Athens Insider 99

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

November 2011 Year 9. Issue 99 â‚Ź4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

insider athens | November 2011

ATHENS

Living in Style Luxury shopping trends / Chic zones / Sleek cars / Greek decor ideas / Spa rescue packages / Gazi gastronomy / Secret gardens / Smart Art / Film Fest Interviews with: Austrian Ambassador Dr. Michael Linhart, Poet Alicia Stallings, Nicholas Kondoprias of Herakleidon Museum PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS AND MORE

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR www.cartier.com

7, Voukourestiou str. - Athens - 2103313600

Sudha Nair-Iliades

In a month that saw Qaddafi’s brutal end, inundations in Thailand and earthquakes in neighbouring Turkey - we now have the imminent threat of political uncertainty at home. It seems like one of those scary roller-coaster rides your kids want to drag you to at an amusement park. The setting is fairy-tale… you trudge along grudgingly, queue up to join the club of revelers, join the ride and soon you’re on an adrenaline high, the sky within reach. Almost as violently, you’re hurtled backwards at breakneck speed. A brief gasp of relief in the promise of a rescue package then you’re propelled into a freefall once again – this time into a dark, scary abyss. At the time of going to print, a call for a referendum was made and then annulled and the fate of the present government hung on a thread.

publisher’s note Greece now not only looks like the petulant, immature child who deserves a proper spanking but as an ungrateful, prodigal one. In one fell swoop, not only has it annihilated any remaining dredge of credibility in the global market but has also estranged itself from its EU peers who laboured hard, fighting fractious political battles at home, to craft a deal for Greece.

Meanwhile, resilient citizens trundle along – artists like George Zymarakis try to paint ‘smiling landscapes’ of their beleaguered city (p. 10), enthusiastic entrepreneurs find new ways to attract customers (p. 20), travel agencies put on a brave face as they market Greece as a destination at the World Travel Market in London early November, diplomats like the Austrian Ambassador try to defend their host nation’s policies (p. 30), poets like Alicia Stallings muse on whatever happened to classical Greece (p. 34), our reporters scour the city’s streets to draw some cheer (p. 4), cultural institutes such as the Megaron still find the drive to present world-class events such as Peter Brook’s ‘A Magic Flute’ (p. 4), determined designers present their new collections, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, as for the past 52 years, screens some brilliant cinema (p. 80) and brave new restaurateurs still sense the opportunity for something new (p. 56).

That is the unputdownable Greek spirit we hope to celebrate as Insider enters its 10th year and 100th issue next month. Like so many other fledgling businesses in Greece that have defied the odds, ours is the little magazine that could!

Sudha Nair-Iliades

Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades Art Director Eliza Mouzenidou Client Relations Eleni Setta Photos Angelos Giotopoulos, Marq Riley, Christina Anid Web Design www.studiozip.com

Contributors in this Issue Christina Anid, Gregory Frye, Katie Prentiss, Barney Spender, Marq Riley, Mike Sweet, Sophia Velissaridis, Christina Tsiliakou, Zoe-Sylvia Oikonomou Interns Katie Prentiss, Royce Gavrias Founder Steve Pantazopoulos Legal Counsel Christos Christopoulos Prepress, Montage and Printing Ellinoektipotiki

Distribution Hellenic Distribution Agency Subscriptions * Athens Insider - 10 issues a year in Greece € 40, Abroad € 80 * Bonjour Athènes - 5 issues a year in Greece € 20, Abroad € 40 * Both magazines in Greece € 60, Abroad € 120

Insider Publications Ltd. located at Markou Botsari 16 A 117 41 Athens, Greece.

Telephone: 210.729.8634 Fax: 210.729.8635.

Tax: No. 099747145.

Email: info@insider-magazine.gr Reproduction in whole or in part, by any means whatsoever, is forbidden except with the express written permission of the publisher.

info@insider-magazine.gr www.insider-magazine.gr www.bonjour-athenes.com

Although Athens Insider has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions it may contain. Athens Insider maintains a strict policy of editorial independence and preferential treatment is never guaranteed to advertisers.

Athens Insider is published monthly and its brand, logo and all editorial content is held worldwide by:

Athens Insider: Monthly Publication ISSN 1790-3114 Code: 6548

Prices include VAT and postage.

insider athens | November 2011 1

contributors Gregory Frye

Gregory Frye is a Greek-American freelance journalist born in Kansas City. He studied English Literature at Rockhurst University and served as managing editor of the Rockhurst Review and as a staff reporter for the Fort Campbell Courier. In 2008 he moved to Athens where he writes novels, plays, screenplays, and teaches English.

Journalist and photographer, Christina Anid has travelled around the world to write about and photograph travel destinations. Multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary, she hails from Lebanon, Greece and France and her activities combine journalism, jewelry design and collage making.

Eleni Setta

After having studied graphic arts and interior design, Eleni worked for the last 23 years as a graphic designer in the Marketing departments of multinationals and publishing companies. Fluent in English and Greek (and learning Italian), Eleni is a fanatic cinephile, nature lover, eco-warrior and adores cooking and fashion.

A documentary producer for the BBC Television in the 1990s, Mike worked in broadcasting in South Asia before relocating to Australia in 2002. A correspondent for the English language edition of Australia’s largest circulation Greek newspaper Neos Kosmos, Mike combines his writing with producing independent documentary films.

Katie Prentiss

2 insider athens | November 2011

Marq Riley

Half Scottish & half Greek Christina was the former Marketing Manager of Classical Hotels and is currently Marketing Director of Travel Plan in Greece. She enjoys highlighting the wonderful experience of travelling and her restless spirit, artistic character and love for Athens drive her to discover new aspects and hidden treasures of her city.

Sophia grew up in Johannesberg. She studied industrial psychology at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and soon after moved to Greece to pursue her interest in fashion. Sophia has an innate sense of style coupled with a sense of humour and is privy to Athens’ best kept shopping secrets.

Eliza Mouzenidou

Barney Spender

Born in Australia, Angelos is currently based in Europe as a freelance photographer. He is the co-founder of Falcon Photo Agency which specializes in documentary, conceptual and travel reportage. His photographs and texts have been published in Italy’s Travel Panorama, Australian Traveller and Time Magazine as well as Greek publications.

Marq was born in The Netherlands, where he graduated as a theatre director from the Utrecht School of Arts.

He moved to Greece in 1999, working as a music events organiser. He is now a freelance writer, and as a concert photographer covers a wide selection of festivals and shows.

Christina Tsiliakou

Mike Sweet

Katie Prentiss is a journalism student at Northwestern University in Chicago. Following her love of the classics and her Greek heritage, she is spending a semester studying abroad in Athens. She spent last winter making her first documentary about refugees in Chicago, which was shown at a small film festival in the United States.

Barney is a director of Archon Media and one of two guys behind English-language sports website sportingreece. com. Now in his twentieth year as a sports writer and his fifth in Greece, he has covered everything from the 2004 Olympics to the world ten-pin bowling championships.

Angelos Giotopoulos

Christina Anid

Sophia Velissaridis

Eliza was born and raised in Athens. She studied Technology of Graphic Arts and graduated with the highest GPA amongst her colleagues. For the last four years she has been working as a graphic designer and has attended numerous seminars on the subject. Her true passion is photography and during her free time she enjoys playing tennis.

contents

10 20 30

Features

Departments

Smiling Landscapes A pictorial tour of Athens with George Zymarakis

10

Smart Art Nicholaos Kondoprias of Herakleidon Museum draws parallels between the worlds of art and mathematics

14

Luxury, a mere click away Two e-entrepreneurs on shopping online

18

Shopping for an experience Evie Klaoudatou of attica and Ioannis Kasimatis of MacArthrurGlen on trends in the retail industry

20

Sleek machines 24 Nick Hogios of Toyota Design talks surface language An instrument for dialogue 30 Austrian Ambassador Dr. Michael Linhart on lifting Greece’s socio-economic profile Genius rhymes with...

34 Poet AE Stallings on receiving a genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation

Chic zone 40 Discover the retro cool of Delfon street in Kolonaki in our new section, street smart.

Arts and Events Art

10

Rescue packages for body and soul 44 Stavros Psaroulakis of the Olive Tree Spa suggests tonic massages inspired by the East to eliminate crisis-induced anxieties.

Business

18

Design

24

Fast Lane

26

Diplomacy

30

Literature

34

Time Lapse

38

Street smart

40

Wellness

44

Agora

46

Greek chic

48

Secret gardens

52

Gastronomy

56

Nightlife

58

Taverna take-aways Christina Anid transforms metal cans and Greek coffee brikis into a style statement

48

Hidden sanctuaries Secret gardens that combine high art and cocktails under the trees

52

A slice of pizzazz 56 Gigio Palazzo handcrafts Italian pizzas with a New York touch at Matilde Pizza Bar in Gazi.

Righteous Revelry Full of wit and sacrilege, Holy Spirits, a shrine to pop icons, serves sinful cocktails.

Katie Prentiss goes on a fact-finding crusade

58

4

40 44 48 52 80 Cover picture: istockphoto.com

insider athens | November 2011 3

Arts & events

01

02

0205 05 until

november

Megaron The Athens Concert Hall Peter Brook: A Magic Flute 01 Director Peter Brook’s enchanting adaptation of Mozart’s beloved opera, is a pared-down, 100-minute, touchingly intimate version performed by just seven appealing singers, two arresting actors and the elegant onstage pianist Franck Krawczyk. First presented at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris last year, the set consists of bamboo poles on stands, grouped in various ways to suggest trees, a cage, the walls of Sarastro’s temple.

The music is performed in the original German; the dialogue is spoken in French; and English supertitles reveal how much this production has tweaked the text and story. Still, the philosophical strands of the story come through with startling impact in this playful production. www.megaron.gr

4 insider athens | November 2011

until

november

05 november

Zoumboulakis Gallery

K-art

Maria Filopoulou, Waterfall Maria Filopoulou presents a new series of works on waterfalls.

The liquid element and the love of water is captured in the bubbles, drops, splashes and reflections that contrast with the serenity of the landscape.

The viewer has the sensation of water thrown everywhere. www.zoumboulakis.gr

Emmanouil Bitsakis 02 K-art presents the third solo exhibition of Emmanuel Bitsakis who combines disparate motifs, reverses meanings and deconstructs familiar iconographic types to make a personal comment about reality with humor. www.k-art.gr

until

05 november

Ekfrasi-Yianna Grammatopoulou From aquarium to diving 03, 04 Kallirois Maroudas captures the void of modern life where picture perfect happiness is but superficial. The viewer realizes that behind this seeming perfection and happiness, something is amiss. www.ekfrasi-art.gr

On the town For location details see listings page 71

03

04

until

06 november

05

until

12 november

until

17 november

until

26 november

TAF

Eleni Koroneou Gallery

Bernier-Eliades Gallery

Kunsthalle Athena

The Fish and guest artists from Granada TAF in cooperation with the Embassy of Spain, the Cervantes Institute and curator Pablo Berzal, presents nine participating artists from the School of Fine Arts in Granada that represent new trends in contemporary Spanish art.

According to the curator, ‘the exhibition is divided into 9 rooms (site specific) in which each artist will display his work’.

The intention of this project is direct communication between the public and artists, over and above the role of criticism orthe art market.’ Participating artists include Angeles Agrela, Pablo Capitan, Paloma Gamez, Marisa Mancilla, Joaquin Pena Toro, José Pinar, Miguel Angel Tornero, Alejandro del Valle, Santiago Ydanez www.taf.gr

Alex Hubbard, The Basement of Alamo Alex Hubbard uses painting and video art as a means to explore various conversions in situations of chaos and order. His films are more a decoupage of motion, where simplicity and absurd play a key role. In The Basement of Alamo, Hubbard presents a series of 7 paintings created in 2011. With acrylic materials, fiberglass and resin, the projects have painted areas which conflict with each other - Hubbard’s objective is to emphasize the elements of painting and erasing, the gesture and abstraction, depth and flat surface. www.koroneougallery.com

Pier Paolo Calzolari Pier Paolo Calzolari has widely been considered as a leading figure of the Arte Povera movement and as a seminal artist whose works cover sculptures, paintings, videos, installations, text performances and architecture. In his fifth solo exhibition at the Bernier-Eliades Gallery, Calzolari transforms quotidian rituals into aesthetic experiences, focussing on the fragility of objects and materials. www.bernier-eliades.gr

Giannis Varelas, The Oblong Box 05 Giannis Varelas takes us into a time capsule inspired by horror films and sitcoms of the ‘70s. Viewers are invited on an adventure laden with hallucination. Nominated for the Deste Prize 2011, Varelas is known for creating collaged figures that evoke equal measures of fantasy and the grotesque in a satirical representation of the human being as a standardized being that conforms to society. www.kunsthalleathena.org

insider athens | November 2011 5

Arts & events

07

06

until

27 november

The B&M Theocharakis Foundation Odysseus Elytis: Poetry and Art 06 The B&M Theocharakis Foundation present poems and works of art related to the celebrated poet Odysseus Elytis on the occasion of his 100th anniversary The exhibition comprises imaginative collages, temperas and watercolours, highlighting his unique artistic personality and reflecting his aesthetic perception. Representative artworks by leading Greek artists he admired are on display as well, among them: Picasso, Theofilos, Tsarouchis, Ghika, Matisse, Kapralos, Kanellis, Moralis, Derpapas and Fassianos. Most of the artworks are loaned from the Gennadius Library, the Benaki Museum, the Athens National Gallery and private collections. www.thf.gr

6 insider athens | November 2011

until

27 november

until

30 0403 november

november

december

Benaki Museum, Pireos St

Eleni Marneri Gallery

Astrolavos Art galleries

Damien Hirst, New Religion After a very successful presentation at the Museum of Macedoniann Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki, the Benaki Museum in collaboration with the British Council, hosts the first solo presentation of works

by Damien Hirst in Greece, and exemplifies the art practice of the most famous member of the Young British Artists who dominated the British and global art scene of the 90s with his provocative creations. www.benaki.gr

Post-Motion 07 Post-motion is an attempt to approach the subject ‘after the operation.’ Artists and viewers explore the vitality that hides inside every new beginning. www.elenimarneri.com

Conversations 08 In new work, titled “Conversations”, Elena Papadimitriou, aims to renegotiate representational painting, through her own personal codes, yet the dialogue and the ‘aura’ of projects, ideas and thoughts that they can create in people’s mind and art.

Using different materials and textures, the artist reveals and brings to life forms and figures.

Ran – Chaos 09 With emphasis on form and geometry, the artist relies primarily on tickling the senses through color and movement.

In the visual arts world, the interest of the artist is to capture these expressions in dance, color, art and poetry. www.astrolavos.gr

On the town

08

09

10

0304 0810 16 until

november

december

Angelos & Leto Katakouzenos Foundation Christos Kechagioglou, The Ark of the Mind The ‘Ark of the Mind’ is an artistic installation, a microcosm, which develops within the premises of the historic Katakouzenos house on Amalias Avenue and includes 25 paintings, 15 photographs, 12 watercolours and video installations. The exhibition is a poetic contemplation of art itself, a creative play and a journey of remembrance rolled into one.

What makes the exhibition even more special is that the house is strewn with beautiful art and images of leading personalities from Athens of the ‘30s. http://www.katakouzenos.gr/

november

december

december

until

17 december

Fizz gallery

Gagosian Gallery

Kappatos Gallery Athens

Xenis Sachinis Male – Female / Engraving The visual medium in which the artist chooses to express himself is through print. The use of mirrors in his compositions, remind us of the inverse relationship between incised shapes with printed, forms. Sachini’s mirror capture the viewer’s attention and make them accomplices in the plot of the composition.

Sachinis has presented his work in 40 solo exhibitions in Greece and abroad and has participated in many engraving events abroad. www.fizzgallery.gr

Anselm Reyle: Meissen Broken Acropolis 10 The Gagosian Athens presents Anselm Reyle’s Meissen Broken Acropolis. For over 2000 years the Acropolis ruins have stood the test of time. Anselm Reyle creates a direct connection to the city with this exhibition.

Reyle’s work is also characterized by the repeated use of particular objects, debris and the remains of a repertoire which is the basic structure for his compositions, especially in collage. Reyle has presented a solo exhibition of sculptures and paintings at Kunsthalle Zurich and has participated in many international group exhibitions including those of the Tate Modern in London and the Palazzo Grassi in Venice. www.gagosian.com

Vasilis Salpistis The exhibition includes paintings and works of large videos.

Salpitsis’ work explores the potential reactivation of the painting medium through its interaction with contemporary concerns relating to the status of the picture, painting or not, the identification of mechanisms and inherent instability that characterizes them. www.kappatosgallery.com

insider athens | November 2011 7

Arts & events

11

12

until

13

29 december

Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Best of: Highlights in Jewellery and Couture 11, 12 The best of the permanent collections of the Lalaounis Museum and the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation are brought together in an exhibition structured as a visual dialogue between jewelry and couture.

Jewels from 50 collections created by Ilias Lalaounis and the Lalaounis house between 1947 and 2008 are presented alongside selected highlights from the extensive costume collections of the PFF. Through a display that addresses fashion as evidence of material culture, the exhibition challenges distinctions between high art and low art, elitist and mass culture, the contemporary and ‘the classic’ as well as between ‘eastern’ and ‘western’ forms and styles. www.lalaounis-jewelrymuseum.gr

8 insider athens | November 2011

until

31 1110 29 until

december

Art & Culture Wishes Athens International Airport The cultural organizations that the Athens International Airport has collaborated with throughout the years are participating in “Art & Culture Wishes”, a cultural initiative with a “Voyage” theme accompanied by wishes for the airport’s 10th anniversary. Participants include the Foundation of the Hellenic World, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Benaki Museum, the Goulandris Natural History Museum, the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Herakleidon Museum, the Museum of the Hellenic Nobel Collection, Militos Editions, the Onassis Cultural Centre and the B&M Theocharakis Foundation. www.aia.gr/aia10years

november

december

Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall Panayiotis Tetsis The visual arts event which will mark the end of this year and the beginning of the next is the exhibition of works by the painter, teacher and academician Panayiotis Tetsis.

