Insider 108 March April

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

March & April 2013 Year 11. Issue 108 €4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

insider athens

| March & April 2013

ATHENS

The future looks green

Green Initiatives / A Climate of Change / Wind power / Green oases / Attica’s obscure lakes / Organic shopping / Green Fashion / Veggie-tables Also: Feta with the Queen / IHT celebrates 15 years in Greece/ Varoulko, temple of fine dining / Milos, for seafood affishionados PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS AND MORE

Š Gettyimages

tHe eurO-aSia m&a BOutiQue Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Multicultural team Entrepreneurial DNA Solution Driven Execution Excellence

We optimize our clients investments and accelerate companies growth thanks to our multicultural team combining sector and cross border expertise.

We ensure tangible results for our clients ranging from Multinationals, Private Equity firms, Family Offices, with a focus on asian mid / small caps.

Our ServiceS Buy Side (JV, External Growth Strategy, Build Up) Fund Raising (Growth Strategy) Commercial & Financial Valuations Sell Process

cOntact@gerejecOrpfinance.cOm

www.GEREJECORPFINANCE.COM

PARI S

S I N GA P O R E

BA N G KO K

BERLIN

M U M BA I

S H A N G H AI

For those that gauge the seasons by the calendar, March is strictly winter, but for those of us who take their cues from nature, this month is definitely spring, especially in Greece. Mountainsides burst with wild blooms and birdsong. And the promise of extra sunlight is borne out by the lengthening of days; the glow at the end of the working day, a welcome promise of the summer ahead.

Sudha Nair-Iliades

publisher’s note March is also the month where paradoxes abound: The uninhibited revelries of the Carnival period to the sobriety of Lent. But in true Greek fashion, food once again plays moderator and takes centrestage: The gorging of meat at Tsiknopempti (so called after the sizzling sound of grilled meat) to Tirini, when customarily only dairy products are consumed, to Kathara Deutera, which is usually spent with the family gathering around a table laden with seafood, followed by the 40-day sarakosti period - it is food that emerges the star.

Building on the rich culinary traditions of the Lenten period, high-end restaurants such as Varoulko and Milos offer nistissimo haute cuisine and new entrants in the Greek gastronomic scene, organic and vegetarian restaurants (unthinkable in Greece as recently as five years ago!) cater to an increasing number of crisis-converted observers and health-conscious clients.

It is a back-to-basics trend that is reflected in the popularity of organic open-air markets and the frequency with which bio-boutiques have mushroomed all over the city. Initiatives such as ‘Gine Agrotis’, where you can literally farm your own food and eat it too, have gained an unexpected following and Greek businesses have been quick to adopt green initiatives to support local communities. This green edition addresses the debate on renewable energy and climate change, suggests green escapes in the city, picks the latest green fashion trends and recommends eco-friendly shopping options.

Kali Sarakosti!

Sudha Nair-Iliades

Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades Art Director Eliza Mouzenidou Marketing and Public Relations Executive Maria Stergiou

Contributors in this Issue Patia Iordanidou, Maria Stergiou, Dimosthenis Therianos, Angelos Giotopoulos, Giorgos Frantzeskakis Founder Steve Pantazopoulos

Photos Angelos Giotopoulos, Kostas Bekas Web Design www.studiozip.com

Legal Counsel Christos Christopoulos Prepress, Montage and Printing Grafima

Distribution Hellenic Distribution Agency Subscriptions *A thens Insider published in English in Greece € 40, Abroad € 80 *B onjour Athènes published in French in Greece € 20, Abroad € 40 * Both magazines in Greece € 60, Abroad € 120 Also published in Chinese & Russian

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 | March & April 2013 1

contributors Maria Stergiou

Maria studied Marketing and Communication at Athens University of Economics and Business and then moved to Barcelona where she studied and worked in the events industry. On her return to Greece she worked in the marketing departments of multinationals in the hospitality and advertising sector. She speaks English, Spanish and French and has a passion for flamenco dance.

Born in Australia, Angelos is currently based in Europe working as a freelance photographer. He is the co-founder of “Falcon Photo Agency” (www.falconphotoagency.com) which specializes in documentary, conceptual and travel reportage. His photographs and texts have been published in magazines such as Italy’s Travel Panorama, Australian Traveller and Florida International Magazine in America, as well as in various Greek publications

Dimosthenis Therianos

Dimosthenis Therianos was born and raised in Athens. He studied accounting at TEI Piraeus and continued with studies in Human Resources. Always criss-crossing the city on his motorbike to meet his clients, he makes the most of the opportunity to visit Athens’ trendiest neighbourhoods to keep a lookout for new cool restaurants and bars in town.

Journalist and Beauty Editor Patia Iordanidou has worked for various print and online publications such as Vogue Hellas, House & Garden, Athinorama and elculture.gr. She writes on many subjects, including fashion, beauty, nightlife, restaurants and travel. After completing her Bachelor’s degree in German studies in Athens, she went on to a Masters in Communication and Media at the Universities of Kassel, Germany and Florence, Italy. She speaks several languages and is fascinated by both culture and fashion.

Giorgos Frantzeskakis

2 insider athens | March & April 2013

Patia Iordanidou

Giorgos Frantzeskakis is a freelance travelling journalist. He has published stories about Greeks and their homeland in newspapers, magazines (both domestic and abroad, like Conde Nast Traveller and National Geographic) and participated in the completion of the voyager’s encyclopedia for Greece, “Ανακαλύψτε την Ελλάδα” (23 volumes, 2006 -2009). He is currently roaming the streets of Athens, looking for a Pulitzer opportunity, a good story about people, places and their ideas on how this city is being molded into a contemporary metropolis.

Kostas Bekas was born and raised in Athens and has been capturing Athens’ rich social and diplomatic life for the past twenty years. A regular contributor to Athens Insider and Bonjour Athenes, Kostas has been the official photographer to several multinationals and embassies.

Eliza Mouzenidou

Angelos Giotopoulos

Kostas Bekas

Eliza Mouzenidou was born and raised in Athens. She studied Technology of Graphic Arts and graduated with the highest GPA amongst her colleagues. For the last five 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

16 20 24

Features

Departments

Feta with the Queen 14 Comedian Katerina Vrana plays on her dual identities as a Greek living in Britain

Green initiatives 28 Companies and individuals that have adopted green attitudes as a way of life

Arts 4

Heralding new times 16 Achilles Tsaltas and Alberto Cano share the remarkable story of the launch of the International Herald Tribune in Greece 15 years ago

Organic markets and bio-boutiques 30 All you needed to know about organic open-air markets and stores in the city

Culture 14

Switch on to new energy 18 Elpedison’s CEO, Michel Piguet on his company’s role as the reliable alternative energy supplier in Greece

Fashionably green A round-up of all that is green, clean and trendy

A Climate of Change 20 Piraeus Bank’s initiative to assess and reduce the business risks of climate change Wind Power 22 Yanos Michopoulos of Vestas on the need for urgent policy changes Lungs of the city 24 Angelos Giotopoulos captures the small oases of green that have survived in an otherwise grey city

34

Media 16 Green Business 20 Energy 18 Green spaces 24

Spring Getaways 36 Proposals to explore nature and Greek customs Fine dining 46 Varoulko, Temple of Fine Dining Milos, For Seafood Affishionados Vege...tables 48 A review of two vegetarian and two organic restaurants in the city Carnival Time to let one’s hair down!

Society 12

72

Green initiatives 28 Organic shopping 30 Agora 34 Beauty 42 Wellness 44 Gastronomy 46

30 34 44 46 72 Cover created by: Eliza Mouzenidou

insider athens | March & April 2013 3

Arts & events

On the town For location details see listings on page 63

03

01

02

04

8&9 910&16171317 1517 -

march

-

march

march

Badminton Theater

Astir Palace

Swirling Dervishes 01, 02 Two nights of mystic music and swaying to the rhythm of the swirling dervishes of Mevlevi at the Badminton theatre. One of the most intriguing art-forms of the world that has survived for centuries, the dervishes promise to transport us to a meditative, prayerful place.

Tickets: 9 - 48€ Olympic Properties, Goudi ww.badmintontheater.gr

Chocolating 2013 03, 04 Discover, taste and savour the finest chocolate recipes, creations and pleasures at the Astir Palace Resort. Arion Resort & Spa pays tribute to Chocolate and organizes the sweetest winter party: 5th Chocolating Festival. Pastry chefs Frantzeskos Sozos and Dimitris Chronopoulos create the perfect destination for lovers of chocolate, while chef Stratos Kalathakis creates a gourmet chocolate-flavoured menu. Chocolate cooking lessons every Sunday at 2pm starting 24 February until 17 March.

Entrance : 15€, 8€ for kids Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni www.arionresortathens.com, www.astir-palace.com

4 insider athens | March & April 2013

march

march

Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Anamesa Festival An art festival with a broader concept of the title “Anamesa” (Between us) includes young talented European artists with or without disabilities, amateurs and professionals originating in the school environment, as well as art associations; that share the same vision of coexisting: «When only Art comes between us». Its aim is to create a conceptual universe and through dialogue and a joint production of novel, artistic activities and visual intervention, will eliminate prejudice and discrimination that arise from disability, depressed areas and society or a country in crisis.

Free entrance Piraeus 206, Tavros www.festivalanamesa.com

march

march

Gazarte Michel Legrand The legendary Michel Legrand, the master composer of soundtracks for films plays some of his best known works in front of a cosy audience at Gazarte with three unique performances. The French composer will play the music he wrote for celebrated films including “Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and the “I will wait for you” song from the film “The Go Between”, and “Windmills of your mind” and much more.

Tickets: 35 - 70€ Voutadon 32-34, Gazi gazarte.gr

Turkey calling at the Astir Palace

Turkey, located as it is, at the veritable crossroads of Europe and Asia, has absorbed a whole host of gastronomic influences that make Turkish cuisine as irresistible as the land itself.

Master Chefs specially flown in from Istanbul delight your taste buds by serving up the very best culinary delights. The food festival is part of ongoing initiatives by Astir Palace to integrate various ethnic cuisines and to provide Athenian food lovers an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Turkish cuisine!

Turkish Cuisine Festival, Il Tramonto restaurant, Arion Resort & Spa, Astir Palace April 12-22 Indulge in an inspiring buffet of starters and savour authentic Turkish dishes such as tantuni kebab, imam baildi, mercimek, dolma, kofte and special Turkish flatbreads, gozleme and bazlama, stuffed with chicken or beef.

Enjoy a la carte dishes created right before your eyes using traditional baking methods. Give into the temptations of the rich dessert buffet including specialty pastries such as baklava, kadayif, keĹ&#x;kĂźl and revani.

Enter the raffle draw and win flights to Istanbul and back, sponsored by Turkish Airlines and a 2 night stay at the Sheraton Maslak in Istanbul.

The 2nd Turkish Food Festival is organised with the support of the Turkish Embassy, Turkish Airlines and Athens Insider magazine.

For more information and reservations: +30 210 8902000 www.astir-palace.com, www.arionresortathens.com

ATHENS

Arts & events

On the town For location details see listings on page 63

05

06

17

until

march

22 march

Benaki Museum

Panteion university

Charles Weber.

The Greek Series Charles Weber, the Swiss photographer, has lived and worked in the village of Agios Syllas in the prefecture of Herakleio, on the island of Crete for more than three decades.

His exhibition The Greek Series presents his photographic progress in his second homeland, through approximately 150 photographs, divided into seven chapters.

His themes deal with people, landscapes, objects and compositions from Greek everyday life. They exude tenderness, spontaneity, order and love of place and of the local people.

Tickets : 2,5 - 5€ Koumbari 1. & Vas. Sofias www.benaki.gr

Conference on Security and cooperation in the Mediterranean Panteion University and the Embassy of Morocco in Greece organise an international conference on the challenges and opportunities on security and co-operation in the Mediterranean basin. Guest speakers from Greece, Morocco and Spain address the security dynamics of the region and stimulate debates and ideas for successfully tackling emerging security challenges in the region.

Sakis Karageorgas Amphitheater, Syngrou 136. www.panteion.gr

6 insider athens | March & April 2013

24 2831

until

march

Michael Cacoyannis Foundation UNEXPOSED 05 40 young female artists based in Iran use symbols and parables as secret weapons against the censorship. The exhibition will be accompanied by parallel events (films, speeches, open conversations).

Monday–Sunday: 18.00-22.00 Free entrance Piraeus 206, Tavros www.mcf.gr

march

march

Onassis Cultural Center Joël Pommerat La grande et fabuleuse histoire du commerce 06 “The history of trade is the history of humanity” says Joël Pommerat in this work, where the audience witness two stories in two different seasons. The deeply humanist piece of Pommerat, in the form of a parable, talks about the end of ideology and the dominance of capitalism as well as about solidarity and the limits of morality. Parallel events :After-performance talk with Joël Pommerat, Friday 29 March and Masterclass led by Joël Pommerat, Saturday 30 March Tickets: 10 - 28€ Syngrou 107- 109 www.sgt.gr

Arts & events

07

08

until

4 april

Museum of Cycladic Art Princesses of the Mediterranean Organised with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, the Italian Embassy in Greece and the Presidency of the Italian Republic, the exhibition focuses on artefacts and jewellery that belonged to real women, not mythical figures. Stories of regal ladies, princesses and priestesses reveal how these women played a contributing role in broadening the cultural horizons of their time and in the development of archaic Mediterranean culture. Jewellery inspired by the Princesses of the Mediterranean and created by the House of Zolotas will be on sale and display during the exhibition.

