Insider 126 March 2016

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

March - April 2016 Year 15. Issue 126 €4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

ATHENS

FAMILY 5 Great Kids’ Outings for All Ages CITY INSIDER Halandri: “The Green Gazi” GASTRONOMY A Foodie’s Guide to Lent TRAVEL Spotlight on Stylida, Little Greece in London INTERVIEWS The Walking Dead’s Josh McDermitt and Ross Marquand, American College of Greece President Dr David Horner PLUS: JAPANESE SPECIAL Featuring Japanese Ambassador Mr Masuo Nishibayashi; Japanese Dining; and Japan Business Insider with Toyota, JTI and Nissan.

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, insiderMAPS athens | AND MORE 1 March - April 2016

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More enlightened souls at the Harvard Business Review having been tossing around an acronym that has become a trendy managerial catchall: VUCA, short for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, to describe the chaos and challenges of a post-Assad, Trump-preoccupied, Tsipras-tampered world.

Initially coined by the US-military to describe the confusion following the unravelling of the USSR, it is being used with more urgency by management gurus and political analysts today, than when it was originally devised 30 years ago.

It is a theme that comes up frequently in this issue as the Japanese Ambassador to Greece, representing a country that has seen its fair share of economic tsunamis refers to Greek political instability driving away potential investors from Japan to this country; the President of the American College of Greece seeks inspiration in the teachings of pre-Socratic scholars who addressed the very issues of turbulent change that we are grappling with today; CEOs of three large multinationals interviewed here, stress on more pro-business action, tax-stability and transparency from Greece’s leaders.

It was also an issue that consumed the speakers at the Delphi Economic Forum late February with most delegates throwing an ultimatum to the Greek government: to innovate or evaporate and to embrace a different VUCA, one that requires vision, strategic understanding, clarity over implementation and agility.

Over the past month, Greece has ended up as the official parking zone for migrants in Europe, we are back at that now-familiar tipping point of running out of cash within the month, a Brexit looms on the not-so distant horizon and a candidate who was once-dismissed as a loud-mouthed distraction is now a viable contender for the US Presidency.

How do you and I deal with VUCA? The temptation is to don our carnival masks, slip into drunken revelry, and substitute meaningful conversations with vacuous emojis that can literally get under your skin (available as they now are in six politically-correct flesh tones!). But as an antidote to the pervading cynicism and gloom, Insider this month also shines a spotlight on two inspiring national icons, who together, connect the past with a more hopeful future. ‘National heroes are in short supply these days, and not only in Greece,’ John Carr rightly points out in his ode to the intrepid pioneering fighter pilot, Dimitris Kamberos. Meanwhile, we celebrate 16-year old pole-vaulting sensation, Emmanuel Karalis, who is making giant leaps for Greek athletics on the world stage. Greece needs to emulate the positivity, ambition and courage that drove these two heroes to raise the bar.

Kali sarakosti!

Sudha Nair-Iliades Publisher - Editor

Contributors in this Issue

Sudha Nair - Iliades

John Carr, Sophie Kalinauckas Caroline Olsen, Sherri Moshman Paganos, Stella Sevastopoulos, Graham Wood, John Zervos,

Art Director Michel Devanakis

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Michel Devanakis Award-winning graphic designer, fluent in English, French and Greek, Michel moved to Athens in 1997 to create Studio ZIP, after a long and interesting career in France and Canada. His background in Marketing is a major asset in his creative approach and his services are sought after both in Greece and abroad. An artist in his ‘rare’ spare time, Michel is passionate about discovering obscure destinations. He is the Art Director of Athens Insider, Bonjour Athenes and Insider Weekly.

Amanda Dardanis A print journalist for over two decades, Australian-born Amanda Dardanis started out at News Corp Australia where she has covered specialist rounds from news and politics; property and tourism; to crime and entertainment. In London, she held senior creative roles at glossy titles including Marie-Claire, Woman’s Own, and the Mail on Sunday’s YOU magazine. Since moving to Athens in 2009, she has written on Greece for international publications like The Times London, the Guardian UK and Australia’s Sunday Telegraph – and also contributes to local Greek publications.

John Carr Born in North Staffordshire, John Carr has a BA in history and MA in sociology from Leicester University. He has worked in Greece as a correspondent for the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal Europe, The Times of London and Vatican Radio and as broadcaster, writer and actor since 1978. He has published several books including, The America Capsule (2005),Your Eyes Fourteen (2007), On Spartan Wings (2012), Sparta’s Kings (2012), The Defence and Fall of Greece 1940-41 (2013), RHNS Averof (2014) and Greekisms for Dummies (2016).

Sophie Kalinauckas Sophie Kalinauckas is a London born writer and poet who has grown up between London and Greece, on the island of Leros.

She currently works as an Editor for a London based lifestyle magazine whilst studying for her MFA in Creative Writing at Kingston University. She is passionate about poetry, philosophy, penguins and of course, Greece!

Graham Wood Born and raised in the northeast of England, Greece has been home to Graham since 2004 when he covered the Olympics as a freelance journalist. He covers the Greek sports scene, but has also contributed features on travel and the environment to publications such as the Athens News and Kathimerini as well as wire services such as Reuters

Muriel Noël French by origin and a long-time Greek resident, Muriel is a trained geographer whose love for the media veered her towards a career in publishing with French lifestyle magazine VSD and Maison Française, a design magazine. After a career that spanned several years, she moved to Athens, where she has been actively involved with the French community. Muriel splits her time between Paris and Athens and is the force behind Insider Publications’ French magazine, Bonjour Athenes, its French website and weekly newsletter.

Fokia Kitsou Fokia is an intern at Insider and also a student at the Technological Educational Institution of Athens. She studies Graphic Design and she wants to continue her studies in the field of fashion design. She was born and raised in Athens which she adores. She loves fashion, art and has a passion to explore different places in and around Greece and Europe.

Stella Sevastopoulos Since moving to Greece in 1994, Stella Sevastopoulos has been art critic and English Editor for ‘The Art Magazine’, and also served as Arts Editor for ‘Athens News’ for 8 years. She wrote her MA thesis on ‘Oscar Wilde and Hellenism in Victorian England’. To read more about art in Athens, visit Stella’s blog at www.artsceneathens.com

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A Little Piece of Greece in London

34

Candy Chang’s bold new public art project

16

JAPANESE SPECIAL

In Perfect Harmony

18

Diplomatic Dining Japanese Style

22

Japanese Business Insider

24

Halandri: The Green Gazi

30

A Little Piece of Greece in London

34

School of Life

36

Japan’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr Masuo Nishibayashi, sits down with Insider’s Amanda Dardanis to discuss two nations far more kindred than one might suppose.

Memories of a Crazy Greek Pilot

16

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Memories of a Crazy Greek Pilot

John Carr introduces the pioneer aviator Dimitrios Kamberos whose dare-devil antics and legendary bravery fashioned a national hero.

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Stella Sevastopoulos reviews social activist Candy Chang’s bold new public art project that’s touching communities one city at a time.

Before I Die

Japanese Special

Before I Die

This month, try your hand at a flavourful Japanese favourite - shrimp and vegetable tempura -as part of our regular series on what diplomats serve at home.

Sudha Nair-Iliades talks trade and corporate conscience with 3 leading Japanese companies operating in Greece – Toyota-Lexus Hellas, JTI (Japan Tobacco International), and Nissan.

With its wave of new bars, boutiques, cafes and concept shops, the suburban oasis of Halandri now has a buzzy social scene to rival Gazi, says local Fokia Kitsou.

In London and pining for a fix of Mediterranean magic? Sophie Kalinauckas discovers 5 top city spots where you can “live Greece”, whatever the weather!

American College of Greece President Dr David Horner discusses how its graduates will drive change and progress amid a complex new global reality.

Leap of Faith

42

Spotlight on Stylida Halandri: The Green Gazi

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Insider drops in on the off-radar town of Stylida and discovers a charming coastal delight of lush olive groves - and some of Greece’s freshest seafood!

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW:

The Walking Dead

40

Insider meets two of the stars of TV’s apocalyptic sensation The Walking Dead – Josh McDermitt and Ross Marquand - and talks zombies, bad haircuts … and the breakdown of human civilization!

Leap of Faith

42

Graham Wood encounters Emmanuel Karalis, the teenage pole vault sensation who is taking giant leaps for Greek Athletics on the world stage.

5 Great Kids’ Outings in the City

44

Athens is a great city for small people! Insider singles out 5 fun-filled family experiences – for tots through to teens.

40 A tribute to the humble Greek kiosk

72

In Step with the Past

47

A Sweet Bonus

48

A Foodie’s Lenten Glossary

50

Orloff Spa

52

Accompany Tiina Väljaste as she traces the ancient Koile trail that once linked the Acropolis to Piraeus.

Sections Arts & Events

06

Fast Lane

12

Diplomacy

18

Business

24

Cityscope

30

Travel

38

Fave Five

44

Greek Life

48

Gastronomy

50

Wellness

52

Kaleidoscope

72

John Carr explores the very-Greek phenomenon of the free pudding – a.k.a “kerasma”.

In Greece, even fasting is all about the food (hurrah!).

Here’s Insider’s users-guide to navigating Lenten Dos and Don’ts this Easter.

The Spirit of Purity

Cover image by: Michel Devanakis

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arts&events Photography

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Until Apr

Until May 8 The National Archaeological Museum of Athens People among the splendid ruins of Athens See the first photograph ever taken in Greece, and other rich images capturing Athens’ early urban landscape and the daily life of its inhabitants. Curated by the historian of photography Haris Yakoumis, this stirring free showcase at the National Archeological Museum café (as part of the Museum’s 150th year celebrations) also includes three-dimensional presentations viewed through stereoscopes dating back to 1900.

Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 213.214.4891 or visit www.namuseum.gr

24 March 16 - April

The spirit of Broadway is alive and well at the Badminton Theater this Spring with one of Bob Fosse’s most-loved musicals, Sweet Charity (featuring Broadway gems Hey, Big Spender and If They Could See Me Now). The play is about the adventures of unlucky-in-love taxi dancer Charity Hope Valentine (played by Shirley MacLaine in the 1969 hit movie release). Performances run from March 16-April 24. Ticket prices range from €8-30, and are on sale at www.abcd.gr.

Zografou, 210.884.0600, www.badmintontheater.gr

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Theatre

Badminton Theater Sweet Charity

Gagosian Gallery Peter Lindbergh See Monica Bellucci and other potent images by acclaimed German-born photographer Peter Lindbergh - famous for his iconic black and white portraits of women - and That 1990 Vogue cover of Naomi, Cindy, Christy et al - at the Gagosian Gallery’s solo exhibition. Lindbergh’s evocative editorial work for glossy style bibles including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar draws inspiration from early narrative cinema and street photography; his subjects are often characterised by minimalist make-up, simple clothes and a pared-back colour scheme. Spanning the last thirty years, the exhibition testifies to Lindbergh’s impact on the world of fashion photography, and his contribution to portraiture in general.

Merlin 3, tel 210.364.0215, www.gagosian.com

March 1-24 Gallery 7 Summer in the City - Yannis Economou “Summer in the City,” a solo photo exhibition of works by Yannis Economou, features 16 photographs exploring life in the Greek capital during three days in August 2015.

20 Solonos & Voukourestiou, tel 210.361.2050, www.gallery7.gr

Until March 27

Exhibitions

Benaki Museum Ioannis Mitrakas Feel spiritually uplifted at this showcase of 85 contemporary religious artworks by self-taught artist Ioannis Mitrakas, who draws his inspiration from Byzantine and Russian art, as well as Greek history and mythology. The pieces are displayed alongside Byzantine and post-Byzantine works from the Benaki Museum’s permanent collection.

1 Koumbari & Vassilissis Sofias, tel 210.367.1000, www.benaki.gr

Until March 20 S.G. Art Gallery The Woman of Guernica Pablo Picasso’s most mysterious muse, Dora Maar, stages her life and love with the great painter during the German occupation in this tour de force performance by Polina Gionaki, every Sunday at 8pm. The show is presented with English subtitles. Tickets are €10 and include a glass of wine.

Kleomenous 2, 210.729.0875, www.slglycabettus.gr

Until May 15

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum New Territories If bling is your thing, check out the dazzling treasure trove at Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum.

This first-time display of outstanding designs from 50 established and emerging Greek studio jewelry artists, highlights advances in Greek goldsmithery, and the participants’ contribution to the world of contemporary visual art.

Karyatidon & Kallisperi, Acropolis, tel: 210.922.1044, www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum

Museum of the City of Athens Paris de Nonda A tribute to a great shining light of the school of Paris, Nonda (Epaminondas Papadopou-Ios), one of the few Greeks to receive a scholarship from the French government to attend the Ecole De Beaux Arts in the late 40’s. He was well known for his outdoor installations under the Pont Neuf bridge – alongside his unconventional use of cow’s blood as a medium. As writer and poet Francis Carco said of him: “The ardor, the ardor of this young painter ... testify to a rare temperament.”

Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation, Paparrigopoulou 5-7, 210.323.1397, www.athenscitymuseum.gr

Until March

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arts&events 14th Day Art Space Intimate A thrilling and multi-dimensional contemporary dance spectacle - somewhere between dream and reality – that merges physical theatre, contemporary dance and visual landscapes to the soundtrack of live electronics.

Plefsis’ new performance, “Intimate”, draws inspiration from G. Bachelard’s classic book The Poetics of Space. On stage, the two performers, like grown-up children that play in the sand, create images through interacting and struggling with various materials and objects that surround us in everyday life. Gradually they come face to face with the perplexities of existence: dream and reality, memory and oblivion, time and decay, life and death.

Tickets priced between €5-10.

Kallirrois 10, Athens, 210.921.0077

Dance

Until April 24

March 20

SPORTS

Musically-gifted diplomats from over 10 nations perform alongside professional musicians and singers for children in need.

The 3rd Ambassadors in Concert event will benefit SOS Children’s Villages. Ticket price is €35 including the reception after the concert.

For tickets, call SOS Children’s Village in Athens on 210.331.3661.

Banquet Hall, Vasilissis Sofias, www.megaron.gr

Plateia Syntagma Athens Half Maraton Celebrate the dawn of a Greek spring by experiencing one of the sporting calendar’s most popular events, the Athens Half Marathon, perfect for seasoned runners - and all those who just want to put their toe in the ring (quite literally) with a shorter 5km or 3km Road Race.

March 17

Tel : 210.931.5886 or 210.933.1113, www.athinahalfmarathon.gr

Laugh it up as one of Britain’s most prolific and edgiest stand-up comics Paul Thorne takes the mike for a night in Athens with his searing brand of provocative topical gags, daring improv and surreal comedy tunes.

A regular performer at London’s prestigious Comedy Store, Thorne also has two critically acclaimed tours at Canadian Fringe Festivals under his belt. Tickets €10 in advance or €12 at the door.

206 Piraeus St, Tavros, 210.341.8850, www.mcf.gr

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April 13

COMEDY

Michael Cacoyiannis Foundation Paul Thorne Live

Music

Megaron Ambassadors in Concert

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Art & Culture

With fill-in-the-blanks stickers and pencils, social activist Candy Chang’s bold public art projects are touching communities one city at a time. Stella Sevastopoulos reviews her liberating new Athens show.

Whether it’s Nena’s era-defining song ’99 Red Balloons’, or Carl Jung’s ‘The Red Book’ that Candy Chang had in mind when conceiving ‘School of the Future’, it’s hard to say.

But her talking-point installation, filled with over 1000 red inflatable balls, invites visitors to play like children and write like gurus. Several years ago, the Taiwanese-American contemporary art phenomenon landed on the global radar when she caught the eye of Oprah, who championed her as a local hero for a poignant construction she debuted in New Orleans. To confront her grief over the death of a close friend, Chang had erected a blackboard over an abandoned house, stenciling it with the phrase BEFORE I DIE I WANT TO…. Passersby wrote in answers like “go to school,” “feed an elephant,” and “understand,” in chalk. The project served as a reminder of “what matters to people as individuals and as a community,” Chang said of her work.

Holding three degrees (in Graphic Design, Architecture and Urban Planning), Chang has given birth to a most unique form of public art which has undoubtedly grown out of her academic background, but which also branches out into many other spheres. Chang’s communal interactive art triggers in us all a reverberant collective introspection – something that has made her displays extremely popular around the world. Now, it’s the turn of Athens to witness her immersive gallery experience. ‘School of the Future’, runs till May 16, at the Onassis Cultural Centre. It’s the first of three urban art projects that will give the public an opportunity to not

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“

I like the idea of modern Greek tragedy for the neighbourhood.”

only enjoy, but also to partake in some ‘Chang psycho-socio-therapy’.

At Onassis, in the midst of Chang’s scarlet, air-filled revelry, there’s a ramp, which leads to a school desk. Here, visitors are invited to put pen to paper, and state what they would have preferred to have been taught in school. Or perhaps share a personal life lesson.

theatre. Greek tragedy was like collective therapy to help people see that they weren’t alone in having anxieties and confusions. I like the idea of modern Greek tragedy for the neighbourhood—something sitespecific that magnifies the surroundings, something one can attend at any time, something that reveals deeper emotional struggles.”

Cultural Centre, Syngrou 107. Tel 210.900.5800, www.sgt.gr .

For more on Athens art, visit Stella’s blog: www.artsceneathens.com

Many have already visited this children’s-playland-cum-schoolroom, and left their comments in the book that rests on the desk. Here are a few: “To learn how to be creative or just let us be creative?”; “That it is normal and safe to be who you really are”; “Teach them the technology detox experience”. A seven-year-old wrote: “I would like to learn Chinese and magic tricks.”

What would Chang herself have liked to have learned at school? “How to handle stress and existential crisis.”

In her Ted talk of 2012, Chang claimed that there are many ways we can improve our lives, but that a lot of wisdom never gets passed on.

“But we do share the same public spaces.”

It’s these spaces that Chang simply, yet powerfully, converts into hotspots for ideas and liberating social activism. Herself a victim of depression, she characterizes life as “brief and tender”. She has also previously credited the ancient Greek theatre for fortifying her own brand of art-as-medicine.

“In Ancient Greece, doctors’ prescriptions included attendance of tragic

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Farewell Tetsis: The Painter of Greek Colour The canvasses of Panayiotis Tetsis’ were both poetic and euphoric, writes Stella Sevastopoulos.

Former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, Culture Minister Aristeidis Baltas, as well as other prominent political figures, museum directors, artists and intellectuals were among the crowds that paid their last respects to the much-loved, deeply respected painter, teacher and academic Panayiotis Tetsis, at his Athens funeral on Monday, March 7. Tetsis’ body was buried the next day in his beloved birthplace, the island of Hydra, where as a boy, his talent had been spotted first by architect Dimitris Pikionis – a chance occurrence instigated by Tetsis’ granny. The incredibly talented, green-eyed, noble gentleman of an artist (often sporting a bow tie), managed to encapsulate in his paintings all the colours of Greece.

He was Greece’s greatest postwar plein air colourist.

photo © Vladimir Rys

Running for your life Don’t miss your chance to follow in Homer’s footsteps and to discover the staggering mythical beauty of Voidokilia! Registrations are now open for one of Greece’s most spectacular sporting events – the 3-day Navarino Challenge – to be staged September 9-11 at Costa Navarino, in Pylos, Greece.

Runners can choose between a variety of distances: 21.1km (half marathon), 10km, 5km and 1km specially designed for children.

The half marathon (21.1km) covers the trail mapped out by Homer in the Odyssey.

The Navarino Challenge invites people of all ages to compete in a vast array of sports activities including running, swimming, tae kwon do, climbing, bike-riding, pilates, boccia, basketball and kick boxing. For the first time this year, the program introduces new activities such as SUP (Stand up Paddling), golf, kids athletics, baby swimming, aqua aerobics, diving and dance lessons. This year, guests of Costa Navarino can also take part in this multiple awardwinning sports event.

Swimmers will cover the one mile (1.6 km) distance in the picturesque port of Pylos in Messinia. Finally, the SUP (Stand up Paddling) race debuts this year, with participants taking a beautiful and historic route to Navarino Bay. Navarino Challenge aims to raise awareness of the fight against childhood obesity through the famed Messinian diet and physical exercise. Once again, the event will be implemented with the support of Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, as well as the Municipalities of Pylos - Nestor and Trifilia.

Until June 30, the Westin Resort Costa Navarino is offering special accommodation packages for those participating in Navarino Challenge. Prices start from €189 for a double room and breakfast. For further information, please contact the events official travel agent Vita N Travel. Tel: 210.324.9070 or visit navarinochallenge.com

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In Tetsis’ paintings, colour and light are both allies and enemies.

The dynamic manner with which this artist was able to capture the vibrant Greek colour spectrum on canvas, was altogether scintillating and euphoric. His landscapes are expressive, contemporary painted hymns to nature. For the director of the National Gallery of Greece, Marina Lambraki-Plaka, it was also the poetic nature of his art that appealed: Tetsis’ ability to translate into paint on canvas the essence of Greece as described by writers such as Alexandros Papadiamantis, or poets such as Andreas Kalvos, George Seferis and Odysseus Elytis.

The 91-year old Tetsis had realised over 90 solo shows, before he lost his battle with cancer. The last show with 27 new works took place only last year, at the Theocharakis Foundation. He was also the first to receive the State’s ‘Yannis Moralis’ Award recently, on February 29. At the award ceremony, the President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, described Tetsis as the artist of colours, who ‘’composes feasts of colours, organises symposiums of colours’’. ‘’Panayiotis Tetsis was to painting what Odysseus Elytis was to poetry,’’ he declared.

Mindfulness Matters Provocative Serbian artist Marina Abramović is coming to Athens to free us from our world of constant distraction The boundary-pushing artist Marina Abramović confronts our society’s distraction epidemic in an exciting large-scale performance project, debuting at the Benaki Museum on March 10.

The compelling forum will see the Benaki transformed into a vivid performance space “where people examine human boundaries, strength and possibly trust”.

The high-profile Abramović, 69, is a Serbian performance artist based in New York, whose provocative work explores the relationship between performer and audience, the limits of the body, and the possibilities of the mind. Over four decades, Abramović has forged a reputation for confrontational – sometimes shocking – art projects that test her own physical and mental limits.

‘We live in a world of constant distraction, where taking the time to connect to ourselves is becoming more and more difficult,’ says Abramović of the new project. ‘I have designed this experience to give the public the opportunity to be free from these distractions and to be connected with themselves, with each other, and with the present moment. Never has this been more relevant, than in Greece in these trying times.’

Joining Abramovic in this program of “performance and immaterial art” at the Benaki, is Athens-based non-profit arts organization NEON and the Marina Abramović Institute (MAI). The “NEON-MAI Lab” will run in tandem with a second more hands-on program of events also at the museum, which uses the Abramović method to engage viewers, who then become participants.

Abramović and her team have been busy training a group of Greek performance artists in the Abramović method, which equips audience members with the skills to perform and observe long durational performances. The goal? To push the boundaries of the body and mind. The method involves a series of exercises designed to heighten the participant’s awareness of their physical and mental experience. These exercises derive from her belief that everyone (regardless of age, nationality, gender, race, sexuality, social class, physical ability, or native language) can benefit from being more present in the moment. Abramović has experimented extensively on herself with these exercises and now desires to create an environment where others can explore the process.

A bite at the Museum What could be a better recipe than combining culture with fine wine and cheese?