The exhibition will concentrate on more recent works, painted by the ever creative and vigorous Tetsis during the year 2011.

But there will also be an opportunity to re-familiarize ourselves with older, less well-known works from the artist’s own collection or those of private collectors. www.megaron.gr

january

Herakleidon Museum Sol LeWitt Line and Colour Photo credit: © 2011 The LeWitt Estate / ARS (Artists Rights Society, N.Y) OSDEETE, Athens 13 The exhibition comprises 15 works by Sol LeWitt - mainly prints (such as lithographs, etchings, and woodcuts), but also his first oil painting as well as gouache, monotypes and photographs. The artist’s works are known for their geometric shapes and rich colours. He became known in the late 1960s for his wall drawings and his sculptures or “structures” as he called them. He is considered by many to be the father of Conceptual Art. His works are in the permanent collections of many major museums all over the world and is also installed in public parks and buildings. www.herakleidon-art.gr

Ο ΚΟΣΜΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΟΔΥΣΣΕΑ ΕΛΥΤΗ Ποίηση και Ζωγραφική ODYSSEUS ELYTIS Poetry and Paintings 22/9 - 27/11/2011 Ίδρυμα Εικαστικών Τεχνών και Μουσικής Β. & Μ. Θεοχαράκη • Βασ. Σοφίας 9 και Μέρλιν 1, Αθήνα B . & M . T h e o c h a r a k i s F o u n d a t i o n f o r t h e F i n e A r t s a n d M u s i c • 9 , Va s. S o f i a s Av. a n d 1 , M e r l i n S t r. , A t h e n s T: (+30)-210-3611206

•

www.thf.gr

Ώ ρ ε ς Λ ε ι τ ο υ ρ γ ί ας: Δευτέρα, Τρίτη, Τετάρτη, Σάββατο, Κυριακή: 10:00 - 18:00, Πέμπτη, Παρασκευή: 10:00 - 20:00 O p e n i n g H o u r s : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 - 20:00

ΧΟΡΗΓΟΙ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΑΣ / COMMUNICATION SPONSORS &,!3(96 Τ Ο Δ Ι Κ Ο Σ Ο Υ ΡΑ Δ Ι Ο Φ Ω Ν Ο

A Pictorial Tour of Athens Beauty through light, wisdom, and colour: Gregory Frye takes us on a tour of Athens through the eyes of visual artist and creative genius, George Zymarakis

W

hen I first met visual artist George (Zym) Zymarakis at Art Athina 2011, Athens’ annual international art fair, he had stepped outside for some fresh air and to take in the sunset of the nearby shoreline, sail boats lounging in the harbor, their naked masts a vortex of taut ropes silhouetted against the Mediterranean governing the horizon beyond, the sea’s expanse broken by the feint outline of Salamis Island while cargo ships and tankers passed in the distance, slowly merging into the calm sunset overlooking Faliron Bay, the western coast of Athens.

This is an ancient view with what many agree is the best light in the world, all of it giving Greece a special energy combined with its history, a super-charged ether derived from the ethos and capable of inducing states of mysticism. Creative enlightenment. Passion. A lot of major writers and artists have come here to be a part of this. People like Lawrence Durrell, Leonard Cohen, Don Delillo, Gregory Corso, Henry Miller, Truman Capote, and ……George Zymarakis.

10 insider athens | November 2011

Although born in Chios in 1936, Zymarakis considers himself a New York expatriate having spent thirty years there, educating himself and working his way into the city’s culturally and artistic elite. When he wasn’t managing his own advertising firm on Madison Avenue, he was holding one-man exhibitions of his paintings in NYC and throughout Europe. During the great New York artist exodus of the 1980s, Zymarakis settled in Athens where, just as with New York and Chios, he continues to paint it unlike any other.

A lot of these works are what he calls ‘smiling megascapes’, a manipulation of the horizon to amplify life, a celebration of geography and history and colour and truth. “The view to infinity”, the artist calls it. While most of the world is as curious about Greece as ever, Zym continues to show visitors and natives alike just how to enjoy what he claims is the most beautiful country in the world, a place people travel to from all over to get a better understanding, to find meaning, answers to questions of the heart.

Art

insider athens | November 2011 11

THE LIGHT The first thing people notice here is the light. “Automatically the moment you arrive, the light itself will make you happy,” Zym says. The brilliant light is an element people in Northern Europe sorely miss, sometimes even resorting to light therapy to treat winter time blues. Put them in the light and suddenly they’re moving and smiling. “It isn’t so bright that you can’t see,” Zymarakis adds. “On the contrary, it’s a soft light and you can see forever, you can see details from far, far away.”

THE ORIGINAL MELTING POT For Zym another important element to notice is the Greek people themselves. “I see beautiful people painted in this light, classical faces straight out of a portrait hanging in the fine art museum.” If you know to look for it, this beauty can mesmerize you, the artist says. “It can bring tears to your eyes to see a classical face living.”

We walk along Ermou Street, between Monastiraki and Syntagma, and indeed Zym is absorbed by the passing faces, young and old. Sometimes he even points at them while he talks to me. He is a tour guide with magic spells in his pockets. Greek women today are more beautiful than the statue of Aphrodite, he says. “They have a classical air in their motions and in the way they walk. Around Syntagma you see enough true descendents, not in everybody, but enough of the Hellenic lineage to get a sense of its beauty. Because beauty dominates.”

12 insider athens | November 2011

In other words, for Zymarakis, the Hellenic gene pool is a very successful mix. “The Greeks have rich genes because since Ancient times they have travelled. They left their offspring wherever they went, but they also brought back many beautiful people, men and women.”

Much of Greek culture, the people and their traditions, was slowly formed over thousands of years. “Not in two generations like it happened in the United States. Here it settled drop by drop, enough to absorb.”

Since Ancient times and even today Greeks embrace foreign visitors with warm hospitality, a custom that stems from the desire to advance philosophy, creativity and cognitive stimulation. “The Greek people like foreigners because they bring us something different. This is how nature designed us, to be attracted to people from beyond our neighbourhood or village, someone from faraway,” Zym says.

HELLASTHERAPY A lot of visitors come to Greece, not out of curiosity, not to bring gifts, but for more personal motivations. People infested by any number of psychological problems for whatever reason, come here and in two days they’re better, Zymarakis says. “In New York city you go crazy, you think you’re sick, you have heart palpitations and the doctor can’t find anything, and your shrink can’t find solutions.”

That’s how he felt when he left New York in the ‘80s. “Desperately I

Art

got a ticket, and I came to Greece, and from the airport to the center of the city, I was alleviated already.”

Zymarakis has seen Greece work its magic on people several times over. Most recently a friend from New York called him to say he was writing his will, ready to die, trapped in the throes of depression. Two days later the friend arrived at Zymarakis’s doorstep. “Immediately he began to deflate, and day by day I saw him getting better. All of his anxieties and resentments, everything soothed.”

THE ORTHODOX LITURGY The old Greek Gods were designed to keep people happy, Zymarakis says, but arrogance brought them down, brought them into one, into Jesus, an exemplification of humility.

One spring, Zymarakis received a guest, another artist, Greek-American, from Los Angeles. It was Friday night and he’d invited her to join him for the weekly vespers leading up to Easter at a small church, 800 to 900 years old, in the Plaka. Her reaction to the ceremony reminded him of how beautiful the Orthodox ceremony is, how no visitor should miss the awe-inspiring experience.

“The incense is the first thing you notice the moment you walk in, the bright lights at night, the candles, the architecture, the incantations of the priests, music only from voices as no music instruments are al-

lowed in the Orthodox church, and the icons.” As an artist, Zymarakis is quick to point out the value of art work in the church and how you never see an ugly icon. “Even somebody who doesn’t know how to read or write can see the life of Christ in pictures. You see the whole thing, you learn.”

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY IN THE WORLD You have to be sensitive enough to feel it, to sense the ecstasy of the church and the energy of the Greek culture. “Memories that are in nate snap up, whether we’re aware of them or not,” Zymarakis adds. “So many people have a relationship with Greece, whether it’s mental or physical, through their DNA. It’s what attracts so many of them here.”

So why is Greece, apart from it mountains, islands, beaches and good weather, the most beautiful country in the world? Zym smiles, opens the doors to the balcony in his studio and looks at the view of the Acropolis, Lycavittos to the right. “Greece is the most beautiful country in the world because it has an ideal climate that encouraged the creation of works of art that all of the world identifies with, loves and holds as a prototype for beauty.”

But if people -- especially Greeks -- don’t know the history, he says, then it means nothing.

insider athens | November 2011 13

Smart art Nicholas Kondoprias of the Herakleidon Museum on introducing the fascinating worlds of art and mathematics to young, impressionable minds 1. As someone who has lived and worked in New York and Hamburg, how challenging was the move to Athens.

The first years are the most difficult!! Most Greeks from abroad (including myself) spend the first years trying to change the system which results in frustration.

Those that are fortunate to have a Greek spouse are reminded continuously that “you cannot change the system but you must learn how to work in the system.”

Once this hurdle is passed you can stop beating yourself up and enjoy all the positive things that Greece has to offer.

2. You made the move from shipping to art. How did that come about?

I was very fortunate to have a rapid rise in the shipping industry with a specialization in oil tankers. My career began in Manhattan, after working in Hamburg and Genoa I was invited to work with one of my close ship-owning contacts in Piraeus.

This was the beginning of an intense experience, but after 4 years, I realized that for my mental and physical health, I needed a change of pace. My mentor in shipping, Captain Dimitri Dionissiou, saw that I was not happy and in 1999 offered me a position as the managing director of his new project which was the Epistrofi Gallery in Psirri. After the death of Captain Dimitri, the family decided to continue the project but after 5 years of operation the decision was made to close the gallery. This is the time that I met Mr. Firos and Mrs. Firos and the wonderful adventure of the Herakleidon Museum began.

3. You’ve now been at the helm of Herakleidon for quite a few years. How would you describe the Herakleidon Museum’s unique contribution to the Greek cultural scene?

We are very fortunate to have the inspiration of Mr. and Mrs. Firos. Through their endless energy and wonderful ideas, the Herakledion Museum has been able to gain the respect and support of the Greek and international community.

14 insider athens | November 2011

Art

“

The important initiative taken by the Herakleidon Museum, to put its collections and exhibition space at the disposal of education – the lack of which it has identified as being of primary concern – will serve to improve Greek society as well as to strengthen the country’s prestige internationally.

Paul and Belinda Firos Founders, Herakleidon Museum

insider athens | November 2011 15

The Firos family has provided their collections to be used by the museum for exhibitions and educational programmes which has been a great honour and learning experience for us all. Having these great collections at our disposal and the fact that we work continuously to maintain the highest international exhibition standards has allowed us to develop global collaborations which have resulted in wonderful exhibition projects. We like to believe that through our exhibitions we have been able to bring the visitors closer to the “life and works” of the artists. This, on many occasions was done by exhibiting many rare drawings and studies with the final artwork as well as personal items of the artist. This allows the visitors to feel that they are viewing the development process as the artist did and provides a wonderful educational tool for all ages. We are extremely pleased that we have been able to present great artists in this way such as M.C. Escher, Toulouse Lautrec, Edvard Munch, Edgar Degas, Victor Vasarely, Adolf Luther, Carol Wax and Francesco Scavullo to name a few.

4. What role do you envisage for the Museum to play in the future?

Increasingly, the Herakleidon Museum has been encouraging school children to appreciate the relationship between mathematics and art.

The challenging financial times we live in today has forced everyone to evaluate their operations and make sound decisions for the future. As we analyzed how we operate as a museum, we made the decision that we want our role to be one that will truly make a difference in the future of Greece. The answer to this was to put our energy in the area of education, more specifically, our very popular educational programme which has been inspiring students for 7 years now “Art and Mathematics”.

The new “Art & Mathematics” character of the museum will be based on the following principles: Exhibitions of works of art that will support the educational program “Art and Mathematics” and will be a valuable teaching tool.

The development of new, innovative, and interdisciplinary methods for teaching mathematics through history, philosophy, and art, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Decrease in the hours that the museum is open to the public, in favour of the educational programs for students and the training seminars for teachers.

Decrease of the exhibition space, in order to create new classrooms with state of the art equipment.

• • • •

5. Has the programme been a direct offshoot of the Museum’s own collection of works by artists such as Escher and Vasarely who use geometric designs to create illusionist images?

Yes, when the museum opened in 2004, we introduced our educational programmes which were conducted by art historians. The instructors came to me on a daily basis telling me that they were getting many mathematical questions from students and teachers related to the art of M.C. Escher and they were not sure how to reply. We brought two mathematicians to give some guidance to our instructors and we were pleased to see that they shared the same passion for M.C. Escher and that his art was an important part of their research and teaching. One thing led to another and since 2005 we have had 40,000 students visit the museum to follow the “Art and Mathematics” programme while the projections for the 2011 – 2012 school year which is exclusively with this programme is 18,000 to 20,000 students.

16 insider athens | November 2011

Art 6. For the Museum’s seminars on Mathematics and Art – who is your target audience?

I would say that our target audience for the seminars is from University level and beyond with a great deal of our participants being adults and professionals who are interested in self growth in an informal educational environment. There are exceptions to this as we have seen many times in the past where high school students participate in their free time to broaden their initial experience with our museum and its programmes. Our doors are open to visitors of all ages and we particularly enjoy it when our very young school visitors return on the weekends pulling their parents by the hand to give them a private tour.

7. Do you think exposing young minds to the beauty of art helps create more sensitive adults?

Yes, and this is one of the reasons that I am very grateful to be so involved at the helm of the Herakleidon Museum. In our short but very active history we have been able to touch thousands of children.

The elementary school visitors of 2004 are now high school students and we often hear from them via emails or when they bring friends to the museum. We get the feeling that we have affected them in a

special artistic way and when they visit us again we get the sense that they feel at home. We sincerely feel that our “Art & Mathematics” programme provides a truly unique educational experience that will inspire future Greek mathematicians, engineers and scientists, while at the same time, exposing them to the world of fine arts making them more sensitive.

8. Where do you see the Herakleidon Museum and the “Art & Mathematics” programme in one year?

We have specific plans for the next year and we are going to be extremely busy. This time next year we will have expanded our international network resulting in more close collaborations with highly respected museums and Universities in the United States, Europe, Middle East and Far East. These collaborations will include the museum organizing travelling exhibitions with our collections supporting the “Art & Mathematics” concept as well as bringing groups to Greece to follow our programmes. We see this as a very important part of cultural tourism in Greece We are very proud to label this program “Made in Greece” and to share with the world that crisis encourages inspiration that can truly make a difference.

Luxury, a click away Two dynamic e-entrepreneurs, Marie Fiorin of Marilicious and Zoe Vassilaki of lustforlove combine style with online marketing skills to create a fashion statement

F

or French-Italian Marie, creating her own online store was a natural crossover from her background as a fashion stylist with

major brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Emanuel Ungaro, Fashion TV & Yoox. Armed with a Masters in Fashion & Design Management from SDA Bocconi, according to her, “the idea and concept of Marilicious first came to me when I was just looking for a new way through which I could express my creativity with fashion & beauty editorials.

So I created a website to showcase all that!”

Zoe Vassilaki recognised a shift in retailing trends and shopping habits among Greek customers – partly motivated by a lower disposable income but an increased appetite for luxury, and a tendency to scout online for the most competitive bargains – to launch lustforlove. Zoe believes that to succeed in a value-conscious market, “retailers will try to find ways to create value to the consumers, by adding services and having online presence.”

18 insider athens | November 2011

Business Quelling fears that luxury brands are not necessarily unaffordable, Marie concurs that the trick is to offer ‘luxury on a budget’. She adds, “despite harsh market conditions, there is potential for strong growth with a lot of room for development.” Zoe, who runs an offline store in Glyfada believes that while Greeks are computer-savvy and more willing to shop online to compare prices and keep up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, a boutique to showcase one’s stock is an absolute must. “For a company starting out, it is more beneficial for the business to have both. An online store as well as a showroom is ideal.

This is because the market for online shopping in Greece is narrow.

However, the prospects for the future are promising as ecommerce is becoming more popular. The greatest advantage is that there is a wide reach amongst all customers around the globe. However there is a challenge meeting expectations and of course maintaining a high level of customer service.”

grating an online store and a fashion blog, sharing style & beauty tips and testing new beauty products and doling out fashion counsel! The idea was to create an all-in-one online style platform (with offices in France and Greece) that proposes fully discounted items that are still ‘valid’ fashion-wise.

Sometimes it’s not just about selling. For Marie, the online boutique is so much more than a platform to sell fashionable clothes - it is to offer a full stylistic experience. She reconstructed her website by inte-

For a different kind of shopping experience, visit www.marilicious.com and www.lustforlove.gr

So what do these online boutiques stock? Lustforlove specialises in its own brand-name clothing, Kara Ross NY jewllery and Monsieur Steve T-shirts. Marilicious brands include Marni, La Perla, Aquilano Rimondi, Rick Owens and Parosh. Marie predicts that “the major trends of the season are prints, bright colours, full-length dresses, sheer. We will find those trends next summer as well so my tip would be to shop for pieces accordingly in order to have a long-lasting wardrobe without having to shop new things all the time.”

The future of luxury retail In an insightful conversation with Insider, two leading players in the luxury retail industry – Evie Klaoudatou, Marketing Director for attica and Ioannis Kasimatis, General Manager, MacArthurGlen Hellas reflect on the transformation of the Greek consumer’s shopping habits

attica MacArthurGlen

20 insider athens | November 2011

Business 1

Do you think that the way Greeks shop and seek new products has drastically changed over the past few years with high street shopping giving way to shopping malls?