Neophytou Douka 4 www.mca.gr

8 insider athens | March & April 2013

410 april

april

French Film Festival Opening at the Onassis Cultural Centre Closing ceremony: Cinéma Danaos Now established as an important date in the cultural agenda of the city, the 14th edition of the French Film Festival, as every April, brings the best of French cinema to Greece. Romance, action, drama, comedy, suspense and even bone-chilling horror – the French Film Festival in Athens, Thessaloniki and Corfu promises all this and more. www.ifa.gr, www.festivalfilmfrancophone.gr

7

until

a pril

1921 april

april

Greek National Opera

Hellenic American Union

Halima Oeretta 07 With the intention of better acquainting the public with the prolific composer of The Godson, the Greek National Opera is reviving Halima, the enchanting operetta by Theophrastos Sakellaridis. The story, faintly inspired by ‘The Thousand and One Nights’, unfolds in an eastern palace, where witless but crafty cook Ali-Mousakas is being used as a pawn in the romantic scheming of the beguiling Halima and the imprisoned prince SakhRouman. Sakellaridis’ music is full of eastern melodies, combined with the cosmopolitan rhythms of the period: foxtrot, tango and one-step.

Tickets: 25 - 40€ Akadimias 59-61 www.nationalopera.gr

Comicdom Con Athens 08, 09 The annual three-day comics festival, organized by the nonprofit organization Comicdom Press and the Hellenic-American Union comes back on April for the 8th time. In this event, which is based on the standards set by international comics conventions, the Greek audience is introduced to one of the most interesting Art Forms: famous guests, original art exhibitions, sketch events, panels, documentaries, movies, workshops on comics and related arts, panels, publisher spotlights, retailer booths and comics industry awards.

Massalias 22, Athens www.comicdom-con.gr

On the town For location details see listings on page 63

09

10

2628 26 until

april

april

april

Onassis Cultural Center

The Acropolis Museum

Borderline Festival ‘13 For the third time in a row, the festival of “limits” displays the most international, rich and broad lineup in terms of musical direction. A festival dedicated to musical experimentation and to open and multidisciplinary participation and interpretation. Why Borderline? Because it is the frontier between the academic approach to noise and to the participation in improvisation and to the connection between audio and video.

Program consultant: Thodoris Papadakis Syngrou 107- 109 www.sgt.gr

Musical Events The Acropolis Museum presents a series of performances with music groups from across the world, giving its visitors the unique opportunity to tour the archaic exhibition, while enjoying this diverse music program: Friday 15 March, ‘Musical Masterpieces from Poland’: Friday 12 April, ‘Musical Journey: Destination Spain’: Friday 26 April, ‘The Flute of Pan: Greek antiquity in French romanticism’: On Fridays at 7pm Free entrance Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens www.theacropolismuseum.gr

11

28 1619

until

april

National Archaeological Museum The Antikythera Shipwreck The Ship, The Treasures, The Mechanism 10, 11 The exhibition is dedicated to the shipwreck discovered off the islet of Antikythera and dates from the fourth to the first century BC. Almost all of the finds are presented in their context for the first time. The 378 exhibits are presented in 4 sections, where the visitors can stroll through the birth of underwater archaeology as well as the ship’s voyage and cargo.

The last part of the exhibition is dedicated to the Athikythera Mechanism, this unique and exquisite device of mathematical and astronomical genius Tickets: 7€ Patission 44 www.namuseum.gr

may

may

Taekwondo Pavillion Art Athina Established in 1993 by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association, it is not one of the biggest art fairs, but is one of the oldest in existence. Art Athina offers Greeks a unique chance to get an insight into current artistic creation, gain exposure to a pot-pourri of global and Greek creativity, and glimpse what is going on in the world of art. Art Athina, which runs May 16-19 at the Taekwondo Stadium in Faliro, will feature displays by more than 58 galleries and 300 artists from Greece and abroad, as well as talks, exhibitions and performances.

Tickets: 7€ Moraitini 2, Paleo Faliro www.art-athina.gr

insider athens | March & April 2013 9

10 insider athens | March & April 2013

Kids events

On the town

01

02

03

910 march

march

13

until

april

28

30

until

until

april

april

Onassis Cultural Center

Herakleidon Museum

Badminton Theatre

Megaron Mousikis

Aesop’s fables A musical fairytale by Dimitris Papadimitriou Aesop’s fables have travelled the length and breadth of the world. Many different cultures are familiar with his fables, or have tales, stories and humorous narratives based on them. His fables are numerous, and while some are very wellknown, others are less so. The OCC commissioned Dimitris Papadimitriou to compose a multi-part musical work which takes Aesop’s fables as its starting point. The result: a large-scale musical fairytale with a narrator, soloists/actors and the Camerata.

Tickets: 8 -15€ Syngrou 107 - 109 www.sgt.gr

Self-Portraits The Herakleidon Museum organizes Drawing and Painting Lessons for Children aged 8-15 years, conducted

by Pascaline Bossu, every first and third Sunday. The theme of the first Cycle (FebruaryApril) is “Self-portraits” and is inspired by the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. The first two courses will focus on drawing with the use of pencil and charcoal. The following four courses will deal with colour and its basic principles. The materials to be used are temperas and pastels Participation cost: 20 € / two hour lesson Irakleidon 16, Thissio www.herakleidon-art.gr

Thesus and Ariadne on the Island of the Bulls 01, 02 Theseus and Ariadne on the Island of the Bulls is a show that combines theatre with the didactic nature of ancient myths, ideal for children.The show tells the story of the mythical hero Theseus, son of Aegeus king and founder of Athens. A riveting plot and an adventure involving the entire Greek mythology: heroes, mortals, wonderful and terrible supernatural beings and the Olympian Gods. Written by Stratis Paschalis and directed and choreographed by the awardwinning Sophia Spyratou.

Tickets: 9 - 15€ Olympic Properties, Goudi www.badmintontheater.gr

Treasure Island 03 Secret maps, hidden treasures and incredible adventures with pirates. Based on the popular novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and directed by Thomas Moschopoulos, the show is mainly aimed at children but is expected to fascinate young and old alike!

Every weekend Tickets: 12€ Vass. Sophias & Kokkali www.megaron.gr

insider athens | March & April 2013 11

Society

1

2

4

5

7 12 insider athens | March & April 2013

6

3

A Charity Gala to support needy students of the French school was held at the French Ambassador’s residence on 6 March 2013 to raise awareness and funds to ensure that all children enjoyed a sound education. Organised under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Jean-Loup Kuhn-Delforge, the Ambassador of France in Greece and Mrs. Katia Restis, the gala dinner was a show of solidarity by the French-speaking community. Lending their support to the event were 1. The Ambassador of Lebanon, Mr. Gébran Michel Soufan and his lovely wife, Dina 2. Gilles Godard, CEO of Olympia Odos and his wife Alexandra 3. Henri Le Roy, seen here with Constantin Vounatsos 4. The evening started off with children from the fourth grade singing songs, standing by the Residence’s impressive staircase 5. The French Ambassador and later, the Headmaster of the French School, Mr. Bernard Luyckx gave a rousing speech thanking their guests 6. Sudha Nair-Iliades seen here with the Moroccan Ambassador, Mr. Abdelkader El Ansari. 7. The dinner was interspersed with talented young singers, enthralling the guests with catchy French and Greek scores 8. Ms. Sylvie Juvenal, Headmistress of the primary section, in picture with Mrs. Katia Restis, singer George Perris and Isabelle Canellis, whose remarkable organisational skills made the event a huge success. Photo Credits: Kostas Bekas

8

All day bar restaurant

Breathtaking panoramic sea view from the 6th floor!

St George Lycabettus Boutique Hotel Tel: 210 7416000 - www.sgl.gr

You wisely opted to live in the UK for the weather (!) but is it still such a conversation-starter and Plan B to all failed opening lines?

Definitely! In the UK, you can talk about the weather til the cows come home! I still find it delightful that when in doubt, you can always bond over the weather. If someone disagrees with you over the weather, you know you’ve got a bad egg there. Step. Away.

Mind you, recently, I’ve found weather to be quite the topic in Greece as well. The change in the climate makes for fascinating chat with taxi drivers and a welcome break to discussing the crisis.

Feta

with the

Queen

Katerina Vrana plays on her dual identities as a Greek living in Britain and deconstructs the idiosyncracies of both countries with a dash of British wryness and brazen Greekisms.

Women stand-up comedians are a rare breed. And for a good Greek girl to make it in the capital of witty, wry humour is quite a feat. Was this always your calling or did you just stumble into it?

I’ve always enjoyed performing and I’ve always been drawn to standup but the path that got me here was acting, then comedy improv, followed by sketch comedy, and now stand-up. It was more of a natural progression rather than anything else. And my parents have been ridiculously supportive though er... deeply troubled by the financial aspect of my choices.

How challenging was it to break into London’s competitive comedy scene?

Well, I was kind of part of it through the improv and the sketches so when I started doing stand-up, I just moved to another part of the scene rather than break into it. And even though I’ve been doing comedy for some time now, I’m not even close to being a household name in the UK so I’m part of the scene but haven’t quite broken through to the mainstream.

14 insider athens | March & April 2013

Do you thing stand-up comedy is finally gaining ground in Greece? As someone who performs in both English and Greek to different sets of audiences, a) Which language do you prefer performing in? b) which audience is more receptive?

Stand-up in Greece is certainly becoming part of mainstream entertainment now, as more and more venues are looking for cheaper options with which to draw in customers. Also, there’s a whole new generation which has grown up with easy access to English and American stand-up comedy online. a. At the moment I prefer performing in English because it’s the language I started stand-up in and I’ve also performed far more often in English than I have in Greek. But I’m hoping this will change to the point where I enjoy performing in both languages equally. b. Well, Brits and Americans are more comedy savvy but once Greeks get into it, they laugh harder and louder. As it’s still a fairly new art form for Greeks, it can sometimes take time to warm them up but the pay-off once they’re on board is huge.

Tell us about ‘Feta with the Queen’. With tours lined up in the UK, Australia and Greece, did you expect it to have the international success it is now enjoying?

It was my previous show, which was in Greek, that got me attention both in Greece and the UK. “Feta With The Queen” is my first solo show in English. I’ve decided to take it to Melbourne because it’s one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world and because Melbourne has the biggest population of Greeks outside Greece. So I’m going international while retaining some Greekness which is what the show is all about! I talk a lot about my experiences as a Greek girl living in the UK and the show generally covers themes of identity and stereotyping and what it feels like to feel foreign to and part of two very different cultures. Jesus, that makes it sound like I’m giving a lecture.

I’m not, it’s funny. I promise. Really. Hello?

Do you think that the Greek crisis has inadvertently sparked an interest in all things Greek and has in some way been a boon to your career?

I don’t know about an interest in all things Greek, but the crisis has certainly put Greece in the limelight with all its faults in sharp relief.

And yes, of course the crisis has helped me. It’s because of all this negativity surrounding Greece that “a Greek girl doing comedy in the UK” is seen as a positive story or something that’s just different to the norm.

For example, the month’s run of my Greek show in Greece last year in March, coupled with my performing an excerpt of it in English at TEDx Thessaloniki in May, got me noticed and I ended up on the BBC discussing the crisis. Obviously, this raised my profile significantly.

Culture

Made in Greece

VS

yellow cabs: Black taxi or Black taxi

Made in Britain: Drizzle or scalding sun:

ord street: Ermou or Oxf et Oxford Stre

scalding sun

Portobello or Monastiraki:

Both - portobello for shopping and restaurants, monastiraki for walking around and sitting outside to have a coffee

Robbie Williams or Sakis Rouvas: neither, take them away

ppe Long tall Fra a: or Cuppa te cuppa tea

Evzones or English Bobbies:

both though the Bobbies might win over because they actually talk

herry: Metaxa or S ey sherry but th e both make m wince

Umbrellas or sunglasses: Sunglasses

Pub or mezedopoleio:

mezedopoleio - no contest - at all - ever

Stiff upper lip or arched eyebrows: arched eyebrows

Olympiakos or Man U?

Oh this is a tricky one as I was raised a supporter of both... Olympiakos

Souvlaki or fish and chips:

THESE TWO ARE NOT COMPARABLE!!!! Souvlaki, of course! *mutters darkly in disgust about overbattered fish and soggy chips*

Queuing or Elbowing:

Queueing

Marmite or tzatziki:

Tzatziki

Sunday roast or Paidakia:

Feta or Cheddar: feta

Paidakia

Heathrow or El. Venizelos airport?

Well, Heathrow Terminal 5. Ok, no, overall Heathrow.

I like how in Heathrow the security checks are the first thing you do, then you go on to the shops/food/ gates. Whereas in El Vel they’re the last thing you do so once you pass security check there is nothing to do but sit at your gate. Yawn.

Moussakka or e: shepherd’s pi neither

ones?: Baklava or sc ooo scones? no, both

insider athens | March & April 2013 15

Heralding new times Achilles Tsaltas and Alberto Cano share the remarkable story of the launch of the International Herald Tribune in Greece 15 years ago.

I

t all started with one man’s insistence on having the International Herald Tribune printed in Athens. The thinking, at the time, at IHT’s Paris headquarters was to be the global partner of a strong national newspaper to broaden its international presence. Alberto Cano, who was the Associate Advertising Director at the IHT based in Paris, pushed hard for Greece to be considered a potential partner. His perseverance paid and before long, the then publisher, Richard Mclean decided to pay a surprise visit to Athens. A flurry of high-profile meetings with influential personalities from publishing and tourism followed and Cano received the much-awaited green light to move on with his Greek project. Cano beams with justified fatherly pride, “We approached Themis Alafouzos of Kathimerini on Oct 9, 1997 and the first newspaper rolled off the press on March 9, 1998, exactly five months later. We had a really limited time frame to design the newspaper to IHT’s standards and to put an editorial team in place.” The IHT-Kathimerini joint venture is still held up as an example, both for the mature handling of the relationship but also for the rapidity with which the accord was signed and executed.