The Museum of Cycladic Art hosts two evenings every week devoted to imbibing the spirit and history of Greek wines over the millennia (through the Museum’s permanent collections) followed by a gourmet 101 with Trip2Taste at the Museum’s design-forward café for an Aegean wine and cheese degustation. Ideal for a postwork catch-up, savour indigenous Greek cheese paired with some of Greece’s finest wines every Thursday from 6.30pm to 9pm or tuck into a delectable Aegean-inspired meal for a languorous ladies lunch every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30 pm. For reservations, call, 210.722.8321-3 or visit, trip2taste.com

During the NEON-MAI Lab, Abramović herself will work with the handpicked emerging artists on the principles of her artistic method. Developed over 40 years of practice, the series of exercises that make up the Abramović method are intended to blur the line between the public and the art that is being created.

NEON-MAI Lab is on view at the Benaki Museum from March 10 until April 24, Koumpari 1, Tel : 210.367.1000, www.benaki.gr

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IMAGINE EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT GREECE ALL IN ONE PLACE

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COSMOPOLITAN LEGACY The Astir Palace presents its new corporate identity with a video campaign and website that highlights its cosmopolitan legacy and its golden years when the Astir was a playground for the stars, synonymous with timeless luxury. Two sepia-tinted Astir movies, created by McVictor & Hamilton, starring Tonia Sotiropoulou draw on the lives and styles of the ultimate ‘60s glam duo of Aristotle Onassis and Jackie O. With a logo in rich black and gold, the premium character of the Astir property, stretched across 75 acres of sun-drenched gardens on a pinedotted peninsula, comes through loud and clear.

Arion, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa The Westin Athens Astir Palace Resort, 40 Apollonos Str., Vouliagmeni www.astirpalace.com

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Book Nook

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Memories of a Crazy T Greek Pilot

One balmy summer afternoon in 1938, the crew of the British aircraft carrier Hermes, anchored in Phaleron Bay, gathered on deck to watch an old and spindly biplane sputter around the sky. he plane dived and wheeled, made a couple of loops, and then descended almost to water level to zero in on the ship’s stern.

As the carrier’s crew watched, it grew bigger in their sights, and roared over the length of the ship itself with just metres to spare.

by John Carr

Upside down.

Cheers resounded off the placid sea surface. Sailor hats flew in the air.

“Who the devil is that crazy Greek pilot?” officers asked. Meanwhile, landing on the lumpy gravel at Phaleron aerodrome (roughly where the Metropolitan Hotel stands now), Dimitrios Kamberos allowed himself a smile of triumph. He had shown those haughty Brits, who thought they knew all about flying, what the Greeks could do. Leaving his fragile contraption in the care of a mechanic, he lit a cigarette, stroked his handlebar moustache and went off for a glass of wine. At 55, he believed he deserved it.

That’s just one of the stories that pepper Trelokamberos (Crazy Kamberos), a partly fictionalized biography written by Kamberos’ grand-niece, Antigone Kamberos. The pioneering aviator, we are told,

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Antigone Kamberos, who holds a BA from Strathclyde University in English, German and Italian studies, plus a PhD in European culture from Panteio University in Athens, spent four years combing through Air Force records and eyewitness press accounts of her forebear’s fame, while milking the wider family of all its reminiscences, legends and photographs.

Then, just when the manuscript was ready, the Great Greek Crisis hit. No publisher would give Kamberos the time of day, even with her legend-loaded name. Undaunted, she published it herself - and anyone in the professional writing business knows what that kind of thing costs. The result, though, is something that needs to be read by the Greeks and anyone else who cares for this country’s history and exceptional personalities. (The book is only in Greek.)

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Antigone Kamberos lives in the southern suburb of Voula, where she moved after years living in Scotland, which she professes to love. “I have a thing about shields, armorials, grey castle walls, cloudy skies, the whole Teutonic Knights thing,” she confessed most un-Greekly.

She is rarely to be found without a military or mediaeval history magazine in her capacious shoulder bag. (One of her favourites: the monthly Istorika Themata. I checked it out. It features serious and scholarly articles a cut above the usual popularized fare.)

With her books and her writing, two dogs and five cats and eight goldfish, having shaken off two failed marriages - to Scotsmen, no less - she confesses herself “happily single.” Next on her to-do list: a historical novel based on the turbulent and tragic history of the Pontian Greeks, from whom she is descended on her mother’s side.

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was immune to the idea of fear. His aerial achievements, stunts and yes, antics, amazed and terrified ordinary Greeks for nearly a quarter of a century.

National heroes are in short supply these days, and not only in Greece. In our digitally trivialized and globalized age, where a young fellow good at kicking a ball around a field for ninety minutes not only becomes a millionaire but is also held up for ethnic emulation, real heroes are unfashionable. The result is an eerie impression when reading Trelokamberos that a century ago the world was inhabited by people qualitatively different from our overstimulated and pampered lot in some very basic way.

A great many people, ordinarily brave enough in daily life, are afraid to fly, even in today’s advanced and safe airliners. Then what would one say of those who climbed into the most shockingly unsafe stringbags of a century ago, and not because they had to but because they wanted to, with a desire that laughed at the very real presence of death that took countless early fliers’ lives?

“I would listen to my father’s stories about his uncle’s stern bearing and authoritative voice,” author Kamberos told Insider, relaxing over a double cappuccino to restore her brain cells after a creative writing class. “Even though he died long before I was born, he was always there, a part of the family, always talked about.” Not only was Dimitrios Kamberos a redoubtable flier; he smoked and drank heavily throughout an exacting military career, and though he never married, he womanized with the same impetus he put into his airmanship.

6

The death-defying Dimitrios Kamberos met a thoroughly underserved end. When the Italians invaded Greece in October 1940, plunging Greece into World War Two, Kamberos donned his old air force officer’s uniform and bounced into the office of General Ekonomakos, the war minister. Ekonomakos, an old flying pupil of his, was glad to see him but his smile faded when Kamberos informed the minister he wanted to join the fight in the skies.

“But Mr Kamberos,” Ekonomakos said, according to a multi-volume history of the Greek Air Force, “you’re already a legend, and - er besides, you’re fifty-seven years old. You haven’t had any experience on the new types of planes.” In short, no dice. Kamberos stalked off, back to his small room in Piraeus overlooking the sea. Unable to do anything while his country was fighting for its life, he sank into depression. About a year later, he was found dead in his bed. It appears that he had been brewing tea on his gas stove when the tea spilled, extinguishing the gas flame but not the deadly gas itself...

An untypically quiet and understated end for the “crazy Greek pilot.” Read more in his great-niece’s adoring book.

1. Younger Kamberos 2. His Henry Farman plane he used in the Balkan War 3. The plane outside the Hellenic War Museum, with Antigone beneath

insider athens | March - April 2016 17

Diplomacy

Japan’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr Masuo Nishibayashi, sits down with Insider’s Amanda Dardanis to discuss two nations bound by much more than a love of maritime endeavours, opera and cigarettes!

18 insider athens | March - April 2016

JAPAN SPECIAL

We also need a clearer industrial relations policy and a more transparent tax system from the government.

Capital controls greatly affect international relations and we hope that this will be addressed shortly.

J

apan and Greece. Two countries that would appear to dwell at opposite ends of the cultural spectrum. One, an intricate, highly-finessed society, where politeness, discipline and a respect for authority are prized virtues.

The other, well, shall we say, a little more full-bodied. With a demonstrated bent towards disobedience, and an epicurean’s “live for the moment” ethos.

As Japan’s Ambassador to Greece, Mr Masuo Nishibayashi is the man currently charged with building bridges between these two vivid cultures. Mr Nishibayashi, a youthful-looking 63, who has served in foreign posts as diverse as Boston, Brazil, Geneva, Singapore (and most recently Cuba), would argue that Japan and Greece are far more kindred than one might suppose.

His tenure obviously comes at a historically turbulent time for Greece.

But also at a difficult juncture for Japan. The country grapples with political funding scandals and the unprecedented negative interest rate experiment of “Abenomics”, under Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo Abe’s campaign to get rid of a long - term deflation.

Regrettably, the economic and political challenges confronting Japan and Greece have seen trade and tourism between the two countries stagnate considerably in recent years from levels enjoyed during more robust times.

It’s a reality that has made Mr Nishibayashi’s role in Athens more vital than ever.

We meet on an unseasonably warm late February day, at the Japanese Embassy in Chalandri, in a week that has seen the passing of one of the world’s most high-profile diplomats Boutros Boutros Ghali - and the recalling of the Greek ambassador to Austria over anger about that country’s hardline action on refugees.

But where politics founders, the universality of music often prevails.

The opera-loving Mr Nishibayashi is an accomplished classical violinist, who often plays (along with his pianist wife Kikuko) at formal embassy receptions, in symphony orchestras. And as part of the Ambassadors in Concert, in which musically-gifted diplomats from many different countries perform for charitable causes here in Greece. It’s an initiative that greatly fosters solidarity within the diplomatic community – no small achievement in these fractious times.

Apologising for his (highly-commendable) English, I find the Japanese Ambassador to be a courteous, quick-to-smile man, whose expressive face comes alive most when talking about his love of performance (and his adored Maria Callas!). He staunchly believes in the power of music and the arts to revitalize positive connections between Japan and Greece. Mr Nishibayashi also actively supports Keys of Change, the international charity founded by Greek concert pianist Panos Karan, who takes music to deprived and troubled places around the world, such as

Sierra Leone or HIV-plagued Uganda, to advance the lives of children there. (Panos has travelled to Fukushima in Japan eight times to work with survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.)

Ambassador Nishibayashi, how important is music in both your professional and personal lives?

Music is part of the beauty of my life, and my life as a diplomat. I am an avid classical musical fan. I started violin practice at the age of 4 and later joined the Tokyo University Symphony Orchestra. Since becoming a diplomat, I have had many chances to play in other countries and music has brought me many good friendships with local people.

What is the most pressing issue on your agenda at the moment as Japan’s Ambassador to Greece?

In 2014, five Japanese parliamentarian groups came to Athens and to tour Greece. But because of Greece’s turbulent political and financial climate last year; with the capital controls and the refugee crisis, we didn’t receive any important people from Japan. The perception was that the Greek people had their own pressing issues; that it wasn’t the time to visit. Similarly, no Greek delegations visited Japan either. So we need to revitalize our cultural exchange. I have been conducting many different cultural events to that end.

Culturally, which affinities do you believe exist between Greece and Japan?

We both share a long history. The accession of the first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, is dated at 660 BC. In Greece at that time, there was a flourishing culture also; they were already holding organized Olympic Games. We both have a rich nature surrounded by the ocean, so we are both maritime nations. And like Greece, about 70 percent of our land is covered in mountains.

What is the size of the Japanese community living in Greece?

It’s not big. About 700 people. Mostly Japanese women who have married Greek men, because the Japanese women are very attractive for Greek men. But on the contrary, Japanese men are not so very attractive to Greek women!

Trade relations between Japan and Greece have unfortunately slowed due to the economic crisis.

Business activity between our two countries has become stagnant. Before the 1990s, we had more business communities here, but over the last 20 years, many companies went back to Japan. There was also a Japanese school but they abolished it about 10 years ago, because of the reduction in business presence. Our major Greek presence is still in shipping - about 90 percent of the Japanese business is shipping-related. Compared to Korean or Chinese ships, our ships are more costly.

But many big Greek ship owners favour ours because of the quality, technology and high maintenance standards.

insider athens | March - April 2016 19

Music is part of the beauty of my life, and my life as a diplomat.

Which other major Japanese companies still operate out of Greece?

Japanese goods are very popular in the Greek market. Toyota has the biggest share of the car market (about 12 percent). There is MIZUNO sporting goods, Japan Tobacco International – Greek people do love their cigarettes; It’s another bond we share! Hitachi is going to build a new thermal electric power station up in northern Greece very soon.

Many of these companies are operated by Greek people not Japanese, which creates much-needed jobs here. But unfortunately, Japanese financial investment in the manufacturing sector is very limited, so we don’t have the big factories to produce automobiles or other goods.

And how would you describe the current business environment here for Japanese trade?

Greek people do have an appetite for Japanese products but they need to get their infrastructure right first. It’s not easy for Japanese companies to run business operations here. There are complicated rules and regulations. We also need a clearer industrial relations policy and a more transparent tax system from the government. Capital controls greatly affect international relations and we hope that this will be addressed shortly.

Tourism from Japan is another area to have been hard hit by the crisis. Is this due in part to Greece’s negative image abroad?

Japanese tourist numbers have fallen dramatically. The Greek islands used to be one of the favoured spots for Japanese tourists, especially honeymooners. Two decades ago, 130,000 people came from Japan each year. Now it’s only about 20,000. In 2011-2012, the images of riots were broadcast everywhere in Japan and many people became worried about their safety. But even before the crisis, the numbers of tourists halved to about 60,000. Greece seemed to have lost its competitive edge to places like Turkey or Croatia. In 2013, the Greek tourism office in Tokyo closed due to lack of finance. I try my best to promote tourism because we need more tourists. Greece is a fascinating place.

Maria Callas as Madame Butterfly

20 insider athens | March - April 2016

What kind of sentiments have been expressed to you by Japanese representatives concerning Greece’s worsening refugee epidemic?

The people of Japan are closely watching the migrant situation because they realize that it might jeopardize the viability of the European

JAPAN SPECIAL

project. We express our solidarity to European countries, especially Greece as a gateway, and we respect all the efforts made by these countries and the Greek NGOs because this is not an easy task. Last September, Japan pledged $US 810 million in financial assistance.

What are your hopes for Greece’s immediate future?

The most important thing is the political and economic stability. Unfortunately there is not too much good news coming from Greece about these things yet and the Japanese media reflects on this negative situation. More effort by the Greek government is necessary. But I think the potentiality of this country is very big once the image of Greece improves.

As a small example, the Greek yoghurt brand Partheno has become extremely popular in Japan, where we are very health-conscious - and the yoghurt factory will double the production this spring. We also love olive oil, but sadly the market is dominated by the Italians and Spanish!

What has made the biggest impact on you personally with regards to the Greek way of life?

Greek people are very kind. They are very friendly and hospitable compared to some other European countries. But maybe they are interfering a little more sometimes!

Second, beautiful scenery. Then, delicious food - especially seafood.

Finally, warm hospitality and kindness.

Who is your favourite Greek historical figure?

Maria Callas. She is very popular in Japan. After she retired, she went to Japan to teach. I have many of her recordings and am always overwhelmed by her powerful and distinctive voice that is instantly recognizable, even after only five seconds.

Which place in Greece has moved or inspired you most?

Olympia. In 2020, Tokyo will host the Games, and before coming here, I was involved in our Olympic bid. In Olympia, I experienced a deep emotion. I was very nostalgic to witness the birthplace of the Olympics - and to see my own country’s near future merge with the past.

The 3rd Ambassadors in Concert event to benefit SOS Children’s Villages, will be held Thursday March 17 at 8pm at the Megaron Mousikis Banquet Hall. Ticket price is €35 (including the reception after the concert). For purchase, call SOS Children’s Village in Athens on 210.331.3661.

What is the best perk of being stationed in Greece?

There are four things that I always quote: First, milder climate.

The Japanese Ambassador, Masuo Nishibayashi and his wife, Kikuko, performing at last year’s Ambassadors in Concert at the Onassis Cultural Center.

insider athens | March - April 2016 21

Diplomatic Dining

JAPAN SPECIAL

The wives and partners of Athens’ foreign diplomats reveal their most tried and trusted recipes for elegant entertaining, in our regular series, Diplomatic Dining. This issue: Japan takes centre-stage. Japanese food is refined and elegant, its preparation and presentation honed over the centuries so that its flavours are pure and delicate.

Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura This crispy fried dish is everybody’s favourite and one of the iconic dishes of Japan. It is served on any occasion in any season. It is great for parties as an appetizer or as a main course. Try with other ingredients such as squid, fish, mushrooms and eggplant.

Remove the shells from the shrimp but leave the tails. Cut off the stiff spike at the tail. Devein. Make a few shallow cuts in the belly side halfway through the shrimp at 1 cm intervals and then stretch it to prevent them from curling up while frying.

Ingredients

Slice the vegetables ½ - 1 cm thick. Adjust the thickness of a slice according to the hardness of vegetables.

12 uncooked shrimps (prawns) Bell peppers, onions, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes etc.

120 gr flour for dusting Vegetable oil for deep frying

Heat the oil to 160° C in a frying pot. The oil should be at least 5 cm deep.

For the batter:

Dust the vegetables with flour and pat off any excess. Dip them in the chilled batter from the refrigerator and deep-fry until coming up to the surface. (Fry a small amount at one time, to maintain the temperature of the oil.) Transfer onto a wire rack.

2 eggs 360 ml cold water 250 gr flour

Heat the oil up to 180° C. Dust the shrimp with flour in the same fashion. Holding it by the tail, dip into the batter, then slip it into the oil headfirst and deep-fry until crisp and yellowish gold colour.

Arrange the tempura on a platter with absorbent paper underneath to keep crispness. Serve with salt or tempura dipping sauce.

Method Beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add cold water and flour for the batter. Stir lightly with a whisk or chopsticks until almost combined, but with some lumps remaining. Refrigerate and cover with plastic wrap.

22 insider athens | March - April 2016

NOTE: For dipping sauce combine 1 tsp of fish broth powder, 250 ml water, 3 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sake (or white wine) and 1 tbsp of sugar in a small sauce pan. Bring to simmer, cook for 20 seconds and remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

insider athens | March - April 2016 23

Business

The Chairman CEO of Toyota-Lexus Hellas, Mr. Aris Aravanis emphasizes that the company’s pioneering hybrid technology and customercentred philosophy have helped it consistently top the charts in the Greek automotive market Toyota is a leader in the Greek automotive market. How has Toyota retained its competitive edge in such a saturated market?

Toyota Hellas S.A. represents Toyota Motor Corporation products in Greece under the brand names TOYOTA and LEXUS, while it operates a powerful Dealer Network, covering every aspect of the motorists’ needs.

Toyota brand is well-known for its unprecedented Q-D-R (Quality- Durability-Reliability), the brand’s cornerstones for the most reassuring, stress-free driving, legendary long-lastingness, which ultimately offer to customers’ “Peace of mind” and build their “Trust” in the brand. “Peace of Mind” and “Trust” are being strongly supported by the exceptional level of After Sales service we offer. As a result, customers now acknowledge that Toyota brand cares for them and stands by them, putting always their needs and demands at the forefront of every action.

Additionally, our product innovation through hybrid technology and ‘Toyota Safety Sense’ - the most comprehensive safety system in the world - enable Toyota owners to enjoy the car they have chosen.

For TOYOTA HELLAS, the achievement of top rankings in the Greek automotive market is the result of its customer-centered philosophy.

From its first steps in the Greek automotive market, TOYOTA has been always following a pioneering approach aiming at the implementation of its vision, which is nothing less than the absolute customer satisfaction. TOYOTA HELLAS also operates a powerful Dealers’ Network, which consists of 34 Authorized Dealers with 43 Dealerships and 33 Authorized Repairers with 34 workshops.

The Dealers’ Network, which is represented in every part of the country, has made big investments in renewed and contemporary facilities,

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JAPAN SPECIAL

All Toyota hybrid car owners feel proud and distinctive for their choice and realize immediately the advantages of hybrid technology

while the most important investment for the brand is the best training of its partners and employees and their excellent skills along with the innovative services provided to our customers.

It is true that our corporate responsibility and consistency towards the Greek market and the consumers has given our company a leading position for many years in a row.

Toyota is considered to be one of the most eco-friendly brands worldwide and one of the most pioneering clean energy companies in the automotive industry. Had you anticipated such a big change in the consumer awareness and a higher tendency to adopt ecofriendlier products?

The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive implemented in our hybrid cars is state-of-the art all-hybrid technology which not only reflects an ecofriendly approach but it is also of great customer value, concerning economy and maintenance, and it promises an exhilarating driving experience. Already the 4th generation of the Hybrid technology adopted

by Toyota models complies with the CO2 standards set by the E.E. for 2020. Undoubtedly, what is confirmed every minute is our initial anticipation that TOYOTA hybrid technology would continue to gain the Greek consumers’ trust and satisfy their needs more and more each day. At the same time, in the R&D sector, Toyota is based on hybrid technology to develop new, pioneering technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells technology that had already been used on the Mirai production model.

How popular are hybrid cars in Greece? What is the expected percentage of hybrid cars in the total Toyota sales in the future?

Toyota, also in Greece, has proved its commitment to the improvement of the consumers’ life quality through constant, advanced and noticeable innovations. Also through our wide and comprehensive product range and powertrain technologies (Hybrid, Petrol, Diesel) we fulfill every individual customer’s demands and wishes.

Undoubtedly, the Greek customer understands hybrid technology, and acknowledges its benefits. All Toyota hybrid car owners feel proud and distinctive for their choice and realize immediately the advantages of hybrid technology such as fuel economy, driving pleasure, maintenance costs and the silent operation of the full hybrid powertrain.

Besides Prius, Yaris and Auris, this year we are launching two more hybrid models, i.e. RAV4 HSD and the trendsetting CH-R that will soon celebrate its world premiere as a model of C-SUV category.

As you can see our product range is constantly enriched by hybrid versions (in addition to our petrol and diesel engines), while the hybrid vehicles penetration in the Greek market has already been doubled.

So we believe that within the next few years the percentage of our

customers’ preference for hybrid models will reach even up to 50%.

Greece and Europe face challenging times and car industry bears the economic crisis burden. What strategies have you adopted to counterbalance the recession?

Undoubtedly, during these last years in Greece the crisis struck first the automotive sector. On the other hand, it is quite reasonable, especially in a recession, for the customers to choose their car, based not only on the criterion of a reliable means of transport, but also of a very important investment that would satisfy all their needs and priorities, considering that they deserve the best.

With these social and economic conditions in the background, the provision of high level services to our customers never stopped, on the contrary, it is already getting better and focuses on: • the Dealers Network’s daily support in the full spectrum of their activities • the best possible personnel training for both Toyota Hellas and the Authorized Dealer Network • the seamless operation of the Customer Service Department, which aims at the reinforcement of the customers trust and the credibility of our relationship.

Toyota Hellas and its Authorized Dealer Network, based on perfectly laid out strategic plans to face the unpredictable market conditions and the economic recession, achieved also in 2015 and for a 13th year in a row, the indisputable top spot in the Greek market. Also, in 2015 Toyota achieved a triple crown (No1 in total market, No 1 in PC, No 1 in LCV) with leading market share 12.2%, while having the biggest difference from the second best (2,714 units). Moreover, Toyota achieved a record share in the Retail total market of 15.1% (+2.1 percentage points compared to 2014), while Yaris once again was the best-selling model in the market with 18.3% (+3.2 percentage points vs 2014) Does the government have to take measures to support of automotive industry and if yes, which do you believe would be the most appropriate?

As you know, the automotive sector always represents a critical component of economic growth in every country. Undoubtedly, we believe that the Greek automotive market recovery will help first and foremost the country itself. From our side, we are willing to support and respond to measures and decisions made by the Government that would work for the consumer; also, measures and decisions that would reinforce the sector and consequently help the Greek economy and at the same time contribute to the social and ecological sustainability of the country for the accomplishment of public health.

insider athens | March - April 2016 25

Business

Smoking has been on the agenda of health departments across Europe. What are some of the CSR activities that JTI has been involved in creating awareness and in developing reduced-risk products?

