Insider 106 - November / December 2012

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

November & December 2012 Year 10. Issue 106 â‚Ź4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

insider athens

| November & December 2012

ATHENS

Festive times

Christmas in the city / Cultural round- up / Modern museum, old treasures at Patras / Formula 1 racing in Greece / Festive recipes / Christmas getaways / Bollywood dance fest Interviews with: Canadian Ambassador Dr. Robert Peck, actress Stana Katic PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS AND MORE

Visit the renowned landmark Hotel Grande Bretagne and live a unique experience through a collection of utmost accommodation services and indulging moments.

The mythical views and the history of Europe’s oldest capital, promise to compose an unsurpassed cultural journey through its indigenous sights and unique flavors.

Enjoy the glittering view of Athens, during Christmas time, at the Hotel Grande Bretagne.

Explore our unique Christmas Offer here: grandebretagne.gr

A historic lAndmArk in the heArt of Athens explore UnrivAled treAsUres sense indigenoUs experiences cAptUre timeless moments

Sudha Nair-Iliades

What can one possibly say at the end of what can only be described as a year when everything that could possibly go wrong, did. In Greece, we came precariously close to exiting the eurozone and went through months of uncertainty and agony over our collective destiny. As a dear friend joked, due to austerity measures, the light at the end of the tunnel had been switched off…indefinitely!

publisher’s note The light did sputter to life when a government got elected or a bailout came through only to flicker again when the short-lived euphoria gave way to reality. But the beauty of the human spirit is that we are conditioned or rather, condemned to live in hope. So its time to turn a page, change the calendar, and hope, as we should, that in the New Year, things can only get better.

We, at Insider, are encouraged by the overwhelming support we have received from our clients and readers this year and for the next. And that is what spurs us on to defy the odds.

Thank you for standing by our side for 11 long years. It’s been quite a ride, but what a journey it has been! Here’s wishing all of you a festive season filled with lots of laughter and kourabiedes.

Kales yiortes!

Sudha Nair-Iliades

Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades

Website management Christos Athanassoulis

Art Director Eliza Mouzenidou

Contributors in this Issue Elena Panayides, Renee Pappas, Michael Sweet Graham Wood

PR Anamela Agrodimou Client Relations Eleni Setta

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insider athens | November & December 2012 1

contributors Michael Sweet

A documentary producer for BBC Television in the 90s, Michael worked in broadcasting in South Asia before establishing his TV production business in Australia. He lived in Athens for almost four years before moving back to Melbourne and has continued contributing to Athens Insider and for the English language edition of Australia’s largest circulation Greek newspaper, Neos Kosmos. Michael combines his writing with producing independent documentary films.

As a media and PR consultant, Renee has successfully presented her clients in international media such as CNN and the New York Times. In her chequered career in the entertainment industry, she has encountered music greats and media moguls who might find their way into a book on rock history she is currently working on. Renee moved to Greece in the early nineties and has since been actively involved in raising gala fund-raisers and contributing regularly to Athens Insider.

Graham Wood

Graham lived and worked in the UK and Japan before moving to Athens in 2004 to cover the Olympics and Paralympics as a freelance journalist. Currently he writes about the Greek sports scene for the Press Association and UEFA and has contributed features on travel, leisure and the environment to publications such as the Athens News and Kathimerini.

Christos studied Political Science and History at Panteion University in Athens. An avid traveller who has backpacked across several obscure destinations, Christos loves fast cars and makes times for football over the weekends. A social media professional, Christos now manages Insider’s website.

Elena Panayides

Renee Pappas

Christos Athanassoulis

Elena, a Greek-Cypriot by origin, was raised and educated in the UK before pursuing a career in diplomacy and foreign affairs in the US which took her to Washington DC and the UN in New York. After working as a broadcast journalist, Nike DJ and event organizer and full time New Yorker for six years, Elena decided to pursue a different career path – that of Marketing and PR in the entertainment industry with Fox International Channels in Greece. Regulars at the Hilton Hotel Galaxy Bar will also recognize her as the Resident DJ - Miss El P on Friday nights.

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contents

10 24 42

Features

Departments

Tependris Rising 10 Konstantin Kakanias’ muse Mrs. Tependris makes a fashionable comeback in his new animation film, Tependris Rising Queen of the Castle Stana Katic who plays tough cop Beckett in the hit series Castle, in conversation with Elena Panayides

16

22 Widow’s Peaks Katerina Didaskalou plays a widow in a play laced with humour and humanity at the Sfendoni theatre Human Diplomacy 24 Dr. Robert Peck, the Canadian Ambassador to Greece on celebrating 70 years of goodwill between Canada and Greece 28 Modern museum, ancient ruins Renee Pappas discovers a cuttingedge museum designed to house Patras’ archaeological treasures and culls a few insights while interviewing architect Theodoris Bobotis

Racing ahead 42 Graham Wood gets into top gear while discussing Greece’s Formula 1 destiny with Evangelos Floratos Reef Encounters 46 Michael Sweet indulges in a preposterously sinful vacation at the Lizard Island, a resort so exclusive, that you need to dive a few feet under to discover the island’s true stars The essence of well being Esse Bene combines high altitude training with physiotherapy and wellness treatments

50

Festive recipes Yannis Baxevanis, consultant chef at the NJV Athens Plaza, shares his Christmas recipes with Athens Insider

52

Arts & Events 4 Entertainment 16 Kosmika18 Special promotion 20 Theatre 22 Diplomacy 24 Culture 28 Sports 42 Agora 44

54 Absinthe and mystery Apsendi combines mystique and aesthetics to create cocktails to remember

Travel 46 Wellness 50 Gastronomy 52 Bar Review 54 Area wise listings 57 Kaleidoscope 80

44 46 52 54 80 Cover picture: The Life Gallery

insider athens | November & December 2012 3

Arts & events

On the town For location details see listings on page 69

01

02

15 1822 2124 24 until

until

december

december

december

december

december

december

Athens House of Photography

Onassis Cultural Centre

Booze Cooperativa

Rebecca Camhi Gallery

Arno Minkkinen The Athens House of Photography hosts an exhibition of Arno Minkkinen’s black and white images in which the human body is incorporated into the landscape. Open on Wednesdays to Fridays from 4 to 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm. www.phototheatron.com

“‘Τis Pity She’s a Whore” Declan Donnellan / Cheek

by Jowl, 20:30 Main Stage 01 How captivating can a bloodsoaked drama from 1633 dealing with taboo subject matter - the incestuous love of a brother and a sister - be? This electrifying and utterly addictive production from Cheek

by Jowl, the award-winning theatre company famed for its bold, fresh takes on classic works, reveals John Ford’s ‘Τis Pity She’s a Whore in all its grim magnificence. Like a hellish version of Romeo and Juliet, this ‘anatomy’ of Annabella and Giovanni’s forbidden love - and the corrupt society that drives them to their death - takes place around a bed in a teenage bedchamber. www.sgt.gr

Kolokotroni 57-59, Ag.Irini Square The Booze Market comes back with design objects, vintage clothes, handicrafts, jewellery, accessories, furniture and gifts for all tastes and for very small budgets. The Booze Market & Vintage School at the Booze Cooperativa also function through the website www. thecraftsmarket.com for those keen on buying and selling hand-crafted goods online. www.thecraftsmarket.com

Kakanias, ‘Tependris Rising’ 02 LA based Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias’ muse and alter-ego Mrs. Tependris comes to life and jumps out of her cryogenic chamber, timeless and snobbish as ever, in Kakanias’ new animation film, Tependris Rising. Kakanias’ exhibition of illustrations captures Mrs. Tependris’ fashion comeback, watched on by fashion stalwarts Anna Wintour, Suzy Menkes and Karl Lagerfield. www.rebeccacamhi.com

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Arts & events

On the town For location details see listings on page 69

03

until

04

05

05 2006 13 until

january

december

january

january

Benaki Museum (Pireos)

Badminton theatre

Benaki Museum (Pireos)

Costas Koulentianos: The last of the modern acrobats 03, 04 The exhibition showcases 120 pieces by sculptor Koulentianos, which represent the entire gamut of his creative periods. These range from his first student pieces in the 1940s, when he still worked with clay, to the monumental pieces in iron from the last decades of his life. The purpose of the retrospective is to reassess the entirety of the artist’s creative output. www.benaki.gr

National Acrobatic Troupe of China, Splendid The Badminton Theatre hosts one of the greatest ambassadors of Chinese culture, the National Acrobatic Troupe of China in a dreamy acrobatic extravaganza of art and fast action. The Splendid is considered to be the most complete and impressive performance that has been presented by the famous troupe in its long history.

An unforgettable, magical show with the most inconceivable stunts, Splendid is a performance that defies the laws of physics and takes us to a world without gravity, with stunning speed and precision strikes. www.badmintontheater.gr

7th Biennale of Young Greek Architects Th 7th Biennale of Young Greek Architects organised by the Hellenic Institute of Architecture gathers together a representative sample of contemporary architectural output by young architects, up to 45 years of age. The objective is to promote new creative viewpoints and to exchange views about the development of an architectural discourse in Greece today. The Biennale presents completed projects, as well as unbuilt proposals, which correspond to real commissions for project designs. www.benaki.gr

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january

Arion Resort & Spa, The Astir Palace Complex Bollywood Fest and Indian Food Festival 05 A 26-member Bollywood dance troupe take Greece by storm for three hip-shaking, body-gyrating days with a riot of colour, music and dance at The Astir Palace Complex from 12 to 15 January. Parallel to the event, two chefs from Starwood’s properties in New Delhi cook up a storm with mouth-watering Indian delicacies for three weeks.

Participate in cooking lessons twice a week, Bollywood dance lessons, Ayurveda massage sessions, tea-tasting workshops, yoga classes and so much more throughout the course of the festival. www.arionresortathens.com & www.astir-palace.com

Ίδρυμα ΕΊκαστΊκών τΕχνών καΊ μουσΊκήσ Β & μ ΘΕοχαρακή B & M THEOCHARAKIS FOUNDATION FOR THE FINE ARTS AND MUSIC

Νικόλαος

Γύζης

Ο μεγάλος ζωγράφος Nikolaos Gyzis The Great Painter 8/11/2012 - 3/2/2013 www.thf.gr • T: (+30)-210-3611206

Χορηγοί / Sponsors

Χορηγοί Επικοινωνίας / Communication Sponsors

Arts & events

On the town For location details see listings on page 69

06

07

03

until

03

until

february

B&M Theocharakis Foundation Nikolaos Gyzis, The Great Painter A unique exhibition that celebrates the life and works of Nikolaos Gyzis, one of the most important representatives of the Munich School. The exhibition is enriched with works from many private collections and features major paintings, rare oil paintings, drawings, sculptures and posters of the leading Greek painter of the 19th century.

The thematic sections include, among others, portraits and scenes from the artist’s family, religious and allegorical subjects, ethnographic themes, landscapes and still lifes. www.thf.gr

march

Onassis Cultural Centre Exhibition Hall Helmut Newton 06 Helmut Newton (1920-2004) had his own unique way of photographing the beauty, sensuality, humour and violence he saw underlying the behaviour of people in the world of fashion, luxury, money and power. This retrospective covers the core aspects of his provocative and often shocking oeuvre, which include fashion, nudes, portraits, sex and humour. Newton’s classic photography transcends fashion and marks him out as an artist who, brushing aside the limitations imposed by his medium, experimented with subjects and genres; he expanded the scope of contemporary visual culture with his singular vision. www.sgt.gr

8 insider athens | November & December 2012

04

until

april

19

until

may

Museum of Cycladic Art

Onassis Cultural Centre

Princesses of the Mediterranean Organised with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, the Italian Embassy in Greece and the Presidency of the Italian Republic, the exhibition focuses on artefacts and jewellery that belonged to real women, not mythical figures.

Stories of regal ladies, princesses and priestesses reveal how these women played a contributing role in broadening the cultural horizons of their time and in the development of archaic Mediterranean culture. Jewellery inspired by the Princesses of the Mediterranean and created by the House of Zolotas will be on sale and display during the exhibition. www.mca.gr

Sophia Vgenopoulou / Grasshopper “Right of Passage” by Yannis Tsiros 07 Following on from its success last season at the OCC, and maintaining its commitment to a political theatre for young people determined to make sense of their world, the Grasshopper Theatre Company commissioned Yannis Tsiros to write a new Greek play for a cast of young people - “that understated force of anger”, as he appositely describes them, “that explodes from time to time, bursting into flames and startling adult society, sedated or preoccupied as it is”.

Right of Passage employs, the psychological thriller form to study the phenomenon of youth activism. ww.sgt.gr

Mrs. Tependris’ homecoming Konstantin Kakanias’ muse and alter-ego Mrs. Tependris comes to life and jumps out of her cryogenic chamber, timeless and snobbish as ever, in Kakanias’ new animation film, Tependris Rising. Kakanias’ exhibition is currently showing at the Rebecca Camhi gallery until late December.

A

s someone who flits between the worlds of fashion and art amongst the beautiful people of LA (where he is based), Paris (that he calls home) and Athens (where he is from), Konstantin Kakanias can best be described as a restless soul. When he breezed in at the Rebecca Camhi gallery in Metaxourgeio, his dog Renzo in tow, he fretted about getting his holiday home on the outskirts of Athens cleaned, was anxious about a set of paintings being stuck at customs four days before the opening, wondered if he could complete a commission to create ceramic plates on Paros before rushing back to LA for a show for jewellery company Vram and work on a beautiful book for Frederic Malle, published by Angelica Taschen. All this, while calculating time zones to call his boyfriend in LA in the midst of our interview. Kakanias concedes resignedly, “The thing I love and hate the most is that I do too many things …and I have no one to tell me what to do, not even Mrs. Tependris.”

In return, Kakanias has an impressive body of work to show for all that restlessness and versatility. From illustrations that have been published in several magazines including the NY Times, the LA Times, The New Yorker, Interview, Vogue and Paper magazine and drawings, paintings and sculptures that have been exhibited around the world at galleries such as Paul Kasmin in New York, Jennifer Flay in Paris, Kim Light in Los Angeles, and with Rebecca Camhi at the Basel Art Fair and the Armory Show in New York and at her eponymous gallery in Athens, Kakanias has established himself as something of a

10 insider athens | November & December 2012

cult figure. Kakanias quickly made the crossover from art to fashion by collaborating with some of the biggest names in fashion including Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix, Italian and French Vogue and iconic brands such as Tiffany & Co and Barney’s NY. In 2008, he collaborated with Diane von Fürstenberg to create the comic book Be The Wonder Woman You Can Be (DC Comics 2008) and more recently, he has created a collection for Swarovski and illustrated all of Frederic Malle’s fragrances for Edition Parfumeur.

So how does the hook-nosed Mrs. Tependris fit into the scheme of things? Kakanias muses, “I invented this figure in 1996 - a woman who would appear to me in moments of creative bliss or desperate loneliness. I could have never imagined that my imaginary friend, my saviour, my muse, would eventually take real form and have a name.

Or that now, after thousands of drawings, numerous exhibitions, performances, and books, that I would still be busy with her.”

“Mrs. Tependris – she always goes by her married name - is a fashionobsessed character. She is sometimes me (or sometimes I’m her), but she can be anyone (though she is not for everyone). She escapes and does not appear to me for years, but she always comes back. It is a real relationship.”

So real, that Mrs.Tependris now moves and talks animatedly in a high-pitched voice. Kakanias explains the switch from illustration to animation. “Two years ago, my good friends Stephanie Danan and Justin Kern, who have been fans of Mrs. Tependris ever since I intro-

Art

duced them to her, invited me over for dinner and asked if I would be interested in making an animated Tependris movie. Although intrigued and honoured, I was hesitant.” Kakanias expands, “She hasn’t appeared to me for the last four years,” I told them. “One dark January evening, Stephanie texted me, ‘check your computer!’ Mrs. Tependris was on the screen: moving, talking, living, and I immediately knew I had to do it. She had appeared to me again. I had no choice.”

The seven minute film, created and illustrated by Kakanias over seven months, finds Mrs. Tependris on one of her famous retreats - cryogenically frozen for chic posterity - when inspiration comes calling: it’s time for a fashion comeback. With her assistant Pearl, her dog Pepe, and her sly sense of humor, Mrs. Tependris must face a 20-foot spider (inspired by Kakanias’ pet spider Devon) and catwalk catastrophe on her fabulous journey from ice-cube to icon while fashion veterans Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfield watch on.

What will be the next adventure for Mrs. Tependris? Will it be another animated comeback? An opera or a circus act? “She is my creation – but there is no attachment, there is distance. I love her. I wouldn’t mind what happens to her. It is an old-fashioned affair and I’d like her to live on through other creators when my time is done..” A reincarnation perhaps, I suggest. Kakanias embraces the idea. “That would be wonderful if she could live on and morph into anything she wants to be – fashion karma!”

I ask Kakanias what the single biggest influence on his art is. “The

references in my work are so many that it would take many pages to list them. I love the unlimited freedom inherent in contemporary art, the fact that anything can be art. I love the wonderful sense of humour

by Goya. I love the terrible visions of Erich Von Stroheim, Kenneth Anger, James Ensor, Felicien Rops, as well as the lightness of Constantin Guys and Christian Berard. I live for rococo, but deep inside me I also recognize the influence of early Byzantine art. I am very easily influenced by anything. It is a drawback of my character but since I cannot do anything about it, I try to turn it into something positive.”

With more time spent commuting between continents, I ask him where he considers home. “With Athens, it is love and hate… in fact, Love and Hate, in capitals. There are times in the past few years that I thought that I had left my soul in a dumpster in Hollywood, but lately it seems like it has been redeemed and sent back to Paris. I went for the first time to Paris when I was eight years old, and today, I know that Paris is and will always be my real home.”

And what are his dreams made of? Kakanias reminisces, “I live a lot in the past – I suffer from nostalgia, I engage in nostalgia – not kaimos.

It is sweetness, not bitterness. I see a lot of my past in my dreams – dreams of people who appear in my dreams. But I’ve never dreamt of Mrs. Tependris. She only appears to me in the daytime.”

Kakanias in conversation with Sudha Nair-Iliades. Tependris Rising, Rebecca Camhi gallery, Metaxourgeio. www.rebeccacamhi.gr

insider athens | November & December 2012 11

Programming Highlights November 2012

FOX

I LOVE TV, I LOVE !

NEW SEASON

NEW SEASON

AMERICAN HORROR STORY 2: ASYLUM

THE KILLING 2

PREMIERE Sunday 18/11 @ 23.20

PREMIERE Thursday 22/11 @ 21.30

American Horror Story fans brace yourselves! Executive producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk -the creative minds behind huge TV successes ‘Glee’, ‘Nip/Tuck’- will continue to make viewers cling to the edge of their seats as FOX brings you all the terror first! Season 2 of American Horror Story will continue to explore the subversive modern horror genre with a completely new horror device, story, characters and a new title: American Horror Story: Asylum. The much-anticipated second season will feature new characters and a new location, namely an insane asylum. Season 2 takes place in the 1960s at a Catholic Church-run sanitarium in New England that’s run by the Monsignor (Joseph Fiennes), with help from Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) and the Doctor (James Cromwell). Most of the story takes place in the 1960’s but begins in the present day. Because of the restrictive and punitive nature of the era, there are a host of characters in the asylum – but they are not all necessarily insane. Rather, they have been committed as a result of habits and choices, which at the time were socially unacceptable: sexual practice and preference; interracial marriage; etc. Jessica Lange returns as a nun who oversees the asylum, and this alone can be characterized as a guarantee to the series’ growing fame among its loyal and new fans. The series drew consistently high ratings for the FX network, ending its first season as the biggest new cable series of the year, something that could be easily repeated as soon as the 2nd season starts. The first installment of American Horror Story earned 17 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, tying for the most of any program this year and setting a record for the most Emmy nominations for a miniseries in basic cable history.

The Killing 2 continues exactly where Season 1 left off, as it ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s grieving family, and the suspects. Set in Seattle, the story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they’ve moved on, their past isn’t done with them.

The Killing stars Mireille Enos (Big Love) as Sarah Linden, the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen; Billy Campbell (Once and Again) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President and now running for Mayor; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie’s killer; Michelle Forbes (True Blood) as Rosie’s mother, Mitch Larsen; and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah) as Rosie’s father, Stan Larsen. The pilot and Season 2 finale are directed by Patty Jenkins (Monster).

© AMC

© AMC

NEW SEASON

WHITE COLLAR 3 PREMIERE Friday 23/11 @ 21.30 with double episodes

© TCFTD

12 insider athens | November & December 2012

Who’s ready for a double dose of White Collar fun? To the delight of its fans, FOX will feature the 3rd season of the crime/mystery series “White Collar”! Every Friday, tune in to watch two episodes filled with the new adventures of the unlikely duo of Neal Caffrey (Matt Boomer) and Peter Burke (Tim DeKay), as they work together to apprehend whitecollar criminals. The cast is completed with Willie Garson as Mozzie, an old friend of Caffrey’s who occasionally aids the FBI in their investigations; Tiffani Amber Thiesen (90210 Beverly Hills) as Elizabeth Burke, Peter’s ever-faithful wife.

In the 3rd season star Tim DeKay will sit in the director’s chair for one episode while another episode will reveal a lot about Mozzie’s childhood! Discover more surprises as you watch new episodes only on FOX!

GREY’S ANATOMY 9

ONCE UPON A TIME 1

PREMIERE Wednesday 28/11 @ 21.00

PREMIERE Friday 2/11 and everyday @ 17.40

As one of the most successful and critically acclaimed drama series of all time prepares to countdown for the premiere of its 9th season on FOXlife, tensions are at an all time high.

The cliffhanger season 8 finale left us with a plane crash that has already claimed Lexie’s (Chyler Leigh) life and left us wondering – What’s next for the doctor’s of Seattle Grace?

Who will survive? With almost the entire star-studded cast returning for this epic season, show runner Shonda Rhimes has confirmed that the action will pick up exactly where it left off. Will Mark (Eric Dane) survive the accident, and if he does, how will he cope with Lexie’s loss? Will McDreamy (Patrick Dempsey) overcome his injuries and continue his career as a successful surgeon at Seattle Grace? FOXlife invites you to mark your calendars on November 28th and experience the explosive drama where medicine intertwines with love, friendship and the operating table!

FOXlife is giving you one more opportunity to revisit the fantastic world Storybrooke, a fictional seaside town, where borders between reality and imagination are virtually invisible. Created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Lost & Tron: Legacy), the series has recreated the fantasy genre by incorporating and modernizing elements of classic Disney storylines and bringing them to the realm of the ‘real world’. The Evil Queen (Lara Parrilla) disrupts the wedding of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas) to cast a curse on the town, ensuring her own happy ending to the story. As of Friday, November 2nd, and every day at 17.40 relive the dream and arm yourselves with the thirst for all that’s to come in the second season of ‘Once upon a Time’ later this season, only on FOXlife!

FOXlife

SERIES WE LOVE

SERIES WE LOVE

MODERN FAMILY 1-3 PREMIERE Wednesday7/11 and everyday @ 22.40

© ABC

© ABC

NEW SEASON

Beginning on November 7th and everyday at 22.40 refresh your memory with all the quirky and comedic family moments of ‘Modern Family’, and let FOXlife take you on a journey through the first three seasons. This mockumentary follows the families of Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill), his daughter Claire Dunphy (Julie Bowen) and his son Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), who all live in Los Angeles. Claire is a homemaker mom married to Phil Dunphy (Ty Burrell).

They have three children: Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould). Jay is married to a much younger Colombian woman Gloria who is played by Sofia Vergara, and is helping her raise her pre-teen son Manny (Rico Rodriguez). In addition to these characters, there is also Mitchell Pritchett (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) and his partner Cameron Tucker (Eric Stonestreet) who have adopted a Vietnamese baby, Lily Tucker-Pritchett. “Modern Family” was renewed for a fourth season and two months later, after the show received 14 Emmy Award nominations. The show provides a hysterical commentary on how today’s realities have changed the balance and structure of today’s modern families!

PRIVATE PRACTICE 6 PREMIERE Wednesday 28/11@ 21.50 Medical nights are back on FOXlife! Following the Grey’s Anatomy season 9 premiere on November 28th, don’t miss the return of Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) and Private Practice! With speculation in Hollywood buzzing around whether this will be the final season for the well rated medical drama, producer Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy) is still putting the finishing touches on the storylines developed around the 5th season finale. While Dr. Addison finally has the baby she has always wanted, it’s now decision time, after Sam (Taye Diggs) proposes and Jake (Benjamin Bratt) continues his advances in hopes of conquering her heart. The answers to all your questions are only on FOXlife this winter!

