Tourist” that is centered around this game, Calcio Storico (historic football). It has been played for hundreds of years in Italy and still is, to this day. It’s a combination of football and battle and its very aggressive and rough. I play an American immigrant in Italy who is related to the lead character and opens a doorway for him to enter this sport. Watch Castle’s season finale on Foxlife.

©HBO

Hannah finds she’s the subject of Adam’s hate-album and tries to keep an open mind about her new boyfriend’s politics; Marnie makes a career change. Every Saturday @ 23:00

24: Live Another Day

© TCFTD

Jack, Kate and Chloe work feverishly to find Margot and abort the final drone that’s headed towards London. Every Tuesday @ 07:15 simultaneously to the US Watch FOX on NOVA, OTE TV, HOL, CYTA Watch FOX Life on NOVA, OTE TV, CYTA Watch National Geographic Channel on NOVA, HOL, CYTA

CINEMA THIS WEEK The fault in our stars:

Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share a disdain for the conventional. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

BLENDED :

After a bad blind date, a man and woman find themselves stuck together at a resort for families, where their attraction grows as their respective kids benefit from the burgeoning relationship.

The Widow and the man of letters Athens Festival presents the Liyuan Experimental Opera Theatre from China, which dates back to the 11th century. Directed by Zeng Jingping on June 21-22 at 9pm at Piraeos 260, Bldg.D. For more info: greekfestival.gr

Summer Recipes

between layers.Cover the formaela with a few more tomato filets, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 356 degrees F / 180 degrees C for 10 minutes. Remove the mold and serve immediately. WATERMELON-MANOURI SALAD WITH FRESH MINT AND CHOPPED ALMONDS

by Stelios Parliaros / 4 servings

Tweak Greek Recipes and give them a creative edge. A few small sprigs of rosemary Carefully cut out large fillets of similar by Konstantinos Vasalos / 1 serving size from the fleshy seedless part of the tomato. 2 tomatoes, peeled Oil the bottom and sides of a round 3 x 1 oz. (90 gr.) formaela cheese, cut into 3 8 inch (8 x 2 cm.) ring mold and line with slices the tomato filets. Season with salt and 2 tbsp. extra-virgin Greek olive oil pepper. Lightly sauté the formaela and Salt and freshly ground black pepper to place it in the mold on top of the tomataste toes. Place a few small sprigs of rosemary

TOMATO SAGANAKI WITH FORMAELA PARNASSOU CHEESE

3 tbsp. fresh mint, julienned 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. extra virgin Greek olive oil Salt and white pepper 1 4-pound (2 kgs.) seedless watermelon, cut into ½ inch cubes (about 6 cups) ½ pound (500 gr.) manouri cheese, cut into ¼-inch cubes ¼ cup blanched almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped Whisk together the mint, lemon juice and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Place the watermelon and manouri cubes together in a medium bowl. Pour the dressing over just before serving and toss gently. Place watermelon and manouri in a medium-sized serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.

Summer Cocktails A toast to Greek summer! Become your own mixologist and create your own refreshing concoctions to beat the heat with Metaxa – Greece’s most identified spirit since 1888. A blend of wine distillates, Muscat wines and a secret bouquet of rose petals and Mediterranean herbs, Metaxa can be enjoyed on its own after a meal or just before, in a variety of cocktails. METAXA Suntonic

Put 2 or 3 ice cubes into a highball cocktail glass. Fill up with cold tonic water. Gar-

nish with a slice of fresh orange. Pour 4cl of METAXA 5 Stars into the glass. METAXA Pathos

Put several ice cubes in a shaker Add 40 ml METAXA 5 Stars Add 2 dashes of angostura (bitters) Pour 20 ml Fabbri passion fruit pulp Add 20 ml honey Pour 30 ml Earl Grey tea (after steeping it for 4 – 5 minutes and letting it cool). Shake for 15 seconds & strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with 2-4 basil leaves.

Galazia Hytra / Galazia Taverna:

Il Tramonto

The young, Michelin-starred chef Nikos Karathanos, who won his first star at 28, brings his own culinary philosophy to the table every summer at Galazia Hytra. Adopting a classical style with an artisanal approach, Karathanos’s interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine is new and different with an interplay of different structures and aromas. The vine-leaf mousse is a masterpiece as are the New Age mousaka with tomato ice cream and the sea bass spiced with Cretan fennel and bottarga. Instinctive cuisine at its best. For those who’d like to savour simpler, wholesome Greek fare at the same venue at more modest budgets, Galazia Taverna is the answer.

In terms of setting, no other Italian restaurant in the city comes close. And in terms of cuisine, Il Tramonto is a living textbook of authentic Italian food and hospitality. Chef Stratos Kalathakis takes a back-to-basics approach and creates a menu that is devoid of any frills. With a cellar that boasts some of the finest labels, here is a restaurant that is easy on the pocket and an absolute must to treat first-time visitors to.

This page was produced, in its entirety, by Insider Publications and the INYT-Kathimerini does not bear any responsibility for its contents. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, is forbidden except with the express written permission of the publisher. Although Insider Publications has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions it may contain.

To advertise: Insider Publications • Tel./Fax: 210.729.8634 • Email: info@insider-magazine.gr • www.insider-publications.com

Astir Palace Resort, 40 Apollonos St, Vouliagmeni. Tel : 210 8902000


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.