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) provides full transparency about its products and is committed to developing, testing and bringing to the market new reduced-risk products. To that end, the company pursues working with public health bodies and regulatory authorities to create the framework that will allow these products to be made available to the Greek market.

In Greece, JTI is the second largest tobacco company with a presence since 1981 and offices in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patra. Going beyond business operations, JTI and its employees are committed to contributing to society as a whole and individuals. Particular focus is placed on the poor and homeless elderly people and the Greek culture.

Elias Assimakopoulos, Vice President and General Manager, JT International Hellas AEBE, speaks to Athens Insider on JTI’s activities in Greece, its commitment to Greek society in raising awareness, and its continued investment in one of Greece’s oldest, traditional industries.

26 insider athens | January - February 2016

In 2014, the JTI Foundation, a Swiss charitable organization registered under Swiss law and financially endowed by JT International SA, funded the construction of an establishment that offered a solution to the housing problem faced by the earthquake-stricken Elderly Home of Lixouri in Cephalonia. On the culture front, JTI supported the development and publication of a bilingual archaeological guide for the ancient city of Chania in Crete, produced by the Greek Ministry of Culture. More recently, the company sponsored the exhibition “Καπνός | Tobacco”, at Benaki Museum and other sites throughout the country, that brought to light the history of oriental tobacco in Greece and its crucial role in the economic, social and political environment in the early years of the newly established Greek State.

With continued rise in cigarette prices and an increase in contraband trade, what strategies has JTI adopted to combat the trade in unlicensed tobacco products in the black market?

JAPAN SPECIAL

2016 Top Employer Award in Greece, Europe and Global

”Kαπνός | Tobacco” 101 notes on Oriental Tobacco, Benaki Museum 2014

The Greek crisis has generated numerous increases and interventions on tobacco taxation which have had negative impacts to the market, consumers, industry and state revenues. Illegal trade, one of the major consequences, can only be effectively addressed by a united front and coordinated action by all interested parties. JTI is fully committed to continue contributing its share to protect the legal market and our brands.

Through an agreement with the EU, the company is providing 400 million USD over a 15-year period to fight illegal tobacco trade in the European Union. The company has put in place a number of programs that ensure its products only reach consumers through legal retail trade channels. Moreover, JTI actively supports governments, regulators, police and customs in their fight against illegal trade by sharing information and developing specific programs with them. Proactive engagement and open communication with concerned authorities are some of the key areas of focus in this fight.

With this in mind last year, JTI, with other Industry members, organized an Anti-Corruption conference in Athens where the issue was examined in detail with government and law enforcement stakeholders for the way forward in this common fight. Consumers were also made aware of the financial and social costs of illegal tobacco by a media campaign that followed.

Despite the difficult situation in the country and in the operating environment, JTI proceeded with the necessary capital increases to cover the adverse impact of the high tax raises of the past years and the declining market and intends to continue its progress and further development in Greece.

Ancient city guide, JTI and Ministry of Culture

professionally and personally, together with the company. We develop and implement HR practices with motivation and reward at their heart, providing equal opportunities and continuously investing in the talent and skills of our employees. In return, people are proud to be part of JTI, as recently demonstrated by the results of the employee engagement survey where 95% of employees said they are proud to belong to the JTI family and are willing to put in more effort for the company’s success.

For the 4th consecutive year JTI was recognized as a Top Employer for Greece, Europe as well as Global, amongst the top 8 of the world.

JTI has been in Greece since 1999 and has consistently been voted as one of the best workplaces in Greece. Can you give some examples of what makes JTI such a model work place?

Even within the difficult economic circumstances of the country, the relationship of respect and trust between the company and its people remains solid. Our company focuses its efforts in providing its employees with a working environment in which they can grow both

JTI Foundation in Cephalonia: Temporary housing for Lixouri Elderly Home

www.jti.com

insider athens | January - February 2016 27

Business

Nissan, part of the world’s fourth largest car group (with Renault), is the industry’s zeroemission leader and a Japanese brand Greeks readily identify with. A few questions to Nissan’s Vice President and Managing Director Mr. Takis Theocharakis on the company’s strategy and vision for the Greek market.

Nissan is considered one of the greenest brands worldwide and as one of the pioneering clean energy companies in the automobile industry.

Did you anticipate such a huge shift in consumers’ awareness and preference for greener automobiles as evidenced by the popularity of Nissan LEAF? Nissan LEAF is as advanced and innovative today, as it was five years ago since its launch. No other manufacturer has produced as many electric vehicles, or covered as much distance without producing any emissions. In fact, Nissan LEAF customers just surpassed the two billion kilometer mark (1.2 billion miles), which is equivalent to 2600 round trips from the Earth to the moon. This remarkable feat has helped keep 328,482 tons of CO2 from entering the air, according to a five year salesvolume based assumption. Ever since the first Nissan LEAF rolled off the assembly line, it has been continually celebrated around the world, garnering more than 92 awards, including being named Car of the Year in Japan and Europe, not to mention winning the very prestigious World Car of the Year. Having in mind all the above, it is obvious that the popularity of Nissan LEAF is expressed through the thousands of its satisfied and “innovative” owners worldwide all these years.

28 insider athens | March - April 2016

JAPAN SPECIAL

Speaking for Qashqai, the new, second generation, is even better, being established as the leader in the crossover market.

How popular are hybrid / all-electrical cars in Greece? What percentage of Nissan’s car sales will be driven by green technology cars?

Electric mobility in Greece is not as developed as in the rest of the EU countries. Electric car use in Greece remains very low due to the total absence of infrastructure, unfavorable taxation and lack of incentives like in the other EU countries. To give you a clearer picture of the current situation, Greece is having only 20 accelerated charging points and no rapid ones!

Since November 2011, together with Athens’ Municipal Authority, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess the feasibility and eventual development of zero emissions mobility. We have the willingness, the products and the knowhow to do it, but it is essential for the state to respond in accordance to the minimum requirements that are needed for that kind of project. Unfortunately very few things have moved since then, due to the general environment.

generation crossover MPV that looks like a 4x4, with the drivability and running costs of a regular car– what more can we expect from Nissan in the future?

Nissan has a clear vision for the future, based on innovation and excitement and emphasizing on electric cars, autonomous vehicles, and increased connectivity. According to Nissan, interactions between these three areas of technology could dramatically change the way cars look and perform 10 years from now. We expect from Nissan greater advancements in areas of connectivity and self-driving cars.

Nissan will put a car with at least some autonomous capability on sale by 2020, and also cars that drive themselves through stop-and-go traffic, take over for long stretches of highway driving, and change lanes autonomously, should be expected soon. Freed from the responsibility of driving, people could then use a greater range of connectivity features to be more “productive”.

These are challenging times for Europe and Greece and the automobile industry has borne the brunt of the crisis. What strategies have you adopted to counter the downturn?

Aggregate car sales slumped after the start of the financial crisis. By 2011, with the Greek economy contracting rapidly, car sales fell to barely 60,000 per annum, a decline by almost 3 quarters over four years. In order to counter this downturn, we have reacted immediately with a successful mix of strategies, including company and network restructuring, creative marketing strategies - so as to entice reluctant consumers, attractive commercial policies for sales and after sales services. Fortunately, the car market is showing some signs of recovery over the last 2 years, something which lead us to believe that there is room for improvement, in the upcoming years.

Nissan has been one of the key players in the Greek automobile industry with Nissan’s Qashqai being frequently on the bestseller list. How has Nissan retained its competitive edge in such a saturated market?

Should the government take measures in order to support the automotive industry and if so, what do you think would be more appropriate?

As the current scrapping incentives scheme is coming to its end, we believe that the government has to reform the current taxation system, favouring smaller and greener cars.

From the cute Micra to the best – selling Qashqai, the second-

We have a long and significant presence in the Greek automobile industry as N. J. Theocharakis S.A is the national importer and exclusive distributor of Nissan cars in Greece, since 1961 and the first and oldest importer of Nissan in Europe. Our company is one of the largest automobiles distributors in the country, with a leading role in the Greek market. To give you a picture of our achievements, last year we celebrated the sales of above 600.000 Nissan cars, in Greece. Speaking for Qashqai, the new, second generation, is even better, being established as the leader in the crossover market. Having the record of more than two million units produced since 2007, Qashqai is dominating the Greek market as well, being the best – selling model, not only in the crossover category, but also in the whole C segment. Through these years, we retained our competitive edge, in having high standards of services, emphasizing in terms of quality, knowledge and customer’s satisfaction. For us, selling a new Nissan, let’s say is the “easy” start of a long-term, trustworthy relationship with our customers.

insider athens | March - April 2016 29

Rematia River

Halandri local Fokia Kitsou opens her address book to Insider readers and reveals a vibrant suburban oasis in the grip of exciting transformation.

B

ack in the 1970s, the historic suburb of Halandri was little more than a modest village, best-known for its fulsome laiki and a calm demeanor.

Now, this North-Eastern hub, home to more than 70,000 residents, has a buzzing social scene to rival Gazi, thanks to a succession of new bars, boutiques, cafes and concept shops (not to mention the plentiful public transport connections to the city-centre).

Halandri – which sports the ancient name Phlya (Φλυα) - has an august history to match its bright future. As well as being the birthplace of Euripides, there have also been signs of human habitations from as early as 2.600-2.000 B.C. ‘In the last five years, Halandri has experienced massive growth says graphic design student Fokia Kitsou, who has lived here since childhood.

30 insider athens | March - April 2016

City Scope

‘

In the mind of many Athenians, Halandri is now something like the new Gazi. The bars are new, but the environment is better and it’s not so crowded.’

Penny Lane Comfort Food

EAT Penny Lane Comfort Food

Style inspiration? The Beatles’ Penny Lane and Liverpudlian charm.

Food inspiration? Pure American comfort fare: burgers, ribs and pizza with cocktails. Works for us. The mood at this Halandri newcomer (which opened last summer) is cosy, casual and convivial. Penny Lane’s signature element is the open kitchen where you can see your nosh being prepared – and the irresistible BBQ aromas that waft all over the block, calling you to come hither and dine at Penny Lane.

No reservations available; first come-first serve. Open Mon-Sun from 11am-1am.

Thoukididou 10, 210.680.0217, find them on Facebook.

Ancho Mexican Grill

The street food trend is alive and well in Halandri with this much-loved local hot-spot that combines truly delicious and fresh Mexican street treats with the fun of a Californian burrito bar. Think burritos, tacos, nachos, tortillas, quesadillas, chili con carne – and the obligatory frozen margarita of course! Ancho’s self-service format makes it super easy to try different tastes each time you go. We also love their “point system” that rewards regulars with free dishes. A great spot to break up your Halandri wanderings or as a pre-cocktail bar fuel-up!

Kolokotroni & Gyftopoulou 9, 210.680.1097, www.ancho.gr

Chefi The Restaurant

Ancho Mexican Grill

‘In the mind of many Athenians, Halandri is now something like the new Gazi. The bars are new, but the environment is better and it’s not so crowded.’

It’s true. Halandri has a powerful weapon up its sleeve that ever-popular Gazi does not. The beautiful Rematia river (that starts from Penteli and ends in Tourkovounia) and its surrounding parklands. It’s the reason Halandri was inhabited in the first place. Where else so close to the city-centre can you gorge on high-street fashion staples at Zara and H&M (or at some very charming “indie boutiques”) … then, within easy walking distance, tap into such a soothing green urban oasis, free of cars and fumes?

‘Rematia is a beautiful and really calm place where you can jog, have a picnic, ride your bike or let your dog run around and socialise with other dogs. Or just enjoy the fresh air and the sound of running water only a few kilometers from Athens center.’

With their mantra: “People who like to eat are always the best people”, we and Chefi were always going to get along! You’ll find this suburban treasure housed in a beautifully renovated property (with a fab garden), a little away from the main Halandri drag. Lovely atmosphere aside, Chefi really is all about the food. Chef Alexandros Kossivakis creates utterly delicious menus with a fun twist of elements, inspired by international cuisines (such as grilled pork iberico with yogurt tandoori, lentil salad, raisins, pine nuts, light dressing of grilled garlic & sage - it tastes as good as it sounds). Look out also for Chefi’s regular themed evenings with set menus where you can take a memorable taste trip somewhere like Mexico, Italy, Spain.

Perikleous 31, 210.681.5774, www.chefi.gr

Chefi Restaurant

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Petite Fleur

Anthologia Humana

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City Scope

Chefi Restaurant

7th Thought Boutique-Café

Petite Fleur

Let the tunes and décor at this charming rendezvous spot, located just behind Ag. Nikolaos church, transport you to the seductive Paris of “belle époque”. Petite Fleur’s central locale makes it the perfect place to linger at leisure - after a rousing walk or mid-shopping jaunt – with a bio-coffee or a dreamy homemade tart. Non-smokers particularly appreciate the owners’ smoke-free philosophy. The stand-out though is the hot homemade chocolate that comes in many mouthmelting varieties.

Agios Nikolaos Sq. 2, 210.681.4825, www.petite-fleur.gr

SHOP Anthologia Humana

Kokkini Svoura

CAFÉ Kokkini Svoura

* Svoura= spinning top Exactly like a spinning top, everything at this super-cosy cafe changes. In a good way. Like the cocktails, tapas, fresh juices, sandwiches … right down to the decoration, furniture and events. Clearly, this is a place run by people with ideas to burn. Great ideas like concerts, stand-up comedy, parties, photography and paint exhibitions. Built in an old house with ultra-comfy furniture, you can really make yourself at home at Kokkini Svoura. It’s like hanging in your living room with friends or alone reading a good book. In summer, there’s also a great back yard to heighten the chill-out factor. Don’t miss the homemade DIY cookies, where you choose the ingredients and they bake them on the spot. Heaven on a plate.

Ag.Georgiou 17, 211.0125.454, www.kokkinisvoura.gr

Anthologia Humana never wanted to be just another small neighbourhood shop. Their goal was always to create instead a gathering place; somewhere you can shop, eat, drink your coffee, read your book. Or just relax with your thoughts. In this, they have absolutely succeeded.

Anthologia Humana makes a very welcome addition to the Halandri landscape and just shows that small local businesses with a personal touch can co-exist with the major multinationals. Here in this small blue shop, you’ll find great clothes and shoes, books, small furniture and home decoration. The only criteria, that they be things that “make us smile”. You’ll want to move in, believe us!

Andrea Papandreou 41, 210.685.9171, www.anthologiahumana.com

7th Thought boutique-café

In a secret corner of Halandri lies this peaceful concept shop that’s always full of lovely surprises. Downstairs - where it’s yes to pets and no to cigarettes! - you can enjoy great coffee, smoothies, Greek wines or cocktails and snacks from 9am. Then, head upstairs to the second floor where you’ll find a delightful and eclectic collection of Greek designer’s clothes and shoes, each with their own unique style and in perfect harmony with the atmosphere of the café below. 7th Thought is a fantastic spot to discover up and coming Greek designers – and its Sunday brunch (from 12-5pm) ain’t bad either!

Agias Paraskevis 29-31, 213.025.8896, find them on Facebook.

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Travel

For all those Londoners pining for a fix of Mediterranean magic between summer holidays, don’t despair! Sophie Kalinauckas has unearthed 5 top city spots where you can live like a true Greek, whatever the weather.

A

s wonderful as London is, we locals often find ourselves dreaming of a faraway land full of sunshine, frappes, creamy feta, fresh olives and dining underneath the stars. Somewhere infused with the flavours of summer, drizzled with exotic fragrances and topped off with a taste of chilled wine. Sound familiar? A Greece getaway might still just be on

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the wish list. But we Londoners can at least feast Greek style! Greek cuisine is expressive and evocative – and preparing and sharing food is at the heart of Greek culture. Ingredients from nature are carefully cultivated with care for family and friends to share, as the ultimate expression of respect, friendship and love.

MAKE IT MAZI

Mazi, in the heart of swanky South West London, Notting Hill,sings true to its Greek name meaning ‘together’ as it combines classic recipes of Greece with modern, innovative twists - all served with the sharing culinary tradition at the centre of its ideology. From grilled aubergines marinated in thyme honey and calamari mixed with black eye beans, spinach and citrus juice to loukoumades served with honey, crushed walnuts and chocolate sorbet, stylish Mazi don’t miss a trick.

With most of their ingredients imported straight from Greece, they bring authenticity to the table with a few surprises sprinkled along the way. There’s also a large garden so you can dine outside just like the Greeks do in summertime.

Mazi, 14 Hillgate Street, W8 7SR, www.mazi.co.uk

THIS IS THE (GREEK) LIFE!

ALL HAIL OLIVE OIL

You can truly live like a Greek in London with Oliveology who have a regular stall at the famous Borough Market. As the name suggests, the company celebrates the culinary features of gastronomic Greek traditions - olive oil being the golden ingredient for all Greeks. What’s more, Oliveology produce a barrel full of other organic products including organic hand-picked olives, Greek honey, Greek truffles, tea and herbs and even skin care products. What’s special is that they work with artisan farmers on their Greek-based farm, at the foot of the Taygetus mountains, near Sparta. In this area of the Peloponnese, the olives have been cultivated for 3000 years with perfect climatic conditions. You could create a whole Greek cookbook with their exceptional, wildly aromatic, authentic products.

Oliveology, Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL Thu 10am-5pm/Fri 10-6pm, & Sat 8am-5pm. www.oliveology.co.uk

Hats off to the chefs at The Life Goddess, experimental divine which is tucked a few roads behind busy Carnaby Street, and set on a balcony of Kingly Court where you dine overlooking lit trees and candles. With the symbolism of Amalthea pinned on decor (the Greek foster-mother of Zeus who was sometimes seen as goat), this venue keeps genuine Greek cuisine alive with what is a rustic traditional cooking philosophy.

The Greek salad is just as it should be, matched by a sharing meze of feta, tzatziki, melitzanosalata, fava, plump black olives combined with crusty bread - Hellenic simplicity at its perfection. You can also check out The Life Goddess, greek deli divine minutes from Oxford street.

It’s a coffee shop, restaurant and delicatessen with more than 300 products capturing the Greek taste in a jar.

The Life Goddess, Kingly Court, 1st, Kingly Street, W1B 5PW www.thelifegoddess.com

MEAT REAL GREECE

AS HUNGRY AS A DONKEY

The Hungry Donkey in East London, is a warmly lit, high-ceilinged modern Greek restaurant heavily influenced by Athenian street food. This is a place to relax or make a whistle-stop detour - for all those hungryfor-Greek foodies on the go. You know it feels Greek with saganaki on the menu. But what’s special is that it’s made from organic graver cheese. In fact, the restaurant celebrates many different food preferences with an abundance of organic products, rare-breed meat featuring on the menu, and catering for vegetarians and vegans. Hungry Donkey are justifiably proud of their long list of Greek wines, beers and spirit- all Greek. You’ll be full to bursting here - but there’ll always be just enough space for a Greek coffee afterwards…

Hungry Donkey, 56 Wentworth Street, E1 7AL, www.hungrydonkey.co.uk

Travel just 30 minutes outside of London to Meat the Greek in Guildford. Tucked away amongst the cobbled streets, you’ll discover just how good real Greek food can be. Specialising in souvlaki and ‘yeeros’, it is predominately a delivery and takeaway, but does have a few tables for souvlaki celebrators. Start off with a Greek salad and a special Dakos Creten salad. Then make room for a chicken, pork, sausage or vegetarian pita souvlaki wrap. Meat the Greek import from Greece and use genuine flavours for an authentic Greek feast including feta, extra virgin olive oil, kalamata olives. It is the only place (outside of Greece), that I have ever tasted perfect Greek ‘sauce’ which they call ‘mayo mustard sauce.’ They have recently introduced the Philadelphia souvlaki which is a special twist on the souvlaki - worth trying.

Meat the Greek, 15 Chapel St, Guildford, GU1 3UL www.meatthegreek.org

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As Greece navigates a complex new global economic reality, the graduates of The American College of Greece are poised as “catalysts for change and drivers of progress”, says ACG President Dr. David Horner. Here, Dr. Horner expands on the “liberal, pluralistic and studentcentered’” US-style education offered at the ACG’s three entities: Pierce, Deree and Alba. approach at the root of the ACG’s liberal arts tradition of education. I’m a huge believer in education not being narrow or just skill-based. But based on human capacity building.

Pragmatically speaking, at the undergraduate level we require all students to complete a Liberal Education programme. The goal is to expose students to wide domains of human knowledge, helping them to explore areas that might trigger their interests and passions - which might then connect to their vocational aspirations; to organize and to present their thoughts in a cogent argument; to see issues from different perspectives. This is a foundation that makes sense no matter what the future holds. Alba, our graduate business school, was just awarded in January for teaching creativity in their MBA programme. It was the top award by AMBA (the Association of MBAs, which includes 200 of the world’s best business schools). The capstone course in Alba’s MBA curriculum blends business disciplines with the performing arts, utilizing faculty from the Frances Rich School of Fine and Performing Arts at Deree. The aim is to enliven in business graduates this whole notion of creativity – and a specific capacity for imagination.

“Education is meant to take us into a future we can’t grasp.” How does the ACG hope to equip its students with the right skill sets to expand their imagination?

Much has been written about change in the 21st century driven by high-tech and globalisation. My favourite pre-Socratic philosopher, Heraclitus, said that the ultimate component of reality is change - and he said that a long time before iPhones were invented. So although the 21st century might be one of tremendous change, as usual the early Greeks dealt with concepts at the heart of the question. Education fundamentally requires adaptation and preparing people to be flexible: an

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ACG celebrates its 140th anniversary in Greece. What are the biggest changes the institution has undergone?

The College was founded in Smyrna (Izmir), Turkey in 1875 and came to Athens as a result of the 1922 catastrophe. So we were in a sense, a refugee school, and we are in another refugee era now. We had several locations until 1965, when we were next to the old Athens airport in Elliniko, before moving to our present campus in Ag. Paraskevi. But, we have changed in scope, as well as location. We began as a girls’ school for elementary and secondary age kids of Armenian, Greek, Jewish and Turkish heritage, serving the cosmopolitan population of Smyrna that was wiped out in the catastrophe. ACG continued the female education tradition in Greece through Pierce – our secondary school. In 1965 we offered our first higher education degree. Then in the 1980s,

Education

There is hardly any major corporation in Greece that does not have Deree graduates in its upper management echelons – frequently at the very top. a Greek law abolishing single-sex education transformed Pierce from an all-girls school to a co-ed institution. Something that has remained constant is the emphasis and values of the founding missionaries from Massachusetts - still very evident in our school motto, ‘Not to be served but to serve.’ An emphasis on education not just for one’s own personal good but for social good.

Despite the economic climate, ACG has succeeded in growing its enrolment numbers. How have you managed this feat?

It is especially impressive as we also have elevated our admissions standards - in the context of a shrinking market. It’s not magic. It basically stems from more assertive attention to the Greek market in terms of media relations, advertising and student recruitment. We have also expanded into international markets. This year we have students from 67 countries as well as over 500 study abroad students from over 120 universities from around the world. We believe we have the strongest US Study Abroad offer in Europe because we combine the broadest curriculum (so students can study not just classics, but also subjects like psychology, economics or history that can connect to their curriculum at their own institution) with the best American campus and the biggest enrolment in any US-based institution in Europe. So we’ve grown in Greece but also internationally.