Evie Klaoudatou, attica: It is a fact that during the past years the shopping trend has shifted towards shopping malls and department stores. With malls and department stores such as attica, CityLink and Golden Hall that have really managed to become equivalent to the ones in London, Paris, Milan, etc, I believe that it was an anticipated change.Consumers take pleasure in shopping at attica because of its very strong product mix, ambience and high level of services while at the same time being safe, fast and very easily accessed. In attica, customers may find almost anything.

From cosmetics and perfumes to women’s, men’s and children’s designer brands, jewelry, sportswear and travel accessories!

Ioannis Kasimatis, MacArthurGlen Hellas Over the past 5 years there has been a strong retail tendency suggesting that high street shopping has given way to shopping malls. High street shopping has been the main trend especially in Greece but as current research shows, even Greeks tend to prefer to shop in malls. It is true that in the past few years, shopping malls have gained the trust of many consumers and hold a significant share of the market. The modern lifestyle which is quite hectic makes it easier for the consumer to shop in a mall where he/she can simultaneously find many brands and services and at the same time can spend time with friends and family. We at McArthurGlen are very lucky because our architecture & unique shopping concept provides to consumers an experience that combines the benefits of both high street shopping and shopping malls. Our centre is open-air and reflects a neoclassical style, invoking the intimate atmosphere found when walking through a picturesque neighborhood of Athens. Thus the design of the centre creates a very friendly atmosphere where the consumer can find in two levels, a unique mix of fashion brands, restaurants and services.

2

attica MacArthurGlen

To what extent do you think strikes have contributed to consumers looking for a more rewarding shopping experience? How do malls meet their expectations?

Evie Klaoudatou, attica: It is true that strikes, riots and traffic disruptions have altered the shopping habits of people, especially in the centre of Athens. But it is also the economic climate, reduced incomes, pressing working hours and limited time that have driven people to seek rewards in various ways every time they shop. attica offers customers a complete shopping experience with a strong product mix, good prices, unique locations, helpful staff, easy access and services such as personal shopping, nails bar, ATM service and many more.

Also, we try to elevate clients’ experience by presenting customers with options that boutiques usually cannot. A few of these include the return of cash when the client is not satisfied with a product, alterations, and credit cards with benefits such as % returns on the purchases. At the same time, attica often indulges consumers with a variety of events, promotions and gifts that are an extra motive for people to choose attica for their purchases.

And being located in retail centers such as Citylink and Golden Hall with amenities like coffee shops, restaurants and theaters, attica’s customers may add extra value to their shopping by making it to be more than just a buying activity, transforming it into a way to spend time in a safe, comfortable and quality environment.

Ioannis Kasimatis, MacArthurGlen Hellas: A centralized retail center may offer to the consumer a variety of options in terms of shopping, services and entertainment. In our centre, visitors can enjoy a day of shopping with their friends or family, finding their favourite designer brands gathered in one location. At the same time, they can take a break at one of the ten cafes and restaurants, enjoy a treatment at our nail bar and visit the play area for the young ones. All this, combined with parking facilities and ATM services, make it a very pleasant and carefree experience. It is true that the sociopolitical situation has negatively affected the retail industry, especially of the centre of Athens, since traffic disruptions and strikes are dominant in the daily agenda of all citizens. This climate has made consumers less tolerant and it is normal for them to look for more rewarding experiences.

insider athens | November 2011 21

3

How do you market your brand?

Evie Klaoudatou, attica: Since the first day of operation, attica has been marketed as “the place to be” in the centre of Athens. It is the largest department store in Greece and it follows in the steps of international department stores such as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Galeries Lafayette. With a unique immaculate interior, spectacular window displays, influential advertising campaigns, renowned brands, quality services, a high level of aesthetics and exclusive promotions, attica has become a fashion leader for Greece. Through print ads, radio and TV spots and through POS services and CSR promotions, attica has created a very strong and positive brand identity. attica is an image maker and a place where everything new and fashionable is presented even if not necessarily a fashion item. For example the Fiat 500 was presented in attica, a fashionable car in a fashionable place! In September we launched our FW 2011 ad campaign and at the moment we have a big promotion happening within both department stores that rewards customers for their purchases with 10.000 gifts from attica’s brands and with special offers in coffee shops, restaurants, spa, gym, theatres. attica also tries every year with small steps to help certain charities.

Last year it teamed up with ELEPAP, taking advantage of the huge traffic in attica associating it with a donation to the organization. This allowed every person to feel like they were contributing via attica to helping others.

Ioannis Kasimatis, MacArthurGlen Hellas: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens offers customers a unique shopping experience, in terms of the variety of brands at 35 – 70% off all year round, the overall shopping environment as well as the full calendar of events, promotions and activities held at the centre. In addition, the centre has beauty, homeware and travel accessory brands, as well as ten cafes and restaurants, including both international, in particular Italian, and local, Greek concepts, and an art gallery. Other facilities include parking for more than 2,000 cars and a children’s play area. Our offering is unique for the Greek market and very relevant to the Greek consumers who love designer brands but at the same time seek for value for money.

4

What percentage of your shoppers are tourists / international residents.

Evie Klaoudatou, attica: attica’s unique location in the center of Athens – next to Syntagma Square and to some of the most popular hotels in Athens - and the fact that it gathers a great variety of products in one location makes it a shopping destination for most people visiting Athens. As with local customers, our wish is that attica is perceived as a unique shopping venue and that is why we offer TAX FREE services and run print ads directly targeted towards both tourists and international residents.

attica

22 insider athens | November 2011

Ioannis Kasimatis, MacArthurGlen Hellas: Since the centre has opened in June we are not in a position to determine the exact percentage of tourists. However, our experience from our 19 centres in Europe is that tourists constitute a significant part of our business. What we also see lately is the rise of the international shopper from the emerging economies, particularly China and Russia. For shoppers from China, for example we are seeing increases in spend year on year of around 80 per cent at some of our centres across Europe.

Athens is the attractor of approximately 6 million tourists per year. Our location near the Athens airport and our unmatchable shopping experience offers a true day-out experience. We work closely with tourism organizations and specific publications in order to attract tourists and international residents alike.

Business

5

Statistics have shown that despite the crisis, shopping malls have managed to buck the trend. What specific measures have you adopted to deal with the current economic crisis? What are your projections for the immediate future?

Evie Klaoudatou, attica: As already mentioned, shopping malls in Greece, such as CityLink and Golden Hall, where attica is a major tenant, have managed to remain strong despite the negative climate with all the aforementioned advantages and amenities they offer.

In regards to attica, we are in a constant effort to improve ourselves and to create an even better shopping experience for our customers through targeted marketing activities. It is a fact that people are going to be spending less and be more demanding, so attica is trying to offer exactly what they need. We make sure to have the latest products of excellent quality, we work closely with the brand abroad to make sure our prices are aligned with European prices and therefore competitive, and we adapt to the times and search for new and more economical brands that are equally stylish and trendy.

At the same time the company’s financial strategy since day one has resulted in the company being loan free and with a steady cash flow. That fact alone has proven a great strength in these times of economic crisis since we have a competitive and a negotiatory advantage towards international and local suppliers.

We plan each and every move thoroughly, we evaluate and re-evaluate every decision we make, we are flexible, we adapt and we adjust. We are firm believers of the “every cloud has a silver lining” quote and we always push ourselves to find healthy ways and opportunities to promote the company’s growth. An example of that is the opening of the new department store in Thessaloniki on March 2012, located within the Mediterranean Cosmos shopping mall. The new attica of 3.600 square meters will be dedicated to women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics.

Unfortunately, it seems that tougher times lie ahead for the economy. Things will get even harder and even less consumption will follow. So, it is now more than ever that we need to stay focused on the main objective, which is no other than to keep attica clients satisfied in terms of product mix, price and personalized services and to make them feel even more rewarded for every Euro they spend at the department store.

MacArthurGlen

Ioannis Kasimatis, MacArthurGlen Hellas: A recent survey has shown that 50% of the total population of Greece purchase mainly designer brands. During the deep economic crisis that the country is facing, we believe that McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens offers the answer to the needs and desires of the consumers for value-for-money propositions. Consumers during the crisis become more sensitive and reserved; they search for the best choice for spending their money. Our unique shopping concept works very well in a period of crisis since we offer to consumers a win-win proposition.

McArthurGlen’s philosophy is to optimize the experience for the consumer. To that end, we work closely with the brands through the McArthurGlen Retail Academy, which operates at all the Group’s centres, on all aspects of retailing, from staff sourcing and training, to stock, pricing and merchandising, store design, and, in particular, customer service. This ensures a high standard of uniformity across the centre, building on the complete shopping experience. Also, we continuously seek for insights on what our consumers want and renew our brand portfolio to make sure we are covering our audience’s demands.

What we have seen so far is that consumers have positively responded to the new proposition that we introduced in the Greek market. We are confident that by staying true to our promise and consistently delivering a high quality, unique shopping experience, we will continue to be successful.

insider athens | November 2011 23

Sleek machines Mike Sweet talks surface language with Nick Hogios, Design Manager at Toyota Design Australia

S

ecurity is tight at Toyota’s design studio in Melbourne. It needs to be: the sleek and seductive designs conceived at Toyota Style Australia are not for prying eyes. With the long lead times of car design and the intensely competitive nature of the global automotive industries, protecting against leaks of images and information is something that Toyota takes very seriously.

Once past security with my ID tag attached, Nick Hogios ushers me into, if not the inner-sanctum, then a meeting room close by. We pass a scale model of a sleek, sensuously-lined car. Perhaps later I can get a photo of Nick beside it, I suggest. He lets me down gently: “That one’s not for public consumption just yet,” says Nick who joined Toyota Australia in 2002.

This quiet achiever rose through the ranks to become Manager of Design three years ago. He now leads a studio that has become a significant part of the Toyota machine, designing state-of-the-art vehicles for the domestic and burgeoning Asia Pacific market.

Nick was born in Sydney in 1974. His father Stelios arrived in Australia as a teenager from a village near Argos in the Peloponnese.

Anna, his mother, was born in Egypt: her parents were originally from Kastellorizo and Symi, migrating with her family as an infant.

They set up home in Sydney. “Dad had cafes at first and then worked in the building industry.” Nick speaks of his family’s experience as, “a typical migrant story”, counting himself, “very fortunate that my parents were extremely hard-working. They encouraged my brother

24 insider athens | November 2011

Basil and I to do what we wanted to do.”

Basil went on to study architecture, but would later give up the profession for music, becoming an award-winning composer and sound designer. Attending the local public schools, Nick’s own creative passion for design, surfaced early.

“I’ve been drawing since I was six. I didn’t know you could design the ‘look’ of cars, and back then I was drawing from imagination, science fiction stuff, and cars.” “It was the shapes and the look of cars that intrigued me. Some people are inspired by buildings, but for me it was the motion of a car and the promise that every year there would be a new one that came out that looked even more futuristic. I guess I’ve always been a future-thinking person.”

Having made the connection between his passion for drawing, and the technical processes of industrial design, Nick bumped up his sciences at school, firmly focused on pursuing a higher education course that would lead to his chosen profession. In 1992 he enrolled at the University of New South Wales in Sydney to study Industrial Design.

Four years later, he had Duxed his year and graduated with Class 1 Honours. After university, Nick freelanced, before winning the Young Designer of the Year award in a competition organised by Ford Australia. On winning he was invited to join Ford as a junior designer at their HQ in Melbourne. Promotion to a senior designer position followed two years later.

In 2002, Toyota realised a long held ambition to create a design studio

Design

in Australia that would not only interpret the company’s design vision for the domestic market, but in time, the wider region. Nick was in the right place at the right time.

“I always had a desire to work for a Japanese company. Japan has come up with amazing ideas and products,” says Nick, “though it was as a massive culture shock.” “Toyota has a very specific culture, a set of rules almost, called ‘the Toyota way’, and you live by that, you’re trained in that, and have to practice it. It’s a very powerful tool.”

With two design studios in the United States, one in Europe, and a number in Japan, Toyota’s only Australian design facility has increasingly focused on Asia. “We’ve just completed a major facelift on the Fortuner model for the Asian market that took about two years.

They’re very pleased. Early sales are up significantly. The new design gave it a much more premium, fresh and strong feel.”

“It’s anything and everything - the Fortuner is an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), the Aurion, sold as a Camry in Asia, is a saloon, so we go right across the range,” says Nick. “A full model change from first pencil sketch to production is about four years, sometimes it can be shorter”.

And what of the design process itself, I ask. How do you begin designing a world-beating car? “As a rule of thumb, proportion is number one, how it’s proportioned out is extremely important, if it’s not proportioned correctly the car’s not going to be right, no matter what follows. Then there’s surface language, that’s crucial.”

SZ

“We get engineering ‘hard points’ and we get the chief engineer’s vision. Then it’s our job to put all those things together and propose designs.” “People often say ‘you must know so much about aerodynamics’ and the truth is we don’t. We have people who provide us with that information. We’re dedicated to making the cars look as desirable as possible for the intended demographic.”

As Nick describes the workflow that comes together to create some of the world’s most popular automobiles, there’s an almost evangelical impetus to Nick’s mission as a designer. “I love exotic sports cars, but to me being able to design a more mass-market car that is driven by thousands upon thousands of people, and seeing them use it and enjoy it, is the most satisfying part of the job.”

“Good design has to be global now, it’s in the nuances of the design, where you can tailor it to certain markets, and that’s an interesting challenge,” says Nick, who ends our conversation with a telling and very appropriate remark. “One of the most powerful notions Toyota holds dear is called Kaizen, which means ‘continuous improvement’.

It doesn’t matter how good you did it last time, you have to continue to improve.” But meeting the next challenge and seeking improvement is nothing new for this driven designer. Evidently, the Toyota way is Nick Hogios’ way.

Mike Sweet is a freelance journalist and regular contributor to the Insider and writes about all things Greek in Australia.

insider athens | November 2011 25

fast lane Make Up and Fashion at AXDW Make Up For Ever, the professional makeup brand was the official sponsor of the 10th International Fashion Week Athens Xclusive Designers Week that concluded in Athens on 25 October. The Make Up For Ever brand was created by makeup artist Danny Sanz in Paris in 1984. “Fashion is the favorite playground of make-up artists. For 25 years I was backstage at the catwalks with my team. Our challenge is always the same: to showcase our talent as make up artists available to the magic world of fashion,” Sanz observed. In 1999, Make Up For Ever joined the LVMH group and in 2002, Danny created the first Make Up Forever in Paris of which there are currently 10 worldwide. Make Up For Ever is available in Greece only at Sephora.

Flocafé Flocafe expands on its special breakfast menu that offers a delicious pie with your morning coffee with a special afternoon menu that treats guests with an espresso, cappuccino or freddo with every sandwich or salad ordered. Not only is the offer crisis-friendly on the wallet but the music and general ambience at Flocafe should lift your sagging moods as well. www.flocafe.com

Home entertainment!

Hellas online, one of the largest providers of integrated broadband services in Greece, announced its new advanced service - hol video club - that will radically transform home entertainment. For just 8 euros a month, through hol video club, one can enjoy a practically unlimited selection of films and entire episodes of popular television series. To subscribe, visit www.hol.gr, or call 13844 or visit a Vodafone store.

26 insider athens | November 2011

Cafe Tabac Winter Opening Cafe Tabac opens its doors this winter at The Margi in Vouliagmeni. Candles, deep leather sofas, creative Italian cuisine and exhaustive wine list make this restaurant by the sea a real cosy winter meeting point.

For more information, visit www.margi.gr

Energizing Night Run Energizer Hellas announces the first Night Run in Athens on November 5, 2011. This spectacular night race will take place in 11 countries worldwide. Energizer supports the NGO One Million Lights (www.onemillionlights.org), and SOS Children’s Villages in Greece (www.sos-villages.gr).

The race has been organised in cooperation with the Municipality of Athens. To register, fill out the entry form online at www.nightrun.gr.

Kiehl’s ‘Save the Donkey’ Kiehl’s and ESPI got together to raise public awareness about donkeys at the Hondos Center in Glyfada on October 25. Donkeys have always been an integral part of Greece’s cultural and natural heritage. However, the number of donkeys in Greece has dwindled dramatically over the last 50 years and today, donkeys struggle for their own survival. Well-known fashion designers Orsalia Parthenis & Deux Hommes volunteered to design limited edition t-shirts for Kiehl’s ‘Save the Donkey’ initiative. Each designer t-shirt will be sold for 15 euros. Kiehl’s has engaged in the production of t-shirts and offers 10 euros in addition to ESPI for each one sold. All proceeds from sales will go to the Greek Association of Equine Protection (ESPI) for rescuing and caring for tired and abandoned donkeys. For more information on Kiehl’s, check the company’s facebook page, www.facebook.com/kiehlsingreece

insider athens | November 2011 27

fast lane Small change, big difference For the third consecutive year, Athens Hilton will run the campaign ‘Small Change, Big Difference’ till the end of the year inviting guests to add an optional €1 onto their room bill during their stay. All proceeds raised from the campaign in Greece will be used to support Floga, an association that embraces thousands of families that have children with cancer around Greece supporting them when they most need assistance. Bart Van De Winkel, General Manager, Hilton Athens, said, “It’s incredible that such a simple concept has already raised more than €1 million to help Hilton in the Community Foundation ensure that disadvantaged children receive the support that they need.

Through this fantastic initiative small change really can add up to make a real difference to children’s lives.”

For more information, visit www.floga.org.gr or call 210 7485000.

Four girls and a square It all started with the cult fanzine J’aime mon carré. Four girls and a treasure chest of silk scarves offer a fresh view on a new generation of Hermès devotees. Log on to www.parismonami.com and follow the adventures of the creative four as they chase patterns, race hobby horses, talk first love and style all with their own unique twist in this whimsical and interactive journey of make believe. Watch the girls play with the inimitable Hermès silk square and iconic enamel bangles and be inspired with your own. The Paris Mon Ami adventure will run online between September 2011 and February 2012 with regular updates, on the moods and magic of this rainbow-coloured, silk spun world.