Programming Highlights November 2012

NEW SEASON

© TCFTD

insider athens | November & December

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13

Programming Highlights December 2012

FOX

I LOVE TV, I LOVE !

NEW SERIES

NEW SERIES

ELEMENTARY

WILFRED

PREMIERE Wednesday 12/12 @ 21.30

PREMIERE Saturday 1/12 @ 22:30

A major premiere comes this December to FOX! Tune in to watch the highly anticipated TV remake of the Sherlock Holmes legend with an explosive cast. Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous characters, “Elementary” stars Jonny Lee Miller (Hackers, Eli Stone) as detective Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill) as Dr. Joan Watson, in a modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson. A successful surgeon until she lost a patient and her medical license three years ago, Watson views her current job as another opportunity to help people, as well as paying her penance. However, the restless Sherlock is nothing like her previous clients. He informs her that none of her expertise as an addiction specialist applies to him and he’s devised his own post-rehab regimen - resuming his work as a police consultant in New York City.

Watson has no choice but to accompany her irascible new charge on his investigations. But Sherlock finds her medical background helpful, and Watson realizes she has a knack for playing investigator. Sherlock’s police contact, Capt. Tobias “Toby” Gregson (Aidan Quinn) knows from previous experience working with Scotland Yard that Sherlock is brilliant at closing cases, and welcomes him as part of the team. With the mischievous Sherlock Holmes now running free in New York solving crime, it’s a simple deduction that he’s going to need someone to keep him grounded, and it’s elementary that it’s Watson’s job. One thing is for sure, fascinating crime/drama series fans will undoubtedly long for this highly rated premiere! All you have to do is tune in to FOX.

This December, tune in to FOX and discover the weird and wonderful world of the new comedy series “Wilfred,” featuring the everyday lives of a boy, a girl and a dog! This new comedy series comes to confirm everyone’s belief that a dog is a man’s best friend..! Watch the story of Ryan (Elijah Wood), a depressed man who believes he is getting nowhere in his life and plans to kill himself. In the middle of his attempted suicide, he is asked to watch his neighbor’s dog, Wilfred, but Ryan can only see Wilfred as a real person instead of the animal that everyone else sees. As they begin to bond more and become friends, Wilfred teaches Ryan a life lesson about people, love, and life. Cast members include Elijah Wood as Ryan Newman, in a great comedic performance, and Australian actor Jason Gunn as Wilfred the dog - a rather demanding and peculiar role. “Wilfred” is a series that will surely be a hit with the FOX audience, as it’s both provocative and hilarious.

© CBS

© TCFTD

NEW SEASON

EPISODES 2 PREMIERE Saturday 1/12 @ 22:55 Comedy lovers - and especially Matt LeBlanc’s fan club-, will be thrilled to hear that FOX will be broadcasting the 2nd season of the TV hit comedy series “Episodes”! In this second season, Matt LeBlanc (beloved Joey from the massive hit “Friends”) returns in a role that - according to critics and fans alike- suits him perfectly – that of himself! One of the “Friends” creators, David Crane collaborates with Jeffrey Klarik (The Naked Truth) to give us the story of a British writing couple, played by Tamsin Greig (Beverly Lincoln) and Stephen Mangan (Sean Lincoln), who are hired by a big American television studio in order to develop their awarded British comedy TV series for American TV. As we know, the Atlantic serves not only as a natural border between the US and Europe, but also as a separator of different worldviews. Since the Lincolns believe that they have reached the high-point of their careers, they find it difficult but ultimately they have to compromise with the ignorant American studio producers and the problematic American TV star (Matt LeBlanc), who is constantly creating problems both on and off the set! Although Brits Sean and Beverly have overcome life’s difficulties in LA, they are not quite sure whether they handle Matt LeBlanc!

Will they make it? Tune in to FOX to find out for yourselves!

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Tuesday December 24/12 @ 21:30

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14 insider athens | November & December 2012

This Christmas, you will have an additional reason to stay at home. On Christmas Eve, FOX kicks off a mini-marathon of your favorite shows’ best ever Christmas special episodes.

Tune in to FOX at 21:30, to watch the classic Simpsons, the hilarious Cleveland Show, the crazy gang of The League, and Rules of Engagement and the unique adventures of the How I Met Your Mother gang!

DON’T TRUST THE... IN APT 23

CASTLE 5

PREMIERE Friday 7/12 @ 21:25

PREMIERE Thursday 13/12 @ 21:50

This December, FOXlife brings you a new series that will be sure to entertain and let you get a closer look at the vibrant city of New York! After a naïve Midwestern girl’s big city dreams are dashed during her first week in New York, she finds herself living with her worst nightmare. June moves in with Chloe, who is a con-artist and all-round party girl.

At first, they don’t get along. When Chloe’s attempts to con June backfire, they end up becoming friends. Don’t miss them in this hilarious, contemporary comedy about a female odd couple who are surrounded by an outrageous cast of characters. June (Dreama Walker), Chloe (Krysten Ritter), James van der Beek (Dawson’s Creek) -playing himself- and their friends, promise to put a smile on your face every Friday night, courtesy of FOXlife!

When viewers first met Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) the famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter - he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a bright and aggressive homicide detective with a fascination for odd and offbeat cases. FOXlife is happy to announce that this highly-rated series will be back for the 5th time, so this December be prepared for Castle’s latest adventures! In season 5, fans are going to see what it looks like when Castle and Beckett wake up in the morning as lovers! See what their relationship is going to develop into and all the challenges that lie ahead.

FOXlife

NEW SEASON

NEW SEASON

HAPPY ENDINGS 3 PREMIERE Friday 7/12 @ 21:00

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NEW SEASON

REVENGE 2 PREMIERE Monday 10/12 @ 21.50 “Revenge” is an American television drama series starring Madeleine Stowe (Victoria Grayson) and Emily VanCamp (Emily Thorne). Madeleine Stowe has already been nominated for the 2012 Golden Globe award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a TV Drama, while the series was nominated for Favorite New TV Drama at the 2012 People’s Choice Awards. The series currently airs in 39 countries worldwide.

The 2nd season, premieres December 10th 2012 only on FOXlife. After the explosive finale of season 1, “Revenge” opens with both a wedding and a death in the premiere…

That’s one of the many parallel stories that this season will get into! One thing is for sure, that “Revenge” fans will be undoubtedly be impatient about the entire 2nd season, all you have to do…is tune in to FOXlife!

The series begins with the six friends dealing with their group dynamic that drastically changes after the breakup of the couple that first brought them all together, Dave (Zachary Knighton) and Alex (Eliza Cuthbert). “Happy Endings” season 2 ended with Alex and Dave rekindling their romance. Season 3 will see the two of them continuing down that road. The rest of the gang will deal with Brad (Damon Wayans Jr.) losing his job and Jane (Eliza Coupe) in a work setting, which will be a different experience for her. Plus, Brad will live life the Max (Adam Pally) way since he’s unemployed. Will they end happily?

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CHRISTMAS SPECIALS

Tuesday December 24/12 @ 17.15

© ABC

FOXlife brings festive cheer to your screens! Watch your favorite TV series’ in our unique ‘Christmas special’ zone starting on 17:15 the day before Christmas! Check out the holiday adventures of our favorite families from Modern Family, Raising Hope and Last Man Standing, the Christmas special episode of Glee 2, as well as the crazy fun friendships of New Girl and Happy Endings! Don’t miss world famous chef Jamie Oliver in his Xmas special, as he creates unique dishes that will most certainly add something exceptional to your Christmas dinner table!

insider athens | November & December

Programming Highlights December 2012

NEW SERIES

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Queen of the Castle Season 5 of the hugely successful cop dramedy series Castle premieres on December 13th, 21.50pm, on Foxlife. Stana Katic, who plays Detective Kate Beckett in the series speaks to Elena Panayides on her on and off-screen persona.

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he multi-talented star of detective show, Castle (ABC Disney), costarring Nathan Fillion, returns to Foxlife Greece to show us the more human side of her crime-fighting Detective that thrives in the male-dominated world of the NYPD. She’s the woman that fights like the boys, only she does it better and in heels! The Canadian-born actress, named after her Croatian grandmother, speaks five languages, is an avid environmentalist and will channel her punk rock side in the upcoming movie CBGB about the famous New York rock club.

Katic has also established her own production company, Sine Timore Productions, which in Latin means “without fear,” and that is exactly how the actress expresses herself, in this exclusive interview, we see just how different Stana is from her TV alter ego on Castle.

Castle fans in Greece have been waiting for years for your romance to heat up with author Richard Castle, how did it feel for you and for your character Det. Beckett to finally have it happen?

We were discussing and questioning and hoping.. and I thought that we could not hold off any longer. So it stems from the character. I thought it was always there and truthful to the progression of the character for it to happen, finally.

So you were in agreement with this plotline.

Yes, definitely How about Nathan Fillion (Rick Castle)?

I think for a while he thought that it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring the characters together, but he had to come over to my side. I think he saw value in it as well, and agreed that is the way the characters should go for their progression.

Castle 5 is going to premiere on FOXlife Greece on December13.

What can viewers expect from this new season?

16 insider athens | November & December 2012

Season 5, is a whole new show. It’s been so fun to play this season as these two characters work really well together, and now that they’re lovers it brings about all sorts of complications that they haven’t had in the past. Both of them have strong points of view and that causes conflict at times. Also the fact that they have to hide their relationship, because if they do, then they would not be able to work together as the NYPD has a strong policy of co-workers not being in a relationship together. So there’s a lot of fun, and we’ve been opening up new avenues for storytelling that are quite entertaining. They’re fun to do at least.

Will the romance change the atmosphere of the series? Will Beckett lose herself in Castle?

No! Why would you ask that?

Beckett is usually such a domineering character and personality, will love soften her up?

You know I think she’s an interesting character because she’s a female in a position of authority, so that automatically forces her to compartmentalize certain vulnerabilities. We have never seen her in a relationship before; we have seen her from the outside looking at a relationship but we have never actually seen the inside of a relationship with her.

Kate is definitely a career woman. Would you describe yourself as being one?

I love what I do, so I am very passionate about it. I don’t know if that means that I am a career woman but I think that it means that I am doing something that I really enjoy. I’d say that it’s maybe a parallel, Kate seems to get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people and fighting for justice. She’s a superhero!

Entertainment

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The People’s Choice Awards nominee list 2013 was recently announced and Castle, Stana Katic and Nathan Fillion have been announced as nominees for the Favorite TV Crime Drama, Favorite Dramatic Actress and Actor categories. Stana appeared in The Spirit opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Mendes and directed by Frank Miller. She portrays the quirky, sexy rookie cop Morgenstern. The movie grossed $39 million-plus worldwide to date.

Stana played Corinne Veneau in the Bond film Quantum of Solace with Daniel Craig. The film, nominated for a 2009 Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for “Best Action Movie,” grossing $586 million worldwide.

Stana’s other film credits include Feast of Love, opposite Morgan Freeman and Greg Kinnear, Stiletto and the upcoming Big Sur and CBGB.

Beckett was very much defined by her role as a detective in the NYPD and now she has left. How do you think she is going to try and define herself now?

I think that this character has been following a path with an interesting trajectory. We didn’t know a lot about her when we first met her and everything was just a matter of unpeeling layers of this character, who in many ways couldn’t be open because of the type of work that she did, and because of the fact that she is the figure of authority in that precinct. Slowly, as we unveil things, we realize she obviously had this history which was her mother’s murder which was the reason that she became a detective in the first place. It was a history that made her relate to all of her victims and their families, and I think something that pushed her towards protecting people from that same experience. It’s always been an emotional sore spot for her, but at the beginning of this season, a really interesting transition was that she finally decides to choose life, choose her own experiences, instead of being weighed down by a past that she had no control over. That was a really huge growing point for this character, so instead of being a victim herself of that murder, she became a force, and what you will see in this first episode is a really big step towards a resolution of that case. You’ll see a whole new character that is not swayed by the emotion of that horrible event.

You actually pre-empted my next question which was: do you expect the resolution of Kate’s mother’s murder this season and will she need that in order to move forward with her life or will she move on regardless?

She’s chosen to move forward and that was something that they addressed at the end of last season and they’ll hold in this season too.

They will resolve more layers in that murder; I think that both she and Castle are committed to it.

Are you currently working on any other projects that your Greek fans can see you in, whether it’s the big screen or the small screen?

I finished a project over the summer called CBGB, about the punk rock club in New York City. It’s based on the punk rock scene that came through New York in the late 70s, early 80s. It was with Alan Rickman and Rupert Friend, a few of the guys from Harry Potter and it will be out this winter. Other than that what I’ve been doing is putting together some of my own projects, I’ll be able to announce some of that in the next month or so.

Here we’re very much in Bond fever at the moment because of the premiere of the movie, Skyfall, and you’ve co-starred with Daniel Craig but also with Richard Gere, so I’d like to ask, could you describe your ideal man to us.

The ideal man is…wow let’s see! A guy with a sense of humor, a really big heart and a strong sense of self. And somebody who is a good man and lover. That’s probably the worst description of all!

Sounds good to me but sounds impossible.

There you go.

You speak English, Croatian, Slovene, French and Italian. Any Greek?

I do speak a little bit of Greek but nothing I can brag about. The occasional thing here and there to get me by. I had to travel through Thessaloniki one summer, I was visiting friends in Skiathos, so with the little Greek I knew, I actually managed to make it through the airport, on to a bus, into this little town and to the sea.

That’s really good Greek if you were able to get around! We’re expecting you here in Greece, Castle is a hit series and you’ve got to come.

I’ll be there, I’ll be there. Thank you so much.

insider athens | November & December 2012 17

Kosmika

At the launch of Marie-Diane Messirel’s book in French and Greek on Patmos, ‘Un ete a Patmos’ published by Fereniki Press and presented at Public Café Syntagma on November 22, 1. actress Katerina Didaskalou read an extract from the book seen here in picture with the author, Sudha and Stephane Iliades.

2. Galatia Laskarakis, Editor of Marie-Claire who had declared the book as ‘one of the must-reads this summer’ seen here with the author.

3. Christos Zambounis, publisher, Fereniki Press whose autobiography was launched a few days later.

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Guests braved a torrential rainstorm and floods on November 29th to get into the festive spirit at the First International Holiday Party organised by Diafimin at the Hotel Poseidon in Faliro. With all proceeds from entry tickets going to benefit the cat charity Nine Lives Greece, the party’s feline theme included cat-suited models and Zumba dancers who put on a suitably lithe and lively performance.

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Photo captions: 1. Nine Lives volunteers Katharine Massey, Rebecca Hall and Cordelia Madden-Kanellopoulou 2. A touch of feline mystique from Blue Gym’s Zumba dancers 3. JR Martinez and Andreas Kormis with the cat-women!

Photos by Alexander Koromilas

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18 insider athens | November & December 2012

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Celebrate in style If you’re looking for a calm environment, elegance and fun, Astir Palace Resort guarantees you the best festive holidays of your life.

This festive season, Arion, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa at Astir Palace Complex, makes all your Christmas wishes come true.

Choose to stay in one of the rooms or suites (from € 145 per night in a grand deluxe room) and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Hurry up to make reservations

by December 9 and enjoy a preferential 20% discount on the room rate. And since Christmas is all about family, enjoy this unique getaway with your kids as the Arion Resort & Spa offers the second room at half price for kids under-18. And the Kids Club has a whole host of activities to keep them busy during the festive period.

On Christmas Eve enjoy a festive meal at Il Tramonto for € 70 per person to the accompaniment of live piano and vocals, while on Christmas Day enjoy a buffet of traditional festive delicacies at € 65 per person.

For New Year’s Eve, enjoy a celebratory menu by the Executive Chef at the Alexander Ballroom from € 90 per person and ring in 2013 with music and dancing. For those staying in to greet the New Year, a festive early bird buffet breakfast at € 35 per person awaits you.

Participate in gastronomy seminars by the hotel’s pastry chefs and attend massage workshops by the Arion spa team.

At the Astir Palace Complex, experience the start of the New Year with the style, glamour and magic it deserves.

Arion, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Astir Palace Resort, Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni T: 210 8902000 • E-mail: Astir.Reservations@starwoodhotels.com www.arionresortathens.com, www.astir-palace.com

Festive Celebration at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

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he Hotel Grande Bretagne is one of the few hotels worldwide that can claim to be a destination in itself. It’s attention to detail, impeccable service, opulent decor and innovative programs have earned it regular accolades on ‘world’s best’ lists from the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and respected travel-oriented websites.

The much awarded Hotel Grande Bretagne combines quiet luxury and tradition during Christmas and New Year’s Eve and offers exclusive events, special accommodation offers and gourmet meals at its exquisite restaurants: GB Corner, GB Roof Garden, Winter Garden. With its pulse firmly on the Greek festive spirit, the hotel’s nutcrackers are as much an Athenian institution as the legendary hotel itself.

Explore the Hotel Grande Bretagne festive packages and events by visiting www.grandebretagne.gr/xmas The GB Corner, an Art Deco brasserie within the 19th century hotel, just across the Parliament has been a testament to Greek modern history and a standard bearer of good taste. The restaurant (www.gbcorner.gr) serves traditional Greek cuisine created by an award-winning executive chef, and has long been the meeting point for the city’s elite, especially over power lunches.

Athens’ renowned ‘corner’ is dedicated to exclusively using authentic Greek products. Customers can sink into upholstered booths and leather chairs while dining at street level.

The tantalizing menu is a clever mix of comfort foods combined with fresh and tasty Greek ingredients, such as Naxos lamb, roast goat in a clay pot with potatoes, or saganaki (fried cheese specialty) with tomatoes, eggs and feta.

20 insider athens | November & December 2012

Special promotion

As of December 14th, “Shop in the City” and indulge into the finest tastes right in the heart of Athens! Visit the picturesque GB Roof Garden Restaurant every Friday, Saturday and the Sundays of 16th and 23rd of December from 2pm until 6pm. With DJ music selections and exquisite views of the famed Acropolis, enjoy a unique tapas meal accompanied by a glass of prosecco. €25/person

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar on the 8th floor, with its unsurpassed Athens vistas and famed Acropolis sunset view, is an obvious Athenian destination that serves mouth-watering Mediterranean grilled meats and seafood and cocktail sundowners at the bar. A 2006 renovation by adding a glass roof and walls mean that the stunning view that encompasses the Lycabettus Hill, the first modern Olympic stadium built for the 1896 Games, the Parliament and the green oasis of the National Gardens, the Constitution Square, and of course, the Parthenon atop the sacred rock of the Acropolis, can be enjoyed year-round. The restaurant (www.gbroofgarden.gr) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ladies who lunch are regulars at the casually elegant Winter Garden restaurant City Lounge with an atrium view for the exquisite light meals that include risottos, dainty sandwiches, a high afternoon tea and even a selection of caviars accompanied by vodka or pink champagne. Special meal requests are also catered here; from allergy-friendly and gluten-free to “no carbs” and vegetarian.

At the lobby level, it would be a miss not to mention Alexander’s Bar which is considered one of the world’s best hotel bars and especially noted for its enormous selection of premium whiskies and cognacs, custom cocktails and offerings of fine champagnes by the glass. Reputed to be the best-stocked in the city, guests unwind to live piano music on comfy couches and upholstered chairs.

A distinctive 18th century tapestry of Alexander the Great in battle adorns the walls. The bar spills onto the Winter Garden.

Life is a collection of experiences and the Hotel Grande Bretagne is undoubtedly one of those that should be gained!

Constitution Square-10564-Athens - 210 33 30 000 Christmas Desk: 210 33 30 880

insider athens | November & December 2012 21

Theatre

Widow’s Peaks Katerina Didaskalou puts in a brilliant performance at the Sfendoni theatre as the widow of a corrupt policeman and engages in a poignant monologue laced with humour and humanity.

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he scene opens with Erato, the widow of policeman Lefteris, who has just come home from her husband’s funeral. Katerina Didaskalou plays Erato, whose early dreams of a life in the city are crushed by her husband’s indifference and devious ways. As a widow secure in the knowledge that her loveless marriage with a husband she had grown to despise is finally over, she recants her story from her childhood in Preveza to her move to Athens as a married woman.

Erato, whose life had been reduced to being a shadow of her husbands, lives vicariously through the imagined lives of her tenants upstairs whom she has only heard, never met - initially through the scuffles of a group of 20 Pakistani immigrants whom she cooks for - and then through the orgasmic highs of a prostitute entertaining her guests through the wee hours of the morning.

Didaskalou engages the audience with her thespian skills and keeps the interest high throughout the 70minute duration of the play. The set is uncluttered yet has all the accoutrements of Erato’s banal existence - from her husband’s police uniform, to his concealed weapon, her embroidery (which she refers to as her ‘adolescence locked in a cupboard’) and the un-knit sweater of her unborn child. The theatre itself lends itself to an interactive play such as this one as the stage is framed by the audience on either side. The play, written by Antonis Tsipianiti and directed by Stamatis Patronis is in Greek but, easy to follow by non-Greek speakers.

‘The Prostitute from above’ runs at Theatre Sfendoni, at Makri 4, next to the Acropolis metro station until Easter.

Until 13 January 2013, the play runs on Mondays and Thursdays at 9pm , on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 pm, on Fridays at 9.15 pm on Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 7 pm.Tickets: 15 euros. 10 euros for students and 5 euros for those with an unemployment card.

22 insider athens | November & December 2012

Celebrate with Greek flavours!

Yiannis Baxevanis creates delectable Christmas flavours inspired by Greece and sets a festive table you can enjoy either at the NJV ATHENS PLAZA.... or in the privacy of your home!

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: A choice of festive starters and desserts at the buffet counter with main courses served at the table, including a bottle of house wine for every 2 guests, for just 67 € per person Christmas Eve: • Succulent, roasted turkey filled with minced pork, chestnuts and spices and sweetened by scallions and Metaxa 5 • A rich buffet with 10 different salads and appetizers made on- the-spot • Buffalo fillet and steak roasted in pine needles and sliced in front of the customer... • And lots of seasonal pastries New Year’s Eve: • Suckling cooked with quince and herbs • A wide range of salads and appetizers • Whole roasted pheasants, duck with orange and peppers and oriental rice with quail, dates and almonds • Christmas log, diples, kourabiedes and lots of seasonal sweets • Half-price for children 12 years and under!

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: A cornucopia of Greek delicacies served on your plate, including a bottle of wine for every two 2 individuals for 59 € per person Private parties: Book your party either at the Explorer’s Bar or the Presidential Suite. Enjoy finger food by Yiannis Baxevanis and a full open bar at just 50 € per person Catering with Baxevani’s touch: Enjoy fresh turkey with traditional stuffing and baked potatoes for 110 € in the privacy of your home and receive a Christmas log as a gift.

NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, 10564 Athens. Tel: 210 3352 400, info@njvathensplaza.gr

Human Diplomacy Dr. Robert Peck, the Ambassador of Canada to Greece, celebrates 70 years of goodwill and strong economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

What have been some of the key highlights marking 70 years of Canada-Greece diplomatic relations?

The response of Canadians and the Greek community in Canada during the Second World War and post-war period really stand out. The Canadian Greek War Relief Fund was an unprecedented act of solidarity with the Greek people, remembered even today. The wave of emigration to Canada, especially in the 1950s, created indelible people to people ties and enriched the fabric of Canadian society at all levels.

There has been new bilateral momentum in recent years with the ratification of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in 2010 and the Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) last month. The YMA will allow young Greeks and Canadians between the ages of 18 and 35 to gain valuable work and professional experience in the other country. A State visit in 2009 by the Governor General, an official visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2011and the visit last September by the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, have ensured ongoing high-level contacts. We look forward to an official visit by the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament in 2013.

With significant milestones achieved in double taxation between Greece and Canada and the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the EU, do you foresee a significant boost in trade, despite the current economic climate?

The European Union (EU) is Canada’s second largest trading partner.

At a time of economic downturn, we believe that the CETA will es-

24 insider athens | November & December 2012

pecially benefit smaller economies such as Greece’s and open up new opportunities. EU investment into Canada is also expanding. We view these trends as very positive and are working to ensure they continue.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) has just said that it expects Canada will lead the G-7 in GDP growth for the next 50 years and that it will also fare very well on a per capita basis.

This news is particularly encouraging.