How do you incorporate Hellenic heritage into your programmes?

More international students are traveling all over the world for higher education. We can be a player in that market – premised on two things: 1) the strength of the institution and 2) the context of Greece.

Our recent story of growth proves the inherent brand appeal of Greece.

If you can combine a credible educational programme, a credible educational institution with everything that Greece represents in peoples’ imagination - and appreciation of history and culture, that is a very powerful combination, indeed. Hellenic heritage is at the core of the brand we are building.

What is your personal view on the state of higher education in Greece?

If Greece really wants the best higher educational system, it needs to develop that system around three pivot points: 1) student choice 2) institutional autonomy 3) philanthropy. If you look at the American system and on how it has become the envy of the world, it is based on student mobility and choice. The US does not tell its students where to go. Students make that choice. The US tries to empower that choice through financial aid at the federal and state level and through institutional support so that economics is not a barrier to a student’s choice of university.

The Greek system as you know, does not operate that way. Second, the American system is based on institutional autonomy – schools are substantially free to choose the curricula they are going to offer, whom they are going to admit; there is institutional self-governance through peer accreditation and not so much through governmental control. And third,

American institutions, both public and private, depend on philanthropy.

The US system is geared to encourage that through tax incentives. So my prescription would be: copy the American system substantially around those three points: liberate students to choose, liberate institutions to develop themselves, leverage philanthropy.

How receptive have Greek government policies been towards higher private education in recent times?

Our 2015 Annual Report expresses ACG’s Social Impact in numbers.

Beyond the 5,000 students we enroll, this impact ranges from contributing more than 10 million euros a year to the State in taxes, to almost 40,000 people a year attending public lectures on campus, to other indicators such as our Institute of Public Health which has educated more than 4000 Greek children on the dangers of tobacco use.

If you look at the long list of our contributions and pair our financial contributions with the social impact we create through a variety of programmes, you would think Greece would want to encourage this as much as possible. But, of course, that is not the reality. Our real problem being understood in Greece is that we really have few if any institutional peers. On the one hand, you have the public higher education sector, and the whole system is geared to enhance, protect and preserve that public sector. On the private side, you have primarily for-profit entities. Our mission is public service but from a non-profit, independent base. All independent (non-governmental) higher education institutions in the US are organised the way we are: Harvard, Yale, Stanford, CalTech, MIT – all of the most prestigious universities in the US. But, in Greece very few private, higher education entities operate as non-profits. There’s no inherent reason why Greece could not have really strong, not-for-profit, private universities and good public universities co-existing.

You find yourself in Greece at a very critical juncture in the country’s history? Despite the professional challenges, what does being in Greece mean to you personally?

I do think that it’s a time when differences are going to be made for good or for bad, and for that I’m glad for the point of view this institution represents. What we stand for is very valuable and very potentially useful for Greece at many levels. Greece needs to make good choices and follow up those choices with good implementation. We want to be a positive contributor to Greece’s future. I have a graduate degree in philosophy and so Greece’s unique role in forming the intellectual history of the West is personally very meaningful to me. I seek my answers to a lot of contemporary issues in the insights the early Greek philosophers taught me. I also feel a strong connection to my colleagues, most of whom are bright, energetic, committed Greeks who are trying to make it, not just for themselves, but as the school’s motto suggests, also for the society they live in.

insider athens | March - April 2016 37

Travel

Insider drops in on the off-radar town of Stylida and discovers a charming coastal delight of lush olive groves - and some of Greece’s freshest seafood!

Not your usual iconic tourist attraction, but well worth a detour, Stylida, bang in the heart of central Greece, is a beguiling coastal town that snakes along the Malian Gulf, right along the narrow Artemissia straits upto Glyfa, within kissing distance of Evia. Highly underestimated by tourists, Stylida offers idyllic charm, lush olive orchards, picturesque fishing villages, some of the most spectacular fauna and arguably, the freshest fish and seafood in Greece (thanks to its alternating warm and cold currents, locals will inform you).

Historically, it played a vital role in one of the most chequered battles in ancient Greece, the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, where the famous ‘300 Spartans’ held off a substantially larger force of Persians

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under Xerxes. An ancient bridge that connected the Malian Gulf to Thermopylae still bears silent witness to that legend.

The twice-elected Mayor of Stylida, wellknown TV personality Apostolos Gletsos, has set his sights on converting the natural beauty, gastronomic wealth and rich potential of Stylida into a destination for the discerning tourist seeking authentic experiences and off-the-radar immersions into local culture and customs. With its numerous indigenous tribes and communities, including the redoubtable Sarakatsanis clan, Stylida offers an interesting insight into the influence of ethnic communities on Greek society through the prism of local culture.

Images by Fokia Kitsou

insider athens | March - April 2016 39

Celebrity Interview

Fox’s apocalyptic survival drama The Walking Dead, based on the comic series of the same name, has become a global pop-culture phenomenon, with its themes of life, love, loss and humanity.

Insider’s Amanda Dardanis caught up with two of the show’s most popular stars – Josh McDermitt (who plays science teacher Eugene) and Ross Marquand (the idealistic recruiter of Alexandria, Aaron) - during their recent Athens visit and talked zombies, bad haircuts … and the breakdown of human civilization!

Welcome to Greece guys! What have been your first impressions?

Ross: It’s beautiful, it’s stunning. We were flying in yesterday, and looking out at the islands on the water as we landed and it was amazing.

Athens is a place we’ve been wanting to come for a long time.

Josh: I’m sad I’m only here for a couple of days. The people, the food … it’s all amazing. We keep talking about how much we love it here.

The Walking Dead, which started in 2010 and is now in its 6th series, has dovetailed with Greece’s own financial apocalypse. Maybe you could make an episode here?

Josh: Great idea. The Acropolis could be the new prison!

How do you both explain the show’s gargantuan success?

Ross: We’ve talked about this at length. And we don’t really know how we’ve managed to capture lightning in a bottle. We got lucky.

Josh: Every time you turn on the news, there’s another country invading another country. Another earthquake. Another dictator coming to power. Another economy collapsing. Everything just feels like it’s falling apart. And we’re on the doorstep of an Apocalypse of sorts. So I think that fans watch our show and sometimes think, “we’re not too far off our own civilization crumbling.”.

Is there a typical Walking Dead Fan? Ross: The cool thing about our show is that there is no typical fan.

We’ve had families come together at Walker Stalker fan events to say how much they love it. We’ve also had people in their 80s say, “we watch it all the time!”

Josh: You don’t expect that, because you assume it’s a young person’s show. Back in the 80s, they might have watched Matlock or Mur-

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Every time you turn on the news, there’s another dictator coming to power. Another economy collapsing. Everything feels like it’s falling apart. And that we’re on the doorstep of an Apocalypse of sorts.

der She Wrote. Now that Angela Landsbury’s gone, it’s The Walking Dead. Apparently.

Ross: Fans love putting themselves in the situations of the survivors and asking “Who would I be in that situation?” Would I be a Rick (the show’s main hero played by Andrew Lincoln)? Or someone like Carol who starts out weak but ends up strong? It might be a morbid question, but I think it’s one that subconsciously people have in the back of their heads.

Josh: TWD was my favourite show before I joined. And even I’d thought about my Zombie Apocalypse Plan! There’s a liquor store down the street. I know they probably have a shotgun. I would get that. Then go kill my neighbor and take his motorcycle!

Ross: Rationally, I know the zombie apocalypse isn’t really going to happen. But then I turn on the news and think, “Well something’s going to happen!”. I need to have some sort of escape plan.

Josh, you started out in comedy and were raised in a family of practical jokers. Is that a help or hindrance in a show like TWD? I’m sure they find it a hindrance (laughs). But for me, in both comedy and in drama, you want to find the honesty in the story and characters.

There are some comedic elements to Eugene with his behaviours and mannerisms. I think a lot of people can relate to him. He’s a bit of a coward. No survival skills. Scared. Hoping someone else will step up and save them. People say, “Oh you’re hilarious with Eugene”; when I’m not necessarily trying to be.

Are there many pranks on the set to lighten the intensity of the show?

Josh: Yeah all the time. Everyone in our cast has a wicked sense of humour. They all love to cut loose and have fun. Norman last season put a bunch of live chickens into Andy’s trailer (Rick). I’m actually in the middle of a prank right now with a cast member. It’s a long play though, so I’m not going to raise any flags here today.

How much does the story follow the comic series?

Ross: The director told us that he wanted us to take whatever inspiration we wanted from the source material but ultimately to make the characters our own; to infuse our own ideas. So, at the end of the day, the show is separate.

Josh: There are characters who are alive in the comics who are dead on the show. And the fact that Daryl’s not even in the comics, means you can’t rely on them to see what will happen. The comics are a loose roadmap only.

Josh, is it true that your mullet has its own Twitter account?

I just found that out today actually! That’s kind of exciting. My hair is normally blond and shorter. But they dye it and turn it into this mullet.

I don’t love it. Obviously. Because I have to have it in my social life too.

But the fans have really embraced it. They do hashtag team mullet and stuff like that on Twitter and Instagram. My calves have their own Twitter account too. Because I have really great calves.

And Ross, you are also a virtuoso celebrity impressionist. You must be a great hit at parties?

Ross: Thank you. It’s funny because for so many years before I was on the show, that’s how I made my money. You’d be surprised how many people request a sound-a-like for various projects. That’s how I made my bread and butter during the lean and hungry years.

Josh: Right. Sometimes, I won’t even bother going to work. I just send in Ross to do Eugene.

Ross, you play TWD’s first gay character. What has that experience been like?

I take great pride in that. One of the great strengths of TWD is that it’s always done a great job in representing a real cross-section of humanity. That’s probably why it’s so universally loved and appreciated. Everybody around the planet can see themselves in at least one character.

Neither of your characters have had that many actions sequences.

Do you ever get jealous of the other guys?

Ross: Yeah, there are times when I’ll look at Andy or Norman and think, “Oh man. How come I don’t get a crossbow?”

What one real-life skill would see you both through a Zombie Apocalypse?

Josh: My calves.

Ross: No kidding. If I was a zombie, I’d be intimidated by those calves!

Josh: Seriously. I think one skill I do have, is that I can make friends with just about anybody. Not everybody loves me at first. Because I have a pretty dry sense of humour and I’m sarcastic. But the people who understand that become my friends for life and in an Apocalypse, you definitely need people. There’s safety in numbers.

Ross: I was an Eagle’s Scout and unlike him (points to Josh), I have really practical skills. Like knot tying and fire-building.

Josh: So you think you’d last in an Apocalypse for a really long time?

Ross: I do.

Josh: (laughs) So the first thing I’m going to do, is track you down and kill you!

Finally, in the event of a real-life Apocalypse, would you choose to survive at all costs - or to maintain your humanity?

Josh: If I had to kill someone to protect my family or my group, I would hope that I could do that - as much as I may not want to.

Ross: There’s a moral ambiguity with an Apocalypse. What is humanity now, might not be humanity afterwards. It would have to change and mutate with the circumstances. So maybe, it’s possible to maintain your version of humanity while still being a cold-blooded killer!

Thank you gentlemen. It’s been an absolute delight! We hope you enjoy our great city.

The Walking Dead 6 is on Mondays at 22.45 on Fox.

insider athens | March - April 2016 41

Sports

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

No, it’s Greece’s teenage pole vault sensation Emmanuel Karalis. Graham Wood talks to a young talent who is showing that one small step for an ambitious teen is a giant leap for Greek Athletics.

G

reece may be well and truly in the gutter as far as its finances are concerned, but teenage athletics sensation Emmanuel Karalis remains determined to scale the heights.

Fresh from breaking the world pole vault youth record, a mark which had stood for 12 years, in February, the 16-year-old went on to better that record barely a month later and is being hailed as a future star of Greek athletics.

With his first leap of 5.53 meters at the national indoor championship in Piraeus on February 13, Karalis finished third behind Greek champion and one of its top poster boys of track and field Kostas Filippidis, eclipsing the 2004 record of 5.51m set by Argentine Germán Chiaraviglio. However, rather than simply bask in the glory of his feat, Karalis, who received his first pair of spikes from Filippidis starting out, showed he is not one for resting on his laurels and went on to jump 5.54m in the city of Jablonec in the Czech Republic on March 5, breaking the Under-18 world record in the process.

“For a kid my age what I’ve achieved is huge, but to be honest I feel like now my career is starting; this is the platform I can use to train harder and improve over the next few years,” he told Insider. Karalis recalls fondly the day he broke Chiaraviglio’s record in front of a home crowd in at the Peace and Friendship stadium in Piraeus. “It was an amazing feeling, the main thing I remember was just being swamped in hugs with my coach, my parents and my best friends,” he said. “It all seemed to happen so fast and was over even faster but it was a great high, and one that I’ll remember forever.”

Unfortunately many of Greece’s athletes, especially at youth level, are suffering from crippling funding cuts made by the government due to the austerity measures prompted by the financial crisis. The state’s budget for Greece’s athletics federation (SEGAS) has been slashed from 8.2 million euros in 2010 to a miniscule €2.8m in 2016, and athletes going to the Olympics in Rio this summer will again rely on the IOC’s solidarity fund for support, just as they did in 2012.

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Work ethic “Look there’s no hiding how difficult it is,” Karalis says. “The facilities at OAKA [Olympic Stadium] are not the best and many athletes struggle to get by, but I’m not here to complain,” he explained, putting an insatiable work ethic down to helping him “find the recipe” for combining schoolwork with athletics.

“It’s very difficult to combine the two, but with the amazing support I have from my family, friends, school and coach, we’ve found the way.

I decided to be philosophical about it. Not just the personal difficulties of a demanding schedule but the financial part and how tough things are in athletics here. I’ll work with whatever I have; if I had to train on the street then I’d do it without complaint.”

Karalis, whose father Haris is a former Greek decathlete and mother Sara, a former Ugandan long jumper, was seemingly destined for a career in track and field from birth.

“Both of my parents were athletes, my father a decathlon champion and my mother a long jumper so as you can imagine I was exposed to athletics from a very early age,” revealed Karalis. In fact, my parents used to take me to OAKA in the baby stroller while they trained so from the moment I was born athletics has been part of my life.”

And what about the moment he picked up a pole for the first time?

“Well, I tried lots of sports when I was a kid, from swimming to basketball and taekwondo, but when I tried the decathlon the first event I did was the pole vault,” Karalis explained. “I seemed to have a natural knack for it from the word go, maybe it was in my DNA; this made me love it straight away and so I stayed with it – and I haven’t looked back since.”

High times Karalis is in good company in the positive story that is Greece’s impressive pole-vaulting line-up. The youngster has the perfect example to follow in Greek champion Filippidis, who Karalis says is always on hand to give advice and support. “To train in the same space with a world champion is the most positive feeling, and this has been an extra boost for me,” he said. “He and his coach have shared their experience and knowledge with me many times and this is inspiring.”

As well as Filippidis, however, Greece are also blessed with the talents of women’s duo Nicole Kyriakopoulou and Katerina Stefanidi. The latter registered a new national record in the women’s pole vault clearing 4.90 meters at the New York meeting in February, breaking the 4.81m national indoor record that was just seven days old, recorded by Kyriakopoulou. Stefanidi’s jump over 4.90m was the second best indoor performance in the world so far, while with the outdoor national record standing at 4.83m, her leap was the best jump ever by a Greek athlete.

These are the standards being set for Karalis, who is now the favourite for the European Junior Outdoor Championships this summer in Tbilisi. Karalis, who cites pole vault legend Sergey Bubka as his role model, is also targeting the 2020 Olympics. He said: “When we were at the world championships in Colombia last summer, he [Bubka] told me what a positive attitude I had and that I’ll go very far…It’s an amazing feeling to hear that from someone you idolise.” “I think for every athlete it’s a dream to go the Olympics and it’s definitely one of mine.

I don’t know if I’ll make it for 2020 but the Olympics is in my sights for sure.”

It seems that the sky is literally the limit for this young man.

insider athens | March - April 2016 43

Who said Athens isn’t a great city for small people!

The capital is packed with plenty of fun-filled family action – for tots to teens - right on its doorstep, writes Amanda Dardanis.

44 insider athens | March - April 2016

City Life

HELLO YELLOW BRICK ROAD Playmobil FunPark Kick boredom to the curb for the under 10s at the enchanting Playmobil FunPark in Kifissia where happy hours will whizz past. Watch them become consumed with turning their favourite building blocks into epic creations! The entire world of Playmobil unfolds in front of your children’s eyes in specific themed areas where they can engage with exciting assembled structures such as Pirates, Princesses, Firefighters and Vikings – and then construct their own fantastical kingdoms, under the supervision of Playmobil staff. Mum and Dad can take some time-out in the smart on-site café. Good luck though trying to resist your wee one’s pester power on the way out at the well-stocked Playmobil shop! Playmobil is open Monday-Thursday from 10am-8pm (entrance €8) and Friday to Sunday 10am-9pm (entrance €9).

Amaliados 4 & Kalavryta, Kifissia. Tel: 210.800.0018, www.playmobil.gr

LIKE HOME - ONLY BETTER Balux House Project Right in the heart of the Athenian Riviera is the Balux House Project, an absolute gem of a place that resembles something Richard Branson might have built to entertain his famous pals. Older kids can lounge about on super-sized bean bags, play on gaming stations, shoot pool or watch wide-screen movies (just like they do at home really!), while you get to relax with a glass of wine, a coffee or a meal, right on the pretty Glyfada beachfront. Meanwhile, younger ones can burn off their excess energy in the outdoor kids’ play park or toddler enclosure. The sprawling Balux leisure complex (open from 9am-3am daily) is cleverly designed as a chilled-out private residence, divided into lounge, library, study, games and conservatory areas, to encourage the “all-day hang”.

In summer, there’s also an aqua park of inflatibles ideal for teens and pre-teens. They’ll never want to leave – and nor will you!

58 Posidonos Ave, Asteras Glyfadas complex, Athens Tel: 210.894.1620, www.baluxcafe.com

insider athens | March - April 2016 45

City Life

AS GOOD AS GOLD Village Cinema Gold Class

NO NANNY REQUIRED! Sunday Brunch at St George Lycabettus Remember what Sundays used to be all about? Before the little people came along? Long lazy brunches over the weekend supplements. Uninterrupted conversations with good friends. Well, now you can relive those halcyon days each Sunday. Those clever folk at St George Lycabettus Hotel in Kolonaki have started serving a killer Sunday brunch spread, with a side order of free childcare. Load them up with goodies such as pancakes, mini-burgers, fruity puddings, and an irresistible chocolate fountain. Then, while you tuck into your second plate of canapé-sized eggs benedict, smoked salmon, and gooey pastries, the qualified staff of Nannuka.com will whisk your little darlings off to a separate activities and crafts station, or a supervised children’s movie screening elsewhere in the hotel. Leaving you utterly free to relax and enjoy the giddy views from the top-floor La Suite Lounge (and that chocolate fountain!). The Buffet runs from noon until 4pm and costs €20 for adults and €10 for kids.

Kleomenous 2, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.741.6000, www.sglycabettus.gr

46 insider athens | March - April 2016

Your treasures will relish the chance to play VIPs for the day at their own private screening of their favourite flick at Village Cinema Gold Class, surrounded by friends (and armed with popcorn).

Athens’ 2 Gold Class cinema venues, (at Village Faliro and The Mall), each house two 36-seater luxury auditoriums furnished with supersized la-z-boy loungers where you can have movie snacks, refreshments, and even meals, delivered by a waiter while the movie screens.

Select their most-loved superheroes or animated feature films from a back catalogue of movies – it’s just like Netflix – then choose your preferred screening time. Admission price is €20 per child (for between 12-19 children); and €13 per child (20+ children). Parents can either accompany their charges inside – or relax outside in the private VIP Gold Class Lounge with some movie treats of their own!

To enquire into a private Gold Class screening, contact Nikoleta_Patsollari@village.com.gr (sales department) or phone 210.270.4854.

MIND THE TRAP Athens Clue Tick tock, you’re on the clock. Will one hour be long enough to retrieve the petrified dragon eggs given to Daenerys Targaryen as a wedding present and escape from the far away shadowlands of Asshai? Hell no. Or just possibly yes, if you all work together. This Game of Thronesinspired Dragon Quest is just one of the sticky situations your teens could find themselves in at Athens Clue - an adrenalin-charged live escape experience that’s fast gaining popularity across the capital.

How do you play? A group of players (usually between 2-4 or 3-6) is locked in a room with a unique mission to escape from the mysterious space by using all the hidden clues scattered around them. Riddles, puzzles, keys and a countdown time all add up to a thrilling and intellectually-stimulating adventure, that’s perfectly-pitched for restless teens – and fun-loving adults. Athens Clue is open Monday-Friday (14.30-23.00) and Saturday-Sunday (11.00-23.00). A new Glyfada branch (Ksanthou 3) has just joined 2 city locations in Syntagma and the Hilton area. Other imaginative escape room scenarios include: CSI, Illuminati, Cabin in the Woods, Prison Break, Taken, Monster, Mission Impossible and Zombie; while tickets range from €12-15 per player.

Laughter is guaranteed. Escape is not.

Tel: 210.321.1121. For more information, e-mail info@athensclue.gr, or visit www.athensclue.gr

Culture

In Step with the Past S

Tiina Väljaste traces the ancient Koile trail that once linked the Acropolis to Piraeus

ilence, fresh morning wind. Only a couple of early enthusiastic joggers passing by, and an elderly man walking his Doberman. Our group of a dozen women - and a gentleman – aged from thirtysomething to sixty-something pause on a rock-cut terrace near a small rectangle. “Well, such a tiny house …” one of us is audibly thinking. “It could easily be a little store, or a kiosk,” suggests another.

Wandering between the ruins of the ancient town of Koile, located on the slopes of the three hills (Nymphs, Muses, Pnyx), we see a wonderful chapter of ancient history unfurling in front of us. It’s incredible that only few steps from one of the most touristic sights of the world – the Acropolis – you hardly find any tourists.

Acropolis from pynx hill

Well, we definitely don’t consider ourselves tourists. We are not Greeks.

But we do live here, never mind that it’s temporarily. We are a group of LAASA-comrades, members of an organization that unites lady ambassadors and spouses of ambassadors residing in Athens. Our main challenge is to organise cultural and charitable activities. One of them is an annual international food festival in support of local childrens’ charities. The other is a cookbook “Dining with Ambassadors”, proceeds from the sale of which are also used for charitable purposes. The third biggest project has been cataloguing languages in Schliemann’s Travel Diaries (1846-1890).

Besides these useful activities, we foster cultural exchange and try to acquaint ourselves with Greek cultural heritage.

And here we are, on a road that used to be the main connection between the ancient city of Athens and the port of Piraeus. In ancient times, this was one of the most important roads in Greece, and the street was lined with important structures and monuments.

in Athens but organised walks Love the idea of se? bassador’s spou you’re not an Am rs (www.athds Athens Strolle Insider recommen alking Tour W and Athens Free ens-strollers.gr ) th groups Bo ). alkingtour.com (www.athensfreew ar-round ye e fre public and host are open to the e city and its experiences in th walking and hiking s. surrounding area

Today, we pass about 500 meters along the section of the street that has been recently excavated. We see deep wheel-ruts, ancient rock-cut shops and houses, staircases, wells and niches of shrines on our way. All testify to the flourishing life in the area during centuries, between the 6th c. B.C. and the end of the 4th c. B.C. For some time we let ourselves be stunned by the grandeur and dignity of this ancient sight – a previous Koile road, bordered by ruins of an immemorial city. Yes, Athens is definitely an archaeologic goldmine that continues to delight you, no matter whether you are a native citizen, a temporary resident or a tourist.