Recounting the different approaches to publishing, Cano reminisces, “When the Circulation Manager from the IHT office in Paris, Didier Brun, was busy poring over charts and data to work out the cost per page, Themis Alafouzos who was sitting across the room, sipping his frappe, bemused by our efforts, nonchalantly remarked, ‘Its 50,000

16 insider athens | March & April 2013

Achilles Tsaltas

Alberto Cano with Peter Economides

drachmas a page.’ When Didier had finished his compounded calculations, he’d arrived at the exact same figure!”

There were editorial differences as well. The partnership with Kathimerini was tested early on, during the ‘Kosovo years’. Kathimerini was unabashedly pro-Serb, like the rest of the Greek media, while the IHT maintained a pro-NATO stand. What ensued were angry letters to the editor criticizing both the IHT and the Kathimerini for their, sometimes, opposite positions on the same story.

Achilles Tsaltas, Senior VP, Innovation and Development, remembers those trying days when the IHT staff in Greece was jokingly snubbed as ‘Amerikanakia’(American lackeys). The awkwardness lasted a month; Kosovo soon became yesterday’s news, and everyone moved on to other headlines.

Celebrating its 125th year this year, the International Herald Tribune announced that it would be rechristened The International New York Times this fall, reflecting the company’s intention to focus on its core New York Times newspaper and to build its international presence. When the New York Herald was first launched in 1887, its primary readership was the American community living in Paris.

Through a series of ownership changes, the paper became The New York Herald Tribune, European Edition, in 1935. In 1967, it became

LD Z

Photos Courtesy of IHT/KATHIMERINI

Media

The International Herald Tribune when The New York Times and The Washington Post Company invested in the paper to keep it afloat after The New York Herald Tribune folded. In 1991, the Post and Times companies became co-owners of the paper, and in 2003 The Times bought out The Post’s share and became the sole owner. Today, the vast majority of the IHT’s readers, almost 60%, are local opinionmakers. The expatriates and foreign visitors comprise around 40% of its readership.

like to lean back, you’d opt for the newspaper and articles in long form, if you’d like a lean forward experience, then you’d like byte sized news online.” He added, “Tablets somehow, seem to marry both those experiences and might well hold the future to content distribution.”

Tsaltas expands on the five main pillars of business development at IHT as 1) Engagement through social media 2) Video 3) Mobile 4) International presence - hence the change in name, though its values and journalistic ethos remain, and finally, 5) Conferences.

Mark Thompson, president and chief executive of The New York Times Company, said in a statement that the company recently explored its prospects with international audiences, and noted there was “significant potential to grow the number of New York Times subscribers outside of the United States.”

He added: “The digital revolution has turned The New York Times from being a great American newspaper to becoming one of the world’s best-known news providers and media brand. We want to exploit that opportunity.”

What does the future hold for the partnership in Greece? “We are in a very good place right now. As the world gets more interdependent, the global partner lends an international voice to the local one while the global brand gets more cachet in the local market.” In the case of the IHT-Kathimerini partnership, each brand has enabled the other.

The IHT has taken Greek stories to a broader international audience and Kathimerini has been an important local partner when co-hosting conferences such as the recent Athens Energy Forum.

Echoing those sentiments, Tsaltas observes that the IHT is, in fact, ‘platform agnostic’. “Paper is just a distribution platform; we are in the content business.” On the digital debate that publishing houses face on moving from paper to screen, Tsaltas observes, “It depends on whether you’re looking for a ‘lean back or lean forward’ experience. If you’d

Tsaltas continues, “The IHT is a brand that is very powerful horizontally and Kathimerini is a powerful vertical brand. It is this asymmetry that makes the partnership interesting.” “The key to a successful partnership”, Tsaltas concludes, “lies in giving each other space and mutual respect.”

insider athens | March & April 2013 17

Switch on to new

energy

Michel Piguet, CEO of Elpedison, the reliable alternative energy supplier in the country, speaks to Athens Insider on his company’s product offerings and future objectives

Elpedison is the result of a collaboration among three experts in the energy sector: Hellenic Petroleum, Edison and Ellaktor. Could you please describe Elpedison’s business activities in the energy market, through Elpedison Power and Elpedison Energy?

Elpedison, with its sister companies, Elpedison Power and Elpedison Energy, represents today a leading force in the fields of energy production and energy supply, respectively.

Elpedison Power is the first independent energy producer in the Greek market, having invested more than € 520 m. in its two natural gas fired power plants, located at Thisvi of Viotia and Thessaloniki, with a total installed capacity of 820 MW. Elpedison Power uses exclusively natural gas, following a production process which is considerably friendly to the environment.

Elpedison Energy is considered today as the reliable alternative energy supplier in the country and the serious alternative to the incumbent. It covers the electricity needs of both residential and business customers, whether commercial or industrial, through its Energy Premium and Energy Plus product ranges. It provides attractive energy prices, effective and high quality customer support and adding value energy services.

Elpedison Energy also operates in the energy wholesale trading segment, performing cross-border energy exchanges between the Greek system and the neighbouring interconnected countries of Italy, Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria and Turkey.

How environmentally friendly is Elpedison’s energy production process?

For Elpedison, the added value is based on the ability to pursue economic objectives while steadily reducing environmental impacts, and

18 insider athens | March & April 2013

thereby meeting the expectations of all our stakeholders.

Elpedison’s investments in its two natural gas fired power plants at Thisvi and Thessaloniki prove the Company’s focus on a sustainable development model. This long-term model is based on •A ctivities that protect the quality of air, climate, soil, subsoil, nature as well as the surrounding landscape •A ctivities that minimize the noise, vibrations and electro-magnetic fields • The management of surface effluents •T he on-going use of specialized training programs which increase the awareness of our employees and external contractors To this effect, Elpedison has implemented its Environmental Policy within its Integrated Management System, according to the EN ISO 14001:2004 standard and has documented and applied appropriate procedures and work instructions for its operations and facilities.

Moreover, Elpedison has put in place measures and controls for measuring and reducing the impact of its operations to the environment, avoiding and minimizing risks, as well as treating any factors and circumstances that may lead to pollution or other incidents.

What is the product proposition offered by Elpedison and how does it match the different needs of the business and residential customers?

At Elpedison, we evaluate the customers’ needs and offer to them the product that best matches their energy needs, consistently with our strong focus and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our objective is to provide all our clients with energy products at attractive prices, exceptional customer support and innovative energy services.

To the business customers connected to the Medium Voltage, we of-

Energy

9RF

Elpedison’s natural gas fired power plant, located at Thisvi in Viotia

fer standardized energy products, through the Energy Plus product portfolio as well as customized propositions, always depending on their consumption profile. To the business customers connected to the Low Voltage, we provide different propositions through the Energy Premium Product range, offering competitive prices and high quality services.

To the residential customers, we offer the Energy Premium Home product and the Energy Premium Home Night product, without any tiers or/and limitations, catering for the households’ day and night consumption needs.

In all cases, our objective is not simply the coverage of our customers’ energy requirements but the establishment long-term relations with them, independently from the volume of their consumption, always on the basis of integrity, consistency and reliability.

At a macro-level, how does Elpedison promote economic and social progress, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life in the country?

At Elpedison, our philosophy emerges from the fact that we are involved in something greater; we work for the man himself, promoting the economic and social progress along with the quality of life, in a hospitable environment, with sufficient energy for all.

The responsibility we have towards the local communities, where we live and operate on a daily basis, is inextricably tied to our Company’s culture and philosophy.

Under this context, Elpedison always tries to cover any recruitment needs for its two power plants from the local labour market.

Furthermore, Elpedison supports crucial areas for the welfare of the society, such as Health and Education. It provides critical technological

infrastructure to local schools, sponsors repair works to local educational institutions and gets dynamically involved in matters, with which local communities are concerned. It also offers the necessary resources and equipment to child related Institutions.

Furthermore, we ensure that we also contribute to the cultural awareness of the Greek citizens by sponsoring significant and well-targeted cultural events, creating opportunities for the spiritual uplift of the Country.

Elpedison represents one of the largest private energy producers in the Greek market as well as one of the most reliable and competitive energy suppliers. What are your short and mid-term objectives?

Our objective at Elpedison is to continue being a leading player within the energy production market in Greece. As far as the energy supply market is concerned, we will continue to serve both residential and business customers, dynamically increase our market shares while providing competitive energy products, value adding energy services and high quality customer support.

In parallel with our business operations, we will persist to contribute to the liberalization and full opening of the Greek energy market, for the benefit of the end-consumer.

insider athens | March & April 2013 19

A climate of change Mr Dimopoulos, Head of the Environment Unit of Piraeus Bank Group on innovative environmental strategies in the financial sector As the Head of the Environment Unit at Piraeus Bank, what does your role entail?

For the coordination of the Bank’s environmental work, the Environmental Office was formed in 2004 which evolved into the Environment Unit in 2009. The Environment Unit is responsible for the monitoring, management and, consequently, reduction of the environmental impact connected to the Bank’s activities. In 2011, Piraeus Bank became the first Greek bank to have certified its Environmental Management System (EMS), in all its branches and administration buildings under the EMAS and ISO 14001:2004 environmental standards.

EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is a voluntary management tool for companies and other organisations to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance. Informing and sensitizing the Group’s employees and the wider public regarding environment and sustainability are a priority for the Environment Unit. Environmental education takes place on two levels. 1. With elearning programmes that describe basic environmental issues and the Bank’s environmental work. 2. Training personnel on green business, the Bank’s green products and the procedures of the Environmental Management System under EMAS. The Environmental Legislation & Case Law Database (EL&CLD) was developed by the Environment Unit in 2006 and it aims at supporting Piraeus Bank’s environmental policy and compliance with applicable legal requirements and corporate responsibility commitments in the field of environment.

You mentioned developing a programme funded by the EU that measures the effect of climate change on businesses and evaluates the costs for business to amend the situation.

20 insider athens | March & April 2013

Climate change resulting from human activity is one of the greatest challenges of our time and has already had significant adverse effects on the natural and socioeconomic environment. Greek economy sectors can be affected both positively and negatively by climate change. This might be the result of either the change in the institutional framework, the change in climate conditions, or the change in consumers’ attitudes – now opting for products and services with a reduced carbon footprint. Piraeus Bank has implemented the 3-year European climabiz project, in collaboration with WWF Greece and Face3ts consultancy. The project was co-financed by the European Union and more specifically by the funding instrument LIFE+. It aimed to prepare the market for its timely adaptation to the new climate conditions and to leverage the opportunities arising from climate change. The innovative value of the climabiz project is the Climate Risk Management Model that estimates the climate risk for Greek businesses, and also calculates the solutions for reducing such risk in monetary terms. Specifically, the Model allows for a calculation of: (a) t he cost of physical and regulatory climate risk at sector, subsector and business level (influenced by climate change); (b) t he cost of infrastructure and practices that a business can develop in order to reduce climate risk; (c) the environmental footprint (atmospheric pollutants, greenhouse gases, effluents, solid waste) at sub-sector and business level.

Business

Is Piraeus Bank the first bank in Greece to integrate climate risk in general risk management for the financial sector?

Using the Climate Risk Management Model, Piraeus Bank was able to estimate the climate risk of its portfolio. This constitutes a first effort to estimate climate risk, in Greece and to integrate climate risk in general risk management for the financial sector. Timely briefing of businesses and the application of suitable practices could reduce this risk, thus resulting in lower operating costs and/or an increase in sales. Furthermore, in the framework of the climabiz project, a special study was compiled assessing the financial opportunities that arise from climate change entitled “Climate Change and Business Opportunities”. The sectors of the economy that are analyzed include: the financial and insurance sector, the construction sector, RES’s, food & beverage sector, agriculture (organic farming and bio fuel), telecommunications and tourism.

Does Piraeus Bank lead by example? Do you have programmes that encourage your staff to be more eco-conscious and environment-savvy?

Over 70% of Bank employees has participated in at least two training activities regarding the environment and green banking in the last two years. In the framework of a biannual survey on the Bank’s employees environmental behaviour, an on-line questionnaire is voluntarily completed. According to the survey, the average employee environmental performance rose from 5.8 in 2007 to 6.3 in 2009 and 6.8 in 2011 (on a scale of 1-10). A significant incentive for raising employee awareness is the annual competitions whereby branches and administration buildings with the best performance in recycling and energy saving are rewarded. The commitment and

constant orientation towards society, the environment and culture, gain greater value by encouraging all employees to get involved in volunteering activities. To this end, volunteer activities include cleaning the Environmental Awareness Park “Antonis Tritsis” and the wetland Vravrona and also planting trees in the core area of the National Park of Parnitha.

A specially-trained employee has been appointed Environmental Management Coordinator in every branch to ensure the achievement of environmental targets.

How does Piraeus Bank’s Green Banking Division support green businesses?

Piraeus Bank’s conscious decision to support green entrepreneurship is largely based on the operational and product support of the field. It created in 2009 the Green Banking Products Division.

To promote green entrepreneurship, the Bank has: • directed new funding to investments in green business • c reated and adapted its green products, so as to respond to new market conditions, and developed a package of innovative green services targeted at both retail investors and public institutions.

Currently, Piraeus Bank provides a number of loans, covering diverse needs for private individuals, businesses and farmers for investments in renewable energy, alternative waste and water management, green chemistry, green transportation, organic agriculture and eco-tourism.