With respect to the EU, despite a short downturn in 2009, Canada’s exports there have been expanding and we expect this pattern to continue.

Furthermore, Canadian investment in the EU is steadily increasing. Valued at CDN $ 75 billion in 2000, it reached CDN $ 172.5 billion in 2011.

As Greece goes through a pivotal moment in its history, what would your advice be to Greece / Greeks for turning the tide?

Canadians recognize the sacrifices being made by every day Greek citizens and the strain on social cohesion. Strong leadership by the Greek government is essential for the country’s continued participation in the Euro zone, a return to growth and fiscal sustainability.

To help restore the country’s credibility with international partners, the successful implementation of structural reforms to increase competitiveness and attract foreign investment is fundamental. Despite today’s serious difficulties, the Greek people have shown throughout their history a determination and resolve to overcome adversity. In difficult times there are also opportunities for renewal and innovation.

I continue to be impressed by Greek entrepreneurs, especially many talented young people, who are creating new products, cutting-edge technologies and leading by example.

Diplomacy

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The Ambassador of Canada to Greece Dr. Robert Peck with his wife, Maria Pantazi-Peck at the Canadian residence

insider athens | November & December 2012 25

With 300,000 Canadians of Greek descent living in Canada and 25,000 Greek Canadians living here (80% of whom are dual nationals), there has always been a lot of goodwill with very fertile cultural exchanges between the two countries. W hat are the opportunities for attracting academic talent to Greece, especially from the Canadian Hellenic diaspora? Have you initiated special programs to encourage Greeks to opt for Canada as their country of choice for higher education?

There are long-standing academic ties between Canada and Greece.

Chairs of Hellenic studies exist at three Canadian universities: the oldest at McGill University in Montreal, followed by York University in Toronto and Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. A Centre for Canadian Studies at the University of Athens established in 2002 and the Canadian Institute in Greece are anchors for academic exchanges between the two countries. But we need to do more and draw on informal academic linkages, including the network of Greek graduates and academics who have studied in Canada and returned here.

As part of Canada’s new initiative on international education, a market study for Greece underscored that Canadian universities are well positioned to attract larger numbers of Greek students. Our universities are highly competitive both in terms of quality and tuition fees.

Canada’s multicultural character, diversity, linguistic duality and safe living environment are attracting increasing numbers of foreign students from around the world.

I am very proud of last month’s announcement by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) of a one million dollar donation to create two new scholarships for Greek graduate students at the bilingual University of Ottawa effective in the 2013-14 academic year. The SNF’s gesture honoured the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and builds a foundation for future collaboration. The University of Ottawa also announced that over the next five years the international student fees for four Greek students will be waived, allowing them to pursue graduate or undergraduate studies. Two students will study in English and two in French.

26 insider athens | November & December 2012

Culturally, Canada has always had big names from Leonard Cohen and Michael Ondaatje coming in to perform and read… and more recently, the Cirque du Soleil brought cheer and unadulterated entertainment when Greece much needed it. Any cultural highlights to look forward to?

Cirque du Soleil’s recent commercial success in Athens exceeded the organization’s expectations and served as a reminder of the economic importance of both cultural industries and cultural diplomacy, even in difficult times.

This year we marked the 80th birthday of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould with a seminar at the Onassis Centre and introduced to Athenian audiences a rising international piano star, Greek-Canadian Marika Bournaki. We have just completed the restoration of a Pacific West Coast Haida totem pole, a long-time landmark in the garden of Canada’s Official Residence in Filothei. Decades under the Greek sun had taken its toll on the cedar structure but a recent face-lift has brought back its vivid colors and visual splendour. The totem will soon be on display for a year at the Benaki Museum on Pireos Street to highlight the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Next year Athenian audiences can look forward to the début of Calgary pianist Jan Lisiecki at the Megaron Mousikis. A 17-year old child prodigy of Polish heritage, Lisiecki’s first CD of Mozart piano concertos on the Deutsche Grammophon label has received rave reviews from music critics around the world.

A favourite of Greece audiences since his Thessaloniki début in 1997 followed later by solo engagements at the Megaron Mousikis, staytuned for return engagements by Montréal pianist Alain Lefèvre.

Lefèvre will introduce Greek audiences to Canadian composer François Dompierre, who has written soundtracks for some 60 films.

Lefèvre’s performances will also feature his signature compositions inspired by Greece. And there is a Greek artist we consider one of our own: the legendary Nana Mouskouri. Her Montréal début in the 1960s with “The Athenians” heralded a special relationship with Canada that has endured over 50 years, especially in Québec. Mouskouri had a Canadian manager for 20 years and today her son and two Greek-Canadian grandchildren live in Montréal.

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1942-2012 What indications do you have of Canadian travelers coming to Greece for business and leisure?

Greece has always been a popular destination for Canadians of all ages.

Greek-Canadians obviously return throughout the year to maintain ties with friends and family. There is no doubt that the image of Greece has been adversely affected by some of the images broadcast around the world. This has had an impact on the number of tourists coming from Canada. Two Canadian airlines - Air Transat and Air Canada - provide seasonal service to Athens from both Toronto and Montreal. As the economic environment in Greece improves, I look forward to increased frequencies and even new routes linking the two countries.

The tourism sector will play a key role in Greece’s economic recovery.

I am proud that the SNF New Media Lab at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver is supporting efforts by the Ministry of Tourism to rebrand the country through cutting-edge mobile applications. These “apps” are designed to enhance the individual tourist’s experience by ensuring visitors are equipped with real-time information about the very best Greece has to offer. Mobile “apps” can also serve to promote “not to be missed” museums, archaeological site guides, e-souvenirs and edu-tourism courses which can produce new revenue streams for Greece’s economy.

How would you describe a typical day at the office?

What I like most about my job is the variety and to expect the unexpected. Serving as Canada’s Ambassador provides a unique opportunity to interact with a wide range of people of different backgrounds, from decision makers and artists, to academics, entrepreneurs and every day citizens who are coping with the challenges facing Greece today.

Which fictional movie or novel that you saw or read most captured the realities of diplomacy?

I have yet to read a book or see a movie that presents a realistic and balanced portrait of today’s modern diplomacy! I believe that individual diplomats can change perceptions of the profession by what I call “une diplomatie de proximité” or human diplomacy. Above and

beyond the protocol associated with traditional diplomacy, I challenge myself to find new ways of connecting with people and listening to what they have to say.

What makes Ambassador Robert Peck tick?

I joined the Canadian public service to make a difference. An Ambassador often can be a champion behind the scenes for good ideas, supporting those with talent but who may lack the support or mentorship to realize their goals.

Since your term here, what has been a major eye-opener for you as regards the Greek way of life? What is the best perk of being stationed in Greece?

Being married to a Greek-Canadian, I have some insight into the Greek lifestyle but our return here (I was posted to Athens from 1994 to 1998) brought back the unique advantages of a posting to this country: the climate, especially for a Canadian, diversity, history and culinary excellence.

The advantages? There are just so many. But as a huge fan of Greek music, it has been a thrill to meet some of the legends of Greek music such as Haris Alexiou, Dimitra Galani and Mary Linda, whose voice, stage presence and artistry still sparkle. I also recently discovered the talented singer Petros Imvrios, who is deputy Mayor of Glyfada, and the superb young group Imam Baildi.

A little too early in the term, but what would you like your legacy in Greece to be?

I do not think too much about legacies. There is lots of scope to build upon a legacy of 70 years of diplomatic relations and draw upon strengths in the relationship, which include a vibrant Greek-Canadian Diaspora. Trade and investment are critical to Greece’s economic recovery and the success of at least two signature Canadian investments, in the mining and aviation sectors, could be metaphors for transformation. Such success stories can only help to counter negative perceptions of this country abroad.

insider athens | November & December 2012 27

Modern home, old treasures Renee Pappas rediscovers Patras, beyond its image as a port and carnival capital, as a cultural getaway thanks to its new, cutting-edge archaeological museum.

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or most Athenians a trip to Patras either entails the embarkation point for a trip to Corfu or Italy or participating in the yearly Carnival celebrations. This port on the western coast is not usually associated with weekend getaways, however I can attest that in the fall and spring Patras has a great deal to offer.

On the first weekend of October my friend, Christine Kondoleon who is the Curator of Greek and Roman Art at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and I visited Partras especially to see the new archaeological museum. It opened in July of 2009 and holds the most extensive and impressive collection of Roman mosaics in Greece. Seventy per cent of the objects are on public display for the first time.

The exhibitions are divided into three sections, Private life, Public Life and the Necropolis. They cover the time period between 3,000 BC through the 4th Century AD and come from the area around Patras as well as southern and western Achaea.

There were Mycenean settlements around Patras and although it was not as important as the more well-known centres, the fact that it was a backwater probably facilitated the discovery of a complete set of a Mycenaean warrior’s assemblage (armour) from Portes in Achaea.

The bronze body armour, helmet and weapons attest to a formidable military class.

Patras played host to Marc Anthony and Cleopatra in the winter of 3231 B.C. as they prepared for the battle of Actium which would put an end to one of the most amazing love affairs in history and accelerate the transition of Rome from a Republic to an Autocracy. In 14 B.C. Octavian Augustus established Patras as a major commercial and administrative site of the Roman Empire.

28 insider athens | November & December 2012

It is the incredible finds from this Roman period that make up the bulk of the objects exhibited at the Patras Museum. In the section presenting Private Life the foundations of both a rural and an urban house have been displayed, as well as a Roman bath with intricate designs of different coloured marble.

The Romans loved mosaic floors, usually depicting stories from mythology and the Patras museum has examples which depict the hunt for the Calydonian boar, Triton riding a seahorse, Aphrodite in her boudoir and Pan along with his pals pressing grapes. I was especially lucky to be guided through this treasure trove by Christine who is an expert on mosaics.

For Public Life the exhibitions include part of a Roman road, beautiful marble floors reminiscent of the floor in the Pantheon in Rome, and more mosaics depicting music and theatre, as well as gladiatorial combats.

In the Necropolis or Cemeteries section, the contents of graves are displayed with male graves holding weapons, while female graves contained jewellery, grooming and make up articles. There are even four rather macabre, but fascinating mummified skulls with the diadems or garlands still encircling the deceased’s head.

I’ve always been fascinated by glass objects that have survived these many centuries and the Patras collection has any number of vases, perfume vials and bowls. The real star however is a coloured glass window. This round window is made up of blue glass separated into sectagonal units separated by pieces of ivory.

Culture

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30 insider athens | November & December 2012

Culture

The museum was designed by Theophanis Bobotis and in my humble opinion it is the most visitor friendly and welcoming museum in Greece. From the outside it looks like an elongated triangle with a glowing metallic dome at the end. On the inside the bright and cheerful entrance includes a reception area, museum shop, service area and restrooms all made of honey coloured wood. There is also a small amphitheatre and study area stocked with computers; the coffee shop however was not in operation…the parking lot was----yes, believe it or not a public building with a real parking lot!!

What Mr. Bobotis has accomplished in his design is to display the objects for the most optimum viewing which includes a bridge walkway between the Public and Private section which enables the visitor to view the mosaics from a distance. The magnificent Mycenean vases are displayed in exquisite glass cases with lighting from below…simply superb. Also descriptions on the objects in Greek and English are excellent.

You would be surprised to know that there is no description of the Patras museum in the Ministry of Culture website, www.culture.gr.

When you click on Patras Museum a page comes up stating that there is no description available. However some intrepid souls have created a website www.patrasmuseum.gr which does have excellent photographs of the museum, but it is only in Greek, for information in English you’ll need to go to Wikipedia.

This is a museum that not only Patras, but that the whole country should be proud; it is included in the 6 Museums of the World in the International FX Awards 2009, and it was shortlisted with 6 other projects in the category Big Urban Projects - Architectural Review - MIPIM AWARDS. In addition to the museum Patras has a Roman Odeon, although small-

er than the Herod Atticus Odeon in Athens, it hosts musical events and theatre in the summer. One can also visit the Roman stadium and even see a Roman bridge around the corner from the museum. There is also a medieval castle at the top of the city.

From the 19th century Patras boasts an opera house which is miniversion of La Scala di Milano and a number of magnificent houses that survived the wrecking ball mania of the 1970’s.

We stayed at the Porto Rio Hotel which is on the sea and about a ten minute drive to the museum. From the hotel pool you have an incredible view of the stupendous Rio Bridge which crosses the Gulf of Corinth.

We found a restaurant down the beach from the hotel called Mesogeios. It was chic and contemporary with an innovative menu. Open all year round, during the winter months the restaurant is open on the weekends.

Archaeological Museum of Patras 38-40 Patras-Athens New National Road, Patras 26442 Achaia, Greece 302613616100 • stepka@culture.gr Opening hours 8:30 -15:00 (Closed on Monday) www.patrasmuseum.gr Mesogeios, Terma Leof. Petmeza, Paralia Kastelokabou, Rio 2610994601 • mesogeios_daily@hotmail.com Port Rio Hotel Syrogianni Rio Achaia, Greece 2610992102 • www.portriohotel.gr

insider athens | November & December 2012 31

Culture Renee Pappas converses with architect Theofanis Bobotis, who designed the architectural museum in Patras. A graduate from the Venice School of Architecture, Bobotis has won domestic and international architectural competitions and was recently awarded the “Athina” prize from the Greek Federation of Associations of the Friends of Museums for promoting culture awareness.

When did the competition for the Patras museum design take place and when did construction begin?

The competition took place in 2002 with the participation of 15 architects. Construction began in 2005.

What was your inspiration for the metallic dome? It appears from the inside that the dome houses the “functioning parts” of the museum- the reception, the museum shop and the service area on the ground floor and the study area on the top floor. Was it your plan to isolate these activities from the exhibits?

The vaulted central volume was chosen in order to create an aesthetic dialogue with the prismatic morphology of the building. It contains the amphitheatre (lobby) and the ‘virtual museum’ on the upper level, as both spaces are more suitably developed in rounded shapes.

You used wood for this area...how did you choose the other materials?

The materials we chose for the design of the Museum are among the basic materials throughout the evolution of constructions all over the world in all civilizations: Stone, wood, metal and glass. Stone is used in the elevations as well as the exposition areas and is the dominant element of the Museum. The use of wood extends towards the exterior of the museum, underlining the presence of this element throughout the building. Titanium sheets cover the vaulted volume, as they were the most appropriate material to cover such a shape.

The bridge is an incredible way to view the mosaics from a distance.

Was this part of design from the beginning?

Indeed, the elevated walkway was one of the basic choices of the Museum design, enabling the visitor to observe large mosaics, ancient residential models and large objects. The parallel observation of exhibits of ancient public and private life positioned on both sides underneath, is also an important possibility offered through the bridge.

It plays a focal role in the visitor’s spatial experience. A panoramic un-

32 insider athens | November & December 2012

derstanding of all the exhibits is made possible through this passage so that a symptomatic visitor - a traveller through Patras to another destination - is able to plan accordingly for a future visit.

The museum appears to envelop the visitor although there is an enormous amount of natural light from above...did you want to keep the modern world out and let the visitor go back in time?

This indeed was another basic design choice, as I strongly believe that the visitor on entering a Museum, must experience a clear separation of the contemporary world to the exhibitionally experienced civilization, reinforcing his experience and understanding of different eras.

How many museums have you designed?

We have designed four Museums: The Archaeological Museum of Patras, the Archaeological Museum of Chania which is in construction phase, the Archaeological Museum of Vergina and the GEM Archaeological Museum of Egypt which was an International Competition participation.

What was your inspiration for the design?

The inspiration was to create a Museum that is simple but is, simultaneously, a landmark for public space. A Museum which offers flexibility in its interior so that future exhibition needs can be fulfilled.

And lastly, a Museum which offers multiple exhibition possibilities and a positive spatial experience to the visitor with clearly perceptible circulation zones.

Were you involved in the placement and display of the objects... special display cases, lighting etc.?

Our objective was to offer the visitor a comparison of two civilizations through the exhibition experience, thus enriching his future experience in the contemporary world. Spatial and lighting design was an important aspect of the design.

Live the experience bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

The Life Gallery re-opens its doors again and offers a city-break option within the city. Nestled in the midst of pine forests at the foothills of the majestic Parnitha in the exclusive suburb of Ekali, The Life Gallery is a getaway that nurtures the senses. With high design elements including exquisite works of art by contemporary Greek artists, two pools, an outdoor lounging area, a very kool restaurant and bar with Michelin star chef Lefteris Lazarou bringing his years of experience and unique talent, and an intoxicatingly beautiful spa, Ananea by Olive Tree Spa, The Life Gallery truly promises a world of aesthetics and beauty. Designed by architect Vassilis Rodatos who works for bluegr and Klein & Haller from Germany who worked on the project, The Life Gallery is minimalist yet exudes warmth.

For Gina Mamidaki, the soul behind The Life Gallery, the philosophy of the hotel revolves around four words: Live Life, Love Life. “We need to surround ourselves with good aesthetics and quality, a touch of madness to go beyond the ordinary, and a clear vision of what the final experience for the guest should be.�

With its unique character reflected in little gestures and grand artworks, The Life Gallery is designed to please all the senses, all at once. Indulge in a weekend of shopping at the nearby Mall and Golden Hall and then unwind with a round of tennis at the Ekali tennis club, or walk in the woods and trekking paths around Parnitha, before soaking in the quiet luxury that The Life Gallery offers. An intersection of creativity, relaxation, fun and flavour, art and design, creative cuisine, The Life Gallery offers a bit of something for everyone.

bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

With suites and rooms designed to make the optimal, aesthetic use of space with intelligence, from the split bathroom area to the large glass balconies that let the glorious Attica light filter in, here is a hotel room you’d want to stay in, despite the temptations that lurk in the lobby. With slumber-guaranteeing mattresses by Coco-Mat and wi-fi access in all rooms, The Life Gallery promises a getaway to remember whether on business or leisure. The Life Gallery has fully equipped, modern conference facilities and can accommodate upto 100 guests in its amphitheatre. The hotel’s proximity to business districts in Attica and its high levels of service make it an ideal choice for corporate travelers. Room rates are 160€ per day on BB basis (special rates are applicable for weekends or special occasions such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve).Corporate rates are on request.

Ananea by Olive Tree Spa is a zen-zone that instantly transports you to a calmer place. A meditation area strewn with vibrant pillows overlooks both pools on either side – an area to retreat with a book or a cup of herbal tea before or after a treatment. A compact fitness area designed for Pilates and yoga sessions frames the spa a level below. The spa itself is the domain of trained therapists from Thailand who practice age-old techniques in relieving the body of stress and unwanted toxins through a ritual of stretching and channelizing energy flows. The spa also offers facials and sessions in reflexology. A spa that promises, as its name Ananea suggests, to rejuvenate both body and soul. Open for non-guests.

bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

Kool Cooking The lobby at The Life Gallery is split into a very hip and kool restaurant that opens onto a high-ceilinged bar in crimson red. A large George Lappas human sculpture dominates one end of the bar while one-of-a-kind pieces by artists such as Psilakis adorn the other walls. Beyond the bar, a cosy nook reveals a reading corner that doubles up as a private meeting room.

The kool life restaurant itself is done up in shades of black and white, reminiscent of blackboards with a long hand scrawl running across its length. An entire wall dedicated to displaying and selling authentic Greek ingredients used in the kitchen showcase the bounties of the Greek soil and its unique contribution to Greece’s rich culinary heritage. To cap it all, Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou brings ‘kool’ to life with his kool life recipes. So inspired is Lazarou that he is even willing to share his passion for cooking, twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm respectively. For reservations and cooking sessions, please call: 211 1067 400.

The menu is typical Lazarou with an accent on fresh fish and other wonders caught from the depths of the Aegean. Lazarou combines improbable flavours and textures to create a dish that is so exquisite, that the experience is worth savouring as unhurriedly as possible. Signature dishes include grouper with celeriac and mashed pumpkin to risotto with mangos and shrimp, crispy fish fillet on eggplant puree and Sunday specials include lamb ribs with fricassee greens and wild rooster with Greek noodles. Sweet indulgences come in the form of milk chocolate spheres with caramel and millefeuille with caramelised apples. Open for non-guests for breakfast, lunch, dinner and private parties.

Kool Life Bar

Kool Life Restaurant

bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

The Life Gallery.

A getaway for the senses.

A break within the city.

A Life experience.

103 Thisseos Avenue, Ekali Tel: 211 1067400 | Fax: 210 6229353 | Email: lifegallery@bluegr.com | www.bluegr.com

Agnona Alexander McQueen Alaïa Balmain Bottega Veneta Burberry Prorsum Chloé Emilio Pucci Etro Givenchy Moncler Hervé Léger Isabel Marant Lanvin Loro Piana Manolo Blahnik Michael Kors Missoni Miu Miu Roberto Cavalli Roger Vivier Sergio Rossi Stella McCartney Valentino Yves Saint Laurent

Greece F1 circuit on fast track As the 2012 Formula 1 racing season comes to a nail-biting end, Evangelos Floratos, the man behind the ambitious project to build a F1 standard racetrack on the outskirts of Patras, converses with Graham Wood on what he describes as his “life’s work”.

E

vangelos Floratos is not so much a man with a dream as a determined dreamer with a bold vision that has spanned most of his working life. That vision is to see a Formula One racetrack built in Greece which, in his eyes, will benefit not only the local community in the Northern Peloponnese but also the country during a time when it is fighting for its financial life.

Many observers in the foreign media have scoffed at the plan, suggesting a racetrack is the last thing that Greece needs as the government grapples with unpopular austerity measures to reduce its massive debts and secure its future in the Eurozone.

However, last month, Greece’s Ministry of Development confirmed that it had unblocked a European Funding subsidy of 29.46 million euros for the construction of the international-standard racetrack.

Of that subsidy, just 15% will be covered by the Greek government and at the time of writing, the Greek Parliament was expected to validate the approval in the new development law which is scheduled to be voted on by the end of November.

Racetrack Patras SA, a private investment company headed by Floratos, will oversee the project to build the track, which will be designed to host other events as well, including world championship motorbike racing and go-kart racing, as well as being a training centre for F1 teams.

The track will be built in Chalandritsa near the western port city of Patras at a total estimated cost of 94.6 million euros according to the ministry - 70% of which is to be funded by Racetrack Patras.

“Critics in the foreign media believe that the state will subsidize the circuit running cost, this is a false idea,” Floratos told Athens Insider.

“This project belongs to the private sector, it does not expect state funding for its operational costs. It is also wrongly assumed that we are aiming at organizing a Formula 1 race, which is an event often subsidized by the national government. This is not our primary goal.”

“Let’s be clear about this, we are not prepared to pay to be added to the calendar at this point. It is something we will think about this at a later date if and when someone - a government or the private sector - wishes to subsidize it.”

“Our chief aim is to operate the track 365 days per year, offer a high quality service to motor sport professionals and thus develop business

42 insider athens | November & December 2012

and employment for the local community; we will be able to attract teams and companies preparing for Formula 1 and generate income by renting the track for tyre testing and team preparation.”

Floratos, a former mayor of Patras, has been involved in the project since the inception of the idea in 1979 when the director of Monza Circuit in Italy indicated the 1.140.000 square metres of land ideal for racetrack development.

“This is a project dear to me as I’ve been involved in it from the very start in the 1970s; you could say it’s my life’s work,” he said.

“The local community began developing the idea of a track in Chalandritsa when we found this large piece of land ideal for the purposes of a circuit because of its natural qualities and its ownership status.

The land was entirely owned by the local church and at a close distance (18 km) from Patras.”

“In 1995 while I was serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce in Achaia I established ‘Patras Circuit S.A’ with 421 share holders and bought the land. Afterwards we struggled to form a legislation that would address the issues of construction and operation of circuits in Greece but this was finally completed with the Presidential Decree No 14/2007.

“After that we fenced the land and conducted the plans with which we received the approval of FIA and FIM as well as the construction permit and all that is left is the final validation of the state’s approval.”

Floratos is a keen believer in the philosophy that ‘if we build it, they will come’ in more ways than one. As he was at pains to point out, the idea is to create something which will act more as a training centre and attract F1 teams to use the track for practice sessions, as well as attracting Motor Sport tourism to the area through various other disciplines.

And he fully believes Greece’s climate and conditions gives the project a great chance of success.

“We have a strategic advantage in attracting F1 teams for testing and preparation due to the excellent weather conditions in Greece, our easy access from Italy and our competitive prices in comparison with other European tracks,” Floratos added.