You can read more about LAASA on their blog: https://laasaweb.wordpress.com/

insider athens | March - April 2016 47

John Carr explores the very Greek phenomenon of the free pudding.

Long may it reign!

48 insider athens | March - April 2016

Greek Life

“

You’d never find this, say, in Germany, where the Weltanschauung positively forbids any such expression of niceness.”

I

t happens all the time, even through the big bad Greek Crisis. You drain the last of your erythro house wine to wash down the last of the fish, squid, dolmades, bifteki or what-have-you, and raise your hand to get the attention of a waiter.

Whether or not you employ the universal sign language for the bill (You mean the check – Ed.) – a frantic gesture of scribbling in the air – the waiter unfailingly gets the message and presently, in his own good time, ambles up with the desired (or feared) document neatly rolled up in a tiny ouzo glass. But that’s not the only thing he’s carrying. In the other hand is another plate of something, which he plonks on the paper tablecloth with a faint grin.

Panic. Hey, what’s this, did you order something else? Heads shake.

Nope. All the old northern European stereotypes of the crafty Greeks – never far from the surface – are about to erupt in righteous indignation, when the waiter utters the magic word, and all is well: “Kerasma.”

Meaning, on the house, folks.

Some weeks ago I spent a few days in Volos and on Mount Pelion, and I swear, each and every time we dined, in whichever establishment high or low, the little freebie dessert appeared like magic at the end.

The first was a couple of small slices of chocolate roll interspersed with a layer of cream. The next day it was an ingenious sliced Pelioritic apple swimming in honey and cinnamon. That evening it was shortbread cups filled with home-made ice cream. There were others, which sadly I don’t remember. Each one different, each one meticulously crafted, each one wholly unexpected.

How refreshing, then, to experience the kerasma. The noun derives from the verb kernao, meaning to treat, as in “my treat.” Its etymology is obscure; it doesn’t seem to derive from the equivalent ancient Greek verb, which would be phileo, though it just might have its origin in the Turkish kere, meaning occasion, as after all, it’s on social occasions that the kerasma occurs, and the practice is identical in Turkey. (Stop showing off – Ed.) Of more immediate interest is why it’s done in the first place, why this disarming gesture of generosity lingers even through our europinching woes. The cynics might say it’s a subtle form of bribery, an incentive for you to come back. Or a lingering Ottoman-era symbol of subservience to the foreigner or anyone well enough off to sit and be served. Or perhaps an apology for your bifteki being less than well done, or for the noisy legion of chain-smokers at the next table.

But that’s not the impression we get. Yes, it’s taverna policy, but that unexpected sweet bonus just when you’re about to push back your chair never fails to elicit ahhs of surprise and pleasure, especially when accompanied, as in Volos, by miniature bottles of fiery tsipouro. I may be wrong here, but as we’re always very Englishly polite and quiet in such surroundings, the waiters probably appreciate it and reward us accordingly. Or maybe, in these crunch times, they’re just glad someone is spending money at all. Whatever the truth, those wee freebies remind us that, even (or especially) in times of crisis, acts of culinary kindness have not been erased in this ruthless bottom-line age.

You’d never find this, say, in Germany, where the Weltanschauung positively forbids any such expression of niceness. You wouldn’t find it in France, where not so long ago I was rudely turned away from a diner simply because it was after half past one lunchtime, which was the work cut-off point for the staff, even though there were plenty of empty tables. In Britain recently I naively asked for a beer at a fast food joint (the spoiling effect of living in Greece, you see) and was curtly told that the pub was the place for that sort of thing. Here, even the newsstands sell beer, and as far as anyone knows, Greek society has not crumbled as a result.

insider athens | March - April 2016 49

Dolmades

Gastronomy

With an array of Lenten treats on offer, the 40-day pre-Easter abstinence feels more like indulgence than penance. Here’s a quick Insider guide to learning Lenten terms and dos and don’ts

For Greeks, even fasting is all about food! In fact, it reflects the rich culinary repertoire of the country, relying heavily on seasonal veggies and the bounties of the ocean. Lent and other fasts dictated by the Orthodox calendar meant that until recently, Greeks abstained from meat for at least six months of the year – a far cry from the ‘meatobsessed’ nation it has become today.

Preceding the most important festival on the Greek Orthodox calendar, Lent traditionally extends between Tsihnopempti (Smoky Thursday), when all remaining meats are grilled up for one final night of gluttony, and midnight on Easter’s Holy Saturday, when a Pascal lamb or kid is slaughtered and impaled on a spit above a slow fire for the morrow’s festivities while its entrails are boiled into a soup (mageiritsa), and eaten with dyed-red eggs after the Resurrection church service.

During the intervening 40 days, consumption of red meat, all meat byproducts (cheese, milk, eggs) and fish with a backbone is strictly prohibited for practising Orthodox. Even olive oil and wine are rationed.

The rationale behind this strict fasting period is that the body must be cleansed, as well as the spirit, in preparation for accepting communion on Easter Day, to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

These days, only the very devout follow the full fast, but most Greeks will refrain from eating meat on Clean Monday (the first day of Lent) and during Holy Week.

Gigantes / Ladera

50 insider athens | March - April 2016

Nonetheless, the Lenten period heralds a cornucopia of tempting fresh salads, bean soups and stews, grilled shrimps and squid, steamed mussels, and rice and pasta dishes with seafood crowding onto the menus at restaurants and tavernas the length and breadth of the country.

A few Lenten foodie terms and social customs you need to know: Apokries: In Greece, the carnival, known as ‘apokries,’ literally translates as ‘away from meat.’It is one of the most festive times and yet one of the least known to non-Greeks. Apokries lasts three weeks and four Sundays and takes place in the period just before the 40-day Lenten fast. There are specific foods eaten on specific days during the whole Carnival period, the whole idea being that one slowly weans oneself off meat and dairy in preparation for a long fast.

Profoni: The first week is called profoni (or the announcement), because it used to be tradition to announce the opening of the Carnival season from a high point in each village.

Kreatini: The second week of Carnival is the meat-eating week. The meat-fest of Tsiknopempti, or “sputtering” Thursday, is so-called after the sizzling sound of meat being grilled.

Psihosavato: At the end of the second week is All-Soul’s Saturday, one of three days set aside during the start of Lent to honour the dead. Traditionally on All-Soul’s Day, kolyva, a dish made with boiled whole wheat kernels and decorated with pomegranate seeds, black currants, sugar, nuts and spices, is offered at the graves of the dead.

Tirini (also known as macaroni): During the last week of Carnival, traditionally, meat is almost never eaten. Instead, tables are laden with cheese and milk and eggs. Tiropita, or cheese pie, galatopita, or milk pie, creamy rice puddings and galaktoboureko are the dishes Greeks indulge in. The last festivities of the carnival period culminate on that last Sunday, Tyrofagis Kyriaki (or Cheese Sunday), just before the start of Lent. Sometimes, the very last thing to be eaten is an egg, the first food with which the Lenten fast is broken 40 days later.

Kathara Deftera: Clean Monday marks the beginning of Lent and the foods consumed on this day contain ‘no blood’. So salads, fresh and pickled vegetables (tursi), shellfish, octopus, squid and the traditional Lenten flatbread lagana bread are enjoyed. Halva is the traditional dessert. It is customary to fly kites on this day.

The Lenten menu is crammed with such full flavours and inspired combinations that it promises to tempt fasters and non-fasters alike to fast away.

Nistissima: A term one is likely to see scrawled across most menus refers to Lent-friendly dishes that are meatless, eggless and devoid of dairy products. Sarakosti: Also a term used to describe Lenten meals (referring to the 40-day period).

Halva Halva

Grilled Octopus

Get into the spirit of the ‘fast’ with a Lenten feast: During the Lenten period, diners who are avoiding fish will find plenty to enjoy with Lenten tables positively oozing with tastebud-tempting treats, culled from the tradition of abstention. A wealth of vegetable, grain, and seafood dishes abound and this meatless period offers the possibility to rediscover traditional recipes and cleansing customs.

Fresh from the net: Fish traditionally is not allowed, but all manner of shellfish are. Octopus, squid, and mussels are favourites, and there is a wealth of regional preparations for each, including deliciously aromatic octopus stews; squid or cuttlefish stewed with spinach; octopus cooked with short pasta; mussel pilaf; and much more. The taramosalata, freshly homemade with the finest white fish roe and virgin olive oil is a traditional appetiser during Lent as are tangy sea urchin salads with lemon and olive oil dressing.

Cooked over a stove-top: Indeed, one of the greatest legacies of the Lenten table is the array of mageirefta or ladera dishes - these include preparations such as lentil and other bean soups, chickpeas stewed with onions, garlic and olive oil, white bean and giant bean casseroles perfumed with herbs, tomatoes, and greens.

Lenten desserts: Halva is by far the most popular Lenten sweet, and in Greece it comes in many versions either with tahini (sesame paste) and sometimes studded with nuts and raisins, or marbled with chocolate. The home-cooked version is made with semolina flour, olive oil, water, sugar syrup and a sprinkling of nuts. i

Taramosalata

insider athens | March - April 2016 51

Special Promotion

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B

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52 insider athens | March - April 2016

And if you want to take cleansing a step further you can either pick Face scrub or Purifying Pack to complete the job. Face scrub is a soft skin peeling cream, and Purifying Pack a mask which softens, soothes and get rid of all imperfections.

Available at the most luxurious Athens hotels & day spas: GBSpa, Arion Spa, Life Gallery, Astir Beach | www.orloffspa.gr, www.orloffdayspa.gr

Insider guide restaurant index by type

refer to corresponding area for more information and contact details

AMERICAN

TGI FRIDAY’S The Burger Joint The Burger Joint

Kolonaki Glyfada Psychico

BAR - RESTAURANTS

21 Restaurant Kifissia 360 Cocktail Bar Monistiraki 42 bar Syntagma 48 Urban Garden Mavili Sq 9 Syntagma A for Athens Monistiraki Abariza Syntagma Abaroriza Pangrati Acropolis Museum Restaurant Acropolis Apsendi Halandri BABA AU RUM Syntagma BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq Barley Cargo Syntagma Beer Time Psyrri Bios Gazi Booze Cooperativa Psyrri Café Zoe Syngrou CASH Kifissia CINCO Kolonaki Couleur Locale Monistiraki CV Bar Keramikos Dirty Ginger Gazi Drunk Sinatra Syntagma En Plo Vouliagmeni Bar Explorer’s Lounge Syntagma Gazarte Gazi HIDE & SEEK Halandri HOLY SPIRIT Glyfada Hoxton Bar Gazi ISLAND Vouliagmeni KITCHEN BAR Faliro MoMix Gazi NIXON Kerameikos NoËl Plaka OSTERMAN Syntagma PARKO ELEFTHERIAS Mavili Sq PIXI Gazi SEMIRAMIS RESTAURANT Kifissia SHOWROOM Kolonaki Socialista Gazi Sofa Bar Vouliagmeni Spollati Monastiraki Step by step Halandri Stinking Bishops Kolonaki The Clumsies Plaka THE GIN JOINT Syntagma Throubi Plaka Toy Café Plaka Underdog Thiseio

BEER RESTAURANTS

Octoberfest Silly Wizards

CHINESE

Ag. Paraskevi Ag. Paraskevi

China’s Fantasy Psychico Golden Phoenix Kifissia Keep Woking Glyfada Nama Ag. Paraskevi Noodle Bar Syntagma NUI Kifissia Saipan Halandri Wagamama Maroussi

FISH

Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus DOURAMpEIS Piraeus Dourampeis Oyster Psychiko Fish Co. Platters Psychico ITHAKI Vouliagmeni KOLLIAS Piraeus JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni Nikolas tis schinousas Glyfada Nisson Gi Ag. Paraskevi Ocean Basket Glyfada PAPADAKIS Kolonaki Papaioannou Pireaus Piperia Psychico PSARAKI Vouliagmeni RAFALE Vouliagmeni Sardelaki Glyfada THALATTA Gazi ZEFYROS Piraeus Trata Omonia TRATA O STELIOS Pangrati VASSILENAS Piraeus

FRENCH

ARTISANAL Kifissia avenue Syngrou Blue Pine Kifissia Gaspar Food and Mood Psychico L’ABREUVOIR Kolonaki LE PETIT SOMMELIER Faliro MONO WINE RESTAURANT Plaka SPIROS & VASILIS Kolonaki SPONDI Pangrati Tartare Glyfada

GOURMET

ALERIA Kerameikos Aneton Maroussi AVENUE Syngrou Bo Botrini’s Halandri CTC Hilton Fuga Mavili Sq Funky Gourmet Kerameikos F+W Kolonaki HYTRA Syngrou KOOL LIFE Kifissia KUZINA Thissio Museum of Greek Gastronomy Psyrri Orizontes Lycavyttou Kolonaki Pasaji Syntagma Polly Maggoo Metaxurgeio PremiEre Syngrou VAROULKO Piraeus

GREEK

2 MAZI Plaka 310 Street Psychico ANETON Maroussi Archeon Gefsis Metaxurgeio ATHIRI Kerameikos ATRIUM Acropolis Berdema Kifissia Bluefield Burger Psychico Dioskouroi Psychico DIPORTO Psyrri ELAIαS GI Kifissia Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy Syntagma

IDEAL KAVOURAS Krithamos MANI MANI MELILOTOS Olive Garden Pallas Athena PSOMI & ALATI RAKOKAZANO PROSOPA Rena tis Ftelias THIO TRAGI TO KOUTI YANTES YDRIA

Omonia Exarhia Psychico Acropolis Monastiraki Monastiraki Monastiraki Halandri Halandri Gazi Psychico Petralona Monastiraki Exarhia Plaka

GRILL

1920 Halandri Telemachos Bbq Club K ifissia

INDIAN

BOLLYWOOD Indian CHEF Indian HAVELI Indian Kitchen Indian Masala Indi-GO JAIPUR PALACE KOHENOOR

Gazi Syngrou Syngrou Syntagma Thissio Glyfada Kifissia Gazi

INTERNATIONAL

All Senses Gastronomy Glyfada BAKU Vouliagmeni BUBA Kifissia CHEFI’S Halandri Cosa Nostra Monastiraki Food Mafia Glyfada Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis Kifissia La Pierrade Kolonaki Mama Roux South Glyfada Nikkei Kolonaki Pere Ubu Glyfada

ITALIAN

30 SOMETHING Halandri AGLIO OLIO Acropolis AL BACIO Vouliagmeni Albion Psychico Al Dente Glyfada AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni Aperitivo Glyfada Capanna Kolonaki Codice Blu Kolonaki DA BRUNO Faliro DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi Dal Professore Maroussi DULCIS IN FUNDO Voula Il Salotto Glyfada Il Salumaio Kifissia LA CASA DI GIORGINO Glyfada Malconi’s Kolonaki MARGHERITA Kifissia Matilde Pizza Bar Psychico Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Ombra Psychico Pausa Maroussi Sale Bianco da Glyfada Salvotoro SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki Testaccio Vouliagmeni TONY BONANO Piraeus Tutti a tavola Kolonaki

Tuttitalia VEZENE Vespa Rosa VINCENZO

Kolonaki Hilton Pangrati Glyfada

JAPANESE

FURIN KAZAN Syntagma Hama Glyfada INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki Koi Syntagma, Voula MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni OOZORA Kifissia RAKKAN Kifissia SUBA Kifissia Tomoe Kifissia Yoko Sushi & Bento Kolonaki

KOREAN

Dosirak

Syntagma

KOSHER

Gostijo

Psyrri

LEBANESE

FALAFELLAS NARGILE SUZANNA

Psyrri Kifissia Faliro

MEDITERRANEAN

Alatsi Hilton BAKU Vouliagmeni BERDEMA Kifisia BYZANTINO Hilton CAFE AVISSINIA Monastiraki Common Secret Kifissia DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT Plaka FATSIO Pangrati GB CORNER Syntagma HYTRA Plaka IDEAL RESTAURANT Omonia KOUZINA CINE-PSIRRI Psyrri MALABAR Vouliagmeni MAVRO PROVATO Pangrati Mimaya Glyfada OCHRE & BROWN Psyrri PARLIAMENT Syntagma PRYTANEION Kolonaki RATKA Kolonaki STOU MEIDANI Monastiraki THE DALLIANCE HOUSE Kifissia TO KOUTI Monastiraki TORTUGA Pangrati TRAPEZARIA Pangrati VOSPOROS Piraeus ZORBAS Piraeus

MEXICAN

AMIGOS DOS HERMANOS EL TACO BUENO Santa Fe Taqueria Maya

Glyfada Kifissia Halandri Halandri Syntagma

MEZEDES AND OUZO

Antaios ATHINAIKON CINCO KIRKI OUZADIKO SCHOLARHEIO

MULTI ETHNIC

Altamira Altamira

Psychico Omonia Kolonaki Thissio Kolonaki Plaka Kolonaki Marousi

BUBA

Kifissia

PERSIAN

ANAHITA

Halandri

POLYNESIAN

LEDRA KAI

Syngrou

PUB RESTAURANTS

KEG ‘N’ CREW MOLLY MALONE’S THE JAMES JOYCE

Piraeus Glyfada Thissio

ROOFTOP DINING

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

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB

BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi Gourounakia Kifissia Kifissias KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki Kebabtzidikon Nea Smyrni Barbadimos SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki

SCANDINAVIAN

SAFKA

Kerameikos

SPANISH

JAMON PINTXOS BAR Glyfada LA GABINOTECA Kifissia SALERO Exarhia

TAVERNAS

Kolonaki FILIpPOU Gaidaros Ag. Paraskevi IPIROS TAVERN Psyrri Kolovos Ag. Paraskevi O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas Kifissia, Syntagma VLASSIS Hilton

THAI

ANDAMAN BLUE BAMBOO Budoo ROUAN THAI ROYAL THAI TAMARIND

Petralona Petralona Syntagma Piraeus Kifissia Metaxourgeio

TURKISH

Mutfak

VEGETARIAN

Avocado NICE N EASY PURE BLISS

WINE BARS

By The Glass FABRICA DE VINO HETEROCLITO Kiki’s de Grece OINOSCENT Vinifera Vrettos Whispers of wine VINARTE

Glyfada Syntagma Kolonaki Syntagma Syntagma Exarhia Syntagma Syntagma Syntagma Kifissia Plaka Maroussi Glyfada

insider athens | March - April 2016 53

Dionysiou Arepagaitou 15, Tel: 210.900.0915 Authentic Greek dishes right across from the Acropolis itself

Aglio Olio & Peperonicino

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

Salero

Atrium

Yantes

EAT Fabrica de Vino

Em. Benaki 3, Tel: 210.321.4148 85 wine etiquettes and mini mezzes in an industrial environment

Kavouras

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

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

Rovertou Galli 4, Tel: 210.923.6832, Refined Greek cuisine in a cosy setting

Valtetsiou 44, Tel: 210.330.1369 Modern Greek cuisine prepared with organic ingredients.

Mani Mani

Falirou 10, Tel: 210.921.8180 Peloponnesian specialities with Mediterranean touches

Ag.Paraskevi

Peloponessou 75, Tel: 210.651.0989 Several reasons to visit, but its succulent spare ribs top the list

Octoberfest

DRINK Circus Bar

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

Ginger Ale

Ag.Ioannou 82.

Tel: 210.608.2999 Beer fest all year-round

Silly Wizards

Peloponessou 79, Tel: 210.654.3908 Great selection of beers and Mexican finger food

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

Vox

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

Faliro

Da Vinci

Peloponnissou 13, Tel: 210.600.5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor

DRINK Zinc

“Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music

EAT Bollywood Gazi

Elasidon 29 & Konstantinoupoleos 44, Tel: 210.345.0041 Indian cuisine in an industrial setting

Dirty Ginger

Triptolemou 46, Tel: 210.342.3809 Excellent cocktails, meat dishes and “hot” finger food

Hoxton Bar

Voutadon 42, Tel: 210.341.3395, A cocktail bar based on Hoxton in East London

Gazarte

Boutadon 32-34, Tel: 210.346.0347 Lounge bar with excellent views of the Acropolis, ethnic music and live events

Gasoline

Gargittion 23Α, Tel: 210.346.9396 All day bar with freestyle music and interesting guest-nights

Triptolemou 41, Tel: 210.345.5762 Indian authentic specialties in a neat setting

Yantes

Kolovos

Nanninela

Orpheus & Chariton 5, Tel: 210.942.8129 Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine

Pireos 84, Tel: 210.342.5335 An avant-garde multi-level venue housing a bar, a basement club, art exhibitions, music venues, and a rooftop garden

Kohenoor

Ellinoservikis Filias 52, Tel:210.600.4724 A hidden courtyard with home-cooked cuisine

Kyprou 50, Tel: 210 600.8936 Asian fusion cuisine with 20€ sushi buffet on Mon-Tue and 15€ Chinese buffet on Wed-Thu

Suzanna

Bios

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

Gaidaros

Nama

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

Butcher’s Shop

EAT

Ag. Ioannou 23, Tel: 210.600.0102 Delightful dishes in fantastic ambience

Le Petit Sommelier

Gazi

Acropolis Museum Restaurant

Exarhia

Acropolis

EAT

Νisson Gi

Mesogeion Ave. 356, Tel: 210.651.1354 Island flavours with an urban twist

54 insider athens | March - April 2016

EAT

Prosopa

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

Thalatta

Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Almaz

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

Da Bruno

Ag. Alexandrou 46, Tel: 210.981.8959 Rich list with Italian flavours

Il Tinello

Knossou 54, Tel: 210.982.8462 Real Italian home cookin

Kitchen Bar

Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

Gazarte

MoMix

MoMix

Keleou 1-5, Tel: 697.435.0179, Temple of mixology and high-quality bartending

PIXI

Evmolpidon 11, Tel: 210.342.3751 Get in to the groove

Plastiko

Sofroniou 12A, Tel: 210.341.0308 Excellent cocktails, reasonable prices, summer mood

Socialista

Triptolemou 33, Tel: 210.347.4733 Mainstream bar-club in industrial setting

Tapas Bar

Triptolemou 44, Tel: 210.347.1844 Cocktails and tapas at the bar, just like in Spain

EAT

DRINK

Bo Botrini’s

Bakeries & Patisseries

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

Vasileos Georgiou B 24b, Tel: 210.685.7323 Athens’ best table by far

Balux

Chefi’s

Paul

Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

Esperidon Square and Kyprou 70, Tel: 210.894.7169 A real French boulangerie that serves meals too.

Restaurants All Senses Gastronomy

Lazaraki 12, Tel: 210.898.0080 Lives up to its name of tickling your senses.