28 insider athens | November 2011

Museum of Wine The Kostas Lazarides Wine Museum opened its doors at Oenotria Gi, in Kapandriti on October 9. A real labour of love, Lazarides believes that ‘culture is an important asset that should not be abandoned in times of crisis.’ Oenologist Michel Rolland, who had flown down to inaugurate the museum stated, “I believe that the Greek wine industry should be very proud today because it acquires a wonderful place to appreciate and showcase the history of wine.” The objective of the museum is to highlight Greece’s long tradition and history of wine-making. The Museum displays exhibits and artefacts from the 17th century to date, which are framed by modern audio-visual media, giving an overview of the history and the production of wine and spirits. Presses, pumps, tools, vintage tools, wine barrels, corks, bottles, bottle openers and many other objects, displayed in specially designed spaces create a ritualistic atmosphere. If you plan a family excursion, stop by for lunch at Oenotria Gi. The Museum is located at 2nd Klm. Kapandriti-Kalamos Road, Kapandriti Tel: 2295052213, 52214. www.domaine-lazaridi.gr

A JOURNEY TO INDONESIA Embark on a journey to Indonesia and experience its rich and diverse culinary traditions in the Zephyros restaurant. From November 30th to December 4th 2011, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of popular Indonesian dishes in a traditionally decorated environment.

Dinner Buffet: 18:30 - 23:00 hrs At the end of the culinary celebration we will draw two round trip tickets for two, one to Jakarta including a 3 night stay at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta and one to Bali including hotel accommodations.

50% discount on parking For reservations contact our Zephyros restaurant telephone: 210 9300 060 Proudly co sponsored by:

Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel 115, Syngrou Avenue, 117 45 Athens, Greece Tel: 210 930 0000, Fax: 210 935 8603 Email: athensledra@marriott.com Website: www.athensmarriott.com • www.ledramarriott.gr

An instrument for dialogue Marq Riley meets Austrian Ambassador Dr. Michael Linhart and hears his views on a model for lifting Greece’s socio-economic profile, morale-raising music and competitive cheese.

30 insider athens | November 2011

Diplomacy

I

t was the week in which the world’s most famous Austrian, bodybuilder-turned-Hollywood- action-hero-turned-California-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, had a museum about his life open in his childhood hometown Thal, near Graz. It was also the week in which visionary technology entrepreneur Steven P. Jobs, the founder of Apple, had passed away, evoking a global “Thank You” for his innovations and inspiration. Meanwhile in Athens, disillusioned citizens and unions continued weekly demonstrations and strikes, their hopes for jobs and pay in a cash-strapped Greece slowly fading.

The connection between the three might seem a little elusive, even trivial. But while the first was a poor immigrant who rose to live the American dream, the second made it easier for millions to communicate and materialise their dreams. The third are in need of a new dream, a better life, a working solution.

As I sat down with Dr. Michael Linhart, Austria’s current Ambassador to Greece, the issue of standards soon led our conversation. Having been born to a diplomatic family in Turkey, later on himself serving in Ethiopia, Syria and Croatia, Ambassador Linhart has always been able to compare his own nation’s values to those of the countries and cultures he came in contact with.

“We realised that you can very well survive somewhere else without having these dimensions,” Linhart says of the disciplined Austrian socio-political system. “We have very good and commonly accepted standards, and if everybody is following them, it’s fine, but you always have to be open to changes, and if you go abroad and see different cultures you might realise that you could do it in another way, one that could evoke an improvement. Sometimes you have to see it in a more relaxed way.”

Throughout the financial crisis, some analysts would say Greece was too relaxed, but ambassador Linhart believes Greeks have a huge creative, productive and business capacity, not unlike Austrians. “As much as the Greeks do, we like having a good time, we like going out, we like music, dancing, singing, a sense of hospitality. This mentality of joy of life is something we share, I think we have quite some similarities there. On the other hand, in Greece you also see the possibilities of being well-organised.”

Linhart mentions that certain Greeks have famously established a cunning entrepreneurial spirit. “You have Greeks who are very successful all over the world, very capable, very organised, doing excel-

TCDL

lent things wherever they go, be it the United States, the Balkans or even in the Middle East or Africa. The only country where it’s not really working is probably their own, so I think it’s not so much a question of mentality or approach, Greeks have this European sense of behaviour, of culture, of doing business and openness. It’s the system which has developed probably in the wrong way, but the system can be changed.” This, the Ambassador points out, is not easy, given the longstanding imprint of procedures and practices that are hard to unravel. ”It will take a lot of effort, they will need support for it, but I think it’s possible. Crisis is always an opportunity.”

As to how Austria can help, the Ambassador’s main response is that his country is of course part of the European Union with Greece, and solidarity should be there during both good and bad times. Ambassador Linhart, however, suggests Greek politicians, unions and the private sector might look into the highly successful Austrian Sozialpartnerschaft model. Introduced and adopted in the 1950s, this voluntary instrument for dialogue between employers, employees, and the Austrian state helped shape social and economic policies which lifted the country out of its post-WWII crisis. “We were completely down, completely destroyed,” explains Linhart of a war-torn Austria.

“But through this dialogue and cooperation between unions, political parties, chambers of commerce and society, working together in a period of crisis, marching together in the same direction, we rebuilt the country.”

Social partnership gave unions wage-bargaining rights while limiting the amount of strikes and work-stoppages, assuring continued economic development. In addition, informal discussions take place at federal level between representatives of government and the social partners. In cases where the social partners are able to present a united front on a given issue, their influence amounts to far more than just consultation; their joint position usually becomes the guideline for government policy. This model of corporatism was also adopted in many other nations, most effectively in Ireland at the end of the 1980s where, following a period of high inflation and weak economic growth which led to increased emigration and unsustainable government borrowing, the strike and wage moderation were seen as a significant contributor to the Celtic Tiger. Whereas the current financial crisis and deficit woes put a strain on Ireland’s tripartite social partnership procedures, it is still interesting to note that Austria’s extremely low unemployment rate, continued economic growth, and one of the lowest strike rates in Europe are mainly attributable to social partnership and the associated pay policy

insider athens | November 2011 31

Sound advice Cooperation inadvertently begins with confidence, and in the four years that Dr. Linhart has been Austria’s representative in Greece, he and his team have been particularly involved in creating an active dialogue between the two countries, especially on a cultural level. Most recently the embassy hosted “The Sound of Austria”, a multi-disciplinary exhibition at the SG Art Gallery of the Saint George Lycabettus Hotel featuring interactions between modern visual art and contemporary music. In the Ambassador’s eyes, cultural interchange is the most effective way of building trust, and cultural activity is highly necessary in times of crises. “For politics, for economy, for whatever you do, you have to meet each other on a same level. It serves as a way to learn from each other, to somehow bring them on a level where they know their backgrounds. It is bringing people together, bringing economic incentives and activating politics.”

The Ambassador prefers events that not only present Austrian culture but also involve Greek artists in common projects or workshops. Not limiting such activities to major cities, the embassy purposely also coorganises events on small islands and in rural areas, such as a positively welcomed ensemble concert by the Wiener Solisten in Grevena this summer. “Another dimension is that people are looking for a certain culture that they don’t have every day. For example, you don’t have to love classical music, but it is nice to experience it live, in a perfect quality, and it is fascinating to observe in a Greek environment. In the castle of Ioannina we were prepared for 500 people,” recalls Linhart of a recent concert, “there were 900, sitting on the walls, the floor, everywhere, young and old. It is inspiring everybody. We had the same effect on small islands, such as Nissiros and Kalymnos.” Using the natural beauty of Greece as a setting for such concerts has been a strategy even before Linhart’s arrival in 2007. The summer full moon concerts at archeological sites in the region of Korinthos was an initiative of the Austrian Embassy, an idea that quickly spread throughout Greece.

There’s also a long tradition of Hellenic cultural presence in Austria, from the antiquities at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum to the neoclassical influences of the Austrian Parliament—designed by Theophilus Hansen, the same architect behind the Academy of Athens and the National Library of Greece on Akadimias Street. Even contemporary Greek artists enjoy a high profile in Austria, as is evident from a current exhibition of painter Nikos Kypraios, an upcoming showcase of works by Alekos Fassianos, or the large and elated Austrian attendance at two recent concerts by Haris Alexiou and Eleftheria Arvanitaki in the Vienna Concert Hall. Indeed, Linhart expects that “The Sound of Austria” project will establish a long-term cooperation between Greek artists and the Künstlerhaus Vienna.

Even as these events are characterised by a spirit of solidarity and sympathy towards Greece’s difficult times, the Austrian investment community is still a little apprehensive. “We are in a similar trend as many other countries,” explains Dr. Linhart, “we have seen some Austrian companies that have left, and we still see some hesitation.

32 insider athens | November 2011

But we also see interest in areas where there are positive signs, where there are positive changes, like photovoltaics, wind energy and now also in Bio energy.” Austria’s know-how in this field is considerable as it has a very high density of independent renewable energy solutions for small communities dotted over the Alps mountain range.

One Austrian sector doing extremely well in Greek supermarkets is dairy. From Gruyère to bio-milk, the combination of quality and low price point are attracting many buyers. But within this crisis, doesn’t the Ambassador think these undercut the efforts by Greek farmers and producers whose products sell at almost double the price?

“Greece has excellent products with a high quality and taste we can appreciate, and there’s a huge potential in further exports if there’s a good marketing and promotion,” compliments the Ambassador. “In the end everything comes down to competition. If with our products we can contribute to a certain regulating effect on the Greek market for the Greek products, it will help the Greek consumers and the Greek exports.” Linhart, who equally enjoys Austrian Bergkäse as he does a Naxian graviera, adds that the problem is not the quality of Hellenic products, but rather the overpricing practices of some producers. “You’re not going to help them by building up new barriers, we’re going to help them by being more competitive, I think this is the right way. We actually see Greek exports growing at the moment, even to Austria, because they are looking beyond their borders and making themselves more competitive. In a European market you have to accept certain rules, even as a government we will not be able to restrain Austrian companies from exporting to Greece and we won’t restrain Greek importers from looking at how to have better business in supermarkets by selling cheaper products.”

What is sure is that the increasing number of Austrian tourists coming to Greece each year, about 600,000 visitors or 8 percent of the country’s population, do take home a new-found taste for Greece. “What helped very much this year was the recalibration of prices in the tourism sector, as Greece was known to be a high-price destination, but the drop certainly had a positive effect. And, of course, I always said that what makes our tourists keep coming again and again is the hospitality, the filoxenia, its something unique. And this combined with our approach to life, taking many things a bit in their stride than others, we understand each other very well.”

After our hour of discussion it was evident that the Ambassador certainly shares a passion for Greece and its people, especially facing these harsh times. Together with his wife and three children Dr. Linhart has traveled to the far corners of this country. They will certainly take some fond memories with them once they move back to Austria early next year. Linhart is one of many Europeans who hope to help shape the policies that will bring Greece back from the brink and see its people once again enjoy their own country as much as its visitors do. That is certainly a dream worth working for.

Diplomacy

TCDL

insider athens | November 2011 33

Genius rhymes with...

Poet AE Stallings talks to Barney Spender on her new status as genius, after receiving a grant from the Chicago based MacArthur Foundation, popularly referred to as ‘genius grants’ and on meeting her Muse in modern-day Athens.

T

he American poet AE (Alicia) Stallings hails from Atlanta, Georgia but for the last few years has been living in Athens. Her first col-

lection of poems, Archaic Smile, won the 1999 Richard Wilbur Award and was shortlisted for many other prizes, including the Yale Younger Poets Award. In 2008 she was given the Benjamin H Danks Award by the American Academy of Arts, partly in recognition for her 2007 verse translation of Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura (The Nature of Things). She is also the Poetry Programme Director of the Athens Centre. In 2011, she was one of 22 fellows worldwide to receive the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States and has awarded more than US$4 billion in grants since its inception in 1978.

Congratulations on winning the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship...what does it mean to you to be named a ‘genius’?

The MacArthur Foundation discourages that nickname (the genius grants) precisely because ‘genius’ comes as so loaded and fraught a word. It’s the sort of thing that could potentially be intimidating for a writer, because of course a writer always has to be willing to start with the blank page and to write something bad, to fail utterly. Still, I have been thinking of it as the “no excuses” grant. I can’t go around and complain that I can’t afford the babysitting to work or a space to work in. Now I can, and I just have to get on with things!

You have two small children; is that a help or a hindrance for your poetry.

There is a famous line from Cyril Connolly: “There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.” In a sense, he is probably right. The most obvious way in which having children has affected my writing is that there is less of it. On the other hand, children also are fascinating for a poet to have. It is like having the world made new before your eyes the way they look at things. And of course, language acquisition – much less bilingualism – is fascinating. Kids are natural poets. A three-year-old can beat a working poet for inspired lines or phrases with one sticky hand tied behind his back any day. I am not above stealing lines from my children.

34 insider athens | November 2011

Literature

T 7 ZR

insider athens | November 2011 35

Literature

T 7 ZR

Was the grant for a particular work - or for a body of work?

As I understand it, it is for future work, which may or may not be a continuation of what you have been doing already. It is a big vote of confidence, basically, that you have more to write and do.

How is it likely to affect your standing as a poet in the US? It does certainly raise your profile. There was a spike in book sales for a while (never terribly high for a poet anyway), and I think that my forthcoming book, Olives, will get more attention—and be subjected to greater scrutiny, perhaps.

Does being a ‘genius’ now mean that you can beat your husband at Scrabble?

Sometimes the better part of genius is NOT beating your husband at Scrabble.

And presumably you can now get him to do the chores around the house Well, I hope it takes some pressure off John as being the sole breadwinner in such uncertain times. He’s always been helpful around the house. (I have a much higher tolerance for chaos—though genius has a nicer ring to it than slob.)

Is there such a thing as ‘a good place to be a poet’?

Anywhere you can write poetry is a good place to be a poet. Some poets need urban decay or dreary provincial towns to be inspired, some need to wander lonely as a cloud among drifts of daffodils. I was worried when I moved to Athens that the Muse wouldn’t have my forwarding address, but she seems to have found me here. Actually, being a Muse, she was probably born here.

So how does the noisy, polluted, strike-laden city of Athens suit your process?

I probably prefer daffodils - or wild amaryllis - to urban decay, so maybe it is not so much Athens as Greece that suits me. But, again, the poems get written. I can write pretty much anywhere if need be – a side-effect of motherhood – and often write at a local café against a backdrop of throbbing Greek pop music and the clacking of backgammon.

You have a background in Classics - has that helped you relate to Greece?

Maybe. Maybe it hurts. I am not sure. I think in a way it was easier to write about Greek mythology when I wasn’t smack in the midst of it all the time.

36 insider athens | November 2011

What was the first poem you ever wrote?

I couldn’t say. I was probably making up poems from six or seven years old. I had my first poem accepted for publication at 16.

Did it win any prizes?

No, but I got paid! I got a cheque for fifteen dollars. And the poem only took about an hour to write so I thought, “Well, this is an easy way to make a living”. And, er, here I am.

So, did you always set out on a career path to be a poet?

I think I always knew I wanted to be a writer, but probably didn’t know I wanted to be more exclusively a poet until high school. And the enthusiasm of editors for my poetry – as opposed to a novel manuscript languishing somewhere in a drawer – may have nudged me in that direction too.

I like the fact that use humour in your poetry; it is something that many people feel is incongruous in “serious” poetry…

I love humor in poetry. And rhyme is certainly a good vehicle for humour. Humour and seriousness, of course, are hardly exclusive of one another. A humorous poem can say deep and serious things, and a ‘serious’ poem can be shallow as the paper it is written on, not to mention dull. Plenty of serious poets such as Housman and Eliot, have written splendidly funny poems.

You mention those two – who else is on your poetry reading list?

I love Seamus Heaney, William Blake and I am also a big fan of Philip Larkin, Thomas Hardy, Sylvia Plath, Elizabeth Bishop. Among contemporary poets, I always look forward to new books by Don Paterson, Kay Ryan, Richard Wilbur. I like poets that nourish my own writing. I am attracted to well-crafted, musical poems that take some emotional risks.

Any Greeks?

Cavafy is my favourite modern Greek poet, which is hardly surprising. Lately, I have been very much enjoying reading and translating Sikelianos, who writes in a wonderful assortment of forms - sonnets, quatrains and so on. And I am currently at work on an English verse translation of the Cretan epic-romance Erotokritos.

I did hear a rumour that your cure for writer’s block is a strong mint julep. Any truth in that?

I wouldn’t turn one down. Are you buying?

Incoming

by Travel Plan

Image caption from Santorini

30 years of countless trips, unique destinations & magical accommodations under the Travel Plan brand guarantee; introduce you to Greece‌ the vivid cultural history, the breathtaking landscapes, the exquisite Mediterranean gastronomy & the Greek hospitality.

Travel Plan, Quality that meets your expectations!

incoming@travelplan.gr • www.travelplan.gr

Mikrolimano 12 noon

Time Lapse

October 2011, 12 noon Some call it Mikrolimano, others Tourkolimano. The smallest port of Pireaus has all the charm of a Greek island. At mid day, the fishermen’s boats come back with their catch while sailboats leave the port for the adjacent islands.

A few enthusiasts take diving lessons. The pace at the ‘small port’ is slow, unhurried. Laying silently at Kastella’s feet, it rests until the night comes.

Mikrolimano 12 pm October 2011, 12 p.m.

At night, Mikrolimano becomes a vibrant neighbourhood. Taverns and bars fill up. Everywhere there are neonlights, music, movement.

Cars run along the port, people cross the street animatedly. Firsttime tourists and locals join in to enjoy the Pireaus nightlife.

38 insider athens | November 2011

Time Lapse

BB

insider athens | November 2011 39

Chic Zone In a new section starting this month, Athens Insider captures the little lanes and side streets that lend character and charm to our gritty metropolis.

In this issue, discover the retro cool of the pedestrianized Delfon street in Kolonaki.