The track, along with two other subsidised projects - a glass panemaking factory in northern Greece and modernization of the luxury

Sports

Elounda Bay palace hotel in Crete - is expected to generate over 800 new jobs, the ministry has stated.

In addition Floratos said that the company plans to build an Automobile Museum and organize Auto- races of a smaller scale than Formula 1 in order to establish a regular visitor flow to the track.

“The local region with all its human resources will have a motive to specialize in the products and services connected with motor sports and create income for the community,” said Floratos of the benefits which the racetrack will bring to the general public.

He added: “Also, this project will have a significant impact on tourism since the region selected is at a close driving distance from some major tourist destinations in Greece such as Ancient Olympia, Delphi,

ξL0

Epidaurus and Kalavryta.”

“Last but not least, our collaboration with Patras University will be the platform that will bring together research, development, testing and manufacturing in motor sports.”

There have been previous efforts to build a F1 track near Athens, but to no avail.

“The difference between this circuit near Patras and other past proposals is the maturity of the project,” commented Floratos.

“We have the ownership of the land, all the necessary approvals and most importantly we have investors who will invest the money and manage the circuit once it is ready to operate. This is a project designed to benefit, not burden the country’s citizens.”

insider athens | November & December 2012 43

AGORA

Cobalt layered sequin bow ballerina by Monsoon

Tilda Beaded Dress

by Monsoon

Cioccolatini Santa Maria Novella available exclusively at el marneri

Beige scarf in cashmere

by Hermes

44 insider athens | November & December 2012

Earrings from the Imperiale Collection of Chopard in 18 carat white gold entirely set with diamonds

Felt belt in vivid red and tan by Hermes

Bracelet made of red felt and silk based on a diadem, designed by Daphni Dionysopoulou, Museum of Cycladic Art

Bell Star X’mas Decoration from Accesories

Turtle shell bracelet from Zolotas’ Princesses of the Mediterranean series available at Zoloatas and at the Museum of Cycladic Art 42 mm Seamaster Planet Ocean Skyfall edition Bond watch from Omega

Rose-white lip maestro rose-white by L’oreal

Russa eau de cologne acqua di Colonia at el.marneri

Stores

•C hopard Voukourestiou 2 & Stadiou, Athens, Tel: 210 325 0555

•E leni Marneri galerie Lebessi 5-7 & Porinou 16 Makriyanni, Tel: 210 861 9488, www.el.marneri.gr

•H ermes Voukourestiou 1, Tel: 210 323 3715, www.hermes.com

•L oreal www.loreal.gr •M onsoon The Mall, A. Papandreou 35, Marousi Tel: 210 630 0000, www.monsoon.gr

•M useum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4, Tel: 210 722 8321, www.mca.gr

•O mega Patseas SA 336 Kifisias Avenue Psixiko Pom pom beanie

by Monsoon

www.omegawatches.com

•Z olotas Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210 360 1272 & Stadiou 9, Athens, Tel: 210 322 1222 www.zolotas.gr

insider athens | November & December 2012 45

Reef Encounter

Lizard Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s most iconic holiday destination. As winter grips the northern hemisphere, down under Michael Sweet reports from a retreat reserved for the fortunate few.

46 insider athens | November & December 2012

Travel

F

rom 9000ft, the aquamarine lagoons and coral cays of the Great Barrier Reef, fringed by ribbons of silky white surf, stretch out as far as the eye can see. With its divine beauty, flying over the reef is an almost spiritual experience.

I’m en route to Lizard Island Resort, one of Australia’s isolated luxury holiday destinations. The journey from the mainland takes about an hour before the single-engined Cessna arcs gracefully across an exquisite tropical bay fringed by white sand, to land on the island’s tiny bush airstrip.

Twenty-seven kilometres from the coast of Queensland and 250 kilometres northeast of Cairns, Lizard Island sits in a pristine area of the Great Barrier Reef. The resort’s symbiotic relationship with the reef is the core of its profound appeal.

Delivering an understated luxury experience which combines exploration of the reef with a finely crafted out-of-water experience, it’s this combination that has consistently placed the resort in the Top 10 Hotels of the World list.

While the chic design of its 40 suites and villas, its fine dining and exquisite creature comforts put it up there with the great hotels, Lizard Island Resort is not about matching the world’s uber-luxury hotels. It’s about something much more nourishing and organic.

“There’s a lot of ‘bling’ out there for people who want that six-star experience,” says assistant general manager, Shaun Grant, as we stroll through the tropical bush.

“We match that but without the bling. For us it’s about balancing the in-room and out of room experience. We bring those together so you get that holistic escape.

“There are very few places in the world where you can remember who you are, and disconnect from the world.

That’s what we focus on.”

With no cellphone reception, the resort has restricted Wi-Fi internet access to one lounge, a limitation I found liberating. Due to popular demand however, Wi-Fi will be rolled out to all its rooms this year.

I stayed in one of the eighteen Anchor Bay Suites; 87m2 of silky smooth timber floors and elegant, unfussy finishes. With captivating sea views through a curtain of coconut palms, each suite has a path that leads to the beach just 20 metres from your verandah.

If you want the ultimate experience, book the most isolated villa. Beloved of British royals, the Pavilion, where Bollinger is provided on arrival and canapés served at sunset, is for those who want the highest level of pampering.

Perched on a rocky promontory, with private pool and expansive deck, the Pavilion affords a spectacular panorama of the Coral Sea. This is seriously comfortable solitude.

You’re not going to go hungry on Lizard. At Ospreys restaurant, executive chef Anthony Healy brings an inventive light touch to new Australian cuisine, serving the freshest seafood in the southern hemisphere. Friendly, obliging wait staff add an informal touch to meal times.

Over at the Beach Club, the resort’s marine activity centre, guides suggest the best outlying beaches for coral reef snorkeling, and provide a water-taxi service for your commute. For those with deeper yearnings, the island’s northerly location means the Beach Club offers dive trips (day and half-day) to some of the world’s most famous dive sites - parts of the reef that most mainland operators simply can’t reach.

Exploring Lizard Island on foot reveals a rich narrative of the discovery and settlement of Australia. A derelict cottage where sea cucumbers were processed in 1880

by English settler Mary Watson and two Chinese assist-

insider athens | November & December 2012 47

Travel

Photo by George Apostolidis

ants - Ah Sam and Ah Leung - still stands beside the beach that bears her name.

Set upon by aboriginal tribes for trespassing on their sites, Ah Sam was speared and killed but Watson and Ah Leung escaped, using a tin bath they cooked sea cucumbers in as their boat. They died after running out of drinking water.

Head up to Cook’s Look and follow in the footsteps of 18th-century explorer James Cook, who discovered Lizard Island in 1770, when his vessel Endeavour ran aground on coral. Cook named the island after encountering one of its many reptile species.

Nature, in all its breathtaking diversity is what makes this resort like no other. Surrounded on every side by lush tropical jungle, guests ashore share their days (and nights) with Lizard Island’s other wild inhabitants - geckos, skinks, green tree frogs, and a vocal community of bush birds, one of which - the pheasant coucal - you would swear is a baboon, from its monkey-like mating calls.

A scientific research station on the western side of the island accommodates around 60 research projects a year, undertaken by international postgraduate students and scientists who come to study the local marine ecosystem. It is surely the world’s most inviting laboratory.

I spoke with marine biologist and station director Anne Hoggett, who in 22 years on Lizard, has seen environmental threats to the

48 insider athens | November & December 2012

reef increase. Monitoring the effect is a key part of the station’s work.

“The reef is deteriorating at a small rate every year, but that rate is increasing, and it’s the things humanity is doing to it, that’s making it happen - both globally and locally,” says Hoggett.

“Australia’s managed its fish stocks pretty well, but in other parts of the world where there are coral reefs, they don’t have the bigger predators left any more.”

“The best thing we can do is look after our carbon emissions, clean up our act globally. But that’s not likely to happen in the near future is it?” says Hoggett, with more than a hint of resignation.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. “Locally there’s a lot we can do,” she says. “Keep the water quality in good condition and look after our fisheries. There is hope.”

One experience I’ll treasure above all is the resort’s signature activity, heading off on a sun-kissed morning in a small dinghy (what’s the hurry?), to an idyllic tropical beach, all to ourselves.

Opening our sumptuous picnic hamper filled with delicacies can wait. With mask, snorkel and fins attached, a gentle swim takes you to the shimmering coral; above giant clams, electric-blue starfish and alongside scuttling green turtles.

Lizard Island Resort is total immersion in natural beauty, solitude and rest, and its guests are fortunate indeed for such rare and priceless gifts.

Wellness

Esse Bene the essence of well being Esse Bene, which means well-being in Latin, is a wellness and health zone, unlike any other in Greece. Elisavet, whose dream it has been for the past 30 years to create a centre which combines physiotherapy, fitness, high-altitude training, relaxation and massage, is the soul behind this unique enterprise.

E

sse Bene can best be defined by clarifying what it’s not – it is not a spa, nor is it a mass fitness centre. The Esse Bene team describe the centre as “an exclusive club for exclusive people.”

Designed with minimal aesthetics in black and white, Esse Bene exudes a clean, unfettered look with high-design features such as walls that open into doors, mood lighting and sophisticated equipment.

The highlight at Esse Bene is a hermetically sealed high-altitude room where two to maximum three individuals (the team at Esse Bene do not use the word ‘clients’ – they refer to them as ‘individual with needs’) can step in to exercise. The idea is to create an environment where the oxygen levels are carefully monitored to mimic conditions at high-altitude. The result is that a 20-minute workout is the equivalent of a 60-minute workout in a normal environment. The altitude can be elevated to as high as 6,600 metres, though beginners usually start off at around 800 metres of altitude and gradually work their way up in altitude in subsequent sessions. Elisavet raves about the results and we were instantly sold on the idea – one, we were curious and who wouldn’t want to work out for just 20 minutes and have all the goodness and more of an hour-long routine! All exercise sessions are supervised by at least two members of the team to ensure maximum individual attention.

50 insider athens | November & December 2012

The Pilates area is again designed for a group of maximum three individuals at a time, bearing in mind the ‘exclusivity’ of its sessions that Esse Bene so proudly promotes. A relaxation area with fresh fruits, herbal teas and dried nuts provides a healthy reprieve from the strenuous exercise programme. And for those looking for relaxation and massage, the centre’s two massage areas are so designed as to intrigue the mind. Intelligent lighting, clever use of space and symmetry and materials such as stone and wood that combine earthiness with other-worldliness, set the tone for a body and mind de-tox. Therapies include reflexology, shiatsu and Swedish massage.

It must also be mentioned that Esse Bene is perhaps one of the finest re-education centres for patients suffering from accident trauma, paralytic strokes, cancers, and individuals with special needs in Greece.

Esse Bene is a no-frills place that might appear to be on the pricier side in terms of sessions, but one that guarantees individual attention, a real team of professionals whose passion for what they do is evident from the moment one walks in.

For those of you who would like to have a trial session or offer a gift certificate this festive season, Esse Bene is located at Kifissias 330, Halandri. Tel: 210 6984 404. For more details: www.essebene.gr

new

a flavor for more indulging

breakfasts!

Apple Orang & Car e rot

Festive meals Chef Yannis Baxevanis, the culinary consultant at the NJV Athens Plaza, gives succulent tips on creating the perfect Christmas setting for a delightful family meal together.

CHESTNUT CAKE For the chocolate chestnut cream

Beat 8 egg whites with 300 grams of sugar to create a meringue.

Melt 400 grams of 68% chocolate, 100 grams of butter, 100 grams of cream, 100 gr. Bailleys, a bit of vanilla and 2 gms of fleur de sel in a bain-marie.

When the meringue is ready gently mix the meringue with the chocolate cream and add 150 grams of unsweetened chantilly, 250 grams of chopped candied chestnuts and 100 grams of roughly chopped walnuts.

Serve in a glass with grated milk chocolate and icing sugar.

52 insider athens | November & December 2012

Gastronomy

STUFFED TURKEY Ingredients: • 2.5 to 3.5 kgs Turkey

• 2 kgs of small potatoes

• 500 grams of fresh mushrooms • 500 grams of onions (echalottes)

The first thing to do is to create a mushroom-chestnut butter that will line the turkey just under the skin.

Ingredients for the mushroom-chestnut butter • 250 grams of butter • 200 grams of mushrooms

• 300 grams of chestnut • 3 to 4 cloves of garlic

• 1 cup of white wine • Fresh thyme

• Breadcrumbs

• 2 egg yolks

Saut� mushrooms in a little butter and add boiled chestnuts with a little white wine for a few minutes. Wait for the white wine to evaporate and add the mushroom-chestnut mix with a little garlic and thyme into a blender. Add a little bit of butter, a handful of breadcrumbs and 2 egg yolks. Mix well.

Ingredients for the filling • 1 large onion

• 4 to 5 cloves of garlic • 1 kilo minced pork

• 300 grams of chestnuts

• 300 grams of liver • 100 grams of pine nuts

• 150 grams of rice

• 200 grams of mushrooms

• 100 grams of plums • 2 cups cognac

• A little thyme

• Grated cinnamon

• Ground cloves

Saut� onions with garlic in a little oil. Add chopped liver pieces. Pour in 1 cup of cognac and after 5 minutes, take off fire and puree the mixture in a blender. Once cool, add minced pork and whisk slightly with the cold liver puree. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and add boiled chestnuts, chopped pine nuts, dried plums cut in half, chopped, saut�ed mushrooms, uncooked glazed rice, one tablespoon of cinnamon, half a clove, salt, pepper and thyme. Mix well. Add another cup of brandy and a few more sprigs of thyme. Stuff the turkey and sew.

Put the turkey in a large baking tray and bake in oven for 45 minutes at 160 degrees. Add potatoes, mini mushrooms and whole small onions, some oil and a little red wine. Continue roasting, and if necessary cover the turkey with foil, for about an hour.

insider athens | November & December 2012 53

A potent mix of absinthe and mystery

54 insider athens | November & December 2012

Bar review What can you expect of a bar named after the most enigmatic of spirits, absinthe.

Apsendi in Halandri pays homage to the ‘green fairy’ and to master mixologists who have brought untold euphoria (and amnesia, no doubt) to generations of bar-goers.

A

lready ‘the’ destination for cocktail aficionados, owner Thanos Petmeza has now added intrigue and mystery into play at Apsendi.

The accent here is not just on enjoying a good drink but also on concocting one’s own. And that brings us to the Mystery Box Project. Each guest is presented with a mystery box that has nine trays containing nine ingredients – as diverse as star anise to red peppers, gooseberries and ginger – you name it. You choose as many as five ingredients from the box, choose your base alcohol (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey) and indicate the level of sweetness or acidity and hand over the ‘key’ to the bartender who then unlocks the mystery of your signature drink.

The experience is not just interactive, it is practically an education in the art of mixology. Opt for your custom-made cocktail or choose one of the 11 signature cocktails at Apsendi (priced at 9 to 12 euros) or for mini-drops, “which as its name suggests are mini-portions of a large cocktail, for the not-so-brave at heart”, priced at just 5 euros. Trending with the best and coolest, Apsendi also offers six cocktails exclusively created for it by six of the best mixologists in the world.

Not a bar to take its drink lightly, Apsendi comes equipped with all the necessary tools to creating the perfect cocktail. To that end, two cutting-edge ice cube machines from Japan, hoshizaki, that produce block ice – ideal for creating the ultimate frozen drink - grace the bar.

For those into wine, Apsendi stocks an imaginative list of labels from Greek and international vineyards starting at 17 euros a bottle.

While on drink, the food here gets full marks too. Keeping calories and crisis-affected spending in mind, finger food is priced from 50 cents to 2.50 euros a piece and the choice is as eclectic as the cocktail menu. From salmon bruschetta and yakitori chicken, to bistro cuisine dishes such as vegetables & lentils with chorizo sausage or Spanish salad with BBQ pork, avocado, red beans, egg and lime or tataki of beaf served with mayonnaise wasabi, Panagiotis Papnikolaou has sought inspiration from all over the globe. For mains, opt for comfort foods such as zucchini pies or go for the dramatically presented pork with honey, soy and ginger, served in a whole pineapple.

Ideally located at the mid-point between central Athens and the northern suburbs, Apsendi is ideal for business lunches and for corporate events. But above all, it is a great place to hang out with friends. The music and the décor are inviting, it has wi-fi access and it is easy to find parking! The all-day bar opens at 8 and stays open until the last guest dodders out.

Apsendi Mystery Box Project, Kifissias 250-254, Halandri.

Tel 210 6717890

insider athens | November & December 2012 55

RHD

New Filothei, very close to the centre, beautiful and luxurious penthouse 133 m2., breathtaking view all over Athens and the Aegean Sea, built in 2005, bright, minimal architecture, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, big living room, dining room and fully-equipped modern kitchen, independent heating, air-conditioning, fire place, security door, alarm, solar heating, on-site parking, separate storage room 12 m2., green 50m2 balcony with grass, garden and teak deck, only 5 min from metro.

Price: 350.000 euro Contact: +30 6944843777 or yavgerinos@gmail.com

Building was constructed in 1957, consists of 4 apartments, 3 stories high.Roof terrace with bar-b-que, wooden deck and lighting available to all tenants.Terrace has 360 degree of Athens, Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Lycabettus.

Apartment consists of Entrance Hall, Living Room/Dining Room, Full kitchen with built in refrigerator, oven, gas top burners, and dishwasher. There is a double size bedroom, separate walk-in closet, marble bathroom with linen closet and washer/dryer behind partition.

The living room and bedroom have large floor unit air conditioners, the apartment has a burglar alarm system, phones in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room. There are speakers for music in the bedroom and living room. Satellite dish for cable TV is on the roof.

The bedroom has a second phone line which present owner uses for fax/internet connection.

Price: 290,000 euros Contact: 30210 321 4297 or reneedpappas@gmail.com

for rent/sale

for sale

for sale

Classifieds

Luxury apartment on Herod Atticus A fully renovated, spacious 292 sq. mt apartment on the exclusive Herod Atticus street available for rent. Located on the 1st floor, the apartment has three bedrooms with two bathrooms of which the master bedroom has its own en suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, study, large living room with marble fireplace and parquet flooring, guest bathroom, and service areas including a separate maid’s room with bathroom and a laundry room.

For more information, email: silikidi@hotmail.com

56 insider athens | November & December 2012

Insider guide refer to corresponding area for more information and contact details

restaurant index by type AMERICAN JACKSON HALL Kolonaki TGI FRIDAY’S Kolonaki

ARGENTINEAN ORO TORO Vouliagmeni

ASIAN Far East Glyfada Golden Phoenix Halandri Wagamama Maroussi

BAR - RESTAURANTS Apsendi Halandri BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq Eclipse Kolonaki KITCHEN BAR Faliro & Halandri FRAME Kolonaki GINGER Mavili Sq ISLAND Vouliagmeni NIXON Kerameikos SEMIRAMIS RESTAURANT Kifissia SHOWROOM Kolonaki

FISH RESTAURANTS Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus ITHAKI Vouliagmeni JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia Kollias Syngrou LA PECHE Glyfada MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni PAPADAKIS Kolonaki PLOUS PODILATOU Piraeus Psaroma Halandri THALATTA Gazi TO VAROULKO Kerameikos ZEFYROS Piraeus

FISH TAVERNAS Almyra Halandri DOURAMBEIS Piraeus Ichthyes Kifissia KOLLIAS Piraeus MAISTRALI Vouliagmeni PSARAKI Vouliagmeni TRATA O STELIOS Pangrati VASSILENAS Piraeus

FRENCH L’ABREUVOIR Kolonaki LE PETIT SOMMELIER Faliro SPONDI Pangrati TARTARE Glyfada VARDIS Kifissia

GOURMET Bo Botrini’s Halandri KUZINA Thissio Eclipse Kolonaki Fuga Mavili Square Funky Gourmet Kerameikos P-Box Kolonaki Polly Magoo Metaxurgeio PremiEre Syngrou

GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka ATHIRI Kerameikos Berdema Kifissia CUCINA POVERA Pangrati DAKOS Kolonaki DIPORTO Psyrri EDODI Acropolis FASOLI Exarhia IDEAL Omonia KARAVITIS Pangrati KAVOURAS Exarhia MANI MANI Acropolis PLATANOS Plaka PROSOPA Gazi TO KOUTI Monastiraki YANTES Exarhia YDRIA Plaka

GRILL 1920 Halandri Meat Square Glyfada & Halandri Meatropoleos 3 Syntagma Telemachos Barbeque Club Kifissia

INDIAN Indian Kitchen Syntagma Indian Masala Thissio ISKANDAR Alimos JAIPUR PALACE Maroussi

INTERNATIONAL Ache Glyfada Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis Kifissia

ITALIAN AGLIO OLIO Acropolis ACQUA AZZURA Kifissia AL BACIO Vouliagmeni AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni AL MILANESE Kolonaki ALTRO Kolonaki BOSCHETTO Kolonaki CANTUCCIO Psyrri DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi DVLCIS IN FVNDO Voula GENOVESE Voula LA CASA DI GIORGINO Gyfada IL SEGRETO Voula Il Tinello Faliro Mauzac Maroussi Matilde Pizza Bar Gazi MEZZA LUNA Vouliagmeni MULTI 22 Syntagma Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Pausa Maroussi Piazza Mela Kifissia, Novo Romantico di Antonio Halandri SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki TONY BONANO Piraeus VINCENZO Glyfada

JAPANESE COO Kolonaki DOSIRAK Syntagma FAR EAST Syntagma

FREUD ORIENTAL Kolonaki FURIN KAZAN Syntagma GOLDEN PHOENIX Kifissia INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni NOODLE BAR Syntagma SHOGUN Kifissia Square Sushi Kolonaki KOL TUV Monastiraki

LEBANESE BEIRUT Glyfada NARA NARA Psyrri NARGILE Kifissia

Aneton Maroussi

ROOFTOP DINING

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB

MEDITERRANEAN Alatsi Hilton Apla Kifissia BEREKET Glyfada BRACHERA Monastiraki BYZANTINE RESTAURANT Hilton CAFE AVYSSINIAS Monastiraki CAFE BOHEME Kolonaki CAFE TABAC Vouliagmeni Common Secret Kifissia DalI Halandri DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT Plaka DORIS Monastiraki FATSIO Pangrati GB CORNER Syntagma GRILL ROOM Vouliagmeni HYTRA Plaka IDEAL RESTAURANT Omonia KITRINO PODILATO Gazi KOUZINA CINE-PSIRRI Psyrri MAGEMENOS AVLOS Pangrati Mauzac Kifissia MEIDANIS Monastiraki OCHRE & BROWN Psyrri Olio by Portofino Ag. Paraskevi PARLIAMENT Syntagma PRYTANEION Kolonaki PSARAKI Vouliagmeni RATKA Kolonaki TA KIOUPIA Kolonaki TO KOUTI Monastiraki ZEPHYROS Piraeus ZORBAS Piraeus

MEXICAN

RETRO

ELECTRA Plaka GALAXY BAR Hilton IOANNIS Syntagma LE GRAND BALCON Kolonaki ORIZONTES LYKAVYTTOU Kolonaki ST’ASTRA Mavili Sq

KOSHER

AMIGOS Glyfada DOS HERMANOS Kifissia EL TACO BUENO Maroussi Santa Fe Halandri

PUB RESTAURANTS BAYERN BIERHAUS MICROBREWERY Glyfada BEER ACADEMY glyfada MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada

BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissia KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki KILIZA Glyfada NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni SIGALAS-BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki Tike Kifissia

SPANISH Barceloneta Kifissia PUERTA DE ESPANA Pangrati SALERO Exarhia

TAVERNAS FILIPOU Kolonaki LOUIZIDIS Vouliagmeni MAMACAS Gazi Meat Me Kifissia O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas Kifissia SKOUFIAS Exarhia VLASSIS Hilton

THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia

VEGETARIAN Avocado Syntagma

WINE BARS L’Enoteca Halandri Whispers of wine Maroussi

Westin Kids Club

MEZEDES AND OUZO ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka

MULTI ETHNIC Altamira Kolonaki

POLYNESIAN

Register Now!

210.890.2000

KONA KAI Syngrou

insider athens | November & December 2012 57

Insider guide SHOP Gifts Greece is for Lovers

Peperonicino

Porinou 13 , Tel: 210.921.1801 Authentic Italian pasta in a cozy setting, accompanied by luscious salads and homemade dolci

Prosopa

Valtetsiou 51, Tel: 210.381.3358 Spanish and mediterranean cuisine in the heart of Exarhia

Meg. Vasiliou 52 & Konstantinoupoleos 4 Tel: 210.341.3433, Delicious dishes in a warm atmosphere right beside the train tracks. A popular gay haunt.