Environmental Management Basic Achievements • We have reduced paper consumption by 25% • We recycle half of the paper we use in the Bank • Through our e-learning employee training programmes we have reduced transportation by 8.000.000 km.

• We have reduced energy consumption by 7.5% • We have reduced carbon emissions by 8.8%

insider athens | March & April 2013 21

Wind Power Yanos Michopoulos, General Manager of Vestas Hellas and VP Business Development, Vestas Central and Eastern Europe speaks to Athens Insider on the tremendous potential of harnessing wind energy and the urgent need for concerted action by the Greek state

Mr. Michopoulos, how does it feel to work for a company that contributes positively to the environment?

Well, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I’m fighting in the right corner. I hope I have some stake in improving the future for my kids, one windmill at a time! My role, as I see it, is to enlarge the share of wind energy in the energy market. If, in the process, I contribute to making Greece self-sufficient in its energy needs and that translates as a commercial success for Vestas, then it is a win-win for everyone.

Vestas is the market leader in the wind energy sector worldwide. What share of the Greek energy market does Vestas have?

Every three hours Vestas installs a new, clean energy wind turbine somewhere in the world. Recently we have also extended our global operations in many emerging markets, especially in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe. In Greece, according to the Hellenic Wind Energy Association ELETAEN, the total installed wind capacity stands at 1749.4 MW of which Vestas has 50% market share with a total established capacity of 852,5ÎœW. Why, in your opinion, is Greece ideally suited for tapping into wind energy?

As a start, we have excellent wind resources which if we utilize properly we can reduce our dependence on importing expensive Oil and Gas, thus also making a contribution towards addressing Climate Change issues.

Any new projects in the pipeline in Greece and in Cyprus?

Many projects have matured. For instance, there are 23000 MW with production licence, some 3000 MW of which are ready to be built (with installation licence).

Do you think it is realistically feasible for Greece to meet the

22 insider athens | March & April 2013

Energy

2020 requirements of 20% of energy production from renewable sources?

It will be a real challenge for Greece to meet the 2020 deadlines. Greece will have to generate a total capacity of 7500 MW from Wind energy sources. To achieve that magic figure within 7 years would imply that Greece would have to install around 800 MW annually! It requires very strong political will and huge investments in infrastructure, e.g. a good grid network.

What are the challenges you face in setting up wind farms in Greece?

Stable regulatory framework and financing are the main obstacles. The recent moves by the government (e.g. a retrospective 10% tax on existing wind farms, delays in paying the energy producers by the Greek state etc.) do not encourage investor confidence. Foreign investors are particularly reluctant, as they emphasized in a recent letter to the Greek PM. Regarding financing, the current state of Greek banks (under recapitalization) does not enable them to support large scale projects.

Foreign financial institutions are still concerned about Greek stability.

Grid connectivity and infrastructure in general remains a challenge, although there is promising news on the horizon (for e.g. After long delays, the Evia cable connection to Attica progressing) What changes are you hoping for in the Greek government’s attitude towards renewable energy and the environment?

Stable regulatory framework is an absolute MUST, plus additional measures to stimulate investments such as assistance with financing, tax incentives, paying energy producers on time etc.

How can Greece boost investor confidence and attract foreign investors into wind energy, an industry you describe as a ‘de-risked’ sector?

De-risk implies that most of the risks have been addressed. The technology is well established and the costs are now very competitive compared to traditional energy forms. Moreover, we have a skilled workforce, established suppliers and many projects already in operation.

9RF

What we need is a stable regulatory framework and assistance with financing to stimulate growth and to attract investors.

You mentioned that oil and gas-rich countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan are investing heavily into wind energy as they’d like to use it for domestic consumption and maximize benefits from Oil and Gas exports.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are also doing the same with Solar energy. Greece, that doesn’t have the luxury of oil reserves, should in effect concentrate on renewable energy sources first to secure supply but also to export it to energy-needy neighbours such as Turkey for example. We could also export expertise (e.g. many of my Greek team already support other countries within the Vestas organization) but we can do that at a more national scale (e.g. KAPE, EMP etc).

Financing is the main challenge that Customers face today for the implementation of Wind projects Wind Projects Many projects are now maturing (e.g. 23 GW with production license in Greece)

Potential Investors Utilities, Independent Energy Producers, Industrial companies, Foreign investors, Private Equity Funds, Pension Funds, HNWs

VIABLE PROJECTS

Potential Lenders (Domestic & International Banks) Increased role of multilaterals (such as EIB, EBRD, IFC) and of ECAs (e.g. EKF, Hermes)

insider athens | March & April 2013 23

Green spaces Insider does a tour of some of the city’s ‘lungs’ that provide relief to the eye and the soul and provide a great outlet for jogging, biking and the odd weekend picnic. Angelos Giotopoulos captures the magic of Attica’s parks.

Nea Smyrni

Nea Smyrni

24 insider athens | March & April 2013

Nea Smyrni park is a peaceful oasis in a densely populated suburb.

With many new facilities, including play equipment for children, a giant chessboard, jogging lanes and summer theatres (where the Karaghiozis Shadow puppet festival is held in May and Ionian cultural events in September), this park is child-friendly with free play activities for children (6.30-8.30pm) such as tag and bowling organized by the local municipality. There is a trainer at the park at 3.30pm on weekdays to give visitors advice about exercising as well as a notice board for special fitness events at the park.

Park stats Location Bordered by Eleftheriou Venizelou, Efessou, Kordeliou and Patriarhou Ioakim streets Size 50 stremmata Facilities Playground, jogging track, snack-shop, open-air 2,500-seat cinema, stage, WCs and giant chess set. The revamp Remodelled between March 2006 and June 2007. Work included tree planting, lawn-laying, building stone walls, shrub cutting and resurfacing. Future plans The park will ultimately be linked to an adjacent green space at Karyllos Square above an underground carpark. This expansion, expected to cost 1.5-2 million euros, will increase the park’s size by 8.5 stremmata. Water consumption The park’s lawns are watered once daily with water from bore holes. Do Bicycle or jog Don’t Bring your dog or your skateboard Opening hours In summer, the gates are open 6am-11pm (the park is spotlit) and in winter 6am-9pm.

Eco speak

Zappeion

Alsos Syngrou

Thisssion

Nea Smyrni

Syngrou Estate

National Gardens

Syngrou Estate is a place of amazing beauty, where you can find rare plants - even wild orchids in December. And the people who visit, respect this park. Enjoy beauty of the glorious buildings in the estate, including the historic Ernst Ziller mansion, now sadly in a state of neglect, and the neo-Gothic church of Agios Andreas that has been recently restored.

Park stats Size 97 hectares Location Off Kifissias Avenue, Maroussi Facilities Numerous tracks for running, walking, rollerblading or cycling, including a 6km perimeter trail. Also a football pitch and playground facilities for children Planting Mainly Aleppo pines and cypress trees; also meadows and olive/fruit orchards Past Syngrou Estate was owned by banker and philanthropist Andreas Syngros (1830-1899) and bequeathed to the Greek public by Iphigenia Syngrou in the 1920s for the training of gardeners and agronomists Present It is under the auspices of the Municipality of Maroussi, but cared for by volunteer groups, the Friends of Syngrou Forest (www.dasosygrou. gr) and Kontra Ston Kairo, who carry out fire-prevention, planting and litter clean-ups Do Bring your bicycle and your dog (plus a poopscooper) Don’t Bring your car, motorbike or moped Open Main gate open from dawn until sundown daily Access By ISAP, get off at KAT station.

Take the 550, E7,A7 or B7 bus from central Athens and get off at KAT

Henry Miller described it as, “the quintessence of a park, the thing one feels sometimes in looking at a canvas or dreaming of a place one would like to be in and never finds.” The incredible woodland canopy provided by the mature trees in the National Gardens still amazes the average passer-by. It is one of the most positive things about Greece’s first organised modern gardens, set out by Queen Amalia in the early19th Century.

Queen Amalia’s original plan incorporated many exotics sourced and planted by her German gardener Friedrich Schmidt. The magnificent South American Phytolacca tree near the Botanical Museum dates right back to Amalia’s day. Modern plantings have often followed this example –the 40-year-old Ceiba indica, a spreading deciduous tree from India, is believed to exist nowhere else in this country. Probably the most important lesson, though, is to plant with vision. Queen Amalia created these gardens 170 years ago for the future. We should be brave and plant trees for the future: even if we don’t necessarily see them reach maturity in our lifetimes, future generations will benefit.

Park stats Size 15.8 hectares (158 stremata) Location Behind the Parliament, flanked by Vas Amalias, Sofias, Olgas and Irodou Attikou Facilities Open-air cafe, children’s library and playground, botanical museum, running tracks Flora Original plantings included Gingkobiloba from China and Californian Sequoia, natives like Holm Oaks, carob, Ju-

insider athens | March & April 2013 25

Eco speak

Tatoi park

Likavitos

das and mastic trees. Between 2006 and 2008, 700 indigenous trees, 1,750 bushes (including 300 rosebushes) and 1,300 groundcover species were planted Fauna Birdlife includes hoopoes, parrots, sparrows, blackbirds and crows. A small zoo features donkeys, chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits and wild goats. The gardens are home to tortoises, abandoned cats and terrapins, as well as packs of dogs neutered and released by the municipality. The estimated 10 percent of dumped felines that survive the dogs are fed and neutered by www.ninelivesgreece.com Past Designed by Amalia, first queen of Greece, the Royal Gardens were constructed between 1838 and 1840. Renamed the National Gardens after the monarchy was abolished in 1974 Present The gardens came under the jurisdiction of Athens municipality in October 2004. With the National Technical University, the municipality plans a 7.5 million euro overhaul of the gardens starting late 2009. Works will include a new perimeter fence, irrigation, lighting, sewage, water filtering and wiring systems. Do Go for a jog or stroll.

Have an excellent Greek coffee at the cafe Don’t Don’t bring your dog, motorbike or skateboard. Don’t feed the animals at the zoo, but do hand over fruit or veggie scraps to Costas, the zookeeper, for him to enrich their meagre diet Open Sunrise to sunset daily (except during demonstrations and public holidays) Access By metro, bus or tram, it is just a stonesthrow from Syntagma Square

Tatoi estate Going to the Tatoi estate is like an excursion: it feels far away from Athens, yet it’s only 10 minutes away from Kifissia. It’s a great open space to bike for about an hour and discover the estate, which is beautiful in a wild, natural way. The path winds right up to the impres-

26 insider athens | March & April 2013

Nea Smyrni

Zappeion

sive graves where one can read the history of the last two centuries in Greece engraved in stone. But like the buildings, the graves too have been neglected. The estate should ideally be transformed into a National Trust-style visitor centre. The outbuildings could become lovely cafes and tea-shops and the revenues could go towards the estate’s upkeep. But for now, it still is a fabulous escape into the wild.

Park stats Size 3,000 hectares Location Approximately 25km from central Athens, in the foothills of Mount Parnitha Flora More than 1,000 plant species are recorded in the National Park of Parnitha, which includes the Tatoi estate. Many are endemic, and some critically endangered, such as white peonies, red lilies and red tulips Fauna Parnitha is home to over 130 bird species (including hawks, woodpeckers, kestrels and short-toed eagles), 30 reptile species, and 45 mammal types including hares, foxes and the sole red deer population in southern Greece Past Developed in the late 19th century as the Greek royal family’s country estate, it was abandoned when the royal family fled the junta. In 2002 the Greek state paid compensation to King Constantine to ensure full rights to the estate Present The state has set aside the sum of 800,000 euros in the 2009 budget for renovation, with the aim of opening the palace as a museum in 2012 Do Bring your bicycle or running gear to try out the trails. Do bring refreshments if you need them, as there are no shops in the vicinity. Do bring your dog Don’t Join the moto-cross bikers who snarl around the estate, terrorising wildlife and churning up the trails. Don’t leave evidence of your visit (ie no plastic bags of picnic leftovers, no doggy deposits) Open There is no gate or fence, so visitors can visit at any time Access By car. Take the Varimbombi turn off the National Road north of Kifissia.

Le

Lent flies by lightly! nten

y

& Ta s t

A museum that celebrates the environment The Environment Museum of Stymphalia is located in the mountainous area of the prefecture of Corinth, where, according to mythology, Hercules confronted and slew the Stymphalian birds.

The region’s ecological value, centred on the lake and its rich forests, is confirmed by its inclusion in the European Network of Protected Areas NATURA 2000.

The aim of the Environment Museum of Stymphalia is to show the interdependence of humankind and Nature and their harmonious coexistence in the Stymphalia basin as well as to raise the public’s ecological awareness and preserve the knowledge relating to the region’s traditional technology. The exhibition’s goals are supported by models and interactive applications, digital representations and documentary films. Also, for the first time in Greece, an accessible cross-section of the lake in the Museum’s interior offers the visitor the possibility of observing, first hand, some of the region’s flora and fauna.

Stymphalia, Peloponnese, 27470 22296

Green on screen!

The cinematic encounter of eleven countries through the unconventional eyes of 17 Greek and foreign directors, the Panorama of Ecological Films opens its door for the 10th consecutive year. A series of films, born from the need to understand the magnitude and gravity of the environmental problems we stand to inherit, expertly addressed by renowned directors, the festival provides a unique opportunity for Athenians to watch thought-provoking Greek and foreign productions. The 10th Panorama of Ecological Films is organised with the generous support of the U.S. Embassy, the Embassy of Norway and the Norwegian Institute.