Aperitivo

Kyprou 70, Tel: 210.894.0377 Authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy setting

Ark

Grigoriou Lambraki 2, Tel: 210.894.8882 Chef Yiannis Baxevanis brings Miamiinspired opulence to Glyfada

Food Mafia

Laodikis & Filikis Etairias10, Tel: 210.894.2177 International fare with attitude

Giouvetsakia

Ithomis 20 and Moreos, Tel: 210.964.8081 Organic mageirefta food

Hama

Grigoriou Lambraki 34, Tel: 210.960.0595 Sophisticated Japanese cuisine in a cosy setting

Holy Spirit

Laodikis 41, Tel: 210.898.2650 Cocktail Bar with great menu and beautiful atmosphere

Il Salotto

Markou Botsari 13, Tel: 210.894.8397 Minimal décor, elegant Italian fare

Inbi

Lazaraki 26, Tel: 210.894.4982 Sushi fusion

Indi-Go

Konstantinoupoleos 15, Tel: 210.968. 0643

Jamon Pintxos Bar

Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 210.894.6089 Basque “pinchos” in a cozy setting

Keep Woking

Dimitriou Gounari 70, Tel:211.012.2801 Create-your-own Asian cuisine, fast and funky

La Casa Di Giorgino

Kyprou 30-32, Tel: 210.963.8770 Authentic Italian pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven

Mama Roux South

Lazaraki 26, Tel: 216.700.4459 A southern suburb branch of the popular Niceinner-city n Easy restaurant also featuring slow-cooked barbeque

Bourbon

Daskaroli 67, Tel: 210.964.7600 American style bar with rock, blues, soul music and live events

Mama Roux South

Mimaya

Markou Botsari 8, Tel: 210.894.4850 Creative Mediterranean cuisine.

Yannitsopoulou 8, Tel: 210.894.4247 Irish pub serving probably the best Irish Stew in Athens

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

Mutfak

Mikro

Laodikis 38, Tel.210.894.9060 Politiki Kouzina in a romantic setting

Nikolas tis schinousas

Diadohou Pavlou 48, Tel: 210.894.9550 Chic Greek fish tavern along Glyfada’s seafront.

Ocean Basket

Lazaraki 61 & Pandoras 5, 210.898.3183 South African seafood chain comes to Greece Kyprou 74, Tel: 211.215.8737 Fab burgers, great cocktails, right next to the sprawling UBU organic store

Sardelaki

Sale Bianco da Salvotoro

Markou Botsari 10A, Tel: 210.898.6301, Authentic Italian food in an inviting atmosphere

Soleto

Laodikis 33, Tel: 210.968.0460

Su Casa

Kyprou 82, Tel: 210.898.5554 Authentic Mexican food paired with any type of tequila you could want

Spiti

Lazaraki 12, Tel: 210.898.0080 A perfect place for a family meal with great food and cocktails

Tartare

Al. Panagouli 52, Tel: 210.968.0320 Gourmet French cuisine that draws regulars.

The Burger Joint

Foivis 17, Tel: 210.894.0260 NY style, organic burgers in a casual and relaxed environment.

El Taco Bueno

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

Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 210.894.1031 Minimal decor with well-known Greek DJs

Vinarte

Marangou 18, Tel: 210 894.1511 A wine bar and Italian restaurant with regular art exhibitions and cool decor

Cafes

Pere Ubu

Foivis 15, Tel: 211.402.1195 Sardines and seafood in a casual setting.

Perikleous 31, Tel. 210.681.5774, chefi.gr, Refined cuisine with international flavours and regular wine tastings

Capri Bay

Molly Malone’s

Vinarte

Chocolat

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

Halandri

Glyfada

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

EAT 1920

Ag. Paraskevi 110, Tel: 210.681.3029 Acctent on meat in an elegant setting

30 something

Iroon Sq 8, Tel: 210.689.9227 Pizza and cocktail bar in a San Franscisco atmosphere

Anahita

Chr. Smirnis 3, Tel: 210.689.1222 The only place in Athens to try authentic Persian dishes

Apsendi

Kifissias 250-254 & Serres Tel: 210.671.7890 Refined cuisine and cocktails in stylish urban atmosphere

Saipan

K. Varnali 9, Tel: 210.685.0644 Exquisite dishes from China, Japan and Indonesia

Psomi & Alati

Eleftherioton Sq 8, Tel.: 210.684.8178 Gastronomic paradise serving Greek dishes with a modern twist

Rakokazano

Irakliou 1, Tel: 210.689.5501 Quality Greek mezzes in a cosy simple environment

Santa Fe

Ag. Georgiou 30’B, Tel: 210.685.9690 Mexican food in traditional setting

Wine Not

Kalogrezis 12, Tel: 210.689.0007 Industrial setting with eclectic wine list

DRINK Hide & Seek

Vincenzo

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

Kifisias 254, Tel: 210.677.6747 Great drink menu and perfect garden for spring and summer

CreperieS

Spiti Cocktail Bar

To Paramythi

Kyprou 9, Tel: 210.894.1361 Creperie in a fairy-tale setting

Chefi’s

Αndrea Papantreou 9, Tel: 210.683.3677 Great cocktails and sophisticated jazz tunes

insider athens | March - April 2016 55

Hilton

EAT

Mangiamo by Meat Square

Stamata Ave. 5, Drossia.

Tel: 210.800.4700 Open from Mondays to Friday from 3 pm to midnight and on weekends from 1pm to midnight

Alatsi

Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

Margherita

Byzantino

Kifisias 363, Tel: 211.408.1132 Fantastic pizza made with local ingredients from all over Greece

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

Nargile

Galaxy Bar - Hilton

Cookoovaya

Hatziyianni Mexi 2A, Tel. 210.723.5005, 5 famous chefs combine their talents to create unique flavors.

Buba

Papadiamanti 4, Tel: 210.623.1151 Mixing pot of cuisines from around the world

CTC

Oumplianis 14 & Dioharous 27, Tel: 210.722.8812 Different 6 course menus every night, with exceptional quality!

Cash

Diligianni 54, Tel: 212.100.4772 Cosmopolitan hang-out with upscale Mediterranean cuisine

Leilimlei

Baltinon 2 , Gyzi. Tel : 211.700.9383

Safka

Milos

Tamarind

Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.724.4400 Simply prepared local flavours. Guaranteed value for money

Keramikou 51, Tel: 210.522.5945 Thai food in a beautiful setting

DRINK

Vezene

Vrasida 11, Tel: 210.723.2002 Modern bistrot serving seafood & cured beef

CV Bar

Konstantinoupoleos 108 Tel: 210.345.1744

Vlassis

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

Nixon

Agisilaou 61B, Tel :210.346.2077 Top Athenian hedonist hangout for the 30-something crowd.

DRINK

Elaias Gi

Dexamenis & Olimpionikon 4, Tel: 210.62.00.005 The authenticity of Greek cuisine with stunning views of the city

Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis

Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.800.1402 Divine food from all over the world

Golden Phoenix

Il Salumaio

Aleria

Funky Gourmet

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

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

EAT

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

Dos Hermanos

Gourounakia Kifissias

Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals

Nixon

Jaipur Palace

Kifissia

Kerameikos

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

Athiri

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

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

Galaxy Bar

Meg. Alexandrou 57, Tel: 210.522.2633 Adventurous Greek cuisine in a cosy setting

Common Secret

Paramythias 13 & Salaminos, Tel: 210.524.2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior

EAT 21 Restaurant

Kolokotroni 21, Tel: 210.623.352, Highly recommended.Refined al-fresco dining with excellent service

Artisanal

Zirini 2, Tel: 693.614.4744 Unique lounge & garden with exceptional classy touch

Polly Maggoo

Berdema

Safka

Blue Pine

Leonidou 80 & Salaminos, Tel: 210.524.1120, Gourmet cuisine in a post-modern setting.

Megalou Alexandrou 80-82, Tel: 210.524.3340 Scandinavian cuisine

56 insider athens | March - April 2016

Skiathou 3 & Strofiliou, Tel: 210.620.1108 Family restaurant with Mediterranean fare P.Tsaldari 37, Tel: 210.807.7745 A hark back to retro Athens

Kifissias 222, Tel: 210.808.8318 Indian cuisine and fine wines

Kastelorizo

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

Kokkino Psaraki

Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

Kool Life

Life Gallery, Thiseos 103, Tel: 211.106.7400 Innovative cuisine in a cool restaurant cum deli

La Gabinoteca

Th. Diligianni 56, Kefalari Tel: 210.808.3988 Tapas bar with decadent atmosphere

Harilaou Trikoupi 50, Tel: 210.808.3333 Lebanese cuisine in a cosmopolitan ambience

Nui

Gortinias 11, Tel: 210.801.3553 Gourmet mutli-Asian restaurant

Oozora

Agiou Trifonos 15, Tel: 210.801.8515 Japanese-Thai fusion Restaurant

O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas

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

Paul

Levidou 4, Tel: 210.808.4288 French boulangerie

Prytaneion

Kolokotroni 37, Tel: 210.808.9160 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

Rakkan

Kifisias 238-240, Tel: 210.808.7941 Japanese restaurant, bar, lounge with signature cocktails

Royal Thai

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

Salumaio di Atene

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

Semiramis Restaurant

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

Suba

Levidou 11, Tel: 210.8085.586 A blend of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine

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

The Dalliance House

Kyriazis 19, Tel: 210.623.0775 The 19th century meets the 21st in beautiful setting, with successful recipes

Tomoe

Gortinias 11& Dangli, Kifissia, Tel: 210.801.3553 Great sushi at terrific prices

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

DRINK Dyo 48

Kifisias 248, Tel: 210.623.0870 New hang out oasis with retro ambience

Freud Oriental

Xenokratous 21 Tel:21 0729.9595 Creative fusion cuisine

DRINK

Ouzadiko

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

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

Papadakis

56

Mento Café

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

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

Vinifera

Prytaneion

Charitos 43, Tel: 210.722.8910 Modern aesthetics, mutli-culti crowd and soulful music

Food & Wine Cellier

Kolonaki

Kifissias 369, Tel: 210.801.8756 By far, one of the best cellars stocking the finest labels in town

EAT

IT Restaurant

IT restaurant

Skoufa 29, Tel. 210 36 35 773, Affordable gourmet menu in a chic environment.

Kalamaki Kolonaki

Ploutarhou 32, Tel: 210.721.8800 Souvlakia on the sidewalk have never been so trendy

Milioni 7, Tel: 210.364.3353 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare 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

Scala Vinoteca

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

L’Abreuvoir

Showroom

Fresh

Spefsippou 30, Tel: 210.723.7297 Elegant setting, refined cuisine, extremely polite service.

Bakeries & Patisseries Cake

Kriezotou 12, Tel: 210.364.2948 Desserts and cakes

Restaurants Altamira

Tsakalof 36A, Tel: 210.361.4695 Flavours of multiethnic cuisine

Bait

Karneadou 25-29, Tel: 210.724.0773 Gourmet seafood hang-out

Cafe Boheme

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

Capanna

Ploutarchou 38 & Charitos, Kolonaki Tel: 210.724.1777 People-watching and authentic Italian fare

Cinco

Skoufa 52, Tel: 210.364.3603 Great cocktails and specialty tapas

Dimokritou 12, Tel: 210.364.7033 Fresh, beautifully presented sushi Xenokratous 51, Tel: 210.722.9106 Fine French cuisine

La Pierrade

Le Grand Balcon

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

Malconi’s

Patriarchou Ioakeim 43 & Ploutarxou, Tel: 210 7248920 Great food, bustling atmosphere.

Nice n Easy

Omirou 60 & Skoufa, Tel.: 210.361.7201 Gourmet cafe-restaurant with organic products and jazz music

Nikkei

Leventi 3, Tel: 210.723.9366 Peruvian aromas and flavours in Kolonaki!

Orizontes Lycavyttou

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

Solonos 72, Tel: 693.951.1760, 690.607.3362 Union jacks and red telephone booths in an all day bar-restaurant

Mai Tai

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

Rosebud

Omirou 60 & Skoufa 40, Tel: 210.339.2370 All day hang-out with music ranging from jazz to famous soundtracks

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

Skoufaki

Skoufa 47-49, Tel: 210.364.5888 All time classic café bar

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

Ten

Spiros & Vasilis

Ploutarhou 10, Tel: 210.721.0161 One of the most popular hot spots in town

Stinking Bishops

Cafés

Lachitos 5, Tel: 210.723.7575 Original French cuisine Loukianou 36, Tel: 213.026.3656 Fashionable gastro pub

Da Capo

Tsakalof 1, Tel: 210.360.2497 Long-established people-watching hangout

Suba Restaurant

Skoufa 58 & Sina, Tel: 210.338.8211 Authentic sushi in the heart of the city

Peros

TGI Friday’s

Kolokotroni 35, Tel: 210.623.3945, American restaurant with real steak and barbecuesauce for casual dining!

Tutti a Tavola

Yoko Sushi & Bento

39 Patriarchou Ioakeim Tel: 210.342.4654, Fresh sushi to-go!

Haritos & Loukianou, Tel: 210.723.0896 Italian cuisine, great for family brunches and people-watching.

F+W

Xenokratous 49, Tel: 210.721.1146 Gourmet food by Oliver Campanha

Filippou

Nice N Easy

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

Tuttitalia

Valaoritou 14, 210.338.9669 An authentic and hospitable Italian trattoria

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

To Tsai

Spefsippou 8, Tel: 210.722.2785, Authentic Italian trattoria at affordable prices.

Codice Blu

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

London str 72

Ratka

Kiku

City

Maroussi

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

Ploutarchou 56, Tel: 210.723.1424 A quaint jazzy whiskey bar for the discerning

EAT Agani

Kifissias 22, Tel: 210.277.7065 Delectable, inspired Greek cuisine

Altamira

Perikleous 28, Tel: 210.612.8841 Multiethnic cuisine in funky environment

Aneton

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

insider athens | March - April 2016 57

DRINK

Dal Professore

Agiou Konstantinou 56, Tel: 210.610.9988 Italian menu with a menu that changes daily!

Miaouli 2-4, Tel: 210.324.4244 An urban terrace with the most stunning view of the Acropolis

Couleur Locale

Ag. Konstantinou 46 & Ifestou 3 Tel: 210.617.9290 Italian cuisine accompanied by a selection of Greek & Italian wines 48 Urban Garden

Wagamama

Armatolon kai Klefton 48, Tel: 210.80.18.515 Cool, minimalist environment and interesting, fusion cuisine.

Fuga

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

Plateia Avissinias 3, Tel: 210.323.4814 An all day hang-out with good music, cool atmosphere and great views

Tsoha 43, Tel: 210.644.4308 Gourmet cuisine and funky beats

Briki

Six Dogs

Dorileou 6, Tel: 210.654.2380 Trendy hole-in-the-wall hangout

EAT

Agias Theklas 5, Tel: 210.331.0900 Excellent Italian food with a 1920’s Chicago retro atmosphere.

Kalamiotou 19, Tel: 210.322.2458 Greek-Mediterranean cuisine with fresh local ingredients

Savvas

Ginger

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

St’Astra

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

To Parko Eleftherias

Next to Megaron Mousikis, Tel: 210.722.3784 Classic recipes and nice atmopshere in a lush green park

DRINK Balthazar

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

58 insider athens | March - April 2016

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

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

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

Souvlaki Bar

Adrianou 7 & Thisiou 15, Tel: 210.515.0550

Stou Meïdani

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

Thanassis

Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip

Mavro Provato

Ariannou 31, Tel: 210.722.3466 Best value-for-money meal in Athens

Spondi

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

Taf

Kynetou 7, Tel: 210.321.7407 Specializing in regional dishes & live music on weekends

Cosa Nostra

Fatsio

Aiolou 27A, Tel: 215.551.3004 A delicious combination of signature cocktails with homemade syrups and funky Mediterranean cuisine

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

Café Avissinia

EAT

Spollati

Bairaktaris

Melilotos

Fuga

Avramiotou 6-8, Tel: 210.321.0510 A day&night cultural entertainment center and bar with a vivid 600m2 back-garden.

Normanou 5, Tel: 210.323.8757 Outdoor bar in a neoclassical building with arty atmosphere and great exhibitions

CAFes Mokka

Athinas 44, Tel: 210.321.6892 Best espresso in town.

Tailor Made

Aghias Irinis Square 2, Tel: 213.004.9645 Trendy and hip coffee shop and cocktail bar.

Omonia

48 Urban Garden

Loukoumi Bar

Baraonda

Monastiraki

Mavili Sq

EAT

Normanou 3, Tel: 206.700.4917 A young scene with great cocktails and affordable finger food overlooking the Acropolis

Pangrati

A for Athens

Pausa

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

Agias Theklas 5, Tel: 210.331.0900 Excellent Italian food with a 1920’s Chicago retro atmosphere.

Ifestou 2, Tel: 210.321.0006

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

Whispers of wine

Cosa Nostra

360 Cocktail Bar

Mauzac

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

CAFes

EAT Athinaikon

Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

Ideal Restaurant

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

Tortuga

Archimidous 1, Tel: 213.030.7520, Healthy, affordable street-style food.

Trapezaria

Efronionos 13, Tel: 210.921.3500, Mediterranean cuisine in chic setting

Trata o Stelios

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

Vespa Rosa

Naiadon 2, Tel: 210.723.4551 Great value-for-money Italian cuisine

DRINK LIVE BARS

Olive Garden

Abaroriza

Pallas Athena

Half Note Jazz Club

Hotel Titania, Panepistimiou 52, Tel: 210.332.600. Good food and great view of the Acropolis.

Plastira Square 10, Tel: 210.701.9530 A pet friendly place with long balcony tables that fill up every night

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

Athinas 65 & Lykourgou Tel: 210.325.0900 Urban design, organic cuisine, Cretan deli corner

Trivonianou 17, Tel: 210.921.3310 A jazz club with great history, hosting important names from the international music scene.

To Kouti

Trata

Superfly

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

Themistokleous 8 and Nikitara 9, Tel: 210.383.8531 Excellent fish taverna in the centre of Athens

Empedokleous 28-30, Tel: 211.404.6076 The new hot spot for retro gamers

EAT

Tony Bonano

Andaman

Kydantidon 24, Tel: 210.342.3124, Thai food with modern interior design Kidatidon 36, Tel: 210.341.0296 Creative gourmet kitchen with high quality ingredients

Piraeus

Yperionos 1 & Dimofontos, Tel: 210.342.3972, Among Petralona’s trendy dining options with attitude.

EAT

Ak. Protopsalti 29, Tel: 210.412.2092 Classic fish taverna

Zefyros

Zorbas

Karytsi 10, Tel: 201.331.1555 Jazz and funk venue that started the Karytsi street scene

Ak. Koumoundourou 14, Tel: 210.411.1663 Unique flavours of the Mediterranean

Katafigio

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

Plaka

Jimmy and The Fish

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

Toy Cafe

EAT 310 Street

Dourampeis Oyster

Dourampeis Oyster

Andrianiou 37, Tel: 210.671.0100 Delectable seafood and frech oysters

Fish Co. Platters

Perikleous 11, Tel: 210.671.1976 A modern take on a traditional psarotaverna

Gaspar Food and Mood

Dim. Vasiliou Av. & Lykourgou, Tel: 210.677.5011, Creative bistro cuisine ideal fro business lunches

Krithamos

Kifissias Av. 310, Tel: 210.671.0688 Juicy burgers and rich salads with retro look

Mpoumpoulinas & N. Paritsi, Tel: 210.672.8790 Traditional flavours in an informal atmosphere

Albion

Matilde Pizza Bar

Omirou 6, Tel: 210.674.0710 Mediterranean flavours in a cosy atmosphere

Perikleous 7, Tel: 210.671.6803 Italian fare with accent on high quality ingredients

EAT 2 Mazi

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

Brettos

Kydathaneon 41, Plaka, Tel: 21.323.2110. Legendary watering-hole in the Plaka district

Daphne’s Restaurant

Lysikratous 4, Tel: 210.322.7971 Refined classic Greek dishes in a resplendent atmosphere

Albion

Antaios

Ombra

Electra

G. Drosini 7, Tel: 210.675.5493 Relaxed atmosphere with delicious mezedes

Mono Wine Restaurant

Aggelopoulou 3, Tel: 210.677.7739 For real American burgers

Agg. Sikelianou 8 & Andrianiou, Tel: 210.672.9114 Terrific fusion food with piquant flavours

The Burger Joint

Rena tis Ftelias

Nikodimou 18-20, Tel: 210.337.0000 Roof-top dining with Greek cuisine Venizelou Paleologou 4, Tel: 210.322.6711 Unpretentious gourmet cuisine

Scholarheio

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

Ydria Varoulko

Praxitelous 30, Tel: 210.323.2682 Features tasty cocktails and premium spirits that attract all ages Aghias Eirinis Square & Vasilikis 1, Tel: 210.323.0926, A cozy and colorful space with a good selection of coffee and cocktails

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

Dourambeis

Notara 131, Tel. 210.429.4494, Home-style Thai food

Throubi

Istioploikos

Ak. Koumoundourou 16A, Tel: 210.417.7589 Traditional seafood

Rouan Thai

Vosporos

DRINK

Captain John’s

Akti Koumoundourou 42, Tel: 210.422.5059 For Greek fish specialities on the harbourfront.

The Clumsies

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

Kurios Hou

Papaioannou

Vassilenas

Akti Koumoundourou 20, Pireaus, Tel.210.412.7324, Mediterranean dining with a sea view.

DRINK

Kollias

ly service and Italian inspired food and drink

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

Thio Tragi

Akti Miaouli 83, Tel: 210.429.0396 Comfort food and cold beers

Seafood prepared by Michelin star-winning chef Lefteris Lazarou

Varoulko

Blue Bamboo

Keg ‘n’ Crew

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

New me es for Noël Ak. Koumoundourou 52, 5 dish Kolokotroni 59B, Tel: 211.215.9534 Mikrolimano, Tel: 210 5228400 50€ An evening lounge scene with friend-

Alopis 65, Athens, Tel: 211.210.4939, Thai food in an exotic setting

Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.412.4417 Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada

DRINK

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

Psychico

Petralona

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Adrianou 68 & Eolou, Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

Bluefield Burger

Solomou 4-6, Tel: 210.671.2222 New York style, organic burgers in an industrial and fresh restaurant environment.

China’s Fantasy

Olimpionikon 220 & Lykourgou, Tel: 210.671.1320 Italian food with attitude

Piperia

25th Martiou 28, Tel: 210.674.3874 Highly recommended Greek taverna

DRINK

Kambouroglou 32, Tel: 210.674.9889 Chinese cuisine

CAFES

Dioskouroi

Kudu

Dim. Vasiliou 16, Tel: 210.671.3997 All day café-restaurant

25th Martiou 22, Tel: 217.722.3040 Authentic coffee experience.

insider athens | March - April 2016 59

Diporto

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

Falafellas

Aiolou 51,Tel: 210.323.9809 Gourmet ethnic street food

Gostijo

Aisopou 10 street, Tel: 210.323.3825 Kosher menu and Mediterranean “repertoire”

Syndagma

Psyrri

EAT

Ipiros Tavern

Athens Central Market Filopimenos 4, Tel: 210.324.0773 Great traditional Greek tavern, an excellent place for lunch

Kouzina Cine-Psirri

Sari 40, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music

Museum of Greek Gastronomy

Agiou Dimitrious Street, Tel: 210.321.1311 Modern Hellenic cuisine and avant-garde gastronomic exhibitions.

Ochre & Brown

EAT

Indian Kitchen

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210.323.7720

Ioannis

Amandine Bagels & Gourmandises

Nikis 13, Syntagma Tel : 210.323.9829 Fresh bagels and French pastries

Avocado

Nikis 30, Tel: 210.323.7878 Vegetarian restaurant

Budoo

Lekka 14, Tel: 210.331.3845 Authentic Thai

By The Glass

Souri 2, Tel: 210.323.2560 Charming wine bar with character

City Bistro

Stoa Spiliomilou, Syntagma, Tel. 210 32 11 315, Refined cuisine in chic setting

Dosirak

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

New Taste

New Hotel, Filellinon 16, Tel: 210.327.3170 Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist

Noodle Bar

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

Pasaji

Stoa Spyrou Miliou, City Link, Tel: 210 .322.0714, Bang in the heart of Athens’ luxe zone.