Lontou 4, Tel: 210.382.8206 Exceptional entrees you are unlikely to find elsewhere

Yantes

Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

Valtetsiou 44, Tel: 210.330.1369 Modern Greek cuisine prepared with organic ingredients. 20 Euros per person

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges

SHOP Syllektiko Paleopolio Asklipiou 41, Tel: 210.364.1718 Antiques of all sorts and restoration services

Vinyl Microstore Didotou 34, Tel: 210.361.4544 New vinyls & cds; also reissues from the 60s & more

Yesterday's Bread Kallidromiou 87-89, Tel: 210.881.1233 Imported second-hand clothes; individuality guaranteed

DRINK Circus Bar Navarinou 11, Tel: 210.361.5255 Attracts a hip and happening crowd in a cozy space

Ginger Ale

Fasoli Emanouil Benaki 45 , Tel: 210.330.0010 A great meal in an uplifting environment

Kavouras Themistokleous 64, Tel: 210.381.0202 Dine while enjoying live Rebetika music

Andronikou 4, Tel: 210.342.4994 A staple of Athenian nightlife

Grande Dame

Arahovas 56 & Themistokleous Tel: 210.383.5811, One of the oldest summer cinemas in Athens is a picturesque place for a retro-tinged drink

EAT Persefonis 19, Tel: 210.341.3440 Traditional psistaria serving grilled meat dishes

Mamacas Persefonis 41, Tel: 210.346.4984 Modern taverna located in an old barrel warehouse offering traditional Greek fare

Matilde Pizza Bar

Veikou 80 , Tel: 210.921.3013 Fresh ingredients presented at your table, then cooked to perfection

Constantinoupoleos 44, Tel: 210 3411878 Authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy setting

Mani Mani

Kitrino Podilato

58 insider athens | November & December 2012

Barouge

Vox

Beles 1 and Androutsou Tel: 210.924.7655 Raisin bread, almond shortbread, yummy cookies & tasty loaves

Falirou 10. Tel: 210.921.8180 Peloponnesian specialities with Mediterranean touches

Triptolemou 12, Tel: 210.347.4763 Lounge in a modern atmosphere while listening to music from around the world

Dirty Ginger

Asimenia Bakery

Edodi

Almaz

Themistokleous 74, Tel: 210.330.1246 Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee in a retro pop atmosphere

Butcher’s Shop

EAT

Mani Mani

Thalatta

Keramikou 116, Tel: 210.346.5830 Mediterranean cuisine in a modern industrial atmosphere

Triptolemou 46, Tel: 210.342.3809 Excellent cocktails Persefonis 23, Tel: 210.341.6412 Chic bar serving elaborate champagne cocktails

Nipiagogeio Elasidon & Kleanthous 8 Tel: 210.345.8534, For late-night dancing to funky electronic music

Villa Mercedes Andronikou & Tzaferi 11 Tel: 210.342.2380 Mega club ideal for all-night dancing

Live Greek Music Athinon Arena Pireos 166, Tel: 210.347.1111 The latest in live Greek music acts

Hilton

Aglio Olio &

Salero

Gazi

EAT

Central Athens

Skoufias

Exarhia

Karyatidon 13A Tel: 210.924.5064 www.greeceisforlovers.com Tongue-in-cheek souvenirs for the discerning traveller

Ilias Lalaounis museum

Acropolis

Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

EAT Alatsi Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

Byzantine Restaurant

Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1400 Traditional Greek recipes with a Mediterranean twist

Central Athens

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr To Varoulko

Marie Chantal Boutique

Elina Lebessi

Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.724.4400 Simply prepared local flavours.

Guaranteed value for money

Pireos 80, Tel: 210.522.8400 Seafood prepared by Michelin star-winning chef Lefteris Lazarou

Spefsippou 11, Tel: 210.722.2029 Old-fashioned chic for little princes and princesses

Iraklitou 13, Tel: 210.363.1731 Ethereal frocks, pretty tea-dresses and accessories from around the world

Safka

Mouyer

Ermenegildo Zegna

Megalou Alexandrou 80-82.tel: 210 524 3340

Kanari 8, Tel: 210.361.7714 Good-quality orthopaedic shoes as well as funkier styles

Skoufa 18, Tel: 210.361.3700 Home of fine fabrics and handsome tailor-finished suits

Milos Garden

Vlassis Neandrou 15, Tel: 210.646.3060 & 210.725.6335, Family-run taverna serving traditional Greek food

DRINK Galaxy Bar Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1402 Rooftop cocktails in a chic atmosphere

Kolonaki

Milos

SHOP

Fashion

Antiques

Atelier Loukia

Kilim Hali Valaoritou 9 Tel: 210.363.7056 www.kilimhali.gr Antique carpets from around the world

Beauty & Cosmetics

Anagnostopoulou 15-17 Tel: 210.364.5518, Made-to-measure suits and shirts from top international tailors

Voukourestiou 50 Tel: 210.364.1308 A haven of hip, carrying labels from Balenciaga to Martin Margiela to Marlene Birger

Giorgio Armani Koumbari 8, Tel: 210.361.3603 Suit- and dress-maker to the stars

Hugo Boss Amerikis 19, Tel: 210.360.0516 Smart separates for a work wardrobe

Incrocio Kanari 8, Tel: 210.362.7768 Menswear from Armani, Boss and Allen Edmonds brogues

Kalogirou Patriarchou Ioakim 4, Tel: 210.335.6401 Fetish footwear from Prada, Tod's & Casadei

Children Bambineria Kanari 5, Tel: 210.339.2597 Designer togs for tots

Frattina Kanari 21, Tel: 210.360.4481 Casual clothing and gifts for kids

Chatzigiani Mexi 4 Tel: 210.724.4425

Bespoke Athens

Solonos 26 Tel: 210.364.0560 Shop natural Greek cosmetics, get a prescription cream made up and have a quick massage

Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club

Olive Tree Spa

Kanari 24, Tel: 210.362.7334 Fairytale dresses in lace and embroidery from Greece's doyenne designer

Apivita

CHILL Hilton, Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1801 Indoor and outdoor pools

Free Shop

Jack in the Box Haritos 13, Tel: 210.725.8735 Beautiful wooden toys and more

Bespoke Athens

Carouzos Kanari 12, Tel: 210.362.7123 Designer items from Prada, Brioni, Donna Karan, Fendi and other top-flight brands

Kerameikos

Coach

EAT Funky Gourmet Paramythias 13 and Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior

Athiri

Tsakalof 28, Tel: 210.362.5669 Leather totes and luggage in easy American style

Deux Hommes Kanari 18, Tel: 210.361.4155 Greece's design ambassadors create structural separates and heavenly bridal gowns. www.deuxhommes.gr

Plataion 15, Tel: 210.346.2983 Greek & Mediterranean cuisine in beautiful surroundings

Diesel

Nixon

Voukourestiou 18-20, Tel: 210 361.3014 High-end designer fashion

Agisilaou 61B, Tel: 210.346.2077 Burgers, a private cinema & an artsy crowd. Open for brunch on Sundays at noon

Skoufa 3, Tel: 210.362.2748 A treasure trove of denim, and all the hip accoutrements to go with it

Dior Boutique

DKNY Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear

insider athens | November & December 2012 59

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

La Perla

Preview

Spefsippou 14, Tel: 210.729.9720 Lingerie to flaunt

Patriarchou Ioakim 19 Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes

Lacoste Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear

Lanvin Iraklitou 9 Tel: 210.360.8315 Alber Elbaz's gloriously chic take on the classic French couture house

Linea Piu Sekeri 6, Tel: 210 360.6125 Collections from exclusive fashion houses including Chanel, Galliano, Lagerfeld and Sonia Rykiel

Luisa Skoufa 15, Tel: 210.363.5600 Designer emporium stocked with Chloe, Roberto Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Missoni & more

Marc by Marc Jacobs Xanthou 3, Tel: 210.363.6030 Budget knick-knacks and must-have casuals from America's fashion hero

Nike Tsakalof 34, Tel: 210.363.6188 Trainers, tracksuits and other swoosh-marked sports paraphernalia

Puma Concept Kanari 17, Tel: 210.361.0516 International sportswear for all ages

Rere Papa Skoufa 62, Tel: 210.364.4300 Distinctive creations by two young Greek women and other international imports

Thalassa Collection Patriarchou Ioakim 30-32 Tel: 210.725.8525 Original silk designs for scarves, ties, shawls & blouses

Home Christofle Koumbari 5, Tel: 210.362.0483 Classis silver and crystal ideal for wedding gifts

La Fenetre Irodotou 21, Tel: 210.723.5029 Elegant objects and sophisticated gifts for the house, mostly from France

Parousiasi Patriarchou Ioakim 33, Tel: 210.723.7656, A range of international brands in crystal, china and other eye-catching homeware accessories

Jewellery

Vlassis Holevas

Apriati

Anagnostopoulou 19 Tel: 210.361.6167, Elegant fashion with a contemporary twist

Pindarou 29, Tel: 210.360.7878 Smartly designed necklaces, bracelets and rings

Elena Votsi

Flowers Fleria Patriarchou Ioakim 35 Tel: 210.722.9697

Xenokratous 25, Tel: 210.721.3175 Browser-friendly cava with helpful service

Eclipse

Solonos 9, Tel: 210.364.6910 The ultimate fashion store www.attitudes.gr

Vas. Sofias & Koumbari Tel: 210.367.1045, Artefacts and jewellery inspired by the museum’s exhibits

Paul & Shark

Liana Vourakis

Anagnostopoulou 6, Tel: 210.339.2334 Casual yachting styles

Pindarou 42, Tel. 2103617705

60 insider athens | November & December 2012

Al Milanese Xenokratous 49, Tel: 210.729.4111 Authentic Italian cuisine for the discerning

Altamira (Multi-ethnic) Tsakalof 36A, Tel: 210 361 4695 Flavours of multiethnic cuisine

Altro

Evangelismos Park, Tel: 210.721.0893 Italian food in a lush central setting

Coo

Anagnostopoulou 26-8 Tel: 210.362.2564 For unique baptism and wedding gifts, start here

Dinokratous 1, Tel: 210.725.4008 A Mykonos favourite now in Athens

Dakos

Lylian Syrigou

Tsakalof 6, Tel: 210.894.7040 New-age Cretan specialties

Magia

Benaki Museum Gift Shop

Restaurants

Liana Vourakis

Octopus

Observatory Attitudes

Kriezotou 12, Tel: 210.364.2948/ Loukianou 21, Tel: 210.729.3453 Desserts and cakes

Cafe Boheme

Gadgets

Gifts

Fresh

Tsakalof 6 & Solonos 25 Tel: 210.323.0739, Greece's highstreet export stocks affordable watches and everyday bijoux

Anagnostopoulou 12, Tel: 210.361.3350 Handcrafted bijoux and one-off designer pieces. www.liliansyrigou.gr

Solonos 15, Tel: 210.363 6677 Quirky designs with a sense of humour

Irodotou 15, Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more

Boschetto

Folli Follie

Wine Garage

Cake

Fanourakis

Cava Anthidis

Karneadou 20, Tel: 210.724.5143 Quality picks from the world’s best vineyards; including Greek labels

Bakeries & Patisseries

Haritos 39, Tel: 210.724.2717 Tiny funky restaurant that specializes in Italian food

Food & Wine

Kylix

EAT

Xanthou 7, Tel: 210.360.0936 Conversation-starting pieces in gold and stone Patriarchou Ioakim 23 Tel: 210.721.1762, Unique collection of animal and insect pins & earrings

Ypsilantou 13-15, Tel: 210.725.1050 Comprehensive wine and liquor wholesalers

Central Athens

Haritos 18, Tel: 210.724.0697 Ileana Makri's silver jewellery amid eclectic pieces from New York

Oxette Skoufa 37, Tel: 210.339.0547 Trendy, affordable jewellery

Omirou 36, Tel: 210.360.8018 Welcoming nook with Greek cooking and more-ish cocktails

Eclipse (Bar restaurant) Alopekis 21, Tel: 210 364 1545 Fabulous cocktails and creative Mediterranean cuisine by Yiannis Baxevannis

Filipou Xenokratous 19, Tel: 210.721.6390 Home-cooked Greek taverna dishes

Frame

Skoufa 30, Tel: 210.364.2139 Greek silver fashion jewellery

St George Lycabettus Hotel Dinokratous, Tel: 210.721.4368 Exotic cuisine in the heart of Athens

Van Cleef & Arpels

Freud Oriental

Ozzi

Voucourestiou 1, Tel: 210.331.0319 The jeweller of the international jetset

Xenokratous 21, Tel: 210.729.9595 Sushi in a cool setting

Central Athens

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Ouzadiko

Ta Kioupia

Ten

Karneadou 25-26, Tel: 210.729.5484 Traditional Greek appetizers & ouzo

Dinokratous & An Polemou 22 Tel: 210.740.0150 Superb set menu of Greek and Continental classics with refined touches

Ploutarhou 10, Tel: 210.321.7836 One of the most popular hot spots in town

Papadakis Fokilidou 15 & Voukourestiou 47A Tel: 210.360.8621 Paros' legendary gourmet restaurant serving seafood in the heart of Athens

For Creative Cuisine

P-BOX Haritos 24, Periscope hotel Tel: 210 7298556, Simple ingredients, special flavours in a setting designed

by Theodore Zoumboulakis

TGI Friday’s Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq.

Tel: 210.623.3945 American restaurant with real steak and barbecue sauce for casual dining!

W Kanari 24, Tel: 697.270.0712 Private seating areas, speciality cocktails & exclusives events

Cafés Da Capo Tsakalof 1, Tel: 210.243.3902 Long-established people-watching hangout

www.lachocolatiere.gr

Peros Kolonaki Square, Tel: 210.364.5068 Enjoy a cup of java if you can find a spot

Inbi

Tea

Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion

To Tsai Soutsou & Likavitou, Tel: 210.338.8941 Tea & tea paraphernalia from around the world

Jackson Hall Milioni 4, Tel: 210.361.6098 Gourmet burgers with all the fixings Ploutarhou 32, Tel: 210.721.8800 Souvlakia on the sidewalk have never been so trendy

Kiku Dimokritou 12, Tel: 210.364.7033 Fresh, beautifully presented sushi

Prytaneion Milioni 7, Tel: 210.364.3353 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

Ratka Haritos 32, Tel: 210.729.0746 Popular haunt of the rich and almost famous, with cosmopolitan cuisine

Sale e Pepe Aristipou 34, Tel: 210.723.4102 Authentic Italian trattoria

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Central

Kolonaki Square, Tel: 210.724.5938 The place to see & be seen while sipping on coffee or cocktails

Mai Tai Ploutarhou 18, Tel: 210.725.8306 Early evening cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere

Mavili Sq

Kalamaki Kolonaki

DRINK Balthazar Tsoha 27, Tel: 210.644.1215 Lovely garden and chic interior attracts a cool crowd

Baraonda Tsoha 43, Tel: 210.644.4308 Gourmet cuisine and funky beats

Briki Dorileou 6, Mavili sq.

Tel: 210.654.2380 Trendy hole-in-the-wall hangout

Flower Dorileou 2, Mavili sq.

Tel: 210.643.2111, Fun, funky and affordable watering hole

Scala Vinoteca L'Abreuvoir Xenokratous 51, Tel: 210.722.9106 Fine French cuisine

Le Grand Balcon St George Lycabettus Hotel, Kleomenous 2, Tel: 210.729.0711 Gourmet Greek cuisine

Orizontes Lycavyttou Lycabettus Hill, Tel: 210.722.7065 Gourmet dining with a spectacular view

Sina 50, Tel: 210.361.0041 Mediterranean restaurant ideal for wining & dining

Showroom Milioni 12, Tel: 210.364.6460 Missoni-designed interiors, serving unique Mediterranean flavours

Square Sushi Deinokratous 65, Tel: 210.725.5236 High-quality sushi & other Japanese favourites

20% Off! Cut this coupon & avail

of 20% off on all exclusive brands at Sephora’s stores in Greece.

insider athens | November & December 2012 61

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Central Athens

Avissynias 3, Tel: 210.321.7202 Traditional Greek recipes with a European twist overlooking the Acropolis & Observatory

Café Avyssinias Kynetou 7, Tel: 210.321.7407 Spcializing in regional dishes & live music on weekends

Doris Praxitelous 30, Tel: 210.323.2671 Hearty stews & pasta dishes at reasonable prices

Meïdanis Sokratous 3 & Evripidou Tel: 210.324.9073, A menu that is sure to please with speciality oven dishes

Savvas

Fuga Vas.Sofias & Kokkali 1, Tel: 210 724 2979 Italian inspired menu by chef Andrea Berton at the Athens Concert Hall

Ginger Dorileou 10-12, Tel: 210.645.1169 Original dishes and innovative combinations in an elegant atmosphere

St’Astra

Metaxurgeio

Alexadras 10, Tel: 210.889.4500 For an unforgettable roof-top dining experience

EAT Polly Maggoo Leonidou 80 & Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 1120 Gourmet cuisine in a post-modern and industrial setting.

New hot spot for the trendy

Tamarind Thai Kitchen, Address: Kerameikou 51, Metaxourgeio. Tel: 210 5225 945

Cosmetics Korres Ivikou 8 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.722.2774 Natural Greek products made using Mediterranean herbs

EAT

Evforionos 13 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.756.6008, Greek cuisine with a menu that changes daily

Fatsio

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

Karavitis

Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip

Antiques

Monastiraki Sq. 2, Tel: 210.321.3036 Century-old restaurant serving a variety of fresh dishes

Darousos

Arktinou & Pausaniou Tel: 210.721.5155 Classic Greek cuisine in a dining room lined with wine casks

Souvlaki Bar

Magemenos Avlos

SHOP

Normanou 7 Tel: 210.331.1638 Small antique shop in the heart of the flea market

Adrianou 7 & Thisiou 15, Tel: 210 5150550

Thanassis

Food & Wine

Mitropoleos 69, Tel: 210.324.4705 A souvlaki lover’s paradise

Arapian

To Kouti

Evripidou 41, Tel: 210.321.7238 Old-style butcher shop offers interesting sausages, pasturma & smoked meats

Bahar

Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven

Miran Evripidou 45, Tel: 210.321.7187 Sausages, pastrami & cured meats

Paleovivliopolio Hiotakis Normanou 7 Tel: 210.324.7835 Historic bookshop houses rare & old books

EAT Bairaktaris Monastiraki Square 2 Tel: 210.321.3036 Old-world taverna serving traditional Greek fare

62 insider athens | November & December 2012

Beauty &

Cucina Povera

Mitropoleos 86, Tel: 210.321.9919 Gyros & Middle Eastern dishes like pastourmali

Adrianou 23, Tel: 210.321.3229 Mediterranean fare right next to the ancient agora

DRINK Orea Ellas

Amynta 4, Tel: 210.722.3195 Mediterranean fare, welcoming decor & generous servings

Puerta de Espana Antinoros 42, Tel: 210.725.8666 Spanish cuisine & live music

Spondi Pyrronos 5, Tel: 210.756.4021 A mix of European & more exotic flavours. Voted one of the best in Athens

Pandrosou 36, Tel: 210.321.3842 An eclectic cafe & bookshop

Omonia

EAT

Monastiraki

Fuga

SHOP

Pangrati

Brachera

SHOP Department Stores Hondos Center Omonia Square, Tel: 210.528.2800 Cosmetics, perfumes, luggage, clothing, & much, much more

EAT Ideal Restaurant

Panepistimiou 46, Tel: 210.330.3000 Greek classics in old-world decor

Athinaikon

Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

Spondi

Trata o Stelios Anagenniseos Sq. 7-9, Tel: 210.729.1533 The best grilled fish in town

Central Athens

Plaka

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr SHOP

Home

Antique

Notoshome

stores

Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home décor superstore

Maritinos Pandrosou 50 Tel: 210.321.2414 Specializes in 19th Century folk art, embroidery & furniture

Food & wine

EAT Cantuccio Lepeniotou & Ivis 1 Tel: 210.323.3670 Authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly environment

Diporto

Nikis 52, Tel: 210.322.9146 Packaged & fresh speciality foods

Theatrou & Sokratous Tel: 210.321.1463 Old-world tavern offers bargain basics like salads, sardines & fava

Gifts

Gostijo

Mesogaia

Amorgos Kodrou 3, Tel: 210.324.3836 Hand-carved & painted furniture

EAT

Gadgets

Eleftheroudakis

Public

Sari 44, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music

Panepistimiou 17, Tel: 210.325.8440 The largest foreign language bookstore in Greece

Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.324.6210, Five floors of gaming, gadgets & books

Nara Nara

Kauffman

Kouzina Cine-Psirri

Karaiskaki 26, Tel: 210.331.2091 Lebanese food & dancing

2 Mazi Nikis 48, Tel: 210.322.2839 Creative gourmet dishes that change monthly

Daphne’s Restaurant Lysikratous 4, Tel: 210.322.7971 Refined classic Greek dishes in a resplendent atmosphere

Ochre & Brown

Nikodimou 18-20, Tel: 210.337.0000 Roof-top dining with Greek cuisine

Gifts

Stadiou 28, Tel: 210.322.2160 Mostly French books and small selection of English fiction

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

Department Stores

DRINK

Panepistimiou 9, Tel: 211.180.2600 Home to an array of luxury goods

Bars, Clubs & Lounges Soul

Electra

Evripidou 65, Tel: 210.331.0907 Show off your groovy disco moves

Scholarheio Tripodon 14, Tel: 210.324.1605 A traditional tray taverna with old fashioned decor & prices

Ydria Adrianou 68 & Eolou Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

SHOP

Syntagma

Diogenous 4, Tel: 210.322.0666 One of the few remaining tavernas preserving 1940s Athens

Fokas Stadiou 41, Tel: 210.325.7770 Clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women & children

Fashion

Accessories

Ermou 45, Tel: 210.324.7732 Outlet store featuring brands from Parousiasi, Cook Shop & Bag Stories

Bag Stories

Fashion - Men’s

SHOP

Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.323.7405 Luggage & travel bags by Tumi, Porsche Design, Rimowa & Delsey

Antiques Antiqua Vassilis Amalias 2-4, Tel: 210.323.2220 One of the oldest antique stores in Athens

Christoforos Kotentos

Beauty & Cosmetics

Sachtouri 3, Tel: 210.325.5434 Glamorous & unique designs

MAC Ermou 44, Tel: 210.325.8260 International cosmetic brand for women who like to play with colour

Argalios Filellinon 7, Tel: 210.322.2659 Hand-woven fabrics & souvenirs since 1940

Graf Von Faber-Castell Boutique

Attica

Stock House & Travel

Platanos

Psyrri

Books

Aisopou 10 street , Tel: 210 32 33 825

Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.321.8564 Traditional hand-held writing utensils

Kori Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery

Psarros 1917 Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.322.0908 Executive gifts and smoking accessories

Home Baccarat

Pagoni Akadimias 61, Tel: 210.363.9277 Selling ties and cufflinks since 1933

Voukourestiou 21, Tel: 210.362.2863 Fine crystal from the venerable French luxury house

Flowers

Jewellery

Dromoloulouda

Apriati

Voulis 15, Tel: 210.323.2321 Specializing in arrangements with wild flowers, many indigenous to Greece

Pentelis 9 & Mitropoleos, Tel: 210.322.9020 Smartly designed necklaces, bracelets and rings

Bulgari

Food & Wine Aristokratikon Karageorgi Servas 9, Tel: 210.322.0546 Handmade chocolates

Cellier Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop

Voukourestiou 8, Tel: 210.324.7118 Opulent designs in jewellery, watches & accessories

Cartier Voukourestiou 7, Tel: 210.331.3600 Two floors of designs & timepieces by the prestigious Cartier maison

insider athens | November & December 2012 63

Insider guide Gofas

Vassilis Zoulias Old Athens

Parliament

Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.331.7540 High-end timepieces

Akadimias 30, Tel: 210.361.4762 Handmade shoes and handbags inspired by films of the 50s & 60s

Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 International cuisine with Mediterranean accents

Ilias Lalaounis

EAT

Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

Kessaris

Avocado

DRINK

Panepistimiou 7, Tel: 210.323.2919 Wide range of luxury brand timepieces

Nikis 30, Tel: 210 3237878 Vegetarian restaurant

Cellier Le Bistrot

Boutique

Marathianakis

Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.363.8525 Excellent dishes accompany the extensive list of international wines

Explorer’s Lounge

Zolotas

Stadiou 2 & Vas. Georgiou 210.325.0555 Legendary time pieces and jewellery.