Wednesdays 6 & 13 March from 18:00 to 23:00 Tripodon 28, Plaka, 210 3225245

Farm your own food Gine Agrotis started with an ambitious aim to offer a truly innovative service, bringing together agricultural producers and final consumers. Dimitris Koutsolioutsos shared his vision with a few like-minded souls for a better quality of life in the city by taking the ‘laiki’ online and promoting communal participation in producing fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits.Young farmers undertake the cultivation, production and distribution of all seasonal vegetables and fruits on your behalf, in accordance with the standards of responsible agriculture.

Through Gine Agrotis’s platform, you can choose an agricultural plot, decide what you’d like to cultivate and receive fresh fruits and vegetables, grown on your plot of land, delivered to your doorstep. www.gineagrotis.gr

28 insider athens | March & April 2013

Rethinking the city centre

Natural history made fun at Gaia Centre The Environmental Center of Research and Education, Gaia demonstrates to visitors the way planet Earth has been functioning for millions of years and how it functions today, with the intervention of modern man. The «Geosphere», which is unique in the world, is a hemispherical dome monitor, 5m in diameter and approximately 40 m² in surface area. It shows the rotating planet through 225,000 high resolution images. It also presents, in a brief and concise way, the geological evolution of the planet from its creation, 4.6 billion years ago, until today. The exhibitions at the museum have been conceived and implemented by the London Museum of Natural History in cooperation with Goulandris Museum of Natural History.

Gaia Centre, Othonos 100, Kifissia, 210 8015870

Since there is no better way to predict the future than to design it ourselves...! The Dutch architectural team Okra, with its proposal “One step beyond” was declared the winner of the Rethink Athens competition which aims to transform the image of the centre of Athens, improve the environment and activate commercial interest and economic activity in the area.

The final stage and the results of the competition, which ran for more than a year, had several Greek and international architects competing for the top prize.

The Okra project introduces a green spine along Panepistimiou street to connect Syntagma and Omonoia squares, along with a strategy of occupying 1000 groundfloor spaces in vacant buildings with cultural activities aspiring to convert Athens into a resilient, accessible and vibrant city.www.sgt.gr

Hugging trees, loving forests For the past 4 years, Avra natural mineral water has been spearheading a programme with Arcturos to protect a very valuable Greek resource: its forests.

The program has so far helped plant and nurture 29.140 trees in 6 forest areas of Greece, cleaned forests in 7 Greek cities and run an informational campaign for over 65,800 students on the important role played by urban forests play in the quality of their everyday life. In 2012, in a bid to make its consumers responsible for their choices, Avra adopted three activities picked by its consumers: Tree-planting in Parnitha, cleaning up of Lakes Zazari and Himaditida in Florina and the creation of a botanical garden in Karpenisi. www.avra.gr

Green gifts from garbage Green Planet offers alternative and green solutions for everyday needs at home, school or office. Green Planet creates bags made from used plastic packaging detergent, utilitarian objects for the home, school or office made from recycled printed electronics, handmade paper made from waste soaked with wildflowers seeds that blossom when planted. All these are materials that have completed their cycle of life, but instead of being taken to the dumpster are given a new incarnation, transformed into something completely different, beautiful and utilitarian. www.prasinosplanitis.gr

insider athens | March & April 2013 29

Organic markets and bio-boutiques A look at Athens’ organic markets and natural healthfood stores that have become the mainstay in Athens.

30 insider athens | March & April 2013

Green living

T

he friendlier, more refined open-air alternative to the laiki, the Athens organic farmers’ markets may be under the radar but are growing in popularity. People used to picking up certified-organic goods know they’re harder to come by in Athens than in Los Angeles or London. The markets are a breath of fresh air for residents who want to swap the neon lights and internationally shipped goods of a supermarket and the chaotic neighborhood laiki, or open-air market, which, as the Association of Organic Farmers’ Markets’ Alexandra Valopetropoulou emphasizes to Athens Insider, have very few actual farmers sellng their goods. And, contrary to popular belief, the prices aren’t bad either at the organic markets. Besides the organic certification and contact with the farmer or producer, shoppers are granted wider selection of hard-to-find heirloom fruit and vegetables. Heirloom plants are rare, despite often-superior taste and nutrition to their generic rivals, because their delicate nature means that they don’t travel well. Of course, shopping at the local organic farmers’ market means buying heirloom isn’t a problem; instead of a supermarket pineapple shipped halfway across the world, an in-season mandarin at the local market needs only to pass from the farmer’s hands to the customer, where, only a few blocks away, it will make a delicious snack—paired with some fresh yogurt and thyme honey.

1342

There’s also another kind of contact at the markets, the social space is different from a laiki. You can ask the farmer directly why your orange is shaped like it is; you can make sure exactly where the head of lettuce has come from and how it was grown.”

In today’s economic resession, the markets are friendly places for farmers and producers as well. “The markets are a direct, easy way for the producer to sell his or her goods. There’s no bureaucracy.

It’s easy for a certified organic farmer to open a stall at our markets,” Theodosiou says.

Balopetropooulou makes another point. “Consumers have been convinced that organic products are good, but they need to be convinced that local is crucial too. The carbon footprint from organic shipped from Argentina to Greece is unnessarily high. Buying locally produced organic produce is a benefit for everyone,” she says.

“Produce produced locally will be fresher, have a much-smaller carbon footprint, and will support the local economy.”

“ We make sure to set reasonable prices; there’s a dip in demand like everywhere else with the crisis, but we make sure that our prices are friendly for the consumer” says Ioanna Theodosiou from the Association’s headquarters.

An attitude change is needed, especially in a time when many Greek farmers are abandoning the profession. Seventy percent of the organic goods Greeks buy is imported from abroad. “And if it wasn’t for us,” Balopetropooulou says, “the amount would be 10 percent higher… shoppers would be forced to buy organic food from other counties… which is an illogical system.”

Theodosiou hopes that when Greek consumers will be convinced that organic goods aren’t exorbantantly priced, they’ll see the big draws of “Bio-agores,” as the markets are called in Greek: “First of all, the markets sell only certified organic goods, and two, all these goods are sold to the shopper directly from the producer. It’s fresh and it’s local, and it hasn’t traveled throughout the entire planet to reach your plate.

Thankfully, more and more shoppers are taking note. The two biggest organic farmers’ markets are in the northern suburb of Kifissia and the southern suburb of Voula, and it’s no coincidence that they’re the neighborhoods with the highest numbers of expats. Balopetropooulou says her regular customers at those markets hail from countries such as France, the United States, Australia and Japan.

insider athens | March & April 2013 31

Schedule

Much work still remains to be done. Balopetropooulou explains:

Unless otherwise noted, the organic farmers’ markets run from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. until May 1, when the markets shift to their summer hours, 4.30 to 7.30 p.m.

“ There is an attitude that ‘organic goods are expensive’ that distorts the discussion, and we also see talk about green development but no real action, at least in the area of organic farming, so we’re worried about the divide between talk and action.”

Monday Haidari (behind the new town hall) Kifissia (at the end of Haliraou Trikoupi) Nea Smyrini (Iosifogleio Foundation) Tuesday Korydallos (Eleftherias Square) Neo Irakleio (Venizelou Street) Palaio Psychiko (Arsakeiou Square) Wednesday Ilioupoli (Antypa Street) Piraeus (Kalavrita Square) Glyfada (Xenofontos Square)

Thursday Gerakas (Ethnikis Antistaseos Street) Palaio Faliro (Taekwondo stadium carpark) Petroupoli (Bouboulinas & Dodekanisou Streets) Thrakomakedones (Albanella Square) Friday Kolonaki (Dexamenis Square) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Holargos (Sirou Street, near the town hall) Kaisariani (behind Near East stadium) Nea Ionia (Filellinon Street) Saturday markets run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. year round Kato Patissia (Patmou and Karavia Streets) Kypseli (Dimotiki Agora), Ilion (Dimokratias Avenue, near Carrefour) Voula (Xenofontos and Lykourgou Streets) Sunday Porto Rafti from June 14 to September 14 (Markopoulo, Gregou & Myrrinountos) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit www.bioagores.org or call 6972213192 to find out more.

32 insider athens | March & April 2013

Balopetropoulou, for example, mentions the markets’ struggle to be officially recognized as farmers’ markets, and not “laikis.” “ We’re saying we are not a laiki, but an initiative of farmers, and only farmers, with only organic, Greek-grown produce.” The markets contain no middlemen, while the laiki is 90-percent middlemen. In a country where government involvement is looked at with suspicion, Balopetropooulou emphasizes that the Association operates independently: “No ministry is involved.”

And suspicions about how a product is labelled organic? As in the rest of Europe, the process uses independent organic certification organizations, which as Balopetropooulou says, are themselves subjected to rigorous scrutiny. To receive certification, farmers first go to one of the certification institutions. The organization checks the area the produce will be produced or grown, “and if you are close to an airport or factory - no way,” says Balopetropooulou. If the area is deemed suitable, a contract is written where the producer must follow a strict sense of guidelines under scrutiny for approximately one year until the farmer can sell goods marked “organic.” During this time and afterwards, if traces of a chemical is found, there are economic and legal prices to pay.

“Our numbers are very good. The percentage of Greek organic farmers who are found to be using chemicals is extremely low, only 0.6 percent --- less than Germany One of the smallest percentages of Europe.”

Green living

1342

Athens Organic Shops Along with fresh produce at the open-air markets, an increasing number of entrepreneurs have been catering to the eco-conscious needs of Athenians who want to live a healthier lifestyle. With options from gluten-free foods to herbal cosmetics and nutritional supplements and speciality stores with a focus on locally produced cheeses and wine, here is a comprehensive list of Athens’ healthiest stores.

Bioart – Biomarket Organic food, gluten-free products, fresh fruits and vegetables, delicatessen, herbal cosmetics, ecological detergents, baby foods, nutritional supplements. Irakleiou Ave 408, Irakleio, 210 2827622 Movement for Organic Health Nuts, dried fruit, cereals, olive oil, wine, honey, bread, beans, herbs and teas, jams, lentils and other legumes are on offer in addition to a selection of healthy take-away fast food. The store also sells toiletries made of natural herbs. 57 Panepistimiou, Athens, 210 3210966 Four Seasons Bio Shop A store packed tightly with the best in organic milks, cheeses, teas, honey, and a wealth of other local products as well as imported health bars and herbal remedies from Germany, Holland, and the UK. It is one out of only a handful of places where certified organic produce can be purchased. Nikis 30, Athens, 210 3229078 Kyriakides Organic Food Supermarkets Chain of organic mini markets aiming to provide high-quality food at affordable prices. Akadimias 84, Athens, 210 3821800 • Alimou Avenue 15, Alimos, 213 0087100 • Matzagriotaki 50, Kallithea, 210 9518100 • Aristidou 124, Kallithea, 210 9537415 • Omirou 71 Nea Smyrni, 210 9370468 • Tsamadou 71 Piraeus, 210 4137700 Karolina Organic food & traditional Greek products. Online purchases at www.karolina.gr Logothetidi 16, Athens, 210 6984526 Biologikos Thisavros Fresh organic fruit and vegetables, wide variety of dairy products, pasta,

gluten free products, cosmetics, wines, honey. Also traditional products from Syros island and olive oil soaps from Lesvos. Pericleous 20, Holargos, 210 3608611 • Αg. Varvaras 45, Palaio Faliro 210 9850445 Iliopoulos Fresh bread from Dinkle wheat and Zea and Kamut wheat without gluten and magnesium-rich, figs from Kymi. Georgiou Drossini, Kifissia, 210 8013428 Prasino Biomarket Certified supermarket of organic products. Fruit, legumes, vegetables, chocolates, detergents, special nutrition (gluten free, diabetic products) Pendelis Avenue 97, Halandri, 210 6858639 • Tatoiu 122, Nea Erythrea, 210 6206785 • Irakleiou Ave 408, Irakleio, 210 2838320 Arkeuthos Fresh herbs and spices Gripari 138, Kallithea, 2109531042 • Vasileos Georgiou B 7, 2109680968 To periboli tis oikologias Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat with emphasis on small local producers Andrea Metaxa 13-15, Athens 210 3847766 Lotos Dairy products, fruit and vegetables, legumes, honey, wines and natural cosmetics Marathonos Ave 49, Anoixi, 210 6217007 Nea Zoi Organic foods, greek traditional products, natural and herbal cosmetics, nutritional supplements, products for athletes. Protopappa 38, Ilioupoli, 210 9912408

insider athens | March & April 2013 33

Korres Sensitive Skin Mountain Tea & Betaine Mild cleansing gel. Available at pharmacies and drug stores.

The Layered Garden, published by Timber Press.

Hafstein Jύliusson’s Growing Jewellery is a clash of jewellery and gardening.

Stella McCartney biodegradable soles made of bioplastic Apinat.

Age Protection Anti-wrinkle Fluid Day & Night with sea buckthorn, berry extract, broccoli seed oil, shea butter, quince extract and hyaluronic acid. Available at Bioart – Biomarket.

Paraben, gluten and dye free Lip Smacker.

Available at Heaven on Earth.

fashionably

green

More than just a cool colour, green is a state of mind, a conscious attitude towards the world.

• Accessorize, Ermou 42, 210 3317780 • Apivita store, Solonos 26, Kolonaki, 210 3640560 • Attica, CityLink Panepistimiou 9, 211 1802600, Kifissias Ave 37A, Maroussi, 211 1814000 • Bioart – Biomarket, Irakleiou Ave 408, Irakleio, 210 2827622 • Body Shop, P.Ioakim 5, Kolonaki, 210 7259166 • Chanel, Linea Piu, Sekeri 6, 210 3606125 • Edun by Ali Hewson, www.edun.com • Formafantasma, www.formafantasma.com • Green and Black’s, www.greenandblacks.com • Hafsteinn Jύliusson, www.hafsteinnjuliusson.com • Heaven on Earth, Levidou 16, Kifissia, 210 8081151 • Hondos Center, Merlin 6, Kolonaki, 210 3390284, Ag.Konstantinou 2 & Lazaraki 5, Glyfada 210 8945608 • L’Occitane, Solonos 25, Kolonaki, 210 3613882 • Orla Kiely, www2.orlakiely.com • Rizieri, www.yoox.com • Stella McCartney, www.stellamccartney.com

34 insider athens | March & April 2013

Craftica by Italian designers Formafantasma includes objects made of discarded leather and cork trees.