Booze Cooperativa

Feedέλ

King George Hotel Vas. Georgiou A3, Tel: 210.322.2210 Elegant setting, refined cuisine and an incredible Acropolis view

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges 42 Bar

3 Kolokotroni, Tel: 6948242455, Delicious creative cocktails and mixology

9

Kolokotroni 9, Tel: 210.323.2795 A cozy jazz bar with specialty cocktails

Abariza

Lekka 14, Tel: 210.325.7644 A wall of booze for serious drinkers

Alexander’s

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma Sq, Tel: 210.333.0000 For cherished cigar and single malt evenings

Baba Au Rum

Plaza Lounges

Voulis 7, Tel: 210.325.4711 An all-day café-cum-watering hole open into the wee hours

NJV Athens Plaza Hotel Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 All day lounge with salads & snacks

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

Romvis 24A, Tel: 210.325.0362 Gluten-free bliss for unconventional foodies

GB Corner

Taqueria Maya

Hotel Grand Bretagne, Tel: 210.333.0750 Luxurious surroundings, Mediterranean cuisine

Tudor Hall Restaurant & Lounge

Paul

Pure Bliss

Furin Kazan

NJV Athens Plaza Hotel Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 International cuisine with Mediterranean accents

Clayton 6, Tel: 211.710.9140 Amazing cocktails and rum collection with a cozy environment

Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

Iroon Square 1, Tel: 210.322.8443 Relaxed atmosphere with wide selection of microbrews

Kalamiotou 14, Tel: 210.322.7130 Uptempo bar inspired by “Big Lebowski”

15 Nikis, 210.321.1099 Affordable street-food style sushi

Agias Eirinis Sq, Tel: 210.324.3331 Mediterranean dishes in a setting where minimalism meets retro

green space

Beer Time

Dude

Koi

Mitropoleos 12-14,

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

Leokoriou 8, Tel: 210.325.1668 Tiny standing bar, ideal for socializing.

Ipitou and Voulis 38, Syntagma, Tel: 210.321.1279, Cosy wine bar with French flair

rfect f Tel: 210.324.7607 or Feedέλ Urban Gastronomy al-fresc Savoury Greek cuisine, perfectly comKtena 1, Athens, o bining modern & traditional elements moment Tel: 210.321.0551 s Osterman Funky interior, a delightful patch of

DRINK

Cantina Social

Kiki’s de Grece

O Tzitzikas ki o Mermigas

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

Kolokotroni 57, Tel: 211.405.3733 A multi-purpose meeting venue for drinks, performances, and games

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

The Parliament

Barreldier

Barley Cargo

Kolokotroni 6, Tel: 210.323.0445 Enjoy a wide selection of international and Greek beers accompanied by live music

Boutique

Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot

Drunk Sinatra

Petraki 10, Tel:211.216.7081, Feisty Mexican street food choices at pocket-friendly prices

Thiseos 16, Tel: 210.331.3733 A friendly place to drink to vintage music from the ‘50s and ‘60s

The concierge of the Grande Bretagne Hotel recommends

EAT

DRINK

DO

New Abovo,

New The Trap,

New MAI+NEON, As One

Classic Filippou

Classic Vrettos,

Alternative Koi Sushi Bar,

Alternative The Clumsies,

Classic Museum of the city of Athens Alternative Onassis Cultural Centre,

Kolonaki, Athens

Kolonaki, Athens

Syntagma, Athens

60 insider athens | March - April 2016

Syntagma, Athens

Plaka, Athens

Athens

Benaki Museum

Tavros, Athens

NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.335.2400, Magnificent cocktails and live jazz in an intimate atmosphere Fokionos 2, Tel: 210.323.9406 A true wine destination with focus on Greek vineyards

Kalua

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

Low Profile

Voulis 7, Tel: 213.035.2144 Impressive selection of single malts

Mama Roux

Aiolou 48, Tel: 213.004.8382 A comfortable atmosphere with a variety of international cuisine and an elaborate Sunday brunch

Oinoscent

Voulis 45-47, Tel: 210.322.9374 Trendy winebar

The Clumsies

Praxitelous 30, Tel: 210.323.2682 Find out why it is rated amongst the best bars in Europe.

The Gin Joint

Christou Lada 1, Tel: 210.321.8646 Popular drinks, classic cocktails and the fanciest G&T in Athens!

The Trap

Othonos 10, 210.321.5561 Alluring gold trimmings, cosy mood and smooth tunes and dangerously delicious cocktails on tap

Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel: 210.920.6655 Casual dining and terrific buffets for lunch and on Sundays

Hytra

Onassis Cultural Center Syngrou Ave 107-109, Tel: 217.707.1118, 210.331.6767 Creative gourmet Greek cuisine with stunning views

Indian Chef

Athanasiou Diakou 22, Tel: 210.923.3585

Syngrou Ave. 303, Tel: 210.940.8620 Excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere

Ledra Kai

Athens Ledra Hotel, Syngrou 115, Tel: 210.930.0000 Polynesian Tepanyiaki restaurant going strong after 30 years

Première

Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel: 210.920.6981 Gourmet cuisine with splendid views

EAT

Indian Masala

Ermou 129, Tel: 210.321.9412 Amazing Indian food at affordable price in a pleasant environment

Syngrou

Voulis 7, Tel: 213.028.4305 For a caffeine fix like no other.

EAT Ai Nikolas

Syngrou Ave. 156, Tel: 210.923.2918 Original seafood dishes, fresh ingredients and simple elegant interior

Avenue

Metropolitan Hotel, Syngrou Ave 385, Tel: 210.947.100 French bistrot inspired by Michel Roux

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

The James Joyce

Astiggos 12, Tel: 210.323.5055 Genuine Irish pub with typical pub fare

DRINK The Sowl

Iraklidon 10, Tel:210.345.0003 Art, taste, fashion and music collide at this welcoming new “ethnic urban” space

Koi

98 Vas. Pavlou, Tel: 213.032.0890 Affordable street-food style sushi

Naiades

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

Rey Pablo’s

Vasileos Pavlou 89, Tel: 210.899.2068 Fab smoothies, terrific brunch, and vibey music that draws a young fashionable crowd Vasileos Pavlou 80, Tel: 211.012.0004 Heaven on earth for chocoholics

DRINK

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

Ithaki

Apollonos 28, Tel: 210.896.3747 Beautiful sea view, fresh seafood

Malabar

The Margi, Litous 11, Tel: 210.892.9160 Multinational tastes in a chic Mediterranean ambience

Matsuhisa Athens

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

Moorings

Marina Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210.967.0659

Mythos of the Sea

Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou, Tel: 210.891.1100 Gourmet Mediterranean cuisine that blends local produce with fresh seafood

Psaraki

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2215 Seafood served in an informal setting

Rafale

Alia Brasserie

Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.8901794 All-day lounge bar and restaurant

Cava Faydon

Agiou Ioannou 28, Tel: 215.510.9975 Mid-range or special edition wine varieties with a giddy range of imported goodies

Cava Vegera

Poseidonos 11, Tel: 210.964.6635 A new wine bar changing the game for the stagnant costal enclave

Nelly’s Gastro Pub

Plastira 3, Tel: 210.899.4965 An unpretentious hang-out with reasonably-priced drinks, themed sports nights, and knock-out burgers

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

Schara

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

Testaccio

N

EW! Litous 2 & Apollonos, Tel: 210.896.4112 Oyster bar, succulent steaks and of course, pasta in inviting setting.

Waffle House

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

DRINK En Plo

Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

Underdog

Iraklidon 8, Tel: 213.036.5393 Specialty coffees, impressive selection of foreign and Greek craft beers, and exceptional cocktail menu

Al Bacio

Vasileos Pavlou 74, Tel: 212.104.3411 Healthy living smoothies vie with wicked cocktails and chocolate pasta confections

Troufa Chocolate Bar

Kuzina

Kaya

Dulcis in Fundo Family

Kollias

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

Drakoulis Meat Open Project

Vas. Pavlou 103, Tel: 210.932.0211 A nightclub, gourmet emporium, and Athens’ most glamorous meat boutique all in one

EAT

Baku

Vasileos Pavlou 67, Tel: 210.895.5177 The place to stock up on your quinoa chips and acai berries

Tel: 210.924.4522

Syngrou Ave. 12,

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

CAFES

Coconuts

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

Kirki

The Trap

EAT

Indian Haveli

Thissio

Heteroclito

Café Zoe

Vouliagmeni

Explorer’s Lounge

Voula

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Island Matsuhisa

27th klm Athinon-Souniou Tel: 210.965.3563-4 Award-winning cuisine & an unmatched location

insider athens | March - April 2016 61

Bookstores

Compendium

Alikarnassou 8, Tel: 210.383.2139, 210.322.1248

Eleftheroudakis

Panepistimiou 15, Tel: 210.331.7609 The largest foreign language bookstore in Greece

Ιanos

Stadiou 24, Tel: 210.321.7917, 231.022.1113

Lea Books

Sina 60, Tel: 211.012.0547

Le livre ouvert

Solonos 77, Tel: 210.362.9703

Lexikopoleio

Stasinou 13, Tel: 210.723.1201 Perikleous 41, Ag.Paraskevi Tel: 211.184.6771

Mesogaia

Papasotiriou

Nikis 52, Tel: 210.322.9146 Packaged & fresh speciality foods

Polyglot

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

Panepistimiou 37 Tel: 210.325.3232, 210.332.3301

Miran

Akadimias 84, Tel: 210.330.0455

Provence

Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

Public

Deli

Karageorgi Servias 1, Syntagma, S. Karagiorga 4 & Lazaraki, Glyfada The Mall and Golden Hall, Maroussi Tel: 210.818.1333

Sorpresa Italiana

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

Arapian

Evripidou 41, Tel: 210.321.7238 Old-style butcher shop offering cured meats

Bahar

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

Kriezotou 1d, Syntagma Tel: 210.361.0040, Kifissias Ave. 369, Tel: 210.801.8756, Syngrou Ave. 320, Tel: 210.453.3551 Stockists of premium iwines and spirits

Kostarelos

Patr. Ioakeim 30-32, Tel: 210.725.9000 Great selection of cheese and Greek goodies

Kylix

Karneadou 20, Tel: 210.724.5143 Quality picks from the world’s best vineyards

Marks & Spencer Food

Varsos

Dept Stores

Cellier

Dimitrios Sq 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen

Wine Garage

Cava Anthidis

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

Stefanidis Finest Foods

Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven

Ermou 33-35, Athens, Tel: 210.324.0675 Vouliagmenis Av. 85, Glyfada, Tel: 211.012.4968 Lazaraki 13, Glyfada, Tel: 210.894.3147 Pentelis Av. 23, Vrilissia, Tel: 211.012.5381

62 insider athens | March - April 2016

Jewellery

Kostarelos

Ouranio Toxo

Athens Metro Mall

Vouliagmenis Avenue 276, Tel: 210.976.9444 Shops, cinemas and food

Attica

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

Golden Hall

Kifissias 37A, Tel: 210.680.3450 131 high-end (and high-street) stores for anyone with a passion for fashion

McArthurGlen

Apriati

Pindarou 29, Tel: 210.360.7878 Smartly designed jewellery for the young

Elena Votsi

Xanthou 7, Tel: 210.360.0936 Conversation pieces in gold and stone

Fanourakis

Patriarchou Ioakim 23 Tel: 210.721.1762, Unique collection of animal and insect pins & earrings

Folli Follie

Tsakalof 6 & Solonos 25 Tel: 210.323.0739 Greece's high-street export stocks watches and everyday bijoux

Omega

Voukourestiou 2, Kolonaki Tel: 210.322.7682 Elegant boutique showcasing the brand's timeless timepieces

Chopard

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

Ilias Lalaounis

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

Kessaris

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

Marathianakis

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

Pentheroudakis

Voukourestiou 19, Tel: 210.361.3187 Timeless pieces inspired by classical Greek design

Zolotas

Panepistimiou 10, Tel: 210.360.1272 Designs inspired by the ancient Greece as well as contemporary collections by designers like Paloma Picasso

Van Cleef & Arpels

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

Bulgari

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

Building Block E71, Yalou, 19004, Spata, Tel: 210.663.0830, 210.663.0840 Designer Outlet Shopping Centre

The Mall Athens

Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

Chopard

Museum of Cycladic Art Shop

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Orloff Spa Astir Beach

Museum of Cycladic Art Shop

Acropolis Museum Shop

15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Tel: 210.900.0911

Benaki Museum Shop

Koumbari & Vas. Sofias Tel: 210.367.1045, 210.367.1002 www.benakishop.gr

Neophytou Douka 4, Tel: 210.722.8321-3

Spas

Souvenirs

It's all, oh so souvenir to me!

Forget me not

Adriannou 100, Tel: 210.325.3740 www.forgetmenotathens.gr

Greece is for Lovers

Valtetsiou 50 - 52, Tel: 210.924.5064 www.greeceisforlovers.com Tongue-in-cheek souvenirs for the discerning traveller

It's all, oh so souvenir to me!

Concierge Athens, Ay.Theklas 8, Psirri, Tel: 213.036.9266 www.ohsosouvenir.com

Ananea Spa

Life Gallery Hotel 103 Thisseos Ave., Ekali, Tel: 211.106.7400

Arion Resort & Spa,

Astir Palace Complex, Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210.890.2000 Open daily for treatments from 09:00 to 21:30 (last appointment at 20:00)

GB Spa at Hotel Grande Bretagne Vasileos Georgiou 1, Syntagma Sq 210.333.0799

Hiltonia Spa

Vas.Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1000

I-Spa

InterContinental Athenaeum Athens Syngrou Avenue 89-93, Tel: 210.920.6000

Olive Tree Spa

Hatzigianni Mexi 4, Tel: 210 724.4425

Orloff Spa Astir Beach Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210.896.0028

Amerikaniki Agora

Athinas 30, Monastiraki 1st-2nd Floor Tel: 210 3217876

Bohbo

Ippokratous 39, Exarhia Tel: 210.338.9202

Gouadeloupi

Protogenous 12, Psyrri Tel: 697.852.3933

Like Yesterday’s

Protogenous 16, Monastiraki Tel: 216.700.4810 Vintage clothes mainly from the United States

Mofu

Sarri 28, Psyrri, Tel: 210.331.1922 Vintage and contemporary style home décor and furniture

Paliosintheies

Protogenous 8, Psyrri, Tel: 210.656.0574 Vintage home décor and furniture

Preloved

Ipitou 5, Syntagma Second-hand clothing collected from the cities of Paris and Berlin

Retrosexual Vintage Shop

Aghias Eirinis 3, Monastiraki Tel: 210.545.1553 Great collection of merchandise ranging from the ‘20s to the ‘90s.

Sofita

Iraklidon 35, Thissio Tel: 210.346.9904

Yesterday's Bread

Kallidromiou 87-89, Tel: 210.881.1233 Imported second-hand clothes; individuality guaranteed

Sports

Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery

Vintage

Kori

Water Action Ltd

Vouliagmenis Avenue 12, Voula Tel: 210.895.8873 Mob: 694.476.1502 e-shop: www.water-action.gr e-mail: dspilioti@gmail.com

Retrosexual Vintage Shop

insider athens | March - April 2016 63

64 insider athens | March - April 2016

Badminton Theatre Goudi, Athens, Tel: 211 101 0020 Gialino Music Theatre Sygrou 143, N. Smyrni, Athens Tel: 210.9316.101-4 Pallas Theatre Voukourestiou 5, Athens, Tel: 210.321.3100

Acropolis is open daily and entrance, includes archaeological sites. Tel:210.321.0219 Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens - the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social life for centuries. 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 markedthe boundary of ancient Athens and the new city. Located at the corner of Vas. Olgas and Amalias Avenues.

Lykavittos Hill is the highest point in

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

Tel: 210.722.8321, cycladic.gr Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio, Tel: 210.346.1981 Apostolou Pavlou 37, Thissio Tel: 211.012.6486, herakleidon-art.gr Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Karyatidon & Kallisperi 12, Makrygianni, Acropolis. Tel: 210.922.7260, lalaounis.com Jewish Museum Nikis 39, Plaka. Tel: 210.322.5582. jewishmuseum.gr Kerameikos Museum Ermou 148, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.346.3552.

National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 210.821.7724 National Gallery and Alexandros Soutsos Museum Vas. Konstantinou 50, Athens.

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

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

Tel: 210.924.1043, theacropolismuseum.gr The National Art Gallery and Alexander Soutzos Museum Michalakopoulou 1 - Vas. Constantinou 1, Athens, Tel: 210-7235857

Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos, Athens. Tel: 210.321.0185.

Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens.

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

Tel: 210.325.1311, benaki.gr Benaki Museum, Pireos Pireos 138 & Andronikou, Gazi Tel: 210.345.3111, benaki.gr Byzantine Museum Vas. Sofias 22, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.1027

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

Goulandris Museum of Natural History Levidou 13, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.801.5870, 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: 210.331.2621 childrensartmuseum.gr Summit The Wall Sport Climbing Center Ag. Athanasiou 12, Pallini, Tel: 210.603.0093, summit.gr Westin Kids Club Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210.890.2000 http://www.westinathens. com/en/westin_kids_club/

Just for kids

Sites Theatres

Galleries

A. Antonopoulou Art Aristofanous 20, Psyrri Tel: 210.321.4994 Artzone 42 42 Vas. Konstantinou, 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., Athens, Tel: 210 721 3938 Bernier/Eliades Gallery Eptachalkou 11, Thissio, Tel: 210.341.3935 (The) Breeder Gallery Iasonas 45, Metaxurgeio, Tel: 210.331.7527 Ekfrasi Gallery Valaoritou 9a, Tel: 210 360 7598 Eleni Marneri Galerie Lebessi 5-7& Porinou 16, Acropolis Tel: 210.8619.488 EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Kallirrois Av. & Amvr. Frantzi street Athens, Tel: 210.924.2111- 3 Gagosian Gallery Merlin 3, Athens, Tel: 210 364 0215 K-Art Gallery Sina 54, Athens, Tel: 211.401.3877 Kalfayan Gallery Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.7679 Kourd Gallery Kassiani 2-4, Athens, Tel: 210.642.6573 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, Athens, Tel: 210. 364.0288 The Eynard Mansion Aghiou Konstantinou 20 & Menandrou, Athens, Tel: 210 322 1335 Titanium Yiayiannos Vas. Konstantinou 44, Pangrati, Tel: 210.729.7644 Xippas Gallery Sofokleous 53D, Athens, Tel: 210 331 9333 Zoumboulakis Gallery Kolonaki Square 20, Kolonaki Tel: 210.360.8278/ Kriezotou 6, Syntagma, Tel: 210.363.4454

Athens. Take the teleferique from the top of Ploutarchou St. 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 8:30am-3pm.

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. MonSun 8am-7pm. Just east of the Ancient Agora. Tel: 10.324.5220.

Museums

ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES Tel: 210.322.9705

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

B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Athens Tel: 210.361.1206 Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre 48 Armatolon-Klephton st. Athens, Tel: 210.643.9466 Megaron Mousikis (The Athens Concert Hall) live concerts, operas and other performances. Vas. Sofias Ave. & Kokkali. Tel: 210.728.2333 Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Piraeus 206, Tavros, Tel: 210.341.8550 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou 107-109, Athens, Tel: 213.017.8000 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Vasilissis Sofias Ave. 86A The Art Foundation Normanou 5, Athens, Tel: 210.323.8757

Cultural venues

ORGANISED TOURS

ARION RESORT & SPA

ATHENS HILTON

COCO-MAT HOTEL NAFSIKA

DIVANI PALACE ACROPOLIS

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

508 renovated rooms, two pools, banquet rooms restaurants, convention facilities, business centre & spa. The rooftop Galaxy bar has gorgeous city views.

Vas. Sofias 46, Kesariani.

Tel: 210.728.1000

Located in Kifissia, the hotel offers an unforgettable experience thanks to COCO-MAT‘s unique sleep systems in its 22 guest rooms, power breakfast, bike rids and herb garden.

Pellis 6, Kifissia. Tel: 210.801.8027

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

Parthenonos 19-25 Makrigianni, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.928.0100

ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS

ATHENS LEDRA HOTEL

Crowne plaza

GRANDE BRETAGNE

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, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.920.6000

314 deluxe guest rooms, 18 suites.

Rooftop swimming pool and bar, health club, Polynesian - Tepanyiaki Restaurant, Ledra Kai and sports bar.

Syngrou 115, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.930.0000

Newly renovated, at a very convenient location attracts both business and leisure travellers. Amenities include restaurant, bar, rooftop swimming pool, conference and business facilities, garage parking.

Michalakopoulou 50, Athens.

Tel: 210.727.8000

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

ATHENIAN CALLIRHOE HOTEL

CIVITEL ATTIK

DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & SPA

Holiday Inn Attica Avenue

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

Kallirois 32 & Petmeza, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.921.5353

A tranquil first-class business, sports and family hotel set in the leafy green suburb of Maroussi, with a swimming pool, conference facilities and spacious restaurant with terrace.

Eptalofou 13 – 15, Maroussi. Τel: 210.610.1000

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

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, Spata. Tel: 210.668.9000

ATHENS ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL

CIVITEL OLYMPIC

DIVANI CARAVEL

Holiday Suites

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

Right across the Olympic Stadium, its Superior Rooms and Junior Suites are fitted with modern amenities, from free minibar to free wifi internet access and interactive tv.

Kifissias 2A & Pantanassis, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.680.1900

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

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Kesariani.

Tel: 210.720.7000

Elegant, all-suite hotel offering high standard accommodation. Each suite provides guests with a separate living room and kitchenette.

Arnis 4, Ilissia.

Tel: 210.727.8000

insider athens | March - April 2016 65

KEFALARI SUITES

METROPOLITAN

RADISSON BLU

THEOXENIA PALACE HOTEL

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

Pentelis 1, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3333

Overlooking the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf, the Metropolitan Hotel combines warm hospitality and urban luxury.

Syngrou Ave 385, Paleo Faliro T. 210 947 1000 metrpolitan@chandris.gr

Set across from the lush groves of Pedion tou Areos park, this contemporary hotel is a 4-minute walk from Victoria metro station and 2.9 km from the Acropolis.

Alexandras Avenue 10, Athens Tel: 210.889.4500

In an elegant neoclassical building, this hotel has a restaurant, gym, sauna and outdoor pool. Business centre, internet & conference facilities.

Filadelfeos 2, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3622

KING GEORGE

NEW

SEMIRAMIS

THE MARGI

Situated in the heart of the city, it’s 102 guest rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and natural wood floors. Meeting & Conference spaces, restaurants with panoramic views. Vas. Georgiou A’ 3.

Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210.322.2210

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

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

Boutique hotel with 90 spacious rooms and suites and great views to the sea and pine forests. Baku Restaurant offers a unique dining experience while Malabar and the Lobby lounge are perfect for a glass of champagne. Close to the lake, beach and tennis courts.