Paul

Panepistimiou 6, Tel: 210.361.1371 Fabulous gold designs by famous Greek jeweller

Voukourestiou 21, Tel: 210.362.7118 Old-world shop known for its original & elegant designs

Chopard

Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.360.1272 Designs inspired by the antique & classical periods as well as contemporary collections by designers like Paloma Picasso

Shoes

Folli Follie

Spiliopoulos

Ermou 18, Tel: 210.323.0739 Trendy & affordable jewellery & accessories

Ermou 63, Tel: 210.322.7590 Pick up a pair of Manolo’s at half price!

Dosirak Voulis 31-33, Tel: 210.323.3330 Japanese & Korean cuisine in the heart of Athens

Far East Stadiou 7, Tel: 210.323.4996 A mix of Asian cuisines in elegant surroundings

Furin Kazan Apollonos 2, Tel: 210.322.9170 A Japanese favourite of expats & Athenians alike

GB Corner Hotel Grand Bretagne Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.333.0750 Luxurious surroundings, Mediterranean cuisine

Eat

See

The concierge of the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma Square recommends:

Club

Central Athens

New: Greek Festival 2012: Theatre: BERLINER ENSEMBLE, Robert Wilson / Claus Peymann Classic: Acropolis Alternative: Theocharakis Foundation or the Onassis Cultural Centre New: Funky Gourmet Restaurant, Michelin star restaurant, Paramithias 13 & Salaminos, Keramikos Classic: GB Corner, Greek Brasserie (www.gbcorner.gr) Undeniably the most famous “corner” of Athens,GB Corner is a favorite setting for the capital’s most stylish set.

Alternative: Spondi Restaurant, French Cuisine 2 Michelin stars, Pironos 5, Pagrati New: B.E.D. Balux Classic: Villa Mercedes Alternative: Gazarte

64 insider athens | November & December 2012

Bars, Clubs & Lounges Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, 210.335.2400, Magnificent cocktails and live jazz in an intimate atmosphere

Kalua Amerikis 6, Tel: 210.360.8304 Dance the night away in a chic environment

Oinoscent Address: Voulis 44A Syntagma. tel: 210 3229 374 Trandy winebar

Tasaki Bar Miltiadou 19, Tel: 210 3310666

T Palace King George Palace Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.322.2210 Great for mingling & people-watching

CHILL GB Spa

Indian Kitchen

Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.333.0799 Award-winning spa featuring treatments by E’SPA, Valmont & Algoane

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210 3237720

Holmes Place

Ioannis Royal Olympic Hotel Ath. Diakou 28-34, Tel: 210.928.8400 Greek & Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views from the rooftop

Meatropoleos 3 Mitropoleos 3, Tel: 210 3241805 Modern greek grill restaurant

Multi 22 Ermou 116 & Leokoriou Tel: 210.331.6766 Italian fare served in a neoclassical house

Noodle Bar Apollonos 11, Tel: 210.331.8585 A congenial place to drop in for a quick noodle fix

Stadiou 4 & Voukourestiou Tel: 210.325.9400, Fully equipped health club with excellent array of classes

The Palace Spa Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.374.3590 Ideal for rejuvenation after a long flight or a hectic bout of shopping

Syngrou

Zolotas pendant in gold with diamonds

Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

EAT Peacock Hotel Hera, Falirou 9, Tel: 210 923 6682 Traditional food with breathtaking Acropolis views

Kollias Syngrou Ave. 303 Tel: 210 940 8620 Excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Southern & Northern Athens

AiNikolas

Plous Podilatou

DRINK

Food & Wine

Syngrou Ave. 156, Tel: 210 923 2918 Original seafood dishes, fresh ingredients and simple elegant interior

Ak. Koumoundourou 42 Tel: 210.413.7910 Sumptuous seafood & mouth-watering deserts on the waterfront

Big Apple South

All about Whisky

Tony Bonano

Zinc

Papanastasiou 63, Tel: 210.411.1901 Italian cuisine with a view of the harbour

“Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music

Athens Ledra Marriott, Syngrou Ave. 115, Tel: 210 930 0000 Polynesian, Teppanyaki and Sushi cuisine in an original luxury setting

Café Zoe Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93 Casual dining and terrific buffets for lunch and on Sundays Tel: 210 920 6655

Première

Thissio

Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel : 210 920 6981 Gourmet cuisine with splendid views

EAT Indian Masala (Indian) Ermou 129, Tel: 210 321 9412 Amazing Indian food at affordable price in a pleasant environment

Kirki Apostoplou Pavlou 31 Tel: 210.346.6960 Ideal for a lunch break

Kuzina Adrianou 9, Tel: 210.324.0133 Inspired traditional recipes in a cozy arty environment

Vassilenas Etolikou 72 & Vitolion Tel: 210.461.2457 Friendly food and atmosphere

Zefyros Ak. Koumoundourou 48 Tel: 210.417.5152 Fresh seafood on the quay

Zorbas Ak. Koumoundourou 14 Tel: 210.411.1163 Unique flavours of the Mediterranean

Zythos Eleftherias 45, Tel: 210.985.0478 Reminiscent of an Irish pub with several beers to choose from

Glyfada

Kona Kai

Posidonos 1, Tel: 210.948.5190 Casual cocktails in a modern atmosphere

Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

EAT

Books

Kyprou 65A, Tel: 210.898.3167 Mexican flavours in a friendly setting

Eleftheroudakis

Bayern Bierhaus Microbrewery

Lazaraki 27, Tel: 210.325.8440 Book superstore with a large selection of English titles

Chr. Nezer 19, Tel: 210.894.4439 Authentic German cuisine

Fashion Enny di Monaco

Istioploikos

Provence

Amigos

SHOP

Laodikis 41, Tel: 210.894.0153 Carefully selected designs by various international designers

DRINK

Vas. Georgiou B' 10 Tel: 210.968.1191, Specialty shop with a large selection of single malts, books, & anything to do with whisky

Beer Academy N. Zerva 14, Tel: 210.898.0121 International cuisine in a cozy setting

Beirut Saki Karayiorya 13, Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

Ak. Microlimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084 One of the hip places to see and be seen with a rooftop bar overlooking the yachting marina

Katafigio Ak. Koumoundourou 4 Tel: 210.413.1612 Club, cafe & beer house

EAT Captain John's Ak. Koumoundourou 16A, Tel: 210.417.7589 Traditional seafood

Dourambeis Ak. Protopsalti 29, Tel: 210.412.2092 Classic fish taverna

Jimmy and The Fish

Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084.

Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada

Kollias Plastira 3, Tel: 210.462.9620 Excellent seafood but difficult to find; reserve on weekends

Faliro

Piraeus

SOUTHERN ATHENS EAT Il Tinello Knossou 54, Tel: 210.982.8462 Real Italian home cooking

Iskandar

Amphitheas 6 & Poseidonos Tel: 210.988.6474 Authentic Indian cuisine

Kitchen Bar

Obervatory Attitudes A. Panagouli 17, Tel: 210.894.2113 The ultimate fashion store www.attitudes.gr

Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

Jewellery

Le Petit Sommelier

ZerTeo

Zaimi 6, Tel: 210.984.2344 French cuisine & excellent wine list

Metaxa 24-26, Tel: 210.894.6682 Unique jewellery designs

Bereket Mikras Asias & Lefkosias 36 Tel: 210.960.9337 Traditional dishes from Asia Minor

Cook Lobby Ag. Ioannou 13, Glyfada.

Tel: 210 9680031-32 Traditional Greek cuisine in minimalist setting

insider athens | November & December 2012 65

Insider guide Southern & Northern Athens

Far East

Meat Square (Grill)

Vincenzo

Lazaraki 61, Tel: 210.894.0500 A mix of Asian cuisines in elegant surroundings

Lambrakis 63 & Ag. Nikolaou, Tel: 210 961 1160 Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment

Giannitsopoulou 1, Tel: 210.894.1310 Value for money Italian specialities with a Southern Italian touch

Kiliza Konstantinopoleos 13 Tel: 210.894.4648 Delicious kebabs & decadent deserts

La Casa Di Giorgino Lefkosias 42A, Tel: 210.963.85770 Authentic Italian pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven

Molly Malone's Zannitsopoulou 8, Tel: 210.894.4247 Irish pub serving probably the best Irish Stew in Athens

Tartare Panagouli 52, Tel: 210.968.0320 Quality French cuisine

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Balux Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

Capri Bay Grigoriou Lambraki 2 Tel: 210.894.9995, Excellent cocktails in a Moroccan style garden

Cafes The award-winning Lifestyle Management Group and Private Members’ club with a 24 hour concierge service, Quintessentially is your passport to the very best life has to offer.

Chocolat Zisimopoulou 9, Tel: 210.894.3442 Satisfies even the most discerning coffee connoisseur

Spiti. Having opened its doors recently, Spiti is the newest hot entry in the northern suburbs. Offering unique dishes inspired from the Mediterranean cuisine, with very good prices, it promises to satisfy the most demanding tastes.

Q Tip: Make sure you book in advance as the restaurant is usually packed!

Baraonda. Luxury and neo-baroque aesthetics are Baraonda’s trademark creating a unique, glamorous venue.

The discreet lighting, warm colors, stylish uses of wood and contemporary touches have won over even the most demanding clientele. Baraonda is open throughout the year but is mainly the hot spot during the winter season.

To do

Malconi’s. Whether dressing up or keeping it casually cool, this is a great place to dine in. The staff is very polite and the vibe is stylish yet very friendly. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a focus on the Italian cuisine, and will make Malconi’s your favorite spot in town. Q Tip: One of the few restaurants in town that offers gluten-free dishes.

Autumn has entered for good and a weekend getaway through the wonderful villages of Greece, and especially Delphi, seems ideal. Driving through the plains of Viotia, pass through the villages of Thives, Livadia and Arachova.

Passing through the picturesque village of Arachova arrive in the famous sanctuary, where Pythia uttered her famous oracles, visit the renovated museum of Delphi, the treasury of Athenians and the temple of Apollo. On the return trip you can stop and stay for a night in Arachova, which never sleeps.

Quintessentially Hellas 4, Kifissias Ave., 151 25 Maroussi, Athens T: +30 210-6801800 • www.quintessentially.com

66 insider athens | November & December 2012

Zisimopoulou 12, Tel: 210.894.5746 One of the first cafes to inspireGlyfada's coffee culture

Nest Café Bar Lazaraki 45, Tel: 210.898.6035 An all-day hangout for locals & visitors

Seiza Lazaraki 45, Tel: 210.968.0545 Cafe with a unique style & hip design

EAT Café Tabac

Margi Hotel, Litous 11, Tel: 210.967.0924 Delicious variations of Mediterranean food

Al Bacio

Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.0400 Trattoria serving traditional Italian dishes & pizza

Il Tramontono The Westin, 40, Tel: 210.890.1709, Enjoy a romantic meal of creative Italian cuisine

Grill Room

Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.890.1794, Mediterranean & seafood flavours on a breathtaking veranda, in the Astir complex

Ithaki Apollonos 28, Tel: 210.896.3747 Beautiful sea view, fresh seafood & great service

Louizidis Ermou 2, Tel: 210.896.0591 Traditional Greek taverna popular with the locals

Maistrali

Live Music

Apollonos 28, Tel: 210.967.1184 Traditionally prepared seafood dishes presented exquisitely

Thalassa People's Stage

Matsuhisa Athens

Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.2979 Live Greek acts in a club atmosphere attracting a young crowd

Voula

Eat

Cosi

Vouliagmeni

Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.896.0510, Celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves up sushi favourites with a Latin-American flair

EAT

Mezza Luna

Dream Grill

Orpheos 2, Tel: 210.967.1046 Chic Italian restaurant

V. Pavlou 78, Tel: 210.895.5110 Traditional recipes & authentic taste

Dvlcis in Fvndo Prinkipos Petrou 33, Tel: 210.894.2136 Top-quality authentic Italian

Naiades Vas. Pavlou 74, Tel: 210.965.7706 Popular family grill joint

Il Segreto Bizaniou 3, Tel: 210.965.9526 Authentic Italian set on a beautiful terrace

Mythos of the Sea Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou Tel: 210.891.1100 Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine that blends local produce with fresh seafood

Psaraki Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2432 Seafood served in an informal setting

Schara Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2432 Grills with frills in a friendly setting at reasonable prices

Waffle House Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.1227 Sure to satisfy your sweet tooth

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr DRINK Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

Island 27th klm Athinon-Souniou Tel: 210.965.3563-4 Award-winning cuisine & an unmatched location with views of the Saronic Gulf

Sofa Bar The Westin Hotel Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.890.1709 Modern lounge bar serving up delectable cocktails

Pendelis 133, Tel: 210 689 0238 Choice of 600 wines to accompany memorable meals

Argyropoulou 1-3, Tel: 210.801.7023 Unique designs reminiscent of times past

Almyra

Food & Wine

Filikis Eterias 39, Tel: 210 6819109 Refined seafood and magical summer garden

Dali Kifissias 336, Tel: 210 685 4004 Multi-ethnic cuisine with original suggestions in arty set-up

Santa Fe Ag. Georgiou 30’B, Tel: 210 685 9690 Mexican food in traditional setting

Golden Phoenix

CHILL Arion Spa Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000

Divani Apollon Palace & Spa Ag. Nikolaou 10, Tel: 210.891.1100

NORTHERN ATHENS

Leof. Pendelis 85, Tel: 210 682 5017 Asian cuisine and sushi bar in luxury environment

Kitchen Bar K. Varnali 6, Tel: 210 689 2015 Delightful gastronomic tour in a relaxing atmosphere

Meat Square

EAT

Ethnikis Antistaseos 9-11, Tel: 210 683 1300, Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment

Da Vinci

Novo Romantico di Antonio

Ag. Ioannou 23, Tel: 210 600 0102 Delightful dishes in fantastic ambience

Nanninela Peloponnissou 13 Tel: 210 600 5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor

Olio by Portofino Ag. Ioannou 63, Tel: 210 639 1666, Mediterranean flavours in a chic interior

EAT Apsendi Kifissias 250-254 & Serres Tel: 210 671 7890 Refined cuisine and cocktails in stylish urban atmosphere

Bo Botrini’s Vasileos Georgiou B 24b, Halandri, Tel: 210 6857323

25th Martiou 21, Tel: 210 689 6891 Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist

Saipan K. Varnali 9, Tel: 210 685 0644 Exquisite dishes from China, Japan and Indonesia

Argyropoulou 8, Tel: 210.801.6533 Decadent handmade chocolates

Bakaliko Ola Ta Kala

Vas Amalias 20, Tel: 210.801.3853 Traditional dishes from Greece & Asia Minor

Common Secret Kifissias 324, Tel: 210.623.3810 Coffee and light Mediterranean meals in a pleasant setting

Kifissias 238-240, Mela Shopping Centre, Tel: 210.808.9908 Quality Greek delicacies

Dos Hermanos

Sorpresa Italiana Kiriazi 6-8, Tel: 210.801.7886, Authentic fresh Italian pasta, sauces, truffles & more

Stefanidis Finest Foods Dimitrios Square 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen

Varsos Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

EAT Acqua Azzurra Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals 135 Charilaou Trikoupi Tel: 210.620.3102 Chrysanthos Karamolegos creates refined Mediterranean dishes

Kifissias 267, Tel: 210.801.3448 Spanish cuisine in a fun atmosphere

Berdema

Aristokratikon

Apla

Barceloneta

Kyriazi 24, Tel: 210.808.7906 Excellent Mexican food & super margaritas

Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.800.1402 Divine food from all over the world

Golden Phoenix Harilaou Trikoupi & Gortinias Tel: 210.801.3588, Chinese classic popular for the brunch buffet

Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissias 289, Tel: 210.801.1093 Delicious salads, appetizers, souvlakia & grilled platters

Ichthyes Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

Kastelorizo Platanon 2, Tel: 210.807.5408 Part of a chain of upscale seafood restaurants that is sure to please

1920 Ag. Paraskevi 110, Tel: 210 681 3029 Accent on meat in an elegant setting

Psaroma Sokratous 23, Tel: 210 683 9348 Imaginative parade of seafood and fresh fish

Kifissia

Halandri Ag.Paraskevi

Vassilis Zoulias

L’Enoteca

En Plo

Southern & Northern Athens

SHOP Beauty & Cosmetics Nyhi-Nyhi Kifissias 230 Tel: 210.623.2824 Stop by for a quick mani-pedi

Fashion 21 Kifissia

Kifissias 265, Tel: 210.801.3594 Extreme sport paraphernelia

Matsuhisa

insider athens | November & December 2012 67

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Northern Athens

Semiramis Restaurant

Vinifera

Jaipur Palace

Ave. 5, Drossia. Tel: 210 8004700.

Open from Mondays to Friday from 3 pm to midnight and on weekends from 1pm to midnight

Semiramis Hotel, Harilaou Trikoupi 48, Tel: 210.628.4500 Mediterranean cuisine in a hip atmosphere

Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.807.7709 Selection of wines from all over the world

Ag. Konstantinou & Themidos Tel: 210.805.2762 Indian cuisine and fine wines

Meat Me

Shogun

Yellow Stone Cafe, Harilaou Trikoupi

Philadelpheos 2, Tel: 210.623.3622 Promises authentic Japanese cuisine for the truly discerning

144, Nea Erithrea

HarilaouTrikoupi 92 Tel: 210.623.2358 Simple yet discerning cuisine in a funky Greek taverna

Nargile Harilaou Trikoupi 50 Tel: 210.808.3333 Lebanese cuisine in a cosmopolitan ambiance

O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas Drosini 12-14, Tel: 210.623.0080 A modern taverna serving traditional dishes at reasonable prices

Piazza Mela Kifissias 238, Mela Shopping Centre Tel: 210.623.6596, Classic & traditional Italian dishes

Prytaneion Kolokotroni 37, Tel: 210.808.9160 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

Telemachos Barbeque Club Fragkopoulou 22, Tel: 210.807.6680 Rare meats char-grilled to perfection

Tike Harilaou Trikoupi 27, Tel: 210.808.4418 Watch chefs prepare Turkish kebabs and other treats before your eyes

Vardis Deligianni 66, Pentelikon Hotel Tel: 210.623.0650-6, Cornerstone of French cuisine in Greece

DRINK

EAT

Boudoir

Altamira

SHOP Golden Hall Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.680.3450 131 high-end (and highstreet) stores for anyone with a passion for fashion Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

Deligianni 50 & Georganta Tel: 210.801.8384, Massive club for dancing & sipping on signature cocktails

Divine

Stratigou Lekka 19, Tel: 210.806.6700 Traditional cuisine in a comfy-chic setting reminiscent of the 50s & 60s

Zirini 12, Tel: 210.623.2322 Thai cuisine in an opulent setting

Salumaio di Atene

Menta CafĂŠ

Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Authentic Italian food & fabulous deserts

Ag. Theodorou 10, Tel: 210.808.0193 Traditional home turned stylish cafe

Mauzac

68 insider athens | November & December 2012

Mauzac Alamanas 1, Tel: 210.619.9902 Clean lines and a beautiful garden make this cafĂŠ, bar, restaurant a must

Oinopathia Aghias Paraskevis 79 & Diogenous Tel: 210.685.5375, Great selection of wines with Greek and international cuisine

The Mall Athens

Perikleous 28, Tel: 210 612 8841 Multiethnic cuisine in funky environment

Kifissias 239, Tel: 201.801.0810 Chic lounge serving classic concoctions

Royal Thai

Maroussi

Manziamo Stamatas

Aneton

El Taco Bueno Ethnikis Antistaseos & Psaron 1 Tel: 210.684.0460 Mexican flavours in a traditional setting

Pausa Ag. Konstantinou 46 & Ifestou 3 Tel: 210.617.9290 Italian cuisine accompanied by a selection of Greek & Italian wines

Wagamama Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.683.6844 Fresh, nutritious Asian fusion food in a sleek yet simple setting

Whispers of wine Ag. Konstantinou 48, Tel: 210.617.9051 Gourmet food with rich wine list and vintage decor

see & do Art galleries

A. Antonopoulou Art Aristofanous 20, Psirri Tel: 210.321.4994 Artzone 42 42 Vas. Konstantinou, Agalma Troyman, 11635 Athens, Tel: 210 725 9549 Astrolavos Dexameni Xanthippou 11, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.4342 Astrolavos ArtLife Irodotou 11, Kolonaki Tel: 210.722.1200 Athens Art Gallery Glykonos 4, Dexameni Sq., 106 75 Athens, Tel: 210 721 3938 Badminton Theatre Olympiaka Akinita, Goudi 157 73, Athens, Tel: 211 101 0020 Bernier/Eliades Gallery Eptachalkou 11, Thisseio, Tel: 210.341.3935 Beyond Art Gallery Haritos 10, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.9744 B&M Theoharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Athens Tel: 210.361.1206 (The) Breeder Gallery Iasonas 45, Metaxourgio, Tel: 210.331.7527 Ekfrasi Gallery Valaoritou 9a, 10671 Athens, Greece Tel: 210 360 7598 EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Vas. Georgiou B 17 - 19 & Rigilis Str. Athens 10675, Tel: 210 9242 111-3 Fizz Gallery Valaoritou 9c, Athens 10671 Greece, Tel: 210 360 7598 Gagosian Gallery Merlin 3, Athens 10671, Tel: 210 364 0215 Gallery 7 Zalokosta 7, Syntagma, Tel: 210.361.2050 Gialino Music Theatre Sigrou 143, N. Smirni, Athens Tel: 210 9316 101-4 Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio, Tel: 210.346.1981 Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre 48 Armatolon-Klephton st.

11471 Athens, Tel: 210 643 9466 Jill Yakas Spartis 16, Kifissia. Tel: 210.801.2773 www.yakas.com K-Art Gallery Sina 54, 106 72, Athens, Greece Tel: 211 401 3877 Kalfayan Gallery Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.7679 Kourd Gallery Kassiani 2-4, Tel: 210.642.6573 ww.gallerykourd.gr

Acropolis is open daily and entrance, includes archaeological sites. Tel: 201.321.0219 Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens - the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social life for centuries.

Athinais Cultural Centre formerly a silk factory, this space has been converted into a large cultural centre. Kastorias 34-36, Votanikos. Tel: 210.348.0000.

Byzantine Churches many churches dating from the 11th and 12th centuries are found around the city. Noteworthy examples include: Agios Eleftherios, next to the cathedral on Mitropoleos Street; Kapnikarea, halfway down Ermou Street from Syntagma; Agi Apostoli, Agora area south of Stoa of Attalos; and Agia Triada (Russian Orthodox church) on Filellinon Street. Churches are open to the public on Sundays and holidays, also usually for daily prayers 7am-1pm and 4-6:30pm. Dress soberly when visiting.

Technopolis (Gazi) a 19th century gas factory turned major cultural centre for performing arts and installation works.

Pireos 100 & Ermou, Gazi. Tel: 210.346.1589.

Hadrian’s Arch a Roman arch that marked the boundary of ancient Athens and the new city. Located at the corner of Vas. Olgas and Amalias Avenues.

Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos.

Tel: 210.321.0185.

Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens.

Tel: 210.923.1502 www.spyrosvassiliou.org Athens University History Museum Tholou 5, Plaka, Tel: 210.368.9502 www.history-museum.uoa.gr Benaki Museum Koumbari 1 & Vas. Sofias Avenue Tel: 210.367.1000, www.benaki.gr Benaki Museum of Islamic Arts Dipylou 12, Kerameikos. Tel: 210.325.1311 www.benaki.gr

Benaki Museum, Pireos Pireos 138 & Andronikou Tel: 210.345.3111, www.benaki.gr Byzantine Museum Vas. Sofias 22, Tel: 210.721.1027.

Hellenic Cosmos Foundation of the Hellenic world Pireos 254, Tavros. Tel: 212.254.0000. www.hellenic-cosmos.gr Frissiras Vlassis Museum of Contemporary European Art Monis Asteriou 3-7, Plaka, Tel: 210.323.4678 www.frissirasmuseum.com Goulandris Foundation Museum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4, Tel: 210.722.8321 www.cycladic.gr Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio.

Tel: 210-346.1981. www.herakleidon-art.gr Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Karyatidon & Kallisperi 12, Makrygianni.