F

or a little lane – all of 150 metres long, framed by Didotou on the one side and Grivaion and Skoufa on the other, Delfon street packs a lot of punch into its pint size. Nestled in what is now referred to as the ‘Neapoli’ area, between Kolonaki and Exarchia, Delfon marries Kolonaki’s uber-chic sensitivities to Exarchia’s gritty urban character. The result: an area that is a thriving hotspot for some of the best dining and lounging in the city. Insider’s Angelos Giotopoulos captures the spirit of this chic alley that has it all.

With its cobbled streets and island charm, Delfon has a fair mix of

40 insider athens | November 2011

fashion, style, gastronomy and nightlife. Hair-dressers, organic wholesalers, clothes boutiques, jewellery stores, restaurants serving Mediterranean and Italian fare, clubs and bars all elbow each other for precious commercial space and Athens’ cool, hip clientele in this narrow alley. Just a few metres away from the Hellenic American Union on Massalias 22, the French Archaeological School on Didotou 6 and the Kaplanon Gallery on Kaplanon 5(also a charming cobbled street), the crowd is primarily young and trendy, sensitive to good taste in both décor and value-for-money eats.

Street smart

Photos by Angelos Giotopoulos

En Delfois

Il Postino

insider athens | November 2011 41

Izima

Here’s an Insider’s guide to all the pit-stops you need to make down this narrow road: At the corner of Delfon, at Didotou 19 is Izima which specializes in affordable, hand-crafted faux bijoux (210.3636578, www.izima.gr) - great to accessorize a shift dress or add an arty touch to office formals. The first stop on Delfon 1 is Closet, a gaily decorated boutique in hues of bright yellow and charcoal grey, with garments and accessories designed for all occasions. Here you can find brands like Brixton, Glamour Kills, Insight, Modern Mischief, Paint The Stars, Rusty, Ucon and more. Across the street is a wholesales organic supplier, aptly named Greens and Beans. Next to it is Mommy (210.3619682), a fashionable lounge bar filled with a trendy twentysomething crowd, who spill out onto the terrace – replete with white tables, chairs, lanterns and foliage to recreate a Cycladic look and feel at 4 Delfon Street. A popular watering hole in Kolonaki, Manos Arvanitakis notes that “Mommy owes its popularity to its innovative cuisine, its retro music and 70’s inspired interior.” Mommy used to house the Mommy art gallery up until a couple of years ago featuring works by local artists and though the gallery doesn’t exist anymore, Mommy still exudes arty elegance and style. The bar too serves a wide range of inventive cocktails and chef Tolis Kravaris’ creative cuisine featuring Italian staples such as risotti, authentic antipasti and crunchy salads (especially try the green salad with finocchio, zucchini, celery and fresh ricotta with wedges of orange slices that add a tangy edge) and its delectably tender meat dishes. A great stop for mid-week breaks or for languorous weekend brunches.

Across Mommy is En Delfois (210.3608269), at the corner of Delfon 5 and Skoufa, a thriving club-bar that has been drawing Athenians since its opening ten years ago. Dimitris Kalatzis of the bar states that “the

Il Postino

42 insider athens | November 2011

bar’s informal air and inspiring music have kept regulars coming back for more”. A terrific bar for after-work drinks and the club sandwich here is a notch above the ordinary.

Ippopotamos at Delfon 3B (210 3634583) is a warm and cosy student hangout that plays nostalgic rock numbers. The bar is split into several rooms lending it a very homey soul – but we have yet to figure out the connection to its name. The drinks here are very affordable and most people prefer to stand and drink by the central bar. Posters of rock icons and musicians from the ’70s line the wall.

Next door is Il Postino, at Skoufa 64 and Grivaion 3(210. 3641414), a cozy Italian restaurant with checked table cloths and fresh flowers, run by the extremely talented Antonio Tuteva. Il Postino has such die-hard fans that at a recent facebook survey Insider carried out, most readers voted Il Postino as a restaurant they would recommend without hesitation. Try the penne alla gorgonzola and the pasta with homemade Italian sausage and truffles. Il Postino plays the retro theme of the street with posters of old advertisements and the usual accoutrements of a trattoria in Tuscany – garlands of pepper and garlic, rows of bottles of fine Italian wine, postcards on walls and brilliantly painted window shutters. Besides the fresh, simple Italian fare, guests have the added pleasure of watching their meal being cooked in front of them.

What do we think of Delfon street? It is small in size but big in character. If your Blahnik-weary feet have been worn-out dodging potholes and double-parked cars, take a break from Kolonaki’s exigent shopping schedule and relax in a pedestrian zone to take in a gourmet meal, a sundowner and possibly, a nightcap!

Street smart

Closet

Mommy

Izima

Delfon Street

insider athens | November 2011 43

Rescue packages for body and soul Stavros Psaroulakis of the Olive Tree Spa suggests tonic massages inspired by the East to balance energy flows and to eliminate crisis-induced anxieties. Sophia Velissaridis lies back and enjoys the experience.

44 insider athens | November 2011

Wellness

O

n a quiet, verdant street, just behind the Hilton, lies the Olive Tree Spa. While the rest of Greece might be protesting against it, at least here, austerity does not necessarily sound like a dirty word. At the Olive Tree Spa, it is a quality that overrides any other. Designed by Psaroulakis himself, the minimalist décor and serene aesthetics lend an air of untarnished spirituality. No superfluous spa fixtures here – no ubiquituous bamboo stems and overpowering incense sticks. The décor is stark with unpolished olive tree trunks used as doors and roughly hewn pieces of wood serving as door handles - allowing the senses to be distracted only by the mild fragrance of massage oils and the soothing gongs of Tibetan bowls. The only touch of colour, if any, are large metal basins with fresh flowers and candles floating in them.

Almost instantly, you feel uncluttered too. Petty office issues and trivial pre-occupations fall by the wayside and before long you feel like a calmer, more relaxed version of yourself.

Combining the infinite goodness of the olive tree, sacred to Greeks due to its mystical healing properties, with the mystical lore of Thailand and India, Olive Tree Spa provides a truly unique spa experience.

As I walked in to the spa on a Friday evening, exhausted after a long stressful week, I hoped the treatment would match the promise on the brochure. I was greeted by the receptionist with a broad smile and an infusion of dried fruit and smoked herbs from Thailand – absolutely rejuvenating.

The upper floor of the spa is exclusively reserved for spa treatments including massages, Ayurvedic therapies, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures. On the lower floor, (still in its final finishing stages), Psaroulakis hopes to have an exclusive Yoga and Pilates studio with special focus on meditation techniques.

As a regular spa goer, I am extremely cynical (not to say demanding) of therapists being adequately trained in massage techniques. I have had my fair share of masseurs who just chafe your skin or caress your neck while what you really need is someone who can get to the bottom of those knots and knead away the tension. Despite my low expectations, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the proficiency and intuitive skills of the personnel at the Olive Tree Spa. ‘We have invested a great deal of time and effort in training our personnel,’ informs Psaroulakis who scouts the most renowned retreats around the world to screen, train and hire his staff. That dedication certainly seems to have paid off. My therapist not only knew which pressure points and meridians to manipulate, but she was also extremely discreet in her movements - so much so that within fifteen minutes into the massage I was in deep slumber!

When I had walked into the spa, Stavros Psaroulakis had welcomed me with the words, “Should you care to be whisked away on a magical journey of rejuvenation and bliss, wellbeing, wisdom and joie de vivre, you have come to the right place.’

I did feel transported to a new place. It would be difficult to recommend a specific treatment but for a first-time visit, I’d suggest that you experience 90 minutes of the sheer magic that is the Olive Tree Signature Massage. A unique treatment, it is a blend of Swedish, Thai Yoga, Ayurvedic and Hot Stones techniques with a foot massage – all rolled into one divine therapy. It starts with the use of a Tibetan singing bowl, which initiates a traditional sound ritual from Tibet and finishes with the sound of Tibetan Cymbals.

Also recommended is a spa body wrap treatment and a Ayurvedic Head Massage.

At Olive Tree Spa, activities and spa treatments work in harmony to ensure total wellbeing. Olive Tree Spa offers Athens Insider readers a 10% discount on all treatments.

Call Olive Tree Spa on 210 7244425 before 30 November to avail of the offer.

insider athens | November 2011 45

AGORA

4cuori,ceramic plate

by Laura Ellero, Zoumboulakis Galleries

Eye glitter in blue,

by Sephora

Body Shop’s special home spa kit from its Spa Wisdom Japan series

46 insider athens | November 2011

Happy Mickey watch in white leather by Chopard

Practical day planner,

by Sephora

Terrines in different flavours from Comtesse du Barry

Stores:

Βoutique Comtesse du Barry, Spirou Merkouri 64, Pagrati, 211 012.3420 Sephora, www.mysephora.gr Chopard, Voukourestiou & Stadiou 2, 210 325 0555 Loewe, Golden Hall, Marousi, 210 683 6230 Zoumboulakis Galleries, www.zoumboulakis.gr Hermès, Voukourestiou 1, Athens 210 323 3715 Boutari wines, www.anthidis.gr Zolotas, Panepistimiou 10, 210 360.1272 and Stadiou 9, 210 322.1222 The Body Shop, Ermou 13, Athens, 210 331 1186

Ring in 22 carat hammered gold with Mabe pearl from the Classics collection,

by Zolotas

Bracelets, from Hermès’ new line, Paris Mon Ami

Orange, chocolate, red and black stained glass print scarf by Loewe

Cufflinks by Zolotas

Zuzu red metal magazine rack by C.B.Farinar, Zoumboulakis Galleries

Grande Reserve Naoussa by Boutari

insider athens | November 2011 47

Taverna take-aways Christina Anid transforms metal cans and brikis into a style statement

T

he whole area in and around Monastiraki is a virtual Ali Baba’s cave when it comes to do-it-yourself mate-

rial ! Walking on Athinas and its adjacent streets, strolling around Avissinias square’s surroundings, you can find hundreds of ideas and tricks to spice up your house décor on a shoe-string budget and literally, bucket loads of creativity.

You have seen all these objects so often in tavernas that you don’t even notice them anymore. Some others, you would glance at thinking ‘too retro, not my style’! Well, these deserve a second chance!

The idea: hijack the classics to use them your way! A bucket becomes a pencil pot, a taverna metal table a desk for your kids’ room, a jug a spoonbill container, a raki bottle welcomes a flower, a sieve is used as a bread basket, plants grow in watering cans and drugs fit in a bread cupboard! Galvanised steel is cheap, doesn’t rust and can mix with a cosy or modern atmosphere. Use it and abuse it!

They say details make all the difference. The possibilities are unlimited, once you’ll get going, your imagination just won’t stop!

48 insider athens | November 2011

Greek chic

5YÎľZ

insider athens | November 2011 49

Inside Track:

For all sorts of items in galvanised steel: Lamarinoupolis, Athinas 17 and Kakourgodikiou 2 Galvanised or wooden items, dishes, glasses, etc Sakkas, Pallados 1 Spiros Sillas, Athinas 26 O Pasialis tis Pallados, Pallados 3

50 insider athens | November 2011

Greek chic

5YÎľZ

insider athens | November 2011 51

Hidden sanctuaries Christina Anid explores hidden green oases, shielded from view in Athens’ gritty alleys, that combine high art and cocktails under the trees

O Vathos kipos, a hip fairy tale bar!

O

ne thing is sure: this ‘deep garden’ wears its name well! It is indeed a deep 600 square meter garden with probably centenar-

ian trees which stand in the centre of the cultural centre, hidden in a small alley. You would never imagine such a façade could shelter such a place. The ‘deep garden’ is so inconceivable from the street that entering it for the first time is like lifting the curtain to enter a circus arena for a kid: it makes you go wowwww!

In there, people sit on plump tree roots, high chairs or swings… Lamp bulbs are protected by jam jars… Trees are dressed with colourful delicate lace. The ‘Vathos Kipos has something of a hip wonderland air with wi fi access! And it is not only a bar where you can snack one of the six hot dogs, a home made lemon pie or drink a mastiha, lemon and pepper shot, it a part of « Six d.o.g.s », a cultural centre which hosts concerts, performances, bazaars, workshops and many more.

O Vathos kipos 6-8 Avramiotou 210 32 10 510 Metro: Monastirion www.sixdogs.gr Monday to Thursday from 10AM till 3AM Friday & Saturday until 5AM

52 insider athens | November 2011

Secret gardens

8H F

insider athens | November 2011 53

TAF,

enchanted bar and experimental art

M

onastiraki… Its narrow streets, its old rocking houses, its graffittied walls… behind one of these, hides a very special place:

TAF, The Art Foundation. Around a courtyard stand old one or two storied constructions and new geometrical buildings. Former workshops have been transformed into exhibition spaces. Transformed?

Not really. Not that much as the rehabilitation plan has been minimal.

The tiled roofs are still there, the wooden balustrades hang on. Some of the walls are half destroyed, some have holes. The layered traces of history give the place an indescribable charm. And the mix of old and new, of super old and super modern, match surprisingly! How can a place be as lovely and as avant-garde? TAF is a very successful mix of genres. It is a place, it is the place to have a super cocktail – but no food – under the trees. In winter, no chance of seeing a shooting star, the courtyard is covered. Never mind, make a wish, you are in a small spirits & art heaven!

TAF, The Art Foundation Normanou 5 Metro: Monastirion Tel: 210 32 38 757 www.theartfoundation.gr Every day from 11AM to 12PM the earliest

54 insider athens | November 2011

Secret gardens

8H F

insider athens | November 2011 55

A slice of pizzazz With the mantra “made with love”, Gigio Palazzo handcrafts Italian pizzas with a New York touch at Matilde Pizza Bar in Gazi. The secret ingredient?

Pumpkin purée. Katie Prentiss reports.

W

alk into Matilde’s and you will be stepping into a space that juxtaposes modern-chic and cozy-romantic. The red accents, like red Zebra wall paper and exposed brick walls, bring the place alive, while the music, filled with under-stated rhythmic beats, gives a relaxing vibe.

Gigio Palazzo, the owner and head chef, is an Italian man who owned a pizza restaurant in New York City. He moved to Greece with his wife and brought his love of pizza-making to Matilde’s, which opened in Gazi in May of this year.

With fine ingredients imported from northern Italy, the surprising goal of this cozy spot is to maintain a low profile. Once the restaurant becomes popular, it becomes a fad, and fads die, explains the manager, Yiannis Theologis. They want their loyal customers to keep coming back for the delicious food and attentive service.

And it’s apparent that their plan is working. By 9:30 on a Tuesday night the restaurant is bursting with people who are enjoying conversations with the manager and friendly servers. There are groups of young girlfriends, married couples, and mothers and daughters enjoying meals and drinks.

Each meal at Matilde’s begins with seasoned mushrooms, rosemary focaccia and Italian olive oil. The wine list is one that could be found in Italy and the pinot grigio is a must-try.

56 insider athens | November 2011

For a perfect taste of all the traditional flavors, try the burrata & prosciutto antipasto. The fresh and creamy mozzarella mixed with the salty prosciutto di parma and cherry tomatoes takes you straight to the Italian countryside.

For now, these ingredients come from Italy, but soon the chef will begin making the most key ingredient- mozzarella – in his kitchen in Athens.

While the salads and antipasto are wonderfully fresh, the most famous dish at Matilde’s is the Zucca pizza. The dough ferments over night and Palazzo makes the special pumpkin purée fresh every morning.

The pizza is fired in a brick oven and topped with pancetta, mozzarella and smoked caciocavallo.

The smoky taste in the thin and crispy crust from the oven adds a whole other dimension to the already delicious pizza. It not only has a unique tang of its own, but also brings out the flavours of the rest of the quality ingredients. The pizza is light, and simple, yet bursting with flavor. This balance is thanks to the understated pumpkin purée, which you might not even notice. But once aware, you can taste how delicate and complimentary the purée is.

With the bar situated right next to the oven, you can sit and watch your pizza being handcrafted right before your eyes. And the pizza

Gastronomy

isn’t all that’s handcrafted. The restaurant features rotating pasta specials- all handmade. The gnocchi special is melt-in-your-mouth. The tomato sauce is not heavy, but still packed with spice.

For dessert, a group of girlfriends at a nearby table swear that the Tiramisu is the best in Athens. It does not disappoint- light and very flavorful, but not too sweet or rich.

Everything on the menu is reasonably priced for the quality of the food and the size of the portions, which are rather big. With the recent economic situation, Theologis says that Matilde’s strives to accommodate people from all walks of life with a variety of options on the menu. So whether you’re planning to spend 5 euros or 50 euros, you’ll have a handcrafted, authentic Italian meal.

For fresh, handmade pizza, it will be hard to find a more agreeable place. The staff is wonderful and the food is delicious. The only complaint? The chairs and tables were uncomfortable, a small price to pay for such a treat of a meal.

So say Arrividerci to your old pizza place, and ciao to Matilde.

Matilde Pizza Bar Konstantinoupoleos 44, Gazi 210 34 11878 | 25 euros per person

Photos by George Savvoulides

insider athens | November 2011 57

Nightlife

Righteous Revelry Full of wit and sacrilege, Holy Spirits may look like a summer island bar, but are open for business in Gazi all year round serving sinful cocktails. Katie Prentiss checks out the naughty shrine

F

eaturing “holy cocktails” and painted icons of their saints - Marilyn Monroe and John Lennon- Gogi Hatzichristos and his family turned this play on words into a thriving bar. The Gazi hot spot is not only inspired with Christian ecclesiastic decorations, but also has an island feel. White washed walls with blue shutters, anchors and shells hanging in the outside terrace, and smooth music set the Cycladic mood.

Holy Spirits is a small, great place to relax like you do in the islands, but all year round. Unlike most of the other dark bars on Triptolemou, this one is bright and full of the summer spirit, despite the imposing cold descending upon Athens. Ask a Greek why no one dances in bars, and they say that dancing is for the islands. Well, friends meet each other at Holy Spirits for a drink, and swing dancing is common.