Toffee Green & Black’s Organic Milk Chocolate.

Body Shop Colour Crush Eyeshadow.

Available at Body Shop

Agora Karl Lagerfeld presented his Spring Couture Collection 2013 for Chanel in an eco-friendly environment.

Olivia Body Oil by Papoutsanis.

Available at Care Lab, Attica.

Apivita Wine Elixir anti-wrinkle face oil with grape and olive.

Available at Apivita store and pharmacies .

Monsoon Baroda Earring. Available at Accessorize.

Handmade Rizieri wedges use naturally dyed hides.

Fashionistas’favourite fair trade label Edun, founded by Ali Hewson and her husband Bono.

Orla Kiely People Tree Heart Button top.

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid.

Available at pharmacies.

Clipper Organic Detox Infusion with hibiscus, liquorice root, nettle & aloe vera. Available at Care Lab, Attica.

L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Mist. Available at L’Occitane store.

insider athens | March & April 2013 35

bluegr LIFE GALLERY athens

36 insider athens | March & April 2013

Spring at Life Gallery At Life Gallery, where the beauty of spring and the lengthening of the day is an experience to be celebrated even before the clocks move forward, enjoy a rejuvenating stay that not only revives your senses but reawakens it, after a long winter slumber.

The gentle change of weather, irises blossoming on the mountainside and nature bursting with its young green shoots, clear blue skies, a month bursting with traditions, rituals and customs, a period rich in tastes and flavours of a bountiful harvest and a season infused with the seasprinkled scent of the Mediterranean, spur our spirits to sunnier, more optimistic thoughts and whet our appetites for simple, wholesome food!

Marrying tradition with haute cuisine, Chef Lefteris Lazarou creates a special sarakosti menu for Koolife. Head to Ekali, over the two consecutive long weekends of Ash Monday and the National Holiday to savour a meal that captures the essence of the Lenten period, but converts the fast into a veritable feast.

Lazarou’s cuisine has had a long following in the city for over thirty years, with each creation upping the ante to the next level, teasing our pallettes to acquaint itself with a new texture and a totally different taste. At Koolife, Lazarou adds a few seasonal specialities to the menu, as a nod both to nature and to tradition. Savour the refined and utterly subliminal fresh sea bass carpaccio, try out Lazarou’s take on the humble dolmadakia (cabbage leaves stuffed with rice), couscous with beetroot (a vegetable that is trending at all gourmet restaurants this season) and sautéed red mullet, a Greek staple, treated with flair and respect by a master chef.

Koolife prides itself in sourcing its fresh produce from small farmers directly and its authentic Greek ingredients from the far corners of the country, encouraging guests to discover Greece differently, through a sensual experience. Enrol into Lazarou’s cooking lessons twice a week, to learn first-hand from the great culinary genius.

For more information, contact: The Life Gallery, 211 1067400

insider athens | March & April 2013 37

Travel

A getaway that combines luxury, tradition and nature

Take advantage of Costa Navarino’s special long weekend packages for Shrove Monday and March 25 to dive into local customs

A

cquaint yourself with the unique rituals and customs that precede Lent through a series of surprise events and fun programmes organized by The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino.

Learn about the history of Messinea with a trip to the picturesque church of the Holy Apostles in Kalamata, where the revolutionary flag was blessed and launched on 23 March 1821. Teach young cooks to prepare traditional lalangia and lagana over the Shrove Monday weekend, fly kites on the beach and light lanterns that scatter into the evening sky.

Enjoy the beauty of Messinean nature, in full bloom in spring. Take your pick of any of the outdoor activities that catch your fancy: guided biking and hiking tours, teeing off at the two signature golf courses, exploring the Navarino Natura Hall environment centre, working out at the WestinWorkout gym, indoor heated pool or just relaxing at the Anazoe Spa while younger family members enjoy free golf lessons at the Navarino Golf Academy.

Stay at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and savour the cuisine of its famed restaurants, from Flame that prides itself on exclusively using locally-grown fresh vegetables and farm products from the region, to the Kafeneio and Da Luigi restaurants.

Join in the philosophy walks and discuss contemporary issues in the light of the thoughts and writings of ancient Greek philosophers or enroll in traditional cooking lessons with housewives of Pylos as they share recipes passed down from generation to generation. Get an insight into the world of Peloponnesian wine and learn of grape varieties unique to Greece. Get a taste of the world’s finest extra virgin olive oil, in its native Messinia.

For special accommodation packages and reservations at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino for the weekend of Shrove Monday and March 25, including 3 nights, dinner at the restaurant and numerous activities over the weekend, visit:www.westincostanavarino.com

38 insider athens | March & April 2013

Special promotion

A mountain-home by the sea Looking for an idyllic country home that combines mountain vistas and pristine blue waters? Pelion, with its charming villages and terraced fruit orchards might be the answer.

A

t an altitude of 1550 metres, Pelion is known as the garden of Greece. On the west side, picturesque villages are set between shimmering olive groves while in the east, dense forests alternate with lush and carefully created terraced fruit groves. A labyrinth of waterways find their way through waterfalls and gorges to meet the sea in romantic little bays and sandy beaches. This idyllic landscape has been famous for centuries for its sweet herbs and is the ancient home of the mythical centaurs of old Greece. Pelion’s landscapes are ideal for visitors who want to explore its natural beauty on foot.

There are many old stone paths and interesting trails which connect the mountain villages with the tiny settlements at the seaside.

Many of these spots invite to dwell and to spend time to take in the views and smells and luscious atmosphere. It is also great for sports aficionados into skiing, snow-boarding, trekking, mountain biking and jeep excursions.

With its snow-covered mountain peaks and sapphire blue sea, Pelion comes alive as much in the winter as in the summer.

Pelion Villas for Sale The charming community of Agios Ioannis is located on the shores of northeastern Pelion, about 5 kms north of Mouresi and 8 kms from Tsagarada. It used to be part of Agios Dimitrios but it now is a resort in its own right. In early 20th century it started out as a little fishing hamlet but it soon evolved into favourite seaside resort of affluent Greeks on Pelion.

In the past decade or so Agios Ioannis has rapidly developed into quite a well organized resort with extremely good accommodation facilities and several quaint restaurants, traditional tavernas, animated cafeterias, bars and pubs, most of which are found along the promenade, on the other side of which lies a lovely shingle beach.

For those looking at investing in a second home, properties for sale include: 1. Three two storey villas, 130 m2 in 250 m2 of land each one.

2. Two two storey villas, 150 m2 in 500 m2 of land each one.

At Plaka Beach, Mouresi in Pelio.

Contact Details: Mihalis Koulas, Tel: +30 210 3818300, E-mail: neaktimatiki@drg.gr, Website: www.neaktimatiki.gr

insider athens | March & April 2013 39

Programming Highlights March

&

Sons of Anarchy 4

NEW SEASON

Don’t Trust the B**** in Apt. 23

NEW SEASON

PREMIERE: Sunday 17/3 @ 23:20

PREMIERE: Friday 22/3 @ 21:25 - Season 2

The action-packed hit TV series returns for its 4th season. An adrenalized drama that explores a notorious outlaw motorcycle club’s (MC) desire to protect its livelihood while ensuring that their simple town of Charming, California remains sheltered. The MC must confront threats from drug dealers, corporate developers, and overzealous law officers. Behind the MC’s familial lifestyle and legally thriving automotive shop is a ruthless and illegally thriving arms business. “Sons of Anarchy” was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Drama at the 2010 TCA Awards and Katey Sagal (“Married with Children”, “Futurama”) received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a TV series.

After the successful 1st season of “Don’t Trust the B* in Apt. 23”, it’s time to follow up on June (Dreama Walker), James (James Van Der Beek), Chloe (Krysten Ritter), and Mark (Eric Andre) as they embark on new adventures in the city that never sleeps. In the second season June finally leaves the coffee shop and gets a job on Wall Street. New romances will play an important role in both June and Chloe’s life, as they both take different paths than what they’re used to. James will continue his quest for fame. There will be parties, drama, adventure, comedy, and most of all friendship.

Criminal Minds 8

NEW SEASON

PREMIERE: Monday 25/3 @ 21.30 The BAU is back, and ready to take down some of the most notorious modern day criminal masterminds! “Criminal Minds” is a police procedural TV series that follows a team of profilers from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) based in Quantico, Virginia. The show differs from many procedural dramas in that its approach focuses on the psyche behind the perpetrators actions, rather than by delving into the crime itself. After the Season 7 departure of Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), the 8th season premiere will introduce fans to Alex Blake, a linguistics expert, and the newest BAU member, played by veteran actress Jeanne Tripplehorn (“Basic Instinct”, “The Firm”, “Waterworld”).

Homeland

ED IT…

IN CASE YOU MISS

PREMIERE: Saturday 30/3 @ 21.35 The critically acclaimed series that has shocked America as it depicts all their fears about the fall of their empire not because of enemies abroad but because of enemies within.

The show stands out in large part due to its stellar cast, featuring Claire Danes (“Romeo & Juliet”, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘My So-Called Life’), and Damian Lewis (‘Life’, ‘Band of Brothers’), both fresh off their recent Golden Globe success. Carrie Matheson (Danes) is a CIA agent. Sure of her instincts, she decided to illegally record Nicholas Brody’s house (Lewis) moment before he is welcomed by the Vice-President of the US as a hero. As the series develops, we see Nicholas lie about his experiences in Iraq, as he shares one story and we see another in the black and white flashbacks he has.

©TCFTD

The Hour 2

NEW SEASON

PREMIERE: Thursday 14/3 @ 21:50 Set in 1957, the show is based on a fictional BBC news program, and peers into the lives of a hard working news team, poised at changing the way people see the world in post-war Britain. Producer Bel Rowley (Romola Garai), reporter Freddie Lyon (Ben Whishaw) and head anchor Hector Madden (Dominic West) are the lead characters. Nominated for multiple Golden Globes, including ‘Best Miniseries or Television Film’ two years in a row, “The Hour” will take you on a fantastic journey.

Private Practice 6

ED IT…

IN CASE YOU MISS

PREMIERE: Wednesday 13/3 @ 21:50

©TCFTD

40 insider athens | March & April 2013

Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) and the doctors of “Private Practice” may have bid us farewell, but FOXlife is giving you another opportunity to watch the historic final 13 episode season. Showrunner and creator Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scandal”) has managed to tie up the storyline’s loose ends with a series of dramatic events, ending this wonderful journey, and giving us all lasting memories in a way that only she could accomplish.

NEW SERIES

PREMIERE: Saturday 13/4 @ 00:00

PREMIERE: Friday 12/4 @ 22:15

In a world where thought and faith are controlled, one man fights to set knowledge free. FOX unravels the secret history of Leonardo Da Vinci’s tantalizing life by revealing a portrait of a young man tortured by a gift of superhuman genius!

Watch as “Da Vinci’s Demons” take you on a breath-taking trip to beautiful Florence where the famous inventor finds himself in the midst of a storm that has been brewing for centuries. A conflict between truth and lies, religion and reason, past and future. Leonardo (Tom Riley) must take up the fight against foes who use history to suppress the truth.

Following the success of “The Walking Dead”, FOX will be premiering “Da Vinci’s Demons” only a couple of hours after the official US premiere!

Created and co-produced by Dan Fogelman, “The Neighbors” is a show set in New Jersey, revolving around a family that has relocated to a gated townhouse community called “Hidden Hills”. Upon their arrival, they discover that the entire community is populated by residents from another planet.

These aliens have adopted as their own the names of sport celebrities, receive nourishment through their eyes and mind by reading books rather than eating, and cry out green goo from their ears. Since the aliens have assumed human form, they can also revert to their original appearances by clapping their hands above their heads. They have been stuck on Earth for 10 years, still awaiting instructions to return home!

Last Man Standing 2

NEW SEASON

PREMIERE: Friday 12/4 @ 21:50

©BBC Worldwide

American Horror Story: Asylum

WATCH AGAIN

Monday 15/4 @ 00:00 American Horror Story fans rejoice! “American Horror Story: Asylum” explores the subversive modern horror genre with a completely new horror device, story, characters and title. There are no connections to the first season but significant allusions to the same dark madness that creator Ryan Murphy initially introduced us to last year. The story takes place in the 1960s, at a Catholic Church-run sanitarium in New England that’s governed by the Monsignor (Joseph Fiennes), Sister Jude (Jessica Lange) and the Doctor (James Cromwell). Because of the restrictive and punitive nature of that era, there are a host of characters in the asylum who have been committed as a result of habits and choices, which at the time were socially unacceptable: sexual practice and preference; interracial marriage; etc. Watch as the plot evolves in a way that will surely keep you on the edge of your seats!

The Simpsons 18

NEW SEASON

Despite its unlikely success, “Last Man Standing” was last year’s pleasant surprise. The show was a breath of fresh air as families once again could enjoy a wholesome comedy together. The second series follows Mike Baxter (Tim Allen), a director of marketing at an outdoor sporting goods store in Denver, Colorado, whose world is dominated by women - especially at home with his wife and three daughters, one of whom is a single mother. Nancy Travis is Mike’s wife Vanessa, whereas Molly Ephraim and Kaitlyn Dever star as Mandy and Eve Baxter, the family’s youngest daughters. When the show returns for the 2nd season, Amanda Fuller plays the eldest daughter and her son is now ready for kindergarten, thus complicating the dynamic between his mom and his grandfather.

Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh, Simple

l

Cooking & Trave

PREMIERE: Friday 12/4 @ 18:30 Donna Hay, acclaimed writer of a best-seller cooking book and a cooking genius, will be giving useful and easy tips to make the best out of your everyday cooking experience!

Back to back episodes every Friday.

Jamie’s Ministry of Food

l

Cooking & Trave

PREMIERE: Friday 11/4 @ 18:30 Get ready for a show that doesn’t hold back on creativity in the kitchen. Jamie Oliver is back with “Jamie’s Ministry of Food” and will be offering his insights on how to prepare a delicious yet easy-to-cook meal packed with nutritional value. vel

PREMIERE: Monday 1/4 & weekdays @ 19:50

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations 7 Cooking & Tra

The Simpsons, the first successful animated program in American prime time since the 1970s, is an animated sitcom about the antics of a dysfunctional suburban family. Homer is the oafish unhealthy beer loving father, Marge is the hardworking homemaker wife, Bart is the ten year old underachiever (and proud of it), Lisa is the unappreciated eight year old genius, and Maggie is the cute, pacifier loving silent infant. The 18th season’s episodes enjoy guest appearances by the likes of Metallica, Natalie Portman, Meg Ryan and Cristiano Ronaldo!

PREMIERE: Monday 8/4 @ 18:30

&

The Neighbors

Programming Highlights April

NEW SERIES

Da Vinci’s Demons

Anthony Bourdain, one of the world’s leading chefs and connoisseurs will be our guide on “No Reservations 7”. Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Greece are just a few of the places he will be visiting in order to discover new flavors and new recipes from local cuisines much to our delight! Watch Anthony drink raki as he joins a group of hunters from Crete and then continues his quest for new flavors to other places like the famous El Bulli restaurant in Spain!

insider athens | March & April 2013 41

Essie Spring Collection Avenue Maintain nail lacquer

• Attica, CityLink Panepistimiou 9, 211 1802600, Kifissias Ave 37A, Maroussi, 211 1814000 • Hondos Center, Omonia Square 4, 210 5282800, Pentelis Ave 4, Halandri, 210 6851166-7 • M.A.C, Ermou 44 & Evangelistrias, 210 3258260 • Notosgalleries, Stadiou & Aiolou, 210 3245811 • Sephora, Ermou 24, 210 3313167, A. Metaxa 33-35, Glyfada, 210 8943378

Kanebo Sensai Shidenkai volumising shampoo. Available exclusively at Notosgalleries

’

B eau t y bag

M.A.C Archie’s Girls pearl matte face powder Flatter Me. Available at M.A.C stores and Attica

Insider’s pick of fresh makeup trends and intoxicating perfumes this spring.

Just Cavalli Her Eau de Toilette,

by Roberto Cavalli

StriVectin -TL Tightening Body Cream.

Available at Sephora Maybelline New York Volum’ Express The Falsies Feathers mascara

42 insider athens | March & April 2013

YSL Manifesto Eau de Parfum

Beauty Pantene Pro - V Repair & Protect 2 Minutes Intensive Repair Masque

Garnier BB eyes roll on

Marc Jacobs Daisy Sunshine Edition EDT 50 ml

Clinique Chubby stick intense moisturizing lip color balm Sephora Colorful Shimmer Effect No 83 Mango Shake.

Available at Sephora Clarins Rouge Eclat lipstick

Estee Lauder Pure Color Shadow Paints Korres Wild Rose Foundation.

Available at pharmacies and drug stores

insider athens | March & April 2013 43

Wellness

Yoga power A new yoga studio in the southern suburbs promises a release from urban stress

S

ofia Markou, who first started doing yoga in 2005, wanted to create a space that was unique: A “gift” for people who wanted to find a place that felt like home that allowed their mind and bodies to relax, without the hassles of daily chores and the demands of a tough urban existence. In the winter of 2012, her dreams came true and the Urban Yoga Center opened its doors to aspiring yoga students in Voula. In a serene, warm and airy setting, four internationally certified yoga instructors use their knowledge and experience to teach this ancient Indian science.

The Urban Yoga Center offers a wide selection of yoga group lessons, aerial yoga classes, yoga for kids, massage therapies, private instruction by appointment and special workshops and retreats. All classes vary, some involve more emphasis on pranayama, others are more physically challenging and dynamic, but as different in tone they may be, they all work!!

Says Markou, “Our main purpose is not just to help our students create a strong and healthy body, but also to guide people through an understanding of the technology and language of yoga on the mat, to educate them how to incorporate it into the rest of their life so that they can live life to its fullest potential.”

Taking a pause intentionally from the ongoing demands of life to bring the attention inward is the best way of rediscovering one’s authentic nature and creating a positive change in one’s life.

“We encourage people to see value in taking time for themselves to clear the mind and deepen their awareness so that they can discover all the inner resources they have for renewal, self-healing and consequently reduce pain and discomfort, improve posture and ultimately acquire a healthy and long life,” Markou explains.

So if you feel burnt out, have chronic fatigue with constant mood changes and a weakened body, it’s time to start your regular yoga practice and let the teachers at the Urban Yoga Center guide you to an alternative treatment for your body and soul! *Urban Yoga Center organises a relaxing and empowering retreat in wonderful Mani from March 23-25. For details and reservations please contact Urban Yoga Center as the number of places are limited.

Leukados 10, Voula, 3rd Floor, Tel: 2130253946, 6977040841 info@urbanyoga.gr, www.urbanyoga.gr

44 insider athens | March & April 2013

BIOMARKET Visit our new shop and discover a huge variety of organic products from Greek producers and the most reliable foreign brands: Fresh organic meat Dairy products, traditional cheese products and protected designation of origin products Cold meat Fresh fruits and vegetables Pasta – Rice – Legumes Pastries Herbs and Spices Gluten free products Bee products Snacks Delicatessen Breadstuffs and Confectionery products Nuts – Dried fruits Fruit juices – Coffee – Beverages Spreads – Muesli – Breakfast Baby food Dietary supplements Ecological laundry detergents Natural cosmetics and beauty products Essential oils – Aromatherapy

Try the best products at reasonable prices

Now in our new facilities: 408 Irakleiou Avenue, Neo Irakleio, Athens(ex Prasino shop) Tel: +30 2102827622 Fax: +30 2102827922 e-mail: info@bioart.gr, www.bioart.gr

Restaurant review

Temple of Fine Dining Varoulko, Chef Lefteris Lazarou’s ode to seafood continues to raise the bar. Lazarou manages to produce a succession of visually stunning, technically astute dishes that reveal a complex spectrum of tastes within a single ingredient. Sudha Nair-Iliades reviews.

L

efteris Lazarou’s avuncular face breaks into a broad grin as he greets regulars at his restaurant.

Humble, to the point of being faulted, Lazarou has been almost single-handedly responsible in awakening dormant culinary aspirations in Greece. A pioneer, Lazarou has trained and employed some of the more promising young Greek chefs and his lasting presence in the Greek culinary scene has had an enormous impact on promoting Greek cuisine abroad and in paving an easier path for the culinary renaissance of Greek gastronomy.

After thirty years in the business, one would have expected Lazarou to hang his apron and let his reputation do the talking. Instead, Lazarou has never been busier – mainly because he loves doing what he does.

The night we dined at Varoulko, Lazarou had just been back from Nafplio, having demonstrated the art of fine cuisine to a group of senior executives from a pharmaceutical company – that, of course, in addition to his regular TV shows, cooking workshops and managing his other restaurant Kool Life at The Life Gallery.

From its original location on a side street in Piraeus, the port-city that Lazarou holds so dear, to its premises on the gentrified Pireos street, Varoulko has continued to enthrall with the anarchic pleasure of unexpected flavours for three decades.

Given the celebrity chef’s reputation, the menu at Varoulko was entirely lacking in ego, with no gimmicks,

46 insider athens | March & April 2013

just a succession of visually stunning, technically astute dishes. The starters revealed a teasing preview of the themes in the dishes to follow and unlocked a complex spectrum of tastes within a single ingredient. An inventive starter of traditional kayiana cream (egg with tomato) with Messolonghi roe served in an eggshell was sheer poetry. Equally memorable was a succulently poached grouper beautifully offset by a crispy, caramelized bread crust and a swish of peas, smoked eggplant and tomato puree – the sensuality of contrasting textures, an absolute perfection. For dessert, we opted for the playful cigar made of crunchy chocolate pearls, served in an edible ashtray. Every mouthful of the cigar was to be accompanied by an effervescent mango drink that practically burst into flavor the minute it hit the tastebuds – a terrific end to a fabulous dining experience.

On a damp, wet, wintry evening, the meal was uplifting and life-affirming. Imagine the same meal under the stars, with a view of the Acropolis on Varoulko’s terrace that seats upto 90 in May. Even though a bit on the pricier side, here is an experience you should absolutely indulge in while in the city. It wasn’t the first meal I had had at Varoulko, yet, it seemed like a completely different gastronomic experience. A testament that Lazarou has managed to keep his menu fresh and his guests guessing.

Varoulko, Pireos 80, Tel: 210.522.8400, www.varoulko.gr

Restaurant review

For seafood affishionados The best value-for-money seafood restaurant in the city, Milos offers a sole-satisfying experience to those who come here for more than just the love of Cod.

R

ated as one of Canada’s best known exports along with Celine Dion, Costas Spiliadis’ Milos restaurant, set up over three decades ago in Montreal, was reputed to be the place one ate the best Greek food, even better than back home. With satellite restaurants in New York, Athens, Las Vegas and Miami, Spiliadis has not only managed to keep his global empire going strong, but even more remarkably has maintained exigently high standards at each one of them.

All Milos restaurants have two signature themes in common. The flooring is gleaming white marble and the catch of the day (from sea bream, to hake, scorpion fish, gurnard and grey mullet – yes, there are other fish in the sea than tuna and salmon!)) to seasonal vegetables and local produce are on public display at all of them. When Milos opened at the Athens Hilton in 2004, most patrons had already dined at one of its counterparts in New York or Montreal. Over the years, Athens Insider has reviewed Milos several times and it has consistently come up a top contender in several categories: Best value-formoney lunch in town, top seafood restaurant in the city, fine Greek dining. Plus it is unbeatable in terms of people-watching. Politicians (those who can still be seen in public), diplomats, cultural big-wigs, media barons (what’s left of them, anyways) all flock to Milos to dine on grilled fish, paperthin eggplant and zucchini crisps piled around a dollop of unctuous tzatziki and honey-drizzled loukoumades (sadly, no longer on the lunch menu!).

With the crisis, Spiliades, like most restaurateurs who had to cope with lower disposable incomes and higher taxes, made the intelligent

move of matching the price of the lunch menu to the year. So the basic lunch menu at Milos cost 20.12 euros (excl. taxes) in 2012! Chef Pericles Koskinas offers a delectable choice of sea bass carpaccio, Epirusinspired salad or a traditional lentil soup with smoked herring for starters, creamy-textured, grilled fish, moist and enhanced with thyme and lemon or organic egg with, staka and siglino (cured meat from the Peloponnese) for mains and Mouchalebi, chilled wheat cream with icing sugar and cinnamon cream for dessert. This is an establishment that gets the ‘local-qualitative-affordable’ formula just right. While Milos is THE choice for business lunches, it is a great venue for nights out too. If you like drama, opt for Kakavia from Kithira, oven baked in sea salt crust from the a la carte menu or opt for the extremely reasonably priced dinner menu at 45 euros (incl. a glass of wine).

It is easy to recommend Milos as it certainly serves far superior fare than most of the overly-priced sea-food tavernas on the water and if that wasn’t good enough, the service here (the bugbear of most Athenian restaurants) borders on pampered. Attention to details from fresh herbs being clipped to scent the olive oil for just-grilled bread to greeting regulars by name is such a welcome departure that one is tempted to go back for more.

A good bet anytime, but even more so during the Lenten period, here is a restaurant that lets you earn brownie points for observing a fast while enjoying haute cuisine!

Milos, Vas. Sofias 46, Tel.: 210.7244.400

insider athens | March & April 2013 47

2

organic restaurants

that offer wholesome cuisines with a touch of panache

Nice n Easy

Pure Bliss

A cozy space split into two levels with an accent on cinema, Nice n Easy is decorated with black and white photos of actors. On a pedestrian street in Kolonaki, Nice n Easy is an “ode to Frank Sinatra,” says Dimitris Christoforidis, the creator, who brought “the experience of restaurants he ran in Los Angeles with him in a suitcase.” He adds with a hint of pride, “The legendary Sinatra was one of my first clients in L.A.” Christos Athanasiadis, his partner and chef, shares Christoforidis’ passion for organic products and has created a menu rich in flavour and aroma. The underlying philosophy is based on fresh natural ingredients and environment-friendly products. From an Oscar-winning choice of actors and directors who have inspired the dishes here, take your pick from a Marlon Brando burger, a Mastrogianni gluten-free fusilli with rocket, pine nuts, pecorino and cherry tomatos, the Bruce Willis spring roll or a Costas Gavras mixed green salad. Nice n Easy also offers breakfast menus and has a separate sushi menu for those inclined to stay light and fishy.