Litous 11, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.892.9000

LIFE GALLERY

NJV athens plaza

SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT

THE WESTIN ATHENS

Modern architecture finds its expression in a minimalist designed building with discreet swimming pools, Zen gardens and ethnic elements. The hotel offers 29 spacious, luxury rooms, including 3 art studios and 2 suites and a spa and fitness centre.

Thiseos Avenue 103, Ekali Tel: 211.106.7400

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, Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210 3352400

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

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

MELIÁ ATHENS

NOVOTEL

ST. GEORGE LYCABETTUS HOTEL

ATHENS WAS

Located in the heart of Athens with 136 luxury rooms, spacious dining areas, a modern health club and views of historic monuments.

Chalkokondili 14 & 28th Octovriou, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.332.0100

Located in the center of Athens. Two Bars/Restaurants at outdoor Rooftop Pool & lobby area, play area, gym, free indoor parking, free Wi-Fi and panoramic view from the Roof Garden.

4-6 Michail Voda Street, Vathis Square.

Tel: 210.820.0700

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: 210.741.6000

Urban adventure, daring design, original architecture, energetic social hub and stylish comfort, AthensWas’ 21 rooms all feature verandas to take in a truly authentic Athenian experience.

Dionysiou Areopagitou 5, Tel:210.725.4871

66 insider athens | March - April 2016

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

TwentyOne

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, Kifissia Tel: 210.623.3521

Herodion

A five minute walk to Plaka. 90 guest rooms, meeting facilities and a lovely atrium bar-coffee shop.

Rovertou Galli 4, Makrigianni.

Tel: 210.923.6832

A CATEGORY

COSTA NAVARINO

SANTORINI

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

MYSTIQUE

Inspired by old Messinian mansions, its 445 deluxe rooms, suites, 123 with private infinity pools, offer access to an extensive common pool areas, and reflect Westin’s soothing aesthetic.

Navarino Dunes Costa Navarino, Pilos Messinia, Tel: 27230.95000

Mystique is an 18 villa hotel, designed by Frank Le Fevbre.

Mystique, Oia. Tel. 22860.71114

AVA HOTEL & SUITES

HOTEL ELECTRA

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka. Magnificent views of the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch and Zeus Temple. Short walk to Syntagma.

Lysikratous 9-11, Plaka.

Tel: 210.325.9000

Within walking distance from all archaeological sites, business and commercial districts. Includes bar, restaurant, lobby and meeting areas.

Ermou 5, Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210.337.8000

289 exquisitely appointed rooms and 32 suites with individual infinity pools.

Traditional Greek design with contemporary touches.

Navarino Dunes Costa Navarino, Pilos Messinia, Tel: 27230.96000

The Tsitouras Collection Hotel

Art and hospitality are graciously combined in the unique backdrop of a dramatic landscape.

Firostefani, Santorini Tel: 22860.23747

evia amarilia hotel

PERISCOPE HOTEL

THERMAE SYLLA wellness hotel

VEDEMA

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

17 rooms, 4 junior suites and a super-lux penthouse suite. Part of YES! Hotels.

Haritos 22, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.729.7200

Voted one of the ten best spas in the world, it has 101 rooms, 7 Suites and 1 presidential suite with an incredible sea view. 2 restaurants offer traditional Mediterranean cuisine Posidonos 2, Edipsos, Evia. Tel. 22260.60100

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: 22860.81796

SYROS

PATMOS Fresh Hotel

Situated in the heart of old Athens within walking distance of the Plaka. Enjoy the Orange Bar, rooftop restaurant and pool.

Sophocleous 26 & Klisthenous, Omonoia.

Tel: 210.524.8511

Philippos

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa

VILLA SELENA

Recently refurbished, all 50 rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. Good value for money.

Mitseon 3, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.922.3611-4

A 5-star luxury hotel situated only a few steps from Grikos beach. Considered possibly the best located hotel in Patmos.

Patmos, Grikos Bay. Tel: 22470.32800

A luxurious five-star boutique hotel with suitably equipped rooms and suites to ensure a comfortable stay. The spacious terrace with a panoramic view is ideal for breakfast or drinks Tel. 22810 86007, www.villaselena.eu

insider athens | March - April 2016 67

OTE video conference service

7.30am-10pm. Patission 85.

Tel: 210.883.8578, 210.822.0399

Commercial Office spaces Regus

Tel: 210 727 9000

Global Business Services Tel: 210.876.4876 Kifissias Ave. 90, Maroussi

COURIER SERVICES ACS

Asklipiou 25, Kryoneri Tel: 210.819.0000

DHL Tel: 210.989.0000 Express City S. Trikoupi 71, Athens Tel: 210.821.9959

Geniki Taxydromiki

Kifissou 14, Renti, Tel: 210.485.1100

Speedex

Seneka 24, 15klm Athinon-Lamias, Kifissia Tel: 801.110.0011

UPS

4klm Peanias-Markopoulou Av., Koropi Tel: 210.998.4000

Driving Schools in English Trochokinisi Driving School

28th Oktovriou 126, Ambelokipi, Thessaloniki Tel: 231 072 9092

Driving School Highway

Amfitheas and Ag. Triados 30, 175 64 P. Faliro, Tel: 210.988.8098, 699.772.2777

Vlachos Bros

25th Martiou 20, Peristeri; Xenofodos 17, Peristeri; Afroditis 39, Ilion Tel: 210.574.4895, 210.576.9190

Relocation Agencies Allied Pickfords

Mourouzi 7, Athens, Tel: 210.610.4494

Athens Relocation Centre Zakynthou 10, Glyfada Tel: 210.965.0697

Attica Movers

Syngrou Ave. 19, Neos Kosmos, Tel: 210 922 7221

Celebrity International Movers Kapodistriou Ave. 102, Nea Ionia Tel: 210 272 0106

Corporate Relocations Athens Ag. Saranta 32, Nea Erithrea Tel: 210.800.3510

Orphee Beinoglou

27th km Old National Road Athens-Korinth Location Elefsinia, Elefsina Tel: 210.946.6100

Octopus Relocation Services

Ygeias 7, Marina Zeas, Tel: 210.459.9530

TRANSLATIONS / INTERPRETING Global Business Services Kifisias 90, Maroussi, Tel: 210.876.4876 IBS - International Business Services Michalakopoulou 29, Kaissariani Tel: 210.724.5541

Travel Agencies

BRAZIL Vassilis Sofias 23, Athens

Travel Plan

BULGARIA Stratigou Kallari 33A,

Christou Lada 3, Athens Tel: 210.333.300, www.travelplan.gr

Amphitrion

Kyprou 46 & Ploutarhou, Dafni Tel: 210.900.6000, www.amphitrionholidays.gr

TravelPlanet24

Tel: 210.721.3039

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.8105

CANADA Eth. Antistaseos 48, Halandri Tel: 210.727.3400

CHILE

Rigilis 12, Athens, Tel: 210.729.2647

CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.672.3282

Karagiorgi Servias 4, Syntagma Tel: 211 107 9684, www.travelplanet24.com

CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychico,

Mid-east Travel

Tel: 210.685.5550

Vas Sofias 105-107, Ampelokipoi Tel: Tel: 211.211.8888, www.mideast.gr

Cultural Institutes

Business services

AUDIOVISUAL

French Institute

Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210.339.8600

Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210.368.0900

British Council

Embassies

CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei, CYPRUS Xenofontos 2A, Athens, Tel: 210.373.4800

CZECH REPUBLIC G. Seferi 6, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.671.9701

DENMARK Mourouzi 10, Athens, Tel: 210.725.6440

EGYPT Vas. Sofias 3, Syntagma, Tel: 210.361.8612

ESTONIA Messoghion 2-4, Ampelokipoi, Tel: 210.747.5660

Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210.369.2333

FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5, Athens,

Instituto Cervantes

Tel: 210.339.1000

Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens, Tel: 210.363.4117

Goethe Institut

Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens, Tel: 210.366.1000

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

MISSED THESE GREAT ISSUES?

Tel: 210.677.7033

ALBANIA Vekiareli 7, Filothei, Tel: 210.687.6200

ALGERIA

Vas. Constantinou 14, Athens Tel: 210.756.4191-2

ARGENTINA

Vas. Sophias 59, Athens Tel: 210.724.4158

ARMENIA

K. Palaiologou 95, Athens, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145

AUSTRALIA

Kifisias & Alexandras, Ampelokipoi, Tel: 210.870.4000

AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Av. 4,

Athens, Tel: 210.725.7270

Tel: 210.725.5860

FRANCE Vas. Sofias 7, Syntagma, FYROM Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychico.

Tel: 210.674.9585

GEORGIA Ag. Dimitriou 24,

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.2186

GERMANY Karaoli & Dimitriou 3, Athens, Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25, Kolonaki Tel: 210.725.6800

INDIA Kleanthous 3, Mets, Tel: 210.721.6481

INDONESIA Marathonodromon 99, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.2345

IRAN Stratigou Kallari 16, Patisia, Tel: 210.674.1436

IRAQ Mazaraki 4, Psychico, Tel: 210.677.8276

IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7, Mets, Tel: 210.723.2405

ISRAEL Marathonodromon 1, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.670.5500

ITALY Sekeri 2, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.361.7260 JAPAN Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, Halandri.

Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychico.

Tel: 210.674.4161

KAZAKHSTAN Imittou 122, Papagou Tel: 210.654.7765

KOREA Messoghion 2-4, Athens.

Tel: 210.698.4080

AZERBAIJAN

KUWAIT Marathonodromon 27, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.3593

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BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychico,

68 insider athens | March - April 2016

Sekeri 3, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.360.0314 Hatzikosta 3, Athens, Tel: 210.641.0788

Tel: 210.675.5873

Tel: 210.674.2120

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LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49, Kolonaki

TUNISIA

LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38, Athens

TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Athens,

Goudi. Tel: 210.772.6000 & 1535

LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2, Syntagma Tel: 210.725.6400

UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei,

Private Hospitals

MALTA

UAE Kifissias Av. 290 & N. Paritsi 2, Tel: .210.677.0220

Advanced Medical Services, Symmetria Building

Tel: 210.680.0230

V. Sofias 96, Athens, Tel: 210.778.5138

UK

MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14, Kolonaki,

Ploutarchou 1, Athens, Tel: 210.727.2600

Tel: 210.729.4780

USA

MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei.

Vas. Sofias 91, Athens, Tel: 210.721.2951

Tel: 210.699.0660

URUGUAY

MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5,

Menandrou 1, Kifissia, Tel: 210.361.3549

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.4210

VATICAN

NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7,

Mavili 2, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.3598

Mets, Tel: 210.725.4900

VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19,

NIGERIA Streit 17, Filothei Tel: 210.802.1188

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.9169

VIETNAM Yakinthon 50, Psychico,

NORWAY Hatziyianni Mexi 5, Athensnew Tel. 210.612.8733, 210.675.3080.

PAKISTAN Loukianou 6, Evaggelismos, Tel: 210.729.0122

PALESTINE Giassemion 13,

P. Psychico. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3

PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus, Tel: 210.428.6441

PERU

Semitelou 2, Athens, Tel: 210.779.2761

PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychico.

Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.679.7700

PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784

Emergencies

Tel: 210.724.6173

address!

QATAR Perikleous 2 & Kifissias Av. 212, N. Psychico, Tel: 210.725.5031

ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7,

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.8875

RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28,

P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.5235

SAUDI ARABIA Palaiologhou 2 & Agias Annis, Halandri, Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Athens,

Tel: 210.777.4344

SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072

SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.677.1980

SLOVENIA Kifissias Av. 280 & Dimokra-

tias 1, N. Psychico, Tel: 210.672.0090-091

SOUTH AFRICA

EMERGENCY NUMBERS Ambulance Tel: 166 Doctors SOS Tel: 1016.

They will issue an invoice to claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Ipirou 1, Athens.

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 Coast Guard 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: 1158

SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Plaka, Tel: 210.921.3123

SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Athens, Tel: 210.726.6100

SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Evaggelismos, Tel: 210.723.0364-6

TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57,

Psychico, Tel: 210.677.5122 Representative office

THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 &

Kyprou, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.9065

Health

Kifissias 60, Maroussi. Tel: 210.610.6645

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

heart & vascular centrE E.N. Deliargyris, MD FACC FSCAI

Interventional cardiologist. Southern Athens. Vakchou 2 & Vas. Kostantinou, Tel: 210.897.6276, www.heartline.gr

Lia D. Papathanakou

Dermatologist – Venerologist Adult / Pediatric Dermatology Patriarchou Ioakim 44, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.4502, 6974355942.

Ethnikis Antistaseos 66, Halandri.

Tel: 210.677.3573 www.symmetria.gr

CENTRAL CLINIC OF ATHENS

Asklipiou St. 31, Athens, Emergency number 1169 or Tel: 210.367.4000 www.centralclinic.gr

EUROCLINIC

English media

Tel: 210.726.3000

Tel. 210.729.4483

PAEDON AGLAIA KYRIAKOU HOSPITAL Livadias 3 and Thivon,

Diagnostic, surgical and treatment centre.

Athanasiadou 9, Athens, (near Mavili Sq.), Tel: 210.641.6600

EURODENTICA

Specialized dental care Patision 150, Athens, Tel: 210.866.3367-8 Alamanas 3, Maroussi, Athens, Tel: 210.619.5760-1, El. Venizelou 162, Kallithea, Athens, Tel: 210.956.5365

YGEIA

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

public Hospitals ASKLEPIEION HOSPITAL

Vas. Pavlou 1, Voula. Tel: 210.895.8301-4

EVANGELISMOS

Ypsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.720.1000

KAT HOSPITAL

Nikis 2, Kifissia, Tel: 210.628.0000 Specialized trauma unit.

TZANNEIO

Afentouli & Tzani, Pireaus, Tel: 210.451.9411-9

PHYSICIANS

Schools

Antheon 2, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.671.7590

Tel: 210.729.4356

Newspapers & Magazines Athens Insider, the bi-monthly magazine for Greece in English The International New York Times

carries the English version of

Kathimerini

Radio Athens International Radio 104,4

Good Morning Athens at 10am, English programs at 11am, music programs on weekdays at 9pm, weekends at 1pm. Peiraios 100, Athens, Tel: 210.341.1610

GREEK LANGUAGE The Athens Center

48 Archimidous Street, Mets, Athens 11636, Greece Tel: 210.701.5242

CELT Athens

77 Academias Street, 106 78 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210.330.1455

Greek House

Dragoumi 7, 145 61 Kifissia, Tel: 210.808.5186

Hellenic American Union

22 Massalias str., 106 80 Athens, Tel: 210.368.0900

Omilo Greek Language And Culture Panagi Tsaldari 13 (4th floor), 15122 Maroussi, Tel: 210.612.2706

International SCHOOLS St Catherine's British Embassy School

(ENGLISH SPEAKING)

Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210.282.9750

Ioannis Bitzos, MD

St. Lawrence College

A.J. Kanellopoulos, MD

American Community Schools of Athens

Dimitris Linos, MD FACS

Byron College

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Harilaou Trikoupi 62, Kifissia, Tel: 210.808.0682 Eye Surgeon, Tsoha 17, Athens, Tel: 210.747.2777 General Surgeon, Kifissias 227, Kifissia, Tel: 210.612.5001-2

Anemon St, Koropi, Tel: 210.891.7000

Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri, Tel: 210.639.3200 Filolaou 7, Gerakas, Tel: 210.604.7722

insider athens | March - April 2016 69

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

Road Assistance ELPA: 104

Public Power Corporation (DEI)

In case of power failure: Tel: 210, 523 9939 www.dei.gr

Weather Attica,

Water Supply & Sewage (EYDAP)

Citizen’s Rights Ombudsman:

Tel: 148, www.hnms.gr

In case of water cut: Tel: 1202, www.eydap.gr

Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini, Tel: 210.607.1700

German School in Athens

International Kindergartens

Campion School

5 Hatziyiannis Mexis (near the Hilton Hotel), Tel: 210 72 89 640

Dimokritou 6 & Germanikis Scholis Athinon Maroussi, Tel: 210 6199260-5

Greek German School

25 Martiou & Vernardou, Vrylissia Tel: 210.682.0566

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

St Catherine's British Embassy School

Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210.282.9750

St. Lawrence College

Anemon St, Koropi, Tel: 210.891.7000

Universities University of Indianapolis

Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210.323.6647

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

Learning Steps

Ath. Diakou 81 & Ydras 5, Kifissia, Tel: 210.620.5818

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

Cycladon 11, Glyka Nera, Tel: 210.600.3196

Play and Learn

Kassaveti 22, Kifissia, Tel: 210.801.1428

German kindergartens

Souedias 54, Athens Tel: 210.723.6313

Athens College Library

Stephanou Delta, P. Psychico Tel: 210.679.8100

Benakeios Library

Anthimou Gazi 2, Athens Tel: 210.367.1027

British Council Library Kolonaki Sq. 17, Kolonaki Tel: 210.363.3211/5

Pheidiou 1, Athens Tel: 210.362.0270

Goethe Institute Library Omirou 14-16, Athens Tel: 210.360.8111

Hellenic American Union Greek Library 22 Masalias St (7th floor), Athens, Tel: 210.362.9886

Italian Institut Library Patision 47, Omonia

ALBA Graduate Business School

Au petit bonheur

Nordic Library

American University of Athens

Les Alouettes

Business College of Athens

Mary Poppins

Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210.808.8008

70 insider athens | March - April 2016

00, then the country code.

To call from a Public pay- phone buy a phone card at the kiosks.

Prepaid mobile phone cards (SIM cards) are available for €5 at kiosks, post offices, mini markets and mobile phone company stores.

German Archaeological Institute Library

National Library

Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel: 210.725.9301

Country Code: 30 City Code: 210 international calls first dial

31 Sina St, Athens Tel: 210.362.4301

French kindergartens

Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210.896.4531

MASTERCARD

French Institute Library

Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi, Tel: 210.600.9800

DEREE

Tel: 210.929.0200

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 7:30am8pm, Sat 7:30am-2pm, and Sun 9am-1:30pm.

Troados 23, Ag Paraskevi, Tel: 210.600.3148

American School of Classical Studies Blegen

DINERS CLUB

Tel: 00.800.1163.803.04

Italian kindergartens

Il Mulino magico

Tel: 210.324.4975

VISA

Barbayiannis, Pallini, Tel: 210.603.2527

Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia, Tel: 210.202.0274

AMERICAN EXPRESS

Tel: 00.800.1188.703.03

O mikros Antonis

Scuola maternal italiana de Atene

LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

Post

www.ika.gr

Paramythia

Phone

New tel: 138, Tel. (defective): 129 OTE customer service: 134 International call information (English, French & German): 169 www.ote.gr

Social Security & Health insurance (IKA)

Libraires

Telephone & Internet Services (OTE)

Money

Advertise in our listings, and reach thousands of customers! email us at: ads@insider-magazine.gr

50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 4, Kodrou, Filothei, Tel: 210.677.3803

Tzavella 25, Syntagma, Tel: 210.382.0657 7 Kavalotti St, Makrigianni Tel: 210.924.9210, 210.924.9211

Advertise in in our advertise ourlistings also makes your ad available our website in 5 languages ! listings, and on reach www.insider-publications.com thousands of customers

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

Airport

British Airways Tel: 210.353.0453 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Easy Jet Tel: 211.198.0013 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.324.1010 Iberia www.iberia.com/gr Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 801.801.0101 Qatar Airways Tel: 210.950.8700 Singapore Tel: 210.994.2567 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Tunisair Tel: 210.969.6496 Turkish Tel: 210.988.5700 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 public transport

Ada Rent-a-Car

AAA Royal Prestige

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

Tel: 210.988.3221

Astra Limousine Service

Tel: 210.922.0333/807.9996

Convecta Travel Agency & Limousine Services Tel: 210.322.5090

Limousines Kacaya Tel: 210.323.4120

Combined tickets for metro, buses and trolleys (€1,40) 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 8€.

EXPRESS BUS from/to airport

X93 Kifisos Intercity Bus Station - Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to the intercity bus (KTEL) terminals KIFISOS and LIOSION X95 Syntagma – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to Syntagma Square at Athens city center.

X96 Peiraias – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to Piraeus central passenger port terminals.

X97 Dafni Metro Station – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to DAFNI metro station.

Tickets available at the Arrivals Hall; validate on board. Fare is €5 One-way travel time estimates**: X93 (65’ min), X95 (70’ min), X96 (90’ min), X97 (70’ min).

For further information dial 185 or visit www.oasa.gr, www.ametro. gr. For info on trains visit www.proastiakos.gr

Arena Tel: 210.894.6883,

HELLENIC RAILWAYS ORGANIsATION

Auto Union

Karolou 1. Tel: 210.529.7002, www.ose.gr

Tel: 210.322.0087

210.614.7400

Tel: 210.602.0162

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

ATHENS METRO Line 1 (Piraeus-Kifissia) 5am-midnight, Line 2 (Anthoupoli-Elliniko) 5.30ammidnight, Line 3 (Aghia Marina-Doukissis Plakentias) 5.30am-midnight Line 3 (Aghia Marina-Airport) 5.30am22.52pm 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

TAXIS Taxis from the airport have a flat rate of €35 to Central Athens. 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 100, Tel: 210.512.4910-1, www.ktel.org

Terminal 2: Buses for Delphi, Evia,

Galaxidi, Karpenisi, Katerini, Lamia, Livadia, Thiva and Volos. Liosion 260.

For KTEL itineraries all over Greece call 14505

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

Ferries

Air Malta

tram

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: 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 Gtt

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

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

Tel: 210.960.5600

There is a booking fee of €2 added to the meter, and a €3,40 + VAT for a pre-arranged meeting. For PET taxis there is an extra charge of €5.

YACHT CHARTERS A1 Yacht Trade Consortium

Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Tel: 210.458.7100

Ghiolman Yachts

Seaports

Tel: 210.998.0222

LIMOUSINES

Public transport

Airlines

Aegean Tel: 801.11.20000 Air France KLM

Sea ports

Filellinon 7, Syntagma. Tel: 210.323.3696

Lavrio Tel: 22920.27711, 22920.22089 Piraeus Tel: 210.422.6000-4 Rafina Tel: 22940.22300, 22940.28888

Northstar

Ferries Ferries run year-round. For information on seasonal schedules contact a travel agent or call the Port Police on 210.422.6000

Poseidonos 9 & Achilleos, P. Faliro. Tel: 210.988.4000

PGA

Shipping Posidonos 61, P. Faliro.

Tel: 210.985.9400

Seahorse Alkyonidon 83 (Marina), Voula. Tel: 210.895.2212

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

insider athens | March - April 2016 71

A tribute to the humble Greek kiosk An essential element of the streetscape of every Greek city and town, the corner kiosk’s or periptero’s unique contribution to the rhythm and character of Greek daily life cannot be undermined. Open until the wee hours of the night, the periptero is where one stocks up on cigarettes and newspapers (strung out like laundry and fastened with clothes pegs!!) or on just about everything else from ice-creams to pens, lighters, postcards, toothbrushes, beach towels, sun-screens, yoga-mats and of course, magazines. The first kiosk opened in 1911 on Panepistimiou street and it is estimated that there are over 11,000 kiosks all over the country, some 1300 located in Athens’ city centre alone! The Mayor of Athens recently announced a competition for designing new kiosks, in keeping with the needs of the kiosk-owners but also in harmonizing the look and feel of a modern kiosk across the city.

72 insider athens | March - April 2016

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insider athens | March - April 2016 73

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