Tel: 210.922.7260. www.lalaounis.com Jewish Museum Nikis 39, Plaka. Tel: 210.322.5582. www.jewishmuseum.gr Keramikos Museum Ermou 148, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.346.3552.

Maria Callas Museum Technopolis, Pireos 100, Gazi, Tel: 210.346.1589 National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 210.821.7724 National Gallery and Alexandros Soutsos Museum Vas. Konstantinou 50.

Tel: 210.723.5857, 210.723.5937 Numismatic Museum Panepistimiou 12, Athens.

Tel: 210.363.5953. www.nma.gr The Acropolis Museum Dionysiou Areopagitou Street Tel: 210.924.1043, www.theacropolismuseum.gr

Just for kids

Tel: 210.322.9705

Lykavittos Hill is the highest point in Athens. Take the teleferique from the top of Ploutarchou St. Megaron Mousikis (The Athens Concert Hall) live concerts, operas and other performances. Vas. Sofias Ave. & Kokkali.

Tel: 210.728.2333 Odeon of Herod Atticus built in 161 AD, this is where the Athens Festival takes place. Accessible for €1.50 and open daily from 8:30am.

Panathenian Stadium “Kalimarmaro”was the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Located at Vassileos Konstantinou and Agras, across from the National Garden.

Pnyx Hill here, for the first time in history, every citizen could vote, giving Pnyx the name the “birthplace of democracy”.

Close by is the beautiful Old Observatory.

Presidential Palace formerly the Royal Palace, this building is used by the President of Greece to host dignitaries.

Irodou Attikou Street.

Stoa of Attalos shopping arcade built in the 2nd century BC and totally reconstructed in the 1950s. Tues-Sun 8:30am3pm. Admission to the Agora and museum €3.50. Adrianou 24. Tel: 210.321.0185 Syntagma (Constitution Square) is the heart of the city and the best spot for new visitors to orient themselves. The Evzones, dressed in traditional uniforms, guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament. The changingof-the-guard ceremony takes place every hour.

Temple of Olympian Zeus once the largest temple in ancient Greece, its ruins lie just behind Hadrian's Arch. Mon-Sun 8am-7:30pm. €2.00. Vas. Olgas and Amalias Avenues, Tel: 210.922.6330.

Theatre of Dionysus built in the 5th century BC is where the plays of Aristophanes, Euripides, Aeschylus and Sophocles were first performed.

Tower of Winds the octagonal tower, representing the eight directions of the wind, was built in the 1st century BC by the Syrian astronomer Andronicus. Mon-Sun 8am-7pm. Just east of the Ancient Agora.

Tel: 210.324.5220.

Museums

ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES

Pallas Theatre Skoufa 77 & Staikou 2, Kolonaki Athens, Tel: 210 364 0783 Skoufa Gallery Skoufa 4, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.360.3541 Stavros Mihaliaras Art 260 Kifissias & Diligianni, Kifissia Tel: 210.623.0928 Thanassis Frisssiras Gallery Kriezotou 7, Tel: 210. 364.0288 The Art Foundation (TAF) Normanou 5, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.323.8757 The Eynard Mansion Aghiou Konstantinou 20 & Menandrou, Athens 104 31, Tel: 210 322 1335 The National Art Gallery and Alexander Soutzos Museum Michalakopoulou 1 - Vas. Constantinou 1, 115 28 Athens, Tel: 210-7235857 Titanium Yiayiannos Vas. Konstantinou 44, Pangrati, Tel: 210.729.7644 Tsatsis Project/ Artforum 12 Mitropoleos st. & Venizelou PC 54624 Thessaloniki, Tel: 231 025 7552 Xippas Gallery Sofokleous 53D, 105 52 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210 331 9333 Zoumboulakis Gallery Kolonaki Square 20, Kolonaki Tel: 210.360.8278 Zoumboulakis Gallery Graphics & Editions Kriezotou 7, Syntagma, Tel: 210.363.4454

Attractions & Sites

ORGANISED TOURS

Allou Fun Park Kifissou & Petrou Ralli, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Tel: 210.425.6999, www.allou.gr Children’s Museum Kydathinaeon 14, Plaka, Tel: 210.331.2995.

Goulandris Museum of Natural History Levidou 13, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.801.5870, www.gnhm.gr Greek Folk Art Museum Daily Karaghiozis puppet shows!

Kydathinaeon 17, Plaka, Tel: 210.322.9031 Museum of Children’s Art Kodrou 9, Plaka, Tel: 210.331.22621 www.childrensartmuseum.gr

Summit The Wall Sport Climbing Center Ag. Athanasiou 12, Pallini, Tel: 210.603.0093, www.summit.gr Westin Kids Club Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210.890.2000 http://www.westinathens.com/en/westin_kids_club/

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partner hotels ARION RESORT & SPA

ATHENS LEDRA MARRIOTT HOTEL

DIVANI PALACE ACROPOLIS

METROPOLITAN

The legendary beauty resort is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf, elegant and sophisticated décor in all 123 rooms and suites, private swimming pools and beaches, spa and gourmet restaurants.

Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.890.2000

314 deluxe guest rooms, 18 suites. Rooftop swimming pool and bar, health club, Kona Kai Polynesian - Tepanyiaki Restaurant and sports bar. Syngrou 115. Tel: 210.930.0000

Located at the base of the Acropolis and close to Plaka. Pool with bar, roof garden restaurant with Acropolis view. Parthenonos 19-25.

Makrigianni. Tel: 210.928.0100

Beautifully renovated property with views of the sea and the Acropolis. Ten minutes from central Athens, the port of Piraeus and main exhibition centers. Syngrou 385. Tel: 210.947.1000

NEW

GRANDE BRETAGNE

NJV athens plaza

This city landmark is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. All 265 rooms and 56 suites are decorated with original artwork and antiques.

Reception areas, ballrooms, roof garden with Acropolis view. Luxury spa, indoor and outdoor pools. Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210.333.0000

Boutique-style hotel with 182 rooms including 23 suites with breathtaking views of the Acropolis, ideally located in the heart of the business and shopping district within walking distance of Plaka. 2, Vas.Georgiou A’ St, Athens Tel: 210 3352400

Holiday Inn Attica Avenue

NOVOTEL

New five-star property on Attica Avenue linking Athens with the international airport.

State-of-the art conference facilities, restaurant, two bars, pool and fitness center. 40.2 km Attica Road, between exits 17 & 18. Tel: 210.668.9000, www.hiathens.com

The newly renovated Novotel is designed for natural living. Close to Omonoia square and the National Museum. Open plan bar and rooftop bar and restaurant and pool.4-6 Mikhail Voda Street Tel: 210.820.0700, www..novotel.com

ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS

543 rooms with renovated Deluxe rooms and suites. Dedicated business centre facilities and 3.500 m2 of extensive & flexible meeting space.

New I-Spa and renovated gym. Award winning restaurants. Syngrou 89-93. Tel: 210.920.6000

Designed by the Campana brothers, NEW, the latest venture of YES! Hotels has 79 luxury rooms, including 18 Studios and 6 Junior Suites. NEW Taste, is the Hotel’s innovative restaurant concept. Filellinon 16, Syntagma.

Tel: 210.3273000 Crowne plaza

ATHENIAN CALLIRHOE HOTEL

66 state-of the-art rooms, 15 executive rooms and 3 suites. The acclaimed Etrusco Restaurant serves top quality Mediterranean cuisine.

Kallirois 32 & Petmeza. Tel: 210.921.5353 ATHENS ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL

Located in historic Plaka beneath the Acropolis.

Facilities include bar, restaurant, spa area with indoor swimming pool, business centre, garden and underground parking. N. Nikodimou 18-20, Plaka. Tel: 210.337.0000 ATHENS HILTON

Newly renovated, the former Holiday Inn Athens is at a very convenient location and attracts both business and leisure travellers.

Amenities include restaurant, bar, rooftop swimming pool, conference and business facilities, garage parking. Michalakopoulou 50.

Tel: 210.727.8000, www.cpathens.com DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & SPA

Located seaside with a magnificent view of the Saronic Gulf. All rooms with balconies and sea views. Indoor and outdoor pools, boutiques, beauty parlor, business centre and spa.

Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou, Kavouri-Vouliagmeni.

Tel: 210.891.1100

Holiday Suites

Elegant, all-suite hotel offering high standard accommodation. Each suite provides guests with a separate living room and kitchenette. Arnis 4.Tel: 210.727.8000, www.holiday-suites.com

Near the Acropolis Museum. 265 rooms and 45 unique Panorama Suites, overlooking the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis. Pool, business center, convention and banquet facilities.

Roof Garden Restaurant/Bar “Ioannis”. 28-34, Ath. Diakou Str., 11743 Athens, Greece. Tel. 210 9288400, www.royalolympic.com

KEFALARI SUITES

SEMIRAMIS

Turn-of-the-century hotel in Kifissia, part of YES! Hotels.Themed suites with modern facilities. Pentelis 1, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3333

YES! Hotel designed by Karim Rashid. 51 luxury rooms, 4 suites and 6 poolside bungalows.

Ultra-trendy bar-restaurant. Harilaou Trikoupi 48, Kefalari-Kifissia. Tel: 210.628.4400

DIVANI CARAVEL

508 renovated rooms, two pools, banquet rooms restaurants, convention facilities, business centre & spa. The rooftop Galaxy bar has gorgeous city views. Vas. Sofias 46. Tel: 210.728.1000

situated close to major tourist attractions with, rooftop restaurant and swimming pool.

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Tel: 210.720.7000

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Royal Olympic

partner hotels SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT

TwentyOne

Herodion

COSTA NAVARINO The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

Airport hotel. Executive floor, business center and conference facilities. Two bars and two restaurants. Health club and covered swimming pool. Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata. Tel: 210.354.4000 ST. GEORGE LYCABETTUS HOTEL

A member of YES! Hotels. Modern design and simple architectural charm. 16 ergonomically designed rooms and 5 loft suites. “21” Bar Restaurant for indoor and outdoor dining.

Kolokotroni 21, Kefalari-Kifissia Tel: 210.623.3521. www.twentyone.gr

A CATEGORY

Located at the base of the Acropolis and a five minute walk to Plaka. 90 guest rooms, meeting facilities and a lovely atrium barcoffee shop. Rovertou Galli 4, Makrigianni.

Tel: 210.923.6832 HOTEL ELECTRA

AVA HOTEL & SUITES

Located in the upper part of Kolonaki, not far from the Lycabettus (Lykavittos) funicular railway. Excellent restaurant, Le Grand Balcon. Rooftop swimming pool. Kleomenous 2, Dexamenis Square, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.729.0711 THEOXENIA PALACE HOTEL

Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka.

Magnificent views of the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch and Zeus Temple. Short walk to Syntagma and Monastiraki. Lysikratous street 9-11, Plaka.

Tel: 210.325.9000, www.avahotel.gr

Within walking distance from all major archaeological sites, business and commercial districts. Includes bar, restaurant, lobby and meeting areas. Ermou 5, Syntagma. Tel: 210.337.8000

Inspired by old Messinian mansions, the Westin resort’s low-rise villa clusters use natural stone and local design elements to create a motif in perfect harmony with the virgin sandy beach and pristine hillside landscape. Its 445 deluxe rooms and suites, 123 with private infinity pools, offer access to an extensive common pool areas, and reflect Westin’s soothing aesthetic The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

PERISCOPE HOTEL

CORAL HOTEL

In an elegant neoclassical building in Kefalari, this hotel has a restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and outdoor pool. Business centre, internet and conference facilities. Filadelfeos 2, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3622-6 THE MARGI

The Coral’s 86 rooms and 2 suites offer all modern conveniences. Poseidonos Avenue 35, Paleo Faliron. Tel: 210.981.6441 Fresh Hotel

Boutique hotel with 90 spacious rooms and suites and great views to the sea and pine forests.

Café Tabac Restaurant offers a unique dining experience while Malabar and J-lounge are perfect for a glass of champagne. Close to the lake, beach and tennis courts. Litous 11, Vouliagmeni.

Tel: 210.892.9000. www.themargi.gr THE WESTIN ATHENS

Situated in the heart of old Athens within walking distance of the Plaka, Psirri and Monastiraki.

Enjoy the hip Orange Bar, rooftop restaurant and pool. Sophocleous 26 & Klisthenous.

Tel: 210.524.8511-6.

Designed for people who wish to be part of all that goes on in the city. 17 rooms, 4 junior suites and a super-lux penthouse suite.

Part of YES! Hotels. Haritos 22, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.729.7200, www.periscope.gr

The Romanos Resort boasts of 289 exquisitely appointed rooms and 32 suites with individual infinity pools. Traditional Greek design with contemporary touches sets the tone in each space, where the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean is the preferred hue.

Santorini MYSTIQUE SANTORINI

Philippos

Recently refurbished, all 50 rooms are wellappointed and comfortable. Offers good value for money in the Acropolis area. Mitseon 3, Makrigianni. Tel: 210.922.3611-4

Mystique is an 18 villa hotel, designed by Frank Le Fevbre. Mystique, Oia. Tel. 22860 71114 VEDEMA, SANTORINI

amarilia hotel

@ Part of the Astir Palace Complex with 162 guest rooms and suites and views of the Saronic Gulf. Sea view lounges, trendy bars, fusion and Mediterranean cuisine restaurants and private gazebos by an Olympic-sized pool. Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.890.2000

Amarilia Hotel in Vouliagmeni is an excellent choice for business and leisure travellers. 100 renovated rooms and suites with great sea views, meeting and banqueting facilities, outdoor swimming pool. Ag. Nikolaou 13 Vouliagmeni. Tel. 210 8990391, www.amarilia.gr

Would you like TO see your hotel LISTED here?

CONTACT US at: info@insider-magazine.gr

Vedema has 45 rooms converted from a 100 year old neo-classical captain’s house and a private swiming pool for all the suites. Vedema, Megalohori. Tel. 22860 81 796

insider athens | November & December 2012 71

AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm.

Patission 85. Tel: 210.883.8578, 210.822.0399 TCS M. Antipa 20 & 2 Prometheus, Tel: 210.976.7086

COMPUTER & CELL-PHONE RENTAL TrimTel Mobile Communications Michalakopoulou 41, Tel: 210.729.1964

Commercial Office spaces Regus Tel: 210 727 9000 Global Business Services Tel: 210-8764 876 Kifissias Ave. 90, Maroussi

COURIER SERVICES ACS Tel: 210.819.0000 DHL Tel: 210.989.0000 Express City Tel: 210.821.9959 Geniki Taxydromiki Tel: 210.485.1100 Interattika Tel: 210.540.5400 Speedex Tel: 801.11.000.11 UPS Tel: 210.998.4000

Driving Schools in English Denis Kasimatis - Driving School Zografou, Papagou, Ilissia, Psychiko, Cholargos and Goudi - Tel: 210 778 3157 210 779 6981 Trochokinisi Driving School 28th Oktovriou 126, Ambelokipi, Athens Tel: 231 072 9092 Driving School Highway Amfitheas and Ag. Triados 30, 175 64 Paleo Faliro - Tel: 210 988 8098 / 6997 722 777 Vlachos Bros 25th Martiou 11, Peristeri; Xenofodos 17, Peristeri; Afroditis 39, Ilion Tel: 210 574 4895 / 210 576 9190

Relocation Agencies Allied Pickfords Tel: 210 610 4494 Mourouzi 7, Athens Athens Relocation Centre Tel: 210 96 50 697, Zakynthou 10, Attica Movers Tel: 210 922 7221 19, Syngrou Ave Celebrity International Movers 102, Kapodistriou Ave, Tel: 210 272 0106 Corporate Relocations Athens Tel: 210 800 3510, Ag. Saranta 32 Nea Erithrea Orphee Beinoglou Tel: 210 9466100 27th km Old National Road Athens-Korinth Location Elefsinia, GR-19200 Elefsina Omega Transport Thesi Kyrilos, 19300 Aspropyrgos Tel: 210 947 5500 Octopus Relocation Services Ygeias 7, Marina Zeas, Tel: 210 4599530

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE 73m2 apartment near Acropolis Museum with on-site parking space, on 3rd floor, bright, facing street, built in 2007. It comprises one large open-plan living area, separate fitted kitchen, WC, storage room, and 13m2 covered veranda. Equipped with parquet wood floor, independent natural gas heating, Guzzini lighting system, Daikin a/c units, Buchtal ceramic tiles, double glazing, security door. It is located only 220m from metro station, 80m from tram & bus stops.

Contact tel. 697 6558 536.

For Rent in Glyfada Top floor apartment, 3 bedrooms, fully furnished.

Sunny and airy, central heat and A/C units all rooms. Convenient location, very comfortable.

For more info CALL 2291024129.

For Rent/ SALE in Hydra Fully furnished, recently renovated, three bedroom, three bathroom villa with living room, open kitchen, courtyard, and terraces with breathtaking views of the island and the Peloponnese.

For more information, contact info@insider-magazine.gr

72 insider athens | November & December 2012

TRANSLATIONS / INTERPRETING Executive services, translation & interpreting All EU and Balkan languages - legal, technical and medical documents. Athens Tower B. Tel:Â 210.778.3698 www.executiveservices.gr Global Business Services Kifisias 90, Maroussi. Tel: 210.876.4876 IBS - International Business Services Michalakopoulou 29, Tel: 210.724.5541

Travel Agencies Travel Plan Tel: 210 333 3300 www.travelplan.gr Amphitrion Tel: 210 900 6000 Meg Alexandrou 7 & Karaiskaki, www.amphitrionholidays.gr TravelPlanet24 Tel: 211 107 9684 241, Syngrou Ave. & 2, Alikarnassou 171 22 Nea Smyrni, Athens www.travelplanet24.com Mid-east Travel Tel: 211 211 8888 Vas Sofias 105-107 / www.mideast.gr

Embassies Cultural Institutes

Business services

useful information

French Institute Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210 339 8600 Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210 368 0900 British Council 17 Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210 369 2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens Tel: 210 3634117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens Tel: 210 3661000 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou Ave. 107-109, 117 45 Athens, Tel: 213 017 8000 Instituto Italiano di Cultura Patission [28 Oktovriou] 47 Tel: 210 369 2333, 210 524 2646

ALBANIA Vekiareli 7, Filothei, Tel: 210.687.6200 ALGERIA Vas. Constantinou 14 Tel: 210.756.4191-2 ARGENTINA Vas. Sophias 59. Tel: 210.724.4158 ARMENIA K. Palaiologou 95, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145 AUSTRALIA Kifisias & Alexandras, Tel: 210.870.4000 AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Avenue 4, Tel: 210.725.7270 AZERBAiJAN Skoufa 10.

Tel: 210.363.2721 BELGIUM Sekeri 3, Tel: 210.360.0314

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Hatzikosta 3. Tel: 210.641.0788 BRAZIL Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

Tel: 210.721.3039 BULGARIA Stratigou Kallari 33A, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.8105 CANADA Ioanni Gennadiou 4.

Tel: 210.727.3400 CHILE Kifisias 317A Tel: 210.807.1020 CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.1212 CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.7033 CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei.

Tel: 210.685.5550 CYPRUS Xenofontos 2A. Tel: 210.373.4800 CZECH REPUBLIC G. Seferi 6, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.671.9701 DENMARK Mourouzi 10.

Tel: 210.725.6440 EGYPT Vas. Sofias 3. Tel: 210.361.8612 ESTONIA Messoghion 2-4.

Tel: 210.747.5660 FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5.

Tel: 210.725.5860 FRANCE Vas. Sofias 7. Tel: 210.339.1000 FYROM Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.9585 GEORGIA Ag. Dimitriou 24, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2186 GERMANY Karaoli & Dimitriou 3.

Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25.

Tel: 210.725.6800 INDIA Kleanthous 3. Tel: 210.721.6481 INDONESIA Marathonodromon 99, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2345 IRAN Stratigou Kallari 16.

Tel: 210.674.1436 IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7.

Tel: 210.723.2405 ISRAEL Marathonodromon 1, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.670.5500 ITALY Sekeri 2. Tel: 210.361.7260 JAPAN Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, Halandri.

Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.4161 Kazakhstan Imittou 122, Papagou Tel: 210.654.7765 KOREA Messoghion 2-4, Athens.

Tel: 210.698.4080 KUWAIT Perikleous 2, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.3593 LEBANON 6, 25th Martiou, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.675.5873 LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.2120 LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49.

Tel: 210.729.4356 LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38.

Tel. 210.729.4483 LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2.Tel: 210.725.6400 MALTA V. Sofias 96.Tel: 210.778.5138

useful information

Ambulance Tel: 166 Doctors SOS Tel: 1016.

They will issue an invoice to claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Duty Pharmacies Call 1434, Also check newspapers for listings.

Emergency Hospitals Tel: 1434 Fire Brigade Tel: 199 Forest Fire Tel: 191 Poison Hotline Tel: 210.779.3777 Police Tel: 100 Tourist Police Tel: 171 Coastguard Tel:108 Air Police Tel: 210.964.2000

ROAD ASSISTANCE ELPA Tel: 10400 Emergency Service Tel: 104 Express Service Tel: 154 Hellas Service Tel: 1057 Interamerican Tel: 168 Tourist Information Tel: 174

Paediatric Hospitals

EUROCLINIC PAEDON Lemessou 39-41 & Aharnon 209, Kato Patissia, Tel: 210.869.1900 PAEDON AGIA SOFIA HOSPITAL Mikras Asias and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.746.7000 PAEDON AGLAIA KYRIAKOU HOSPITAL Livadias 3 and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.772.6000 & 1535

Private Hospitals Advanced Medical Services, Symmetria Building Ethnikis Antistaseos 66, Halandri.

Tel: 210.677.3573 www.symmetria.gr CENTRAL CLINIC OF ATHENS Asklipiou St. 31. Emergency number 1169 or Tel: 210.367.4000 www.centralclinic.gr

public Hospitals ASKLEPIEION HOSPITAL Vas. Pavlou 1, Voula. Tel: 210.895.8301-4 EVANGELISMOS Ypsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.720.1000 KAT HOSPITAL specialized trauma unit. Nikis 2, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.628.0000 TZANNEIO Afentouli & Tzani, Pireaus.

Tel: 210.451.9411-9

PHYSICIANS (ENGLISH SPEAKING) Ioannis Bitzos, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Harilaou Trikoupi 62 Kifissia. Tel: 210.808.0682 A.J. Kanellopoulos, MD Eye Surgeon, Mesogeion 2, Athens Tower B’ Tel: 210.747.2777 Dimitris Linos, MD FACS General Surgeon, Kifissias 227, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.612.5001-2 heart & vascular centrE E.N. Deliargyris, MD FACC FSCAI Interventional cardiologist. Southern Athens. Vakchou 2 & Vas. Kostantinou Tel:210.897.6276. www.heartline.gr

DR. KOVEOS D.M.D. DENTAL OFFICE

Cosmetic, Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry 20-22 Ipsilantou str., Kolonaki 106 76 Athens-Greece Tel: 210 7242211 Fax: 210 7242212 E-mail: info@drkoveos.com Website: www.drkoveos.com

English media

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EUROCLINIC diagnostic, surgical and treatment centre.

Athanasiadou 9. (near Mavili Sq.).

Tel: 210.641.6600 EURODENTICA Specialized dental care Patision 150, Tel: 210. 866.3367-8 Alamanas 3, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.5760-1 El. Venizelou 162, Kallithea.

Tel: 210.956.5365 HYGEIA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 4, Maroussi. Tel: 210.686.7000 www.ygeia.gr IATRIKO KENTRO (ATHENS MEDICAL CENTER) Areos 36, P. Faliro.

Tel: 210.989.2100-20. Distomou 5-7, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.8100 METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL Ethnarou Makariou 9 & El. Venizelou, N. Faliro. Tel: 210.480.9000 www.metropolitan-hospital.gr IASO Kifissias 37-39, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.618.4000 MITERA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 6, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.686.9000

Newspapers The International Herald Tribune carries the English version of Kathimerini The local Athens News comes out Fridays.

Radio Antenna 97.2 FM news at 8.25am.

Flash Radio 96.0 FM 8.55am, 3pm and 8pm daily.

ERA public radio 91.6 FM for bulletins at 5am and 9am, full news coverage at 9.30pm.

Schools

Greek Language

Emergencies

VATICAN Mavili 2, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.3598 VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.9169 VIETNAM Yakinthon 50, Psychiko. Tel. 210.612.8733, 210.675.3080.