The DJ prides himself on not playing mainstream music. It’s quality though, not “alternative,” he explained.

Hatzichristos is well aware that the summer season for this bar, which opened June 3, is winding down, so he threw a giant, welcome-towinter party this October, which was advertised on their facebook page. For the event, a whole new crop of their signature “holy cocktails” were invented, and their titles matched the joking nature of the place. You could order a “porn star” to get a passion fruit, vanilla, vodka concoction. Or try the “Holy Sweet” which has fresh apples, strawberry, vodka and lime.

Though small, the bar is bursting with personality. It’s probably because the families that run it together are so close and passionate about it. While Hatzichristos runs around waiting on the customers, his mom comes and gives him a kiss. The family love makes you feel like you’re being welcomed into their home somewhere like Mykonos or Santorini, and invited for a dance and a delicious drink.

Holy Spirits Triptolemou 37, Gazi | 211 403 6685

58 insider athens | November 2011

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

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

ARGENTINEAN ORO TORO Vouliagmeni

ASIAN Golden Phoenix Halandri Saipan Halandri

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

FISH RESTAURANTS 7 THALASSES Kolonaki Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus FISH BAR Glyfada ITHAKI Vouliagmeni JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia Kollias Syngrou LA PECHE Glyfada MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni PAPADAKIS Kolonaki PLOUS PODILATOU Piraeus Psaroma Halandri THALATTA Gazi TO VAROULKO Kerameikos ZEFYROS Piraeus

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

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

GOURMET KUZINA Thissio Eclipse Kolonaki Essence Kifissia Fuga Mavili Square Funky Gourmet Kerameikos

P-Box Kolonaki, Kifissia Polly Magoo Metaxurgeio PremiEre Syngrou

GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka ATHIRI Kerameikos CUCINA POVERA Pangrati DAKOS Kolonaki DIPORTO Psyrri EDODI Acropolis ELAEA BISTROT Acropolis FASOLI Exarhia IDEAL Omonia KARAVITIS Pangrati KAVOURAS Exarhia LIANA’S KITCHEN Glyfada MANI MANI Acropolis MARE MARINA Faliro PLATANOS Plaka PROSOPA Gazi RIFIFI Exarhia TO KOUTI Monastiraki YANTES Exarhia YDRIA Plaka

GRILL 1920 Halandri Meat Square Glyfada & Halandri

INDIAN Indian Masala Thissio ISKANDAR Alimos JAIPUR PALACE Maroussi

ITALIAN AGLIO OLIO Acropolis ACQUA AZZURA Kifissia AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni AL MILANESE Kolonaki ALTRO Kolonaki BOSCHETTO Kolonaki CANTUCCIO Psyrri DA LUCIANO Vouliagmeni DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi DVLCIS IN FVNDO Voula GENOVESE Voula LA CASA DI GIORGINO Gyfada IL SALOTTO Glyfada IL SEGRETO Voula MEZZA LUNA Vouliagmeni MULTI 22 Syntagma Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Novo Romantico di Antonio Halandri PIZZA POMMODORO Kolonaki SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki TONY BONANO Piraeus VINCENZO Glyfada

JAPANESE COO Kolonaki DOSIRAK syntagma FAR EAST Syntagma FREUD ORIENTAL Kolonaki FURIN KAZAN Syntagma GOLDEN PHOENIX Kifissia

INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni NOODLE BAR Syntagma SHOGUN Kifissia

KOSHER KOL TUV Monastiraki

LEBANESE BEIRUT Glyfada NARA NARA Psyrri NARGILE Kifissia

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

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

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

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

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki KILIZA Glyfada NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni SIGALAS-BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki ZAHOS Vouliagmeni

SPANISH MI SUENO Kolonaki PUERTA DE ESPANA Pangrati SALERO Exarhia

TAVERNAS AMMOS Piraeus FILIPOU Kolonaki LOUIZIDIS Vouliagmeni MAMACAS Gazi MARGARO Piraeus SKOUFIAS Exarhia VLASSIS Hilton

THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia

WINE BARS CELLIER LE BISTROT Syntagma L’Enoteca Halandri Whispers of wine Maroussi

Westin Kids Club

MEZEDES AND OUZO ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka SOLON Piraeus

MULTI ETHNIC Altamira Kolonaki

POLYNESIAN KONA KAI Syngrou

Register Now!

210.890.2000 insider athens | November 2011 59

Insider guide SHOP Children Damigos

Central Athens

Salero

Prosopa

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

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

Dimitrakopoulou 40 Tel: 210.922.0317 Toyshop with a wonderful selection, including wooden designs

Thalatta

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

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Almaz Skoufias

Mani Mani Falirou 10. Tel: 210.921.8180 Peloponnesian specialities with Mediterranean touches

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

Tramezzini

Yantes

Mani Mani

EAT

Exarhia

Hatzichristou 8, Tel: 210.921.1770 All day italian café bistrot with gourmet street food

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

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

Art Rat Records Zoodohou Pigis 48, Tel: 210.384.8001 Various vinyls

Medusa Tattoo Kallidromiou 85, Tel: 210.825.4593 Athens’ finest since 1995

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

SHOP

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

Elaea Bistrot Makriyanni 19-21 , Tel: 210.921.2280 Greek chic coffee and tempting snacks beside the Acropolis Museum www.elaea.gr

Gelato-Café Makriyanni 19-21, Tel: 210.923.8124 Homemade ice cream and waffles

60 insider athens | November 2011

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

Ginger Ale 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

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

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

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

Gazi

Greece is for Lovers

Butcher’s Shop

EAT Fasoli

Mamacas

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

Barouge Andronikou 4, Tel: 210.342.4994 A staple of Athenian nightlife

Dirty Ginger Triptolemou 46, Tel: 210.342.3809 Excellent cocktails

Grande Dame Persefonis 23, Tel: 210.341.6412 Chic bar serving elaborate champagne cocktails

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilton

Gifts

Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

Ilias Lalaounis museum

Acropolis

Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

EAT Alatsi Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

Byzantine Restaurant

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Athens Hilton Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.724.4400 Simply prepared local flavours.

Guaranteed value for money

Milos Garden

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

To Varoulko

Jack in the Box

DKNY

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

Haritos 13, Tel: 210.725.8735 Beautiful wooden toys and more

Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear

Marie Chantal Boutique

Elina Lebessi

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

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

Mouyer

Ermenegildo Zegna

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

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

Kolonaki

Milos

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

Beauty & Cosmetics Apivita

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

Hugo Boss Amerikis 19, Tel: 210.360.0516 Smart separates for a work wardrobe Kanari 8, Tel: 210.362.7768 Menswear from Armani, Boss and Allen Edmonds brogues

Kalogirou

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

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

Olive Tree Spa Chatzigiani Mexi 4 Tel: 210.724.4425

EAT Funky Gourmet

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

Athiri

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

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

Kathy Heyndels Patriarchou Ioakeim 21 Tel: 210.729.9966 Greek label selling barely-there gowns and basics with a twist

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

Coach

Nixon

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

Carouzos

Paramythias 13 and Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior Plataion 15, Tel: 210.346.2983 Greek & Mediterranean cuisine in beautiful surroundings

Giorgio Armani

Incrocio

Kanari 5, Tel: 210.339.2597 Designer togs for tots

Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club

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

Children Galaxy Bar

Kerameikos

Atelier Loukia

Free Shop

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

Bambineria

CHILL

Fashion

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

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

Central Athens

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

Deux Hommes

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

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

insider athens | November 2011 61

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

La Perla

Paul & Shark

Home

Spefsippou 14, Tel: 210.729.9720 Lingerie to flaunt

Anagnostopoulou 6, Tel: 210.339.2334 Casual yachting styles

Christofle

Lacoste

Preview

Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear

Lanvin

Patriarchou Ioakim 19 Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes

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

Puma Concept

Linea Piu

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

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

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

Kanari 17, Tel: 210.361.0516 International sportswear for all ages

Rere Papa

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

Vlassis Holevas

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

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

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

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

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

Elena Votsi

Nike

Flowers

Fanourakis

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

Fleria

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

Patriarchou Ioakim 35 Tel: 210.722.9697

Food & Wine Cava Anthidis Ypsilantou 13-15, Tel: 210.725.1050 Comprehensive wine and liquor wholesalers

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

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

Gadgets

Eclipse

Octopus

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

62 insider athens | November 2011

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

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

Liana Vourakis Pindarou 42, Tel: 210.361.7705 For unique baptism and wedding gifts, start here

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

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

Central Athens EAT Bakeries & Patisseries Cake Irodotou 15, Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more

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

Restaurants 7 Thalasses Omirou 11, Tel: 210.362.4825 Fresh fish with refined service

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dakos Tsakalof 6, Tel: 210.894.7040 New-age Cretan specialties

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

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

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

Oxette

Gifts

Ozzi

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

Skoufa 30, Tel: 210.364.2139 Greek silver fashion jewellery

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

Van Cleef & Arpels

Freud Oriental

Skoufa 37, Tel: 210.339.0547 Trendy, affordable jewellery

Pindarou 42, Tel: 210.331.1107 The jeweller of the international jetset

Frame

Xenokratous 21, Tel: 210.729.9595 Sushi in a cool setting

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Central Athens

Inbi

P-BOX

TGI Friday’s

Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion

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

by Theodore Zoumboulakis

Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq.

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

CHILL

Pizza Pommodoro

DRINK

Milioni 4, Tel: 210.361.6098 Gourmet burgers with all the fixings

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

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

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

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

Alopekis 9, Tel: 210.729.6500 Great Italian specialties

Prytaneion

Bars, Clubs & Lounges Central

Milioni 7, Tel: 210.364.3353 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

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

Ratka

Mai Tai

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

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

Sale e Pepe

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

Aristipou 34, Tel: 210.723.4102 Authentic Italian trattoria

Ten

W

Kanari 24, Tel: 210.360.1550 High-tech beauty treatments in a clinical setting

Mavili Sq

Jackson Hall

La Prairie Day Spa

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

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

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

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

Briki Dorileou 6, Mavili sq.

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

Flower Dorileou 2, Mavili sq.

Tel: 210.643.2111, Fun, funky and affordable watering hole

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

Tea To Tsai

Magirevontas ti Mesoghio Vissarionos 9, Tel: 210.338.97.41 Authentic home cooked food with mediterranean flavors for just 15 euros per person

Mi Sueno Akadimias 30, Tel: 210.361.6271 Tapas & other Spanish specialties

Orizontes Lycavyttou Lycabettus Hill, Tel: 210.722.7065.

Gourmet dining with a spectacular view

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

To Tsai

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

Square Sushi

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

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

Papadakis

Ta Kioupia

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

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

Ouzadiko

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

Baraonda

insider athens | November 2011 63

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Brachera

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

Café Avyssinias

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

Doris

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

Pangrati

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

Kol Tuv

Normanou 4, Tel: 210.524.4049 The only kosher restaurant in Athens serving traditional shabat meals

EAT

Meïdanis

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

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

Savvas

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

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

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

St’Astra

Metaxurgeio

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

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

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

Bahar

Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven

Miran

EAT

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

Polly Maggoo

Paleovivliopolio Hiotakis

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

New hot spot for the trendy

64 insider athens | November 2011

Karavitis

Thanassis

Magemenos Avlos

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

To Kouti

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

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

Puerte de Espana

DRINK

Spondi

Orea Ellas

Pandrosou 36, Tel: 210.321.3842 An eclectic cafe & bookshop

EAT

EAT

Bacaro

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

Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip Arktinou & Pausaniou Tel: 210.721.5155 Classic Greek cuisine in a dining room lined with wine casks

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

Bairaktaris

Fatsio

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

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

Omonia

EAT

Monastiraki

Fuga

Cucina Povera

Antinoros 42, Tel: 210.725.8666 Spanish cuisine & live music Pyrronos 5, Tel: 210.756.4021 A mix of European & more exotic flavours. Voted one of the best in Athens

SHOP Department Stores Hondos Center

Omonia Square, Tel: 210.528.2800 Cosmetics, perfumes, luggage, clothing, & much, much more

Ideal Restaurant

Panepistimiou 46, Tel: 210.330.3000 Greek classics in old-world decor Sophokleous 1 & Aristidou Tel: 210.321.1882, Lavish Italian and contemporary dishes

Athinaikon

Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

Spondi

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

Plaka

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

Home

Antique

Notoshome

stores

Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home décor superstore

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

Food & wine

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

Diporto

Nikis 52, Tel: 210.322.9146 Packaged & fresh speciality foods

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

Gifts

Kouzina Cine-Psirri

Mesogaia

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

Sari 44, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music

Nara Nara Karaiskaki 26, Tel: 210.331.2091 Lebanese food & dancing

EAT

Ochre & Brown

2 Mazi

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

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

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

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

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

Ydria

Psyrri

Adrianou 68 & Eolou Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

SHOP

Books

Gadgets

Eleftheroudakis

Public

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

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

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

Department Stores

DRINK

Attica

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

Soul

Fokas

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

Syntagma

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

Central Athens

SHOP Accessories Bag Stories

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

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

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

Graf Von Faber-Castell Boutique Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.321.8564 Traditional hand-held writing utensils

Kori Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery

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

Home

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

Fashion - Men’s

Antiques

Flowers

Jewellery

Antiqua

Dromoloulouda

Apriati

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

Fashion Christoforos Kotentos

Beauty & Cosmetics

Sachtouri 3, Tel: 210.325.5434 Glamorous & unique designs

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

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

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

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

Cellier Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop

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

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

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

insider athens | November 2011 65

Insider guide Gofas

Vassilis Zoulias Old Athens

DRINK

Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.331.7540 High-end timepieces

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

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

Ilias Lalaounis

Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot

Cellier Le Bistrot

Explorer’s Lounge

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

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

NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, 210.335.2400, Magnificent cocktails and live jazz in an intimate atmosphere

Marathianakis

Dosirak

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

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

Zolotas

Nikis 58 & Kydathynaion Tel: 210.322.2839 Traditional Greek cuisine combined with modern elements

Kessaris

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

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

To Ergastirio to Baxevani

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

Shoes

Furin Kazan

Folli Follie

Spiliopoulos

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

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

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

Club Eat

See

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

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

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

George Economou collection at the new municipal gallery in Metaxourgeio

Multi 22

Spondi, 2 star Michelin restaurant in Pangrati Cibus for Greek cuisine and Acropolis view in the Nat.Gardens Varoulko Michelin star with gourmet fish cuisine in Gazi Papadakis good island cuisine in Kolonaki

Noodle Bar

Vanilla Club at Kanari 24 Villa Mercedes at Andronicou & Zafeiri 11, Rouf Messiah Rebirth at Karneadou 25 in Kolonaki Baraonda, Tsocha 43, Ambelokoipi

66 insider athens | November 2011

Boutique

EAT

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

Chopard

Central Athens

Ermou 116 & Leokoriou Tel: 210.331.6766 Italian fare served in a neoclassical house Apollonos 11, Tel: 210.331.8585 A congenial place to drop in for a quick noodle fix

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

Paul Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

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

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

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

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

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

Syngrou

Zolotas pendant in gold with diamonds

Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

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

Kollias

Syngrou Ave. 303 Tel: 210 940 8620 Diverse excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Plous Podilatou

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

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

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

Café Zoe

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

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

Vassilenas

Première

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

EAT

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

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

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

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

SOUTHERN ATHENS

Piraeus

Zefyros

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

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

Jimmy and The Fish

Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084.

Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada

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

DRINK

Food & Wine

Big Apple South

All about Whisky

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

Zinc “Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music

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

Ak. Dilaveri 15, Tel: 210.407.8861 Playing disco & techno tracks until 6am

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

Provence Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

EAT Ache

SHOP

Kypriou 57, Tel: 210.894.2949 International cuisine & delectable deserts

Books

Aioli Restaurant

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

Fashion Enny di Monaco

Iguana

Artemidos 9, Tel: 210.894.0181 Mediterranean cuisine with an excellent “secret” seafood sauce

Amigos

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

Bayern Bierhaus Microbrewery Chr. Nezer 19, Tel: 210.894.4439 Authentic German cuisine

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

Beer Academy

Ensayar Donna

Beirut

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

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

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

Faliro

Thissio

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

Etolikou 72 & Vitolion Tel: 210.461.2457 Friendly food and atmosphere

DRINK

Glyfada

AiNikolas

Southern & Northern Athens

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

Iskandar

Amphitheas 6 & Poseidonos Tel: 210.988.6474 Authentic Indian cuisine

Kitchen Bar

Kyprou 55, Esperidon Square Tel: 210.894.3034 Top lines from leading designers with an English touch

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

Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

Jewellery

Le Petit Sommelier

ZerTeo

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

Metaxa 24-26, Tel: 210.894.6682 Unique jewellery designs

Saki Karayiorya 13, Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

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

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

insider athens | November 2011 67

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Kiliza

Vincenzo

Konstantinopoleos 13 Tel: 210.894.4648 Delicious kebabs & decadent deserts

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

Southern & Northern Athens

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

DRINK

La pêche

Babae

Meat Square (Grill) Lambrakis 63 & Ag. Nikolaou, Tel: 210 961 1160 Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment

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

Tartare Panagouli 52, Tel: 210.968.0320 Quality French cuisine

Posidonos 88, Tel: 210.894.1629 Beachfront dancing all night long

Balux Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

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

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

Cosi

Il Segreto

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

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

Nest Café Bar

CHILL

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

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

STREET Bar Restaurant is the new all-day meeting point in Neo Psychico. Specialities served include authentic juicy burgers, big healthy salads, perfectly- grilled meat, and last but not least, truly tempting desserts. (Tel. 2106710688) Funky Gourmet: In the warm and living restaurant environment, the chefs offer their guests a carefully designed menu of a modern creative cuisine based on advanced culinary techniques and always featuring top quality seasonal ingredients. (Tel. 2105242727) Salon de Bricolage: The members-only club aims at the promotion of art, gastronomy, winery, and entertainment, as well as wellbeing and conjectural arts.

Visit the Acropolis museum with a private tour guide and enjoy lunch at Dionysos a landmark venue, globally well known as the restaurant under Acropolis. The unique view adds an exceptional value to Dionysos, combined to high quality service and cuisine. (Tel. 2109233182)

68 insider athens | November 2011

Posidonos 58A, Tel: 210.898.3577 A beach house turned lounge with all the amenities of a home.

Live Music Thalassa People's Stage Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.2979 Live Greek acts in a club atmosphere attracting a young crowd

Voula

To do Chill

Eat

The House Project

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

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

Vari Sports Club Vari-Koropiou & Kalamatos 1 Tel: 210.899.0048 www.varisportsclub.com

Vouliagmeni

Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.894.1620 Creative seafood dishes combining Greek & French techniques

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

EAT Café Tabac

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

Da Luciano

Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.2217 Trattoria serving traditional Italian dishes & pizza

Al Fresco The Westin, 40, Tel: 210.890.1709, Enjoy a romantic meal of creative Italian cuisine

Grill Room

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

Italian

Ithaki

Genovese

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

Vas. Pavlou 99, Tel: 210.895.8400 Italian eats al fresco

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

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

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

Mezza Luna Orpheos 2, Tel: 210.967.1046 Chic Italian restaurant

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

Oro Toro Varis-Koropiou 73, Tel: 210.899.4514 A taste of Argentinian cuisine in a cosy atmosphere

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

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

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

DRINK En Plo Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

NORTHERN ATHENS EAT Da Vinci Ag. Ioannou 23, Tel: 210 600 0102 Delightful dishes in fantastic ambience

Nanninela Peloponnissou 13 Tel: 210 600 5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor Ag. Ioannou 63, Tel: 210 639 1666, Mediterranean flavours in a chic interior

EAT Apsendi Kifissias 250-254 & Serres Tel: 210 671 7890 Refined cuisine and cocktails in stylish urban atmosphere Pendelis 133, Tel: 210 689 0238 Choice of 600 wines to accompany memorable meals

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

27th klm Athinon-Souniou Tel: 210.965.3809 Award-winning cuisine & an unmatched location with views of the Saronic Gulf

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

Sofa Bar

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

Arion Spa Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000

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

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

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

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

L’Enoteca

Dali

CHILL

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

Olio by Portofino

Island

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

Novo Romantico di Antonio

Kifissia

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

Halandri Ag.Paraskevi

Maistrali

Southern & Northern Athens

SHOP Beauty &

Bakaliko Ola Ta Kala Kifissias 238-240, Mela Shopping Centre, Tel: 210.808.9908 Quality Greek delicacies

Il Salumaio di Montena Poleone Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Milan based company selling high quality produce

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

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

Varsos

Cosmetics

Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

Nyhi-Nyhi

Vinifera

Kifissias 230 Tel: 210.623.2824 Stop by for a quick mani-pedi

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

Fashion

EAT

21 Kifissia

Acqua Azzurra

Kifissias 265, Tel: 210.801.3594 Extreme sport parafernelia

Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals

Gap Kifissias 328, , Tel: 210.623.1571 Casual American fashion

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

Food & Wine Aristokratikon Argyropoulou 8, , Tel: 210.801.6533 Decadent handmade chocolates

Apla 135 Charilaou Trikoupi Tel: 210.620.3102 Chrysanthos Karamolegos creates refined Mediterranean dishes

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

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

Santa Fe

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

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

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

Matsuhisa

insider athens | November 2011 69

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Northern Athens

Common Secret

Nargile

Tike

Aneton

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

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

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

Dos Hermanos

O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas

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

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

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

Vardis

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

Dragoumi & Andrianou 28 Tel: 210 623 3900, Gourmet cuisine with Mediterranean influences by chef Christos Markopoulos in a cool urban setting

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

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

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

Golden Phoenix

Royal Thai

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

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

Gourounakia Kifissias

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

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

Ichthyes Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

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

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

Mauzac

70 insider athens | November 2011

Salumaio di Atene

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

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

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

Divine Kifissias 239, Tel: 201.801.0810 Chic lounge serving classic concoctions

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

Telemachos Barbeque Club

EAT

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

Altamira

El Taco Bueno

Jaipur Palace

DRINK

Maroussi

Essence

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

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

The Mall Athens Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

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

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

Leptes Gefseis Fine French food at affordable prices Pindou 22, Pefki, Tel: 210.802.4817

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

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

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

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

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

see & do Art galleries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pireos 100 & Ermou, Gazi. Tel: 210.346.1589.

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

Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos.

Tel: 210.321.0185.

Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just for kids

Tel: 210.322.9705

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

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

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

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

Close by is the beautiful Old Observatory.

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

Irodou Attikou Street.

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

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

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

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

Tel: 210.324.5220.

Museums

ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES

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

Attractions & Sites

ORGANISED TOURS

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

Goulandris Museum of Natural History Levidou 13, Kifissia.

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

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

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

insider athens | November 2011 71

partner hotels ARION RESORT & SPA

ATHENS LEDRA MARRIOTT HOTEL

DIVANI PALACE ACROPOLIS

METROPOLITAN

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

Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.890.2000

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

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

Makrigianni. Tel: 210.928.0100

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

NEW

GRANDE BRETAGNE

NJV athens plaza

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

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

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

Holiday Inn Attica Avenue

NOVOTEL

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

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

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

ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS

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

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

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

Tel: 210.3273000 Crowne plaza

ATHENIAN CALLIRHOE HOTEL

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

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

Located in historic Plaka beneath the Acropolis.

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

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

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

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

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

Ag. Nikolaou 10 & Iliou, Kavouri-Vouliagmeni.

Tel: 210.891.1100

Holiday Suites

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

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

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

KEFALARI SUITES

SEMIRAMIS

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

Tel: 210.623.3333

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

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

DIVANI CARAVEL

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

72 insider athens | November 2011

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

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Tel: 210.720.7000

Royal Olympic

partner hotels SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT

TwentyOne

Herodion

COSTA NAVARINO The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

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

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

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

A CATEGORY

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

Tel: 210.923.6832 HOTEL ELECTRA

AVA HOTEL & SUITES

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

Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka.

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

Tel: 210.325.9000, www.avahotel.gr

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

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

PERISCOPE HOTEL

CORAL HOTEL

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

Tel: 210.623.3622-6 THE MARGI

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

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

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

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

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

Part of YES! Hotels. Haritos 22, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.729.7200, www.periscope.gr

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

Would you like TO see your 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

hotel LISTED here?

CONTACT US at: info@insider-magazine.gr

Santorini MYSTIQUE SANTORINI

Philippos

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

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

Tel: 210.524.8511-6.

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

@

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

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

insider athens | November 2011 73

AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm.

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

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

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

Relocation Agencies

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

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

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

Driving Schools in English

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

June 2010 Year 8. Issue 85 €4.50

insider ISSN 1790-3114

insider athens | June 2010

ATHENS

Summer Fest The Athens Festival’s annual culture–fest / The FIFA World Cup kicks off / Interview with Ambassador Dona Marasha Mandisa of S.Africa / Cycladic Islands Guide On the sets of The Island / Greece has talent / Designer Jans Hansson Plus: Book & Music reviews, spas, beach-side dining at Balux PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS AND MORE

MISSED THESE GREAT ISSUES? 35.000 readers get the best of Greece each month.

Subscribe to Insider and never miss another issue! send us an e-mail at: subscriptions@insider-magazine.gr or give us a call at: 210.729.8634 or 210.721.3450

74 insider athens | November 2011

TRANSLATIONS / INTERPRETING Executive services, translation & interpreting All EU and Balkan languages - legal, technical and medical documents. Athens Tower B. Tel: 210.778.3698 www.executiveservices.gr Global Business Services Kifisias 90, Maroussi. Tel: 210.876.4876 IBS - International Business Services Michalakopoulou 29, Tel: 210.724.5541

Travel Agencies Travel Plan Tel: 210 333 3300 www.travelplan.gr Amphitrion Tel: 210 900 6000 Meg Alexandrou 7 & Karaiskaki, www.amphitrionholidays.gr TravelPlanet24 Tel: 211 107 9684 241, Syngrou Ave. & 2, Alikarnassou 171 22 Nea Smyrni, Athens www.travelplanet24.com Mid-east Travel Tel: 211 211 8888 Vas Sofias 105-107 / www.mideast.gr

Embassies Cultural Institutes

Business services

useful information

French Institute Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210 339 8600 Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210 368 0900 British Council 17 Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210 369 2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens Tel: 210 3634117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens Tel: 210 3661000 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou Ave. 107-109, 117 45 Athens, Tel: 213 017 8000 Instituto Italiano di Cultura Patission [28 Oktovriou] 47 Tel: 210 369 2333, 210 524 2646 ALBANIA Vekiareli 7, Filothei, Tel: 210.687.6200 ARGENTINA Vas. Sophias 59. Tel: 210.724.4158 ARMENIA K. Palaiologou 95, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145 AZERBAiJAN Skoufa 10.

Tel: 210.363.2721 AUSTRALIA Kifisias & Alexandras, Tel: 210.870.4000 AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Avenue 4, Tel: 210.725.7270 BELGIUM Sekeri 3, Tel: 210.360.0314

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Hatzikosta 3. Tel: 210.641.0788 BRAZIL Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

Tel: 210.721.3039 BULGARIA Stratigou Kallari 33A, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.8105 CANADA Ioanni Gennadiou 4.

Tel: 210.727.3400 CHILE Rigilis 26. Tel: 210.725.2574 CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.1212 CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.7033 CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei.

Tel: 210.685.5550 CYPRUS Xenofontos 2A. Tel: 210.373.4800 CZECH REPUBLIC G. Seferi 6, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.671.9701 DENMARK Mourouzi 10.

Tel: 210.725.6440 EGYPT Vas. Sofias 3. Tel: 210.361.8612 ESTONIA Messoghion 2-4.

Tel: 210.747.5660 FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5.

Tel: 210.725.5860 FRANCE Vas. Sofias 7. Tel: 210.339.1000 FYROM Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.9585 GEORGIA Ag. Dimitriou 24, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2186 GERMANY Karaoli & Dimitriou 3.

Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25.

Tel: 210.725.6800 INDIA Kleanthous 3. Tel: 210.721.6481 INDONESIA Marathonodromon 99, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.2345 IRAN Stratigou Kallari 16.

Tel: 210.674.1436 IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7.

Tel: 210.723.2405 ISRAEL Marathonodromon 1, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.670.5500 ITALY Sekeri 2. Tel: 210.361.7260 JAPAN Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, Halandri.

Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.4161 Kazakhstan Imittou 122, Papagou Tel: 210.654.7765 KOREA Messoghion 2-4, Athens.

Tel: 210.698.4080 KUWAIT Perikleous 2, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.3593 LEBANON 6, 25th Martiou, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.675.5873 LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.2120 LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49.

Tel: 210.729.4356

useful information

Ambulance Tel: 166 Doctors SOS Tel: 1016.

They will issue an invoice to claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Duty Pharmacies Call 1434, Also check newspapers for listings.

Emergency Hospitals Tel: 1434 Fire Brigade Tel: 199 Forest Fire Tel: 191 Poison Hotline Tel: 210.779.3777 Police Tel: 100 Tourist Police Tel: 171 Coastguard Tel:108 Air Police Tel: 210.964.2000

ROAD ASSISTANCE ELPA Tel: 10400 Emergency Service Tel: 104 Express Service Tel: 154 Hellas Service Tel: 1057 Interamerican Tel: 168 Tourist Information Tel: 174

Paediatric Hospitals

EUROCLINIC PAEDON Lemessou 39-41 & Aharnon 209, Kato Patissia, Tel: 210.869.1900 PAEDON AGIA SOFIA HOSPITAL Mikras Asias and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.746.7000 PAEDON AGLAIA KYRIAKOU HOSPITAL Livadias 3 and Thivon, Goudi. Tel: 210.772.6000 & 1535

Private Hospitals Advanced Medical Services, Symmetria Building Ethnikis Antistaseos 66, Halandri.

Tel: 210.677.3573 www.symmetria.gr CENTRAL CLINIC OF ATHENS Asklipiou St. 31. Emergency number 1169 or Tel: 210.367.4000 www.centralclinic.gr

public Hospitals ASKLEPIEION HOSPITAL Vas. Pavlou 1, Voula. Tel: 210.895.8301-4 EVANGELISMOS Ypsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.720.1000 KAT HOSPITAL specialized trauma unit. Nikis 2, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.628.0000 TZANNEIO Afentouli & Tzani, Pireaus.

Tel: 210.451.9411-9

PHYSICIANS (ENGLISH SPEAKING) Ioannis Bitzos, MD Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Harilaou Trikoupi 62 Kifissia. Tel: 210.808.0682 A.J. Kanellopoulos, MD Eye Surgeon, Mesogeion 2, Athens Tower B’ Tel: 210.747.2777 Dimitris Linos, MD FACS General Surgeon, Kifissias 227, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.612.5001-2 heart & vascular centrE E.N. Deliargyris, MD FACC FSCAI Interventional cardiologist. Southern Athens. Vakchou 2 & Vas. Kostantinou Tel:210.897.6276. www.heartline.gr

DR. KOVEOS D.M.D. DENTAL OFFICE

Cosmetic, Implant & Reconstructive Dentistry 20-22 Ipsilantou str., Kolonaki 106 76 Athens-Greece Tel: 210 7242211 Fax: 210 7242212 E-mail: info@drkoveos.com Website: www.drkoveos.com

English media

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EUROCLINIC diagnostic, surgical and treatment centre.

Athanasiadou 9. (near Mavili Sq.).

Tel: 210.641.6600 EURODENTICA Specialized dental care Patision 150, Tel: 210. 866.3367-8 Alamanas 3, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.5760-1 El. Venizelou 162, Kallithea.

Tel: 210.956.5365 HYGEIA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 4, Maroussi. Tel: 210.686.7000 www.ygeia.gr IATRIKO KENTRO (ATHENS MEDICAL CENTER) Areos 36, P. Faliro.

Tel: 210.989.2100-20. Distomou 5-7, Maroussi. Tel: 210.619.8100 METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL Ethnarou Makariou 9 & El. Venizelou, N. Faliro. Tel: 210.480.9000 www.metropolitan-hospital.gr IASO Kifissias 37-39, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.618.4000 MITERA Kifissias & E. Stavrou 6, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.686.9000

Newspapers The International Herald Tribune carries the English version of Kathimerini The local Athens News comes out Fridays.

Radio Antenna 97.2 FM news at 8.25am.

Flash Radio 96.0 FM 8.55am, 3pm and 8pm daily.

ERA public radio 91.6 FM for bulletins at 5am and 9am, full news coverage at 9.30pm.

Schools

Greek Language

Emergencies

VATICAN Mavili 2, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.3598 VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.9169

Health

LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38.

Tel. 210.729.4483 LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2.Tel: 210.725.6400 MALTA V. Sofias 96.Tel: 210.778.5138 MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei.

Tel: 210.699.0660 MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.4210 MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

Tel: 210.729.4780 NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7.

Tel: 210.725.4900 NIGERIA Dolianis 65, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.802.1188 NORWAY Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.724.6173 PAKISTAN Loukianou 6.

Tel: 210.729.0122 PALESTINE Giassemion 13, P. Psychiko. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3 PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus. Tel: 210.428.6441 PERU Semitelou 2. Tel: 210.779.2761 PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.679.7700 PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784 ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.8875 RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.5235 SAUDIA ARABIA Marathonodromon 71, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Tel: 210.777.4344 SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072 SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.1980 SLOVENIA Mavili 10, Tel: 210.672.0090-091 SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias 60, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.610.6645 SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Tel: 210.921.3123 SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Tel: 210.726.6100 SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Tel: 210.723.0364-6 TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57, Tel: 210.677.5122 THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 & Kyprou, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.9065 TUNISIA Antheon 2, P. Psychiko, Tel: 210.671.7590 TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Tel: 210.726.3000 UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei, Tel: 210.680.0230 UNITED KINGDOM Ploutarchou 1.

Tel: 210.727.2600 UNITED STATES Vas. Sofias 91.