Health

MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

Tel: 210.729.4780 MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei.

Tel: 210.699.0660 MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.4210 NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7.

Tel: 210.725.4900 NIGERIA Dolianis 65, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.802.1188 NORWAY Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.724.6173 PAKISTAN Loukianou 6.

Tel: 210.729.0122 PALESTINE Giassemion 13, P. Psychiko. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3 PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus. Tel: 210.428.6441 PERU Semitelou 2. Tel: 210.779.2761 PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.679.7700 PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784 QATAR Rigillis 16A Tel: 210.725.5031 ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.8875 RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.5235 SAUDIA ARABIA Palaiologhou 2 & Agias Annis Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Tel: 210.777.4344 SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072 SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.1980 SLOVENIA Mavili 10, Tel: 210.672.0090-091 SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias 60, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.610.6645 SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Tel: 210.921.3123 SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Tel: 210.726.6100 SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Tel: 210.723.0364-6 TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57, Tel: 210.677.5122 Representative office THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 & Kyprou, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.9065 TUNISIA Antheon 2, P. Psychiko, Tel: 210.671.7590 TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Tel: 210.726.3000 UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei, Tel: 210.680.0230 UNITED KINGDOM Ploutarchou 1.

Tel: 210.727.2600 UNITED STATES Vas. Sofias 91.

Tel: 210.721.2951 URUGUAY Menandrou 1, Kifissia Tel: 210.361.3549

The Athens Center 48 Archimidous Street, Mets, Athens 11636, Greece 210 7015-242 CELT Athens 77 Academias Street, 106 78 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210 3301455 Greek House Dragoumi 7, 145 61 Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 5186 Hellenic American Union 22 Massalias str., 106 80 Athens, Tel: 210368.0900 Omilo Greek Language And Culture Panagi Tsaldari 13 (4th floor), 15122 Maroussi, Tel: 210 6122706

insider athens | November & December 2012 73

Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) www.oaed.gr, Tel: 210 99 89 000 Public Services Administration Information Center (paperwork assistance) on weekdays 8am-3pm (KEP): Tel: 177, ww.kep.gov.gr

Public Power Corporation (DEI) In case of power failure: Tel: 210, 523 9939 www.dei.gr

Weather Attica, Tel: 148, www.hnms.gr

Water Supply & Sewage (EYDAP) In case of water cut: Tel: 1202, www.eydap.gr

Citizen’s Rights Ombudsman: 5 Hatziyiannis Mexis (near the Hilton Hotel), Tel: 210 72 89 640

Universities University of Indianapolis Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210 323 6647 DEREE Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 9800

ALBA Graduate Business School Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210 896 4531 American University of Athens Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel: 210 725 9301 Business College of Athens Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210 808 8008

International Kindergartens

International Schools

St Catherine's British Embassy School Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210 282 9750 St. Lawrence College Anemon St, Koropi Tel: 210 891 7000 American Community Schools of Athens Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri, Tel: 210 639 3200 Campion School Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini Tel: 210 607 1700 Byron College Filolaou 7, Gerakas Tel: 210 604 7722 International School of Athens Xenias and Artemidos, Kifissia, Tel: 210 623 3888 Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag. Paraskevi Tel: 211 300 9121 Scuola Statale Italiana Odos Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia Tel: 210 228 2720 German School in Athens Homatianou & Ziridi, Maroussi Tel: 210 619 9261 Greek German School 25 Martiou & Vernardou, Vrylissia Tel: 210 682 0566

74 insider athens | November & December 2012

English kindergartens The Cottage Kindergarten Psaron 74, Halandri Tel: 210 682 7629 Early Learning Rizountos 53, Elliniko Tel: 210 961 8763 Hopscotch International Kindergarten Ag. Triandos 93, Vari Tel: 210 965 3985 Kifissia Montessori School Ellinikon Stratou 5, Kifissia Tel: 210 620 7481 Melina’s Kindergarten Harilaou Trikoupi 16, Kifissia Tel: 210 801 2719 Peek-a-boo PreSchool Vougliameni Tel: 210 967 1970 Peter Pan Lakonias 4-6, Voula Tel: 210 895 9654 Prince Allen The English Nursery School Lysimahou 8, Vari Tel: 210 965 6800

Au petit bonheur 50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Les Alouettes Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 L’Air des Contes 11, Cycladon, Glyka Nera, Tel : 210 600 3196 Le Castelet 18 Gortinias, Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 7760 Mary Poppins 4, Kodrou, Filothei, Tel: 210 677 3803 Play and Learn Kassaveti 22, Kifissia, Tel: 210 801 1428

German kindergartens O mikros Antonis Barbayiannis, Pallini, Tel: 210 603 2527

Italian kindergartens Scuola maternal italiana de Atene Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia, Tel: 210 202 0274 Il Mulino magico Troados 23, Ag Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 3148 British Council Library Kolonaki Sq. 17 Tel: 210 363 3211/5 American Library Masalias 22 (4th floor) Tel: 210 363 8114 American School of Classical Studies Blegen Souedias 54, Tel: 210 723 6313 Athens College Library Stephanou Delta, P. Psychiko Tel: 210 671 4628 Hellenic American Union Greek Library 22 Masalias St (7th floor), Tel: 210 362 9886 French Institute Library 31 Sina St, Tel: 210 362 4301 German Archaeological Institute Library Pheidiou 1, Tel: 210 362 0270 Goethe Institute Library Omirou 14-16, Tel: 210 360 8111 Italian Institut Library Patision 47, Tel: 210 522 9294 EU Library Vas. Sophias 2, Tel: 210 724 3982 National Library Tzavella 25, Tel: 210 382 0657 Benakeios Library Anthimou Gazi 2, Tel: 210 322 71

Libraires

Road Assistance ELPA: 104

Social Security & Health insurance (IKA) www.ika.gr

Money

French kindergartens Telephone & Internet Services (OTE) New tel: 138, Tel. (defective): 129 OTE customer service: 134 International call information (English, French & German): 169 www.ote.gr

LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

Post Phone

useful information

Post offices operate weekdays 8am-2pm. The main post offices in Athens are located at SYNTAGMA SQUARE and OMONIA SQUARE at Aeolou 100 and open weekdays 7:30am-8pm, Sat 7:30am-2pm, and Sun 9am-1:30pm.

AMERICAN EXPRESS Tel: 210.326.2626 DINERS CLUB Tel: 210.929.0200 EUROCARD Tel: 210.950.3673 MASTERCARD Tel: 00800.1188.70303, VISA Tel: 00.800.1163.803.04

Country Code: 30 City Code: 210 international calls first dial 00, then the country code.

To call from a Public payphone buy a phone card at the kiosks

Incoming

by Travel Plan Quality that meets your expectations!

www.travelplan.gr incoming@travelplan.gr

!

advertise in our listings, and reach thousands of customers

email us at ads@insider-magazine.gr

getting around

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata.

Tel: 210.353.0000, 210.353.1000. www.aia.gr.

24 HOUR VIP TRANSPORT SERVICE

Car rental

WSW Skycap Services at Athens Airport provides Meet & Greet, Baggage Hauling and Transport Service.

Tel: 210.353.0100 www.skycap.gr For info about the public bus lines please check our section Getting Around Ada Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.322.0087 Arena Tel: 210.894.6883, 210.614.7400 Auto Union Tel: 210.922.1211/1213 Avis Tel: 210.322.4951 Budget Tel: 210.921.4771-3 Europcar Tel: 210.924.8810-8 Hertz Tel: 210.998.2000 Michael Stamou Luxury Rentals Tel: 210.922.2442/43 Sixt Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.570.6895, 210.922.0171

LIMOUSINES

Public transport

AAA Royal Prestige Tel: 210.988.3221 Astra Limousine Service Tel: 210.922.0333/807.9996 Convecta Travel Agency & Limousine Services Tel: 210.322.5090 Limousines Kakaya Tel: 210.323.4120 Combined tickets for metro, buses and trolleys (€1) are available from metro stations and central ticket booths, valid within 90 mins of validation for all public transport - except the airport service, which costs 6€.

EXPRESS BUS from/ to airport To and from Syntagma Square (bus X95, 70 min. approx.), Ethniki Amyna metro station (bus X94, 50 min. approx.) and Piraeus (bus X96, 90 min. approx.). Tickets available at the Arrivals Hall; validate on board. Buses leave every 10-15 minutes. Fare is €3.20 and the ticket is valid for 24 hours on buses, trolleys and metro. For further information dial 185 or visit www.oasa.gr, www. ametro.gr. For info on trains see www.proastiakos.gr

HELLENIC RAILWAYS ORGANIsATION Karolou 1. Tel: 210.529.7002 www.ose.gr

ATHENS METRO Line 1 (Piraeus-Kifissia) 5am-midnight, Line 2 (Agios Antonios-Agios Dimitrios) 5.30am-midnight, Line 3 (EgaleoDoukissis Plakentias) 5.30am-midnight Line 3 (Egaleo-Airport) 5.30am-22.52pm and 06.30am-23.30pm.

The last itinerary is 2 hours later on Friday and Saturday night than it is during the week. www.ametro.gr

tram Tram itineraries are only from Syntagma to S.E.F (in Neo Faliro) and from Syntagma to Asklipio Voulas. From Monday to Thursday, trams operate from 5.am until midnight and non-stop from Friday morning to Sunday midnight. www.tramsa.gr

TAXIS from the airport cost about €20 to Syntagma Square, €25 to Piraeus, depending on traffic. Between midnight and 5am double tariff applies.

Note: If you suspect that you have been overcharged, you can call the tourist police 0n 171

INTERCITY BUSES Terminal 1: Buses for Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Kavala, Loutraki, Patra, the Peloponese, and Thessaloniki. Kifissou 100Tel: 210.512.4910-1, www.ktel.org Terminal 2: Buses for Delphi, Evia, Galaxidi, Karpenisi, Katerini, Lamia, Livadia, Thiva and Volos. Liosion 260.

Hellenic Seaways 210 41 99 000 www.hellenicseaways.gr, Anek Lines www.anek.gr Domestic lines: 210 41 97 420 International lines: 210 41 97 430 Minoan Lines www.minoan.gr Tel:801 11 75 000

YACHT CHARTERS

RADIO TAXI Enotita Tel: 210.645.9000 Ermis Tel: 210.411.5200 Ikarus Tel: 210.515.2800 Kifissia Tel: 210.801.4000 Piraeus Tel: 210.418.2333 Radio Taxi Glyfada Tel: 210.960.5600 There is a booking fee of e1 added to the meter

Sea ports Piraeus Tel: 210.422.6000-4 Rafina Tel: 22940.22300, 22940.28888

Sea ports & Ferries

Airport

Airlines

Aegean Tel: 801.11.20000 Air France KLM Tel: 210.998.0222 Air Malta Tel: 210.965.2300-22 Alitalia Tel: 210.998.8888 American Tel: 210.361.3373 Air Taxis (Helicopter and plane charters) Tel: 210.938.4149 British Airways Tel: 801.11.56000 BMI Tel: 210.960.0942 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Delta Tel: 210.331.1673-6 Easy Jet Tel: 210.353.0300 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.960.56.08 Gulf Air Tel: 210.322.0851 Iberia Tel: 210.353.6004 Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 210.966.6666 Qatar Airways Tel: 210.950.8700 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Tunisair Tel: 210 3220104-5 Turkish Tel: 210.353.7280-2

Ferries Ferries run year-round. For information on seasonal schedules contact a travel agent or call the Port Police on 210.422.6000 From the Port of Piraeus Northern and Eastern Aegean Islands: Gates A & B Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Samos, Dodecanese Islands: Gate E Kalymnos, Kos Leros, Patmos, Rhodes, Saronic Gulf Islands:

A1 Yacht Trade Consortium Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Tel: 210.458.7100 Ghiolman Yachts Filellinon 7, Syntagma. Tel: 210.323.0330 Nava Yachts Loudovikou Sq. 6, Piraeus.

Tel: 210.417.7728 Northstar Poseidonos 54, P. Faliro. Tel: 210.988.4000 PGA Alimou & Poseidonos, Alimos.

Tel: 210.985.9400 Seahorse Alkyonidon 83 (Marina), Voula.

Tel: 210.895.2212, 210.895.6733 Seascape Poseidonos Ave. 29, Alimos.

Tel/Fax: 210.985.8301 Valef Yachts Pl. Chatzikonstanti 2, Piraeus. Tel:210.451.2010 Vernicos Yachts Posidonos 11, Kalamaki.

Tel: 210.985.0122-8

Gates G & E

Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Crete: Gate A Aghios Nikolaos, Chania, Iraklio, Kastelli (Kissamos), Rethymno, Cycladic Islands:

Gates B, G & D

Astipalea, Folegandros, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos: Gate B Amorgos, Donoussa, Ios, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Mykonos, Santorini, Schinoussa, Syros, Tinos: Gates G&D Naxos, Paros: Gate G

Superfast Ferries Daily departures, Greece - Italy: from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Ancona and Bari Head office: 23-125 Syngrou Avenue & 3 Torva Street 11745 Athens.

Tel:210.891.9000 Reservations: Athens: 210.891.9130 Thessaloniki: 2310.560.700 www.superfast.com

insider athens | November & December 2012 75

sales points For central Athens points, see i on map EASTERN SUBURBS Gerakas: Mini Market Milionis: 131, Marathonos Avenue Pallini: Bookshop Bouzas: 63, Marathonos Street Peania: Bookshop Tangopoulos: Agias Triados Street

NORTHERN SUBURBS AG.PARASKEVI: Mini Market Avarakis: 3, Themistokleous Street, Kiosk Theodoropoulos: 8, Polytechniou Street DIONYSSOS: Kiosk Michail: 4, Mitropolitou Kydonion Street EKALI: Kiosk Kyrpoglou: Vassileos Pavlou Square FILOTHEI: Kiosk Roupa: Drossopoulou Square, Super Market Kyriakopoulos: 11, M.Renieri Street, Mini Market Plati: 27, V.Georgiou Street HALANDRI: Mini Market Kyriakou: 3, Lykourgou Street, Kiosk Drizos: V. Konstantinou & V.Georgiou Street, Bookshop Evripidis: 11, V.Konstantinou Street, Mini Market Bakatsia: 46, Pendelis Avenue, Bookshop Vivliostyl: 34, Olympou Street, Mini Market Tsakiri: 76, Ag.Antoniou Street HOLARGOS: Kiosk Bekiaris: 212, Messogion Aveue, Kiosk Tambouridis: 256, Messogion Avenue KEFALARI: Kiosk Glentzis: Patr.Maximou & Apergi Square KIFISSIA: Kiosk Karadouman: 36-38, Kyriazi Street, Bookshop Gioggaras: 34, Elaion Street, Kiosk Koutsodimou: 308, Kifissias Avenue MAROUSSI: Tobacco & Gifts Tsitsilonis: 41-43, Kifissias Avenue, Tobacco & Gifts Raptis: 64, Kifissias Street, Kiosk Stefanopoulos: 46, Kifissias Street, Mini Market Kitsios: 43, Grammoou & Dionyssou Street MELISSIA: Kiosk Manikas: 75, Dimokratias Avenue, Mini Market Koufopandelis: 28, Pigis Street NEA ERYTHREA: Kiosk Anastassopoulos: 142, Harilaou Trikoupi Street, Bookshop Giannaki: 169, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, Newsstand: 20 klm National Road Athens-Lamia, Kiosk Konidakis: Thisseos Avenue & Papadaki, Kiosk Kallergis: 130, Tatoiou Street NEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Katichidis: E.Makariou & Michalakopoulou Street, Kiosk Doukas: 44, Diamantidou Street, Kiosk Gionis: 25, Chr.Smyrnis & Ag.Georgiou Street PAPAGOU: Mini Market Papavassiliou: 16, Ellispontou Street

PALEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Kyriakou: Solomou Square, Kiosk Gialama: Efkalypton Square, Kiosk Polydoros: Kifissias & Ag.Dimitriou Street, Kiosk Kalogeropoulos: V. GeorgiouSquare, Kiosk Kontabasis: 2, Amaryllidos & V. Pavlou Street, Kiosk Kalfagian: V. Georgiou B’ 11 POLITIA: Kiosk Vovlas: Politia Square VRILISSIA: Kiosk Theodoropoulou: 5, Analypsi Square, Kiosk Aggelopoulos: Pendelis Avenue & Omirou, Bookshop Karystinaiou: 69, Alefiou Street

SOUTHERN SUBURBS GLYFADA: Kiosk Tamourantzis: 3, Metaxa & Maragou Street, Kiosk Tsakanikas: 3, Lambraki Street, Kiosk Mavraki: Pandoras & Ioanni Metaxa, Kiosk Adamopoulos: 20, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Papadakou: 7, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Haikal: 1, Ioanni Metaxa & Fivis Street, Kiosk Bolota: Gounari & Iraklitou Street, Kiosk Bellou: 5, Saki Karagiorga Street, Mini Market Agiokatsikos: 24, Ilias Street HELLINIKO: NewsStand: 43-47, Vouliagmenis Avenue ILIOUPOLIS: Super Market Kokossis: 5, Glastonos Street LAGONISI: Kiosk Vassiliadis: 37,5 klm Athinon-Souniou Avenue NEA SMYRNI: Kiosk Manoussos: 28, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street VARKIZA: Kiosk Paraskevopoulou: Varkiza Square VOULA: Kiosk Leontopoulos: 12, Sokratous Street, Mini Market Pournara: 33, Pringipos Petrou Street, Kiosk Christopoulou: V. Pavlou & Ag. Ioanni Street VOULIAGMENI: Kiosk Andrioti: Armonias Square, Kiosk Chryssikos: 1, Ermou Street, Kiosk Kylitis: 14, Thisseos Street PALEO FALIRO: Kiosk Kombogianni: 1, Ag. Alexandrou Street, Kiosk Kapetanou: 24, Achilleos Street, Mini Market Nikouli: 9, Pliadon Street, Tobacco & Gifts Berekos: 1, Possidnos Avenue & Moraitini Street PIRAEUS: Hand Delivery Telstar: 57, Akti Miaouli, Tourist Chop Siatras: 46, Akti Koumoundourou Street, Kiosk Samarogiannis: 7, Merarhias B’Street, Kiosk Siaho: Akti Moutsopoulou (Kanari Square), Kiosk Kentros: 73, Iroon Polytechniou Street, Kiosk Fotis: 1, Loudovikou Street, Kiosk Spalas: 111, Karaiskou Street, Newsstand: Railway Station Loudovikou Square

www.mysephora.gr

For central Athens stores, see on map ASPROPIRGOS Filis 100 & Bouboulinas, Tel: 210.558.0989 ERMOU Ermou 24 Tel: 210. 331.3167 & 325.7744 KALLITHEA Thisseos & Davaki, Tel: 210.956.5959 - 956.5446 KIFISSIA Kassaveti 6, Tel: 210.623.1741 & 623.1742 KORYDALLOS Taxiarhon 110A, Tel: 210.569.5270 569.5998 THE MALL, Notios Paradromos Attikis Odou, Tel: 210.630.0125 & 630.0126 AVENUE Kifissias 41-45, Tel: 210.610.9739 & 610.9740

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GOLDEN HALL Kifissias Av. 37A & Sp. Louis, Tel: 210.683.7343 PANGRATI Ymittou 110 & Hremonidou, Tel: 210.751.8005 GLYFADA A. Metaxa 33-35, Tel: 210. 894.3378 & 894.5884 KOLONAKI Milioni 2, Tel: 210. 361.2666 & 362.9925 NEA MAKRI Marathonos Av. 117, Tel: 229.409.9661 PERISTERI Ethnikis Antistaseos 12, Tel: 210. 571.0755 PETROU RALLI Petrou Ralli 97, Tel: 210. 569.6596 & 569.7316 PIKERMI 21oklm. Marathonos Av., Tel: 210. 603.9987 PSYCHIKO Kifissias 210, Tel: 210. 677.5527 & 674.0178 VRILISSIA Pentelis Av. 72, Tel: 210. 810.1971 & 810.1972

city map

Map courtesy of Emvelia Publications

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Insider pet guide Vets • Alouros: Boutique vet for cats only. Specified feline care includes a gas anaesthetic, from

which cats come round almost immediately with fewer side effects than the injection cocktail. Paleo Faliro. Tel: 210 985 4262 • Pet World: Panos Marafelias is a specialised wildlife vet,working with wild bird hospitals, but he is also an experienced diagnostician for companion animals. Zografou. Tel: 210 778 2981 • Attiko Nosokomeio Zoon and Pikermi Animal Clinic: These 24-hour vet clinics are a lifeline for animal victims of poisoning and traffic accidents. The prices are high, but they offer state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Best for emergencies only.

• Attico Nosokomeio Zoon (Paiania): tel 210 664 0552, www.attikovet.gr • Pikermi Animal Clinic (Pikermi): tel 210 603 80223, www.vetnet.gr • Christos Ktenas: Christos and his partner vet are caring and knowledgeable, and make special discounts for stray animal treatment. Nea Erythrea. Tel 210 620 2150 • Popi Marouli: Is hugely experienced with stray cats in particular, having participated in numerous cat-sterilisation programmes. Clinics in Kolonaki & Maroussi. Tel: 210 721 3109/210 805 1542 • Chrisa Simou: Graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary University, specialized in dermatology.

Considerate and thorough vet, with modest rates. Mets-Pangrati. Tel 210 922 1123.

Petsitters kennels • Le Chat Noir: Petsitters International-registered Brenda-Lee Mahoney petsits in your home in the northern suburbs of Athens. Tel: 6972 271447

• Petsit.gr: Katerina offers petsitting around Athens, call for more details 6987 018121 • Animal Hotel.gr: Kennels/cattery near the airport. Tel: 6973 359728.

• ILoveDogs.gr : Kennels at Varibombi. Tel 210 24 33334 or 6977 687840 • Home-from-home for a few sociable, neutered & vaccinated dogs at a time, complete with dog-pool for summer. Koropi. Tel: 6976 315180

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Pet-shops • Bark Avenue: Excellent selection of items for dogs and cats, to suit every

need and desire, and very helpful staff. Kifissias 206, Neo Psychico. Tel 210 677 1001 • San to Skylo Me Tin Gata: Tiny shop behind the Kallimarmaro jam-packed with goodies for your pets. Archimidous 15, Mets. Tel: 210 756 2493 • Pet Net: Good variety of pet-food, beds, leads, treats etc. Xenokratous 48, Kolonaki. Tel 210 729 0544 Also branches in Holargos, Kifissia, see www. petnet.gr

Pet taxis • Agis Pet Taxi: 6972 020205 • Yellow Pet Taxi: 6944 770077 • TaxiBeat – upload the app and search

for nearby taxis; those which accept pets are marked with a paw print

Animal welfare NGOs • Hellenic Animal Welfare Society (Filozoiki): Purpose-built kennels at Koropi, subsidized neutering for pets, dogs and cats for adoption. Tel 210 602 0202.

• SPAZ Society for the Protection of Stray Animals: Energetic team helping people to help

animals in the southern suburbs of Athens. Stray neutering programmes, veterinary care and education. www.spazgreece.gr • Adespotologio: Informal group of young volunteers caring for stray dogs and cats, through neutering, veterinary care and adoption. www.adespotologio.gr • Stray Life: Activities and events to raise awareness about animals and their welfare, and active adoption programmes. www.stray-life.gr • Friends of Animals, Nea Filadelphia: They operate a shelter for the stray/abandoned dogs of Nea Filadelphia, run education programmes for children, and try to neuter and rehome as many dogs (and cats) from the area as possible. www.friendsofanimals-nf.com • Nine Lives Greece: Active network of volunteers dedicated to helping stray cats through veterinary care, neutering, feeding and adoption. www.ninelivesgreece.com

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Bollywood, spice... and all things nice!

2013 starts with a riot of colour, music and dance as a 26-member Bollywood dance troupe bring the magic and fantasy of Bollywood films to Greece. The Arion Resort & Spa at the Astir Palace Complex, The Indian Embassy, The Indian Tourism Board, Turkish Airlines and Athens Insider magazine organise the dance fest for three spectacular evenings from 12 to 15 January. Parallel to the event, two five star chefs from Starwood’s properties in New Delhi cook up a storm for three weeks from 12 January to 27 January. Regular interactive workshops throughout the period of the festival mean that you can learn to shake a hip, hone your chicken tikka masala skills, enjoy tea-tasting sessions, Ayurveda rituals and so much more. For more information, visit: www. arionresortathens.com

80 insider athens | November & December 2012