Tel: 210.721.2951 URUGUAY Menandrou 1, Kifissia Tel: 210.361.3549

The Athens Center 48 Archimidous Street, Mets, Athens 11636, Greece 210 7015-242 CELT Athens 77 Academias Street, 106 78 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210 3301455 Greek House Dragoumi 7, 145 61 Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 5186 Hellenic American Union 22 Massalias str., 106 80 Athens, Tel: 210368.0900 Omilo Greek Language And Culture Panagi Tsaldari 13 (4th floor), 15122 Maroussi, Tel: 210 6122706

insider athens | November 2011 75

Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) www.oaed.gr, Tel: 210 99 89 000 Public Services Administration Information Center (paperwork assistance) on weekdays 8am-3pm (KEP): Tel: 177, ww.kep.gov.gr

Public Power Corporation (DEI) In case of power failure: Tel: 210, 523 9939 www.dei.gr

Weather Attica, Tel: 148, www.hnms.gr

Water Supply & Sewage (EYDAP) In case of water cut: Tel: 1202, www.eydap.gr

Citizen’s Rights Ombudsman: 5 Hatziyiannis Mexis (near the Hilton Hotel), Tel: 210 72 89 640

Universities University of Indianapolis Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210 323 6647 DEREE Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 9800

76 insider athens | November 2011

ALBA Graduate Business School Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210 896 4531 American University of Athens Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel: 210 725 9301 Business College of Athens Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210 808 8008

International Kindergartens

International Schools

St Catherine's British Embassy School Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210 282 9750 St. Lawrence College Anemon St, Koropi Tel: 210 891 7000 American Community Schools of Athens Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri, Tel: 210 639 3200 Campion School Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini Tel: 210 607 1700 Byron College Filolaou 7, Gerakas Tel: 210 604 7722 International School of Athens Xenias and Artemidos, Kifissia, Tel: 210 623 3888 Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag. Paraskevi Tel: 211 300 9121 Scuola Statale Italiana Odos Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia Tel: 210 228 2720 German School in Athens Homatianou & Ziridi, Maroussi Tel: 210 619 9261 Greek German School 25 Martiou & Vernardou, Vrylissia Tel: 210 682 0566

English kindergartens The Cottage Kindergarten Psaron 74, Halandri Tel: 210 682 7629 Early Learning Rizountos 53, Elliniko Tel: 210 961 8763 Hopscotch International Kindergarten Ag. Triandos 93, Vari Tel: 210 965 3985 Kifissia Montessori School Ellinikon Stratou 5, Kifissia Tel: 210 620 7481 Melina’s Kindergarten Harilaou Trikoupi 16, Kifissia Tel: 210 801 2719 Peek-a-boo PreSchool Vougliameni Tel: 210 967 1970 Peter Pan Lakonias 4-6, Voula Tel: 210 895 9654 Prince Allen The English Nursery School Lysimahou 8, Vari Tel: 210 965 6800

Au petit bonheur 50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Les Alouettes Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 L’Air des Contes 11, Cycladon, Glyka Nera, Tel : 210 600 3196 Le Castelet 18 Gortinias, Kifissia, Tel: 210 808 7760 Mary Poppins 4, Kodrou, Filothei, Tel: 210 677 3803 Play and Learn Kassaveti 22, Kifissia, Tel: 210 801 1428

German kindergartens O mikros Antonis Barbayiannis, Pallini, Tel: 210 603 2527

Italian kindergartens Scuola maternal italiana de Atene Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia, Tel: 210 202 0274 Il Mulino magico Troados 23, Ag Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 3148 British Council Library Kolonaki Sq. 17 Tel: 210 363 3211/5 American Library Masalias 22 (4th floor) Tel: 210 363 8114 American School of Classical Studies Blegen Souedias 54, Tel: 210 723 6313 Athens College Library Stephanou Delta, P. Psychiko Tel: 210 671 4628 Hellenic American Union Greek Library 22 Masalias St (7th floor), Tel: 210 362 9886 French Institute Library 31 Sina St, Tel: 210 362 4301 German Archaeological Institute Library Pheidiou 1, Tel: 210 362 0270 Goethe Institute Library Omirou 14-16, Tel: 210 360 8111 Italian Institut Library Patision 47, Tel: 210 522 9294 EU Library Vas. Sophias 2, Tel: 210 724 3982 National Library Tzavella 25, Tel: 210 382 0657 Benakeios Library Anthimou Gazi 2, Tel: 210 322 71

Libraires

Road Assistance ELPA: 104

Social Security & Health insurance (IKA) www.ika.gr

Money

French kindergartens Telephone & Internet Services (OTE) New tel: 138, Tel. (defective): 129 OTE customer service: 134 International call information (English, French & German): 169 www.ote.gr

LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

Post Phone

useful information

Post offices operate weekdays 8am-2pm. The main post offices in Athens are located at SYNTAGMA SQUARE and OMONIA SQUARE at Aeolou 100 and open weekdays 7:30am-8pm, Sat 7:30am-2pm, and Sun 9am-1:30pm.

AMERICAN EXPRESS Tel: 210.326.2626 DINERS CLUB Tel: 210.929.0200 EUROCARD Tel: 210.950.3673 MASTERCARD Tel: 00800.1188.70303, VISA Tel: 00.800.1163.803.04

Country Code: 30 City Code: 210 international calls first dial 00, then the country code.

To call from a Public payphone buy a phone card at the kiosks

Incoming

by Travel Plan Quality that meets your expectations!

www.travelplan.gr incoming@travelplan.gr

!

advertise in our listings, and reach thousands of customers

email us at ads@insider-magazine.gr

getting around

24 HOUR VIP TRANSPORT SERVICE

Car rental

WSW Skycap Services at Athens Airport provides Meet & Greet, Baggage Hauling and Transport Service.

Tel: 210.353.0100 www.skycap.gr For info about the public bus lines please check our section Getting Around Ada Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.322.0087 Arena Tel: 210.894.6883, 210.614.7400 Auto Union Tel: 210.922.1211/1213 Avis Tel: 210.322.4951 Budget Tel: 210.921.4771-3 Europcar Tel: 210.924.8810-8 Hertz Tel: 210.998.2000 Michael Stamou Luxury Rentals Tel: 210.922.2442/43 Sixt Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.570.6895, 210.922.0171

AAA Royal Prestige Tel: 210.988.3221 Astra Limousine Service Tel: 210.922.0333/807.9996 Convecta Travel Agency & Limousine Services Tel: 210.322.5090 Limousines Kakaya Tel: 210.323.4120 Combined tickets for metro, buses and trolleys (€1) are available from metro stations and central ticket booths, valid within 90 mins of validation for all public transport - except the airport service, which costs 6€.

EXPRESS BUS from/ to airport To and from Syntagma Square (bus X95, 70 min. approx.), Ethniki Amyna metro station (bus X94, 50 min. approx.) and Piraeus (bus X96, 90 min. approx.). Tickets available at the Arrivals Hall; validate on board. Buses leave every 10-15 minutes. Fare is €3.20 and the ticket is valid for 24 hours on buses, trolleys and metro. For further information dial 185 or visit www.oasa.gr, www. ametro.gr. For info on trains see www.proastiakos.gr

HELLENIC RAILWAYS ORGANIsATION Karolou 1. Tel: 210.529.7002 www.ose.gr

ATHENS METRO Line 1 (Piraeus-Kifissia) 5am-midnight, Line 2 (Agios Antonios-Agios Dimitrios) 5.30am-midnight, Line 3 (EgaleoDoukissis Plakentias) 5.30am-midnight Line 3 (Egaleo-Airport) 5.30am-22.52pm and 06.30am-23.30pm.

The last itinerary is 2 hours later on Friday and Saturday night than it is during the week. www.ametro.gr

tram Tram itineraries are only from Syntagma to S.E.F (in Neo Faliro) and from Syntagma to Asklipio Voulas. From Monday to Thursday, trams operate from 5.am until midnight and non-stop from Friday morning to Sunday midnight. www.tramsa.gr

TAXIS from the airport cost about €20 to Syntagma Square, €25 to Piraeus, depending on traffic. Between midnight and 5am double tariff applies.

Note: If you suspect that you have been overcharged, you can call the tourist police 0n 171

INTERCITY BUSES Terminal 1: Buses for Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Kavala, Loutraki, Patra, the Peloponese, and Thessaloniki. Kifissou 100Tel: 210.512.4910-1, www.ktel.org Terminal 2: Buses for Delphi, Evia, Galaxidi, Karpenisi, Katerini, Lamia, Livadia, Thiva and Volos. Liosion 260.

RADIO TAXI Enotita Tel: 210.645.9000 Ermis Tel: 210.411.5200 Ikarus Tel: 210.515.2800 Kifissia Tel: 210.801.4000 Piraeus Tel: 210.418.2333 Radio Taxi Glyfada Tel: 210.960.5600 There is a booking fee of e1 added to the meter

Sea ports Piraeus Tel: 210.422.6000-4 Rafina Tel: 22940.22300, 22940.28888

Sea ports & Ferries

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata.

Tel: 210.353.0000, 210.353.1000. www.aia.gr.

LIMOUSINES

Public transport

Airport

Airlines

Aegean Tel: 801.11.20000 Air France Tel: 210.998.0222 Air Malta Tel: 210.965.2300-22 Alitalia Tel: 210.998.8888 American Tel: 210.361.3373 Air Taxis (Helicopter and plane charters) Tel: 210.938.4149 Austrian Tel: 210.960.1244 British Airways Tel: 801.11.56000 BMI Tel: 210.960.0942 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Delta Tel: 210.331.1673-6 Easy Jet Tel: 210.353.0300 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.960.56.08 Gulf Air Tel: 210.322.0851 Iberia Tel: 210.353.6004 KLM Tel: 210.998.0333 Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 210.966.6666 SAS Tel: 210.353.0373 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Turkish Tel: 210.353.7280-2

Ferries Ferries run year-round. For information on seasonal schedules contact a travel agent or call the Port Police on 210.422.6000 From the Port of Piraeus Northern and Eastern Aegean Islands: Gates A & B Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Samos, Dodecanese Islands: Gate E Kalymnos, Kos Leros, Patmos, Rhodes, Saronic Gulf Islands:

Hellenic Seaways 210 41 99 000 www.hellenicseaways.gr, Anek Lines www.anek.gr Domestic lines: 210 41 97 420 International lines: 210 41 97 430 Minoan Lines www.minoan.gr Tel:801 11 75 000

YACHT CHARTERS A1 Yacht Trade Consortium Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Tel: 210.458.7100 Ghiolman Yachts Filellinon 7, Syntagma. Tel: 210.323.0330 Nava Yachts Loudovikou Sq. 6, Piraeus.

Tel: 210.417.7728 Northstar Poseidonos 54, P. Faliro. Tel: 210.988.4000 PGA Alimou & Poseidonos, Alimos.

Tel: 210.985.9400 Seahorse Alkyonidon 83 (Marina), Voula.

Tel: 210.895.2212, 210.895.6733 Seascape Poseidonos Ave. 29, Alimos.

Tel/Fax: 210.985.8301 Valef Yachts Pl. Chatzikonstanti 2, Piraeus. Tel:210.451.2010 Vernicos Yachts Posidonos 11, Kalamaki.

Tel: 210.985.0122-8

Gates G & E

Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Crete: Gate A Aghios Nikolaos, Chania, Iraklio, Kastelli (Kissamos), Rethymno, Cycladic Islands:

Gates B, G & D

Astipalea, Folegandros, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos: Gate B Amorgos, Donoussa, Ios, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Mykonos, Santorini, Schinoussa, Syros, Tinos: Gates G&D Naxos, Paros: Gate G

Superfast Ferries Daily departures, Greece - Italy: from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Ancona and Bari Head office: 23-125 Syngrou Avenue & 3 Torva Street 11745 Athens.

Tel:210.891.9000 Reservations: Athens: 210.891.9130 Thessaloniki: 2310.560.700 www.superfast.com

insider athens | November 2011 77

sales points For central Athens points, see i on map EASTERN SUBURBS Gerakas: Mini Market Milionis: 131, Marathonos Avenue Pallini: Bookshop Bouzas: 63, Marathonos Street Peania: Bookshop Tangopoulos: Agias Triados Street

NORTHERN SUBURBS AG.PARASKEVI: Mini Market Avarakis: 3, Themistokleous Street, Kiosk Theodoropoulos: 8, Polytechniou Street DIONYSSOS: Kiosk Michail: 4, Mitropolitou Kydonion Street EKALI: Kiosk Kyrpoglou: Vassileos Pavlou Square FILOTHEI: Kiosk Roupa: Drossopoulou Square, Super Market Kyriakopoulos: 11, M.Renieri Street, Mini Market Plati: 27, V.Georgiou Street HALANDRI: Mini Market Kyriakou: 3, Lykourgou Street, Kiosk Drizos: V. Konstantinou & V.Georgiou Street, Bookshop Evripidis: 11, V.Konstantinou Street, Mini Market Bakatsia: 46, Pendelis Avenue, Bookshop Vivliostyl: 34, Olympou Street, Mini Market Tsakiri: 76, Ag.Antoniou Street HOLARGOS: Kiosk Bekiaris: 212, Messogion Aveue, Kiosk Tambouridis: 256, Messogion Avenue KEFALARI: Kiosk Glentzis: Patr.Maximou & Apergi Square KIFISSIA: Kiosk Karadouman: 36-38, Kyriazi Street, Bookshop Gioggaras: 34, Elaion Street, Kiosk Koutsodimou: 308, Kifissias Avenue MAROUSSI: Tobacco & Gifts Tsitsilonis: 41-43, Kifissias Avenue, Tobacco & Gifts Raptis: 64, Kifissias Street, Kiosk Stefanopoulos: 46, Kifissias Street, Mini Market Kitsios: 43, Grammoou & Dionyssou Street MELISSIA: Kiosk Manikas: 75, Dimokratias Avenue, Mini Market Koufopandelis: 28, Pigis Street NEA ERYTHREA: Kiosk Anastassopoulos: 142, Harilaou Trikoupi Street, Bookshop Giannaki: 169, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, Newsstand: 20 klm National Road Athens-Lamia, Kiosk Konidakis: Thisseos Avenue & Papadaki, Kiosk Kallergis: 130, Tatoiou Street NEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Katichidis: E.Makariou & Michalakopoulou Street, Kiosk Doukas: 44, Diamantidou Street, Kiosk Gionis: 25, Chr.Smyrnis & Ag.Georgiou Street PAPAGOU: Mini Market Papavassiliou: 16, Ellispontou Street

PALEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Kyriakou: Solomou Square, Kiosk Gialama: Efkalypton Square, Kiosk Polydoros: Kifissias & Ag.Dimitriou Street, Kiosk Kalogeropoulos: V. GeorgiouSquare, Kiosk Kontabasis: 2, Amaryllidos & V. Pavlou Street, Kiosk Kalfagian: V. Georgiou B’ 11 POLITIA: Kiosk Vovlas: Politia Square VRILISSIA: Kiosk Theodoropoulou: 5, Analypsi Square, Kiosk Aggelopoulos: Pendelis Avenue & Omirou, Bookshop Karystinaiou: 69, Alefiou Street

SOUTHERN SUBURBS GLYFADA: Kiosk Tamourantzis: 3, Metaxa & Maragou Street, Kiosk Tsakanikas: 3, Lambraki Street, Kiosk Mavraki: Pandoras & Ioanni Metaxa, Kiosk Adamopoulos: 20, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Papadakou: 7, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Haikal: 1, Ioanni Metaxa & Fivis Street, Kiosk Bolota: Gounari & Iraklitou Street, Kiosk Bellou: 5, Saki Karagiorga Street, Mini Market Agiokatsikos: 24, Ilias Street HELLINIKO: NewsStand: 43-47, Vouliagmenis Avenue ILIOUPOLIS: Super Market Kokossis: 5, Glastonos Street LAGONISI: Kiosk Vassiliadis: 37,5 klm Athinon-Souniou Avenue NEA SMYRNI: Kiosk Manoussos: 28, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street VARKIZA: Kiosk Paraskevopoulou: Varkiza Square VOULA: Kiosk Leontopoulos: 12, Sokratous Street, Mini Market Pournara: 33, Pringipos Petrou Street, Kiosk Christopoulou: V. Pavlou & Ag. Ioanni Street VOULIAGMENI: Kiosk Andrioti: Armonias Square, Kiosk Chryssikos: 1, Ermou Street, Kiosk Kylitis: 14, Thisseos Street PALEO FALIRO: Kiosk Kombogianni: 1, Ag. Alexandrou Street, Kiosk Kapetanou: 24, Achilleos Street, Mini Market Nikouli: 9, Pliadon Street, Tobacco & Gifts Berekos: 1, Possidnos Avenue & Moraitini Street PIRAEUS: Hand Delivery Telstar: 57, Akti Miaouli, Tourist Chop Siatras: 46, Akti Koumoundourou Street, Kiosk Samarogiannis: 7, Merarhias B’Street, Kiosk Siaho: Akti Moutsopoulou (Kanari Square), Kiosk Kentros: 73, Iroon Polytechniou Street, Kiosk Fotis: 1, Loudovikou Street, Kiosk Spalas: 111, Karaiskou Street, Newsstand: Railway Station Loudovikou Square

www.mysephora.gr

For central Athens stores, see on map ASPROPIRGOS Filis 100 & Bouboulinas, Tel: 210.558.0989 ERMOU Ermou 24 Tel: 210. 331.3167 & 325.7744 KALLITHEA Thisseos & Davaki, Tel: 210.956.5959 - 956.5446 KIFISSIA Kassaveti 6, Tel: 210.623.1741 & 623.1742 KORYDALLOS Taxiarhon 110A, Tel: 210.569.5270 569.5998 THE MALL, Notios Paradromos Attikis Odou, Tel: 210.630.0125 & 630.0126 AVENUE Kifissias 41-45, Tel: 210.610.9739 & 610.9740

78 insider athens | November 2011

GOLDEN HALL Kifissias Av. 37A & Sp. Louis, Tel: 210.683.7343 PANGRATI Ymittou 110 & Hremonidou, Tel: 210.751.8005 GLYFADA A. Metaxa 33-35, Tel: 210. 894.3378 & 894.5884 KOLONAKI Milioni 2, Tel: 210. 361.2666 & 362.9925 NEA MAKRI Marathonos Av. 117, Tel: 229.409.9661 PERISTERI Ethnikis Antistaseos 12, Tel: 210. 571.0755 PETROU RALLI Petrou Ralli 97, Tel: 210. 569.6596 & 569.7316 PIKERMI 21oklm. Marathonos Av., Tel: 210. 603.9987 PSYCHIKO Kifissias 210, Tel: 210. 677.5527 & 674.0178 VRILISSIA Pentelis Av. 72, Tel: 210. 810.1971 & 810.1972

city map

Map courtesy of Emvelia Publications

insider athens | November 2011 79

K A L E I DOSCOP E 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

52nd Thessaloniki International Film Festival The 52nd Thessaloniki International Film Festival runs from November 4 to 13, 2011 at the majestic Olympion theatre celebrating independent cinema with movies from around the world, tributes, masterclasses and parallel events.

Films that will be screened include 1. Adikos Kosmos from the Greek film category 2. Chilean film Drama on a gripping love triangle 3. Blue Exile, screened as part of a tribute to Turkish director Erden Kirel 4. Kamen Kalev’s Island 5. Konstantinos Giannaris’ latest film, Man at Sea 6. Daniele Lucheti’s La Nostra Vita from the Open Horizons category 7. A tribute to Austrian director Ulrich Siedl with the film Models which also earned the Best Male Actor Award for Elio Germano at the Cannes Film Festival 8. Rolando Colla’s Summer Games (Oscar 2011 nominee) 9. Paolo Sorrentino’s This must be the place

80 insider athens | November 2011