An alternative restaurant that doubles up as an exhibition space, book corner and venue for eclectic wellness events, Pure Bliss offers moments of just that in Athens’ city centre. At Pure Bliss, almost all products are wholly or partially organic and the accent is on fair trade products and ingredients sourced from small producers. The menu includes a wide variety of coffees, teas, infusions and energizing juices, fresh salads, pastas (try the interesting spaghetti flavoured with masticha), home-made pies and other deliciously healthy dishes. An inviting space, strewn with colourful pillows, art objects and walls painted in brilliant hues, at Pure Bliss you have a choice of sitting on low poufs or at a very large, communal table where you share the experience with friends and complete strangers. For those in the mood for a mental work-out, options include books and toys while those who’d like to hone their yoga and pilates skills or talents with a paintbrush, Pure Bliss hosts regular yoga seminars and art workshops. Organic products from local and international producers are also available for sale. Look out for Sunday brunch special and themed weekends inspired by flavours of the world.

Omirou 60 & Skoufa, Kolonaki. Tel: 210 3617201

Romvis 24, Athens. Tel: 210 3250362

48 insider athens | March & April 2013

2

Dining in Athens

restaurants

that break the ‘veggies are boring’ myth

ImproV Vegan Craft Beerstaurant

Avocado

At ImproV, the emphasis is on vegan cuisine. Located in the heart of Gazi, in a relaxed pub style atmosphere, Dimitra and Sean Shanahan, the couple behind Improv, present traditionally meat-based Greek dishes with an innovative vegan twist. So you can savour vegan versions of souvlaki with seitan gyro, keftedes (meatballs) made of pinto beans, a large variety of veggie burgers, ‘mageirefta’ dishes such as giouvetsi with pleurotus mushrooms and a whole lot of other creative vegan options. ImproV offers a wide selection of 100% plant-based and protein- and vitamin-rich starters, salads, main courses, daily specials, sandwiches and delicious desserts also ideal for those on a special gluten-free diet or raw diet. Improv supports local food growers and pride themselves in the “extensive & revolving range of hand craft-ed beers from the best rated microbreweries in the world, all meticulously chosen, well cared for and properly served so people can understand what ‘true’ beer tastes like”. Check the selection of Greek organic wines, sodas and spirits, smoothies and shakes. A healthy hang-out.

A healthy, compassionate and peaceful sanctuary in the middle of downtown Athens, Avocoado is the brainchild of Eraj Shakib who moved to Athens from San Francisico a decade ago. The décor is easy on the eye with a soothing apple-green hue on the walls that immediately take you to a calmer place than you were before you walked in. The staff seems to share the same holistic philosophy that pervades this cosy space. And the menu is a real revelation. For all those who associate vegetarian cuisine with ‘boring’- complete with visual images of steamed broccoli and Brussels sprouts being thrust down reluctant throats as kids – here is a restaurant determined to destroy that much-maligned myth. Vegetarian meals are fun, incredibly tasty, rich in protein and diverse. The dishes contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives and the options are infinite from entrees, pizzas, super-food juices, organic wines as well as handmade breads and desserts. Insider recommends Om Shanti coconut-milk curry with rice, Ginger passion juice and the sugarfree Apple tart called Hug-a-tree!

Iakhou 8 & Evmolpidon, Gazi. Tel: 213 0240875

Nikis 30, Syntagma. Tel: 210 3237878

insider athens | March & April 2013 49

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

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

ARGENTINEAN ORO TORO Vouliagmeni

ASIAN Far East Glyfada Golden Phoenix Halandri NUI, Kifissia Wagamama Maroussi

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

FISH RESTAURANTS Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus ITHAKI Vouliagmeni JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia Kollias Syngrou LA PECHE Glyfada MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni PAPADAKIS Kolonaki PLOUS PODILATOU Piraeus Psaroma Halandri THALATTA Gazi TO 25ARAKI, Glyfada VAROULKO Kerameikos ZEFYROS Piraeus

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

FRENCH L’ABREUVOIR Kolonaki LE PETIT SOMMELIER Faliro MONO RESTAURANT, Plaka SPONDI Pangrati TARTARE Glyfada VARDIS Kifissia

GOURMET AVENUE Syngrou Bo Botrini’s Halandri KUZINA Thissio Eclipse Kolonaki Fuga Mavili Square Funky Gourmet Kerameikos

HYTRA, Syngrou KOOL LIFE, Kifissia P-Box Kolonaki Polly Magoo Metaxurgeio PremiEre Syngrou

GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka ATHIRI Kerameikos Berdema Kifissia CUCINA POVERA Pangrati DAKOS Kolonaki DIPORTO Psyrri ELAIS GI, Kifissia ELIAS KOUKOUTSI, Voula EDODI Acropolis FASOLI Exarhia IDEAL Omonia KARAVITIS Pangrati KAVOURAS Exarhia MANI MANI Acropolis MELILOTOS, Monastiraki PLATANOS Plaka PSOMI & ALATI, Halandri RAKOKAZANO, Halandri PROSOPA Gazi TO KOUTI Monastiraki YANTES Exarhia YDRIA Plaka

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

INDIAN Indian Kitchen Syntagma Indian Masala Thissio ISKANDAR Alimos JAIPUR PALACE, Kifissia KOHENOOR, Gazi

INTERNATIONAL Ache Glyfada Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis Kifissia

ITALIAN 30 SOMETHING, Halandri AGLIO OLIO Acropolis ACQUA AZZURA Kifissia AL BACIO Vouliagmeni AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni AL MILANESE Kolonaki ALTRO Kolonaki BOSCHETTO Kolonaki CANTUCCIO Psyrri DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi DVLCIS IN FVNDO Voula GENOVESE Voula LA CASA DI GIORGINO Gyfada IL SEGRETO Voula Il Tinello Faliro IL TRAMONTO, Vouliagmeni MAGIAMO BY MEAT SQUARE, Kifissia Mauzac Maroussi Matilde Pizza Bar Gazi Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Pausa Maroussi

Piazza Mela Kifissia, di Antonio Halandri SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki TONY BONANO Piraeus VEZENE, Hilton VINCENZO Glyfada

JAPANESE DOSIRAK Syntagma FAR EAST Syntagma FREUD ORIENTAL Kolonaki FURIN KAZAN Syntagma GOLDEN PHOENIX Kifissia INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni NOODLE BAR Syntagma SHOGUN Kifissia Square Sushi Kolonaki

LEBANESE BEIRUT Glyfada NARA NARA Psyrri NARGILE Kifissia

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

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

MEZEDES AND OUZO ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio

OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka

MULTI ETHNIC Altamira Kolonaki

PERSIAN ANAHITA, Halandri

POLYNESIAN KONA KAI Syngrou

PUB RESTAURANTS BAYERN BIERHAUS MICROBREWERY Glyfada MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada

RETRO Aneton Maroussi

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 Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissia KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki KILIZA Glyfada NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni SIGALAS-BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki Tike Kifissia

SCANDINAVIAN SAFKA, Kerameikos

SPANISH JAMON PINTXOS BAR, Glyfada PUERTA DE ESPANA Pangrati SALERO Exarhia

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

THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia

VEGETARIAN Avocado Syntagma

WINE BARS FABRICA DE VINO, Exarhia HETEROCLITO, Syntagma L’Enoteca Halandri Whispers of wine Maroussi

insider athens | March & April 2013 51

Insider guide Gifts Greece is for Lovers

Aglio Olio & Peperonicino

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

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

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

EAT Fabrica de Vino Em. Benaki 3, Tel : 210.321.4148 85 wine etiquetes and mini mezzes in an industrial environment

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

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

Prosopa

Yantes

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

Asimenia Bakery

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

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

Yesterday's Bread

Mani Mani

Kitrino Podilato

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

Kavouras

Thalatta

DRINK

DRINK

Circus Bar

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

EAT Butcher’s Shop Persefonis 19, Tel: 210.341.3440 Traditional psistaria serving grilled meat dishes

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

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

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

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

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

52 insider athens | March & April 2013

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

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

Gazi

EAT

Salero

Skoufias

Exarhia

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

Central Athens

Matilde Pizza Bar Konstantinoupoleos 44, Tel: 210 3411878 Authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting

Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilton

SHOP

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 1 Michelin star

Central Athens

Varoulko

Marie Chantal Boutique

DKNY

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

Guaranteed value for money

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

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

Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear

Safka

Mouyer

Megalou Alexandrou 80-82, Tel: 210 524 3340 Scandinavian cuisine

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

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

Milos Garden

Vezene Vrasida 11, Tel: 210723002 Modern bistrot serving seafood & cured beef

Vlassis

Kolonaki

Milos

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

DRINK

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

Beauty &

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

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

Cosmetics

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

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

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

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

Hugo Boss

Apivita

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

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

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

Children

Galaxy Bar

Elina Lebessi

Bambineria Kanari 5, Tel: 210.339.2597 Designer togs for tots

Frattina

CHILL Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club Hilton, Vas. Sofias 46, Tel: 210.728.1801 Indoor and outdoor pools

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

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

Olive Tree Spa

Bespoke Athens

Kerameikos

Chatzigiani Mexi 4, Tel: 210.724.4425

Carouzos

EAT 1 Michelin star

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

Funky Gourmet

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

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

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

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

Awarded Toque

Aleria d’Or in 2013 Meg. Alexandrou 57, Tel: 210.522.2633 Adventurous Greek cuisine in a cosy setting

Dior Boutique Aleria

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

insider athens | March & April 2013 53

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Lacoste

Rere Papa

Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul & Shark Anagnostopoulou 6, Tel: 210.339.2334 Casual yachting styles

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

Vlassis Holevas Anagnostopoulou 19 Tel: 210.361.6167 Elegant fashion with a contemporary twist

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

Gifts Eclipse

Benaki Museum Gift Shop

Preview Patriarchou Ioakim 19 Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes

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

Liana Vourakis Pindarou 42, Tel. 2103617705

54 insider athens | March & April 2013

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

La Fenetre

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

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

Fresh

Parousiasi

Restaurants

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

Jewellery Apriati

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

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

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

Altro

Elena Votsi

Boschetto

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

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

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

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

Oxette Skoufa 37, Tel: 210.339.0547 Trendy, affordable jewellery

Ozzi Skoufa 30, Tel: 210.364.2139 Greek silver fashion jewellery

Van Cleef & Arpels Voucourestiou 1, Tel: 210.331.0319 The jeweller of the international jetset

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

Cinco Skoufa 52, Tel: 210.364.360 Stylish, lively tapas bar with great cocktails

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

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

Freud Oriental Xenokratous 21, Tel: 210.729.9595 Sushi in a cool setting

Central Athens

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

TGI Friday’s

Skoufaki

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

Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq.

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

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

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

For Creative Cuisine

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

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

www.lachocolatiere.gr

Peros

Inbi Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion

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

Jackson Hall

Tea

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

To Tsai

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

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

by Theodore Zoumboulakis

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

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

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

Scala Vinoteca Xenokratous 51, Tel: 210.722.9106 Fine French cuisine

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

Le Grand Balcon

Showroom

L'Abreuvoir

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Central

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

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

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

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

Mavili Sq

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

Kalamaki Kolonaki

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

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

Briki Dorileou 6, Mavili sq.

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

Flower Dorileou 2, Mavili sq.

Tel: 210.643.2111, Fun, funky and affordable watering hole

20% Off! Cut this coupon & avail

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

insider athens | March & April 2013 55

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Central Athens Taf

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

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

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

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

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

Fuga

Melilotos

EAT

Tamarind

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

To Parko Eleftherias

Metaxurgeio

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

Monastiraki

Fuga

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

SHOP

Archeon Gefsis Kodratou 22, Tel: 210.523.9661 Ancient Greek cuisine makes a unique comeback after 25 centuries

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

New hot spot for the trendy

Savvas

Antiques

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

Darousos

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

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

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

Food & Wine Arapian

EAT

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

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

Souvlaki Bar Adrianou 7 & Thisiou 15, Tel: 210 5150550

Thanassis

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

56 insider athens | March & April 2013

Athinaikon

Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

SHOP BEAUTY & COSMETICS Korres Ivikou 8 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.722.2774 Natural Greek products made using Mediterranean herbs

DRINK LIVE BARS Half Note Jazz Club Trivonianou 17, Tel: 210.921.3310 A jazz club with great history, hosting important names from the international music scene.

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

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

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

EAT

Panepistimiou 46, Tel: 210.330.3000 Greek classics in oldworld decor

To Kouti

Bahar

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

Ideal Restaurant

EAT

DRINK

Miran

EAT

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

Evripidou 41, Tel: 210.321.7238 Old-style butcher shop offers interesting sausages, pasturma & smoked meats Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven

Pangrati Omonia

Brachera

360 Cocktail Bar

new

Ifestou 2, Tel: 21.321.0006

A for Athens

Loukoumi Bar Plateia Avissinias 3, An all day hang-out with good music, cool atmosphere and great views

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

Cucina Povera

Fatsio Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip

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

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

Spondi

2 Michelin star s

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

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

Central Athens

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

Fashion Christoforos Kotentos Sachtouri 3, Tel: 210.325.5434 Glamorous & unique designs

Home Notoshome

Food & wine Mesogaia Nikis 52, Tel: 210.322.9146 Packaged & fresh speciality foods

Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home décor superstore

EAT

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

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

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

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

new

Venizelou Paleologou 4, Tel: 210.322.6711 Unpretentious gourmet cuisine by Olivier Campanha

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

Ydria Adrianou 68 & Eolou Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

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

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

Cellier Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop

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

MAC

Gadgets

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

Public

Diporto

Books

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

Eleftheroudakis

Gostijo

Kauffman

Aisopou 10 street, Tel: 210 32 33 825 Kosher menu and mediterranean “repertoire”

Kouzina Cine-Psirri Sari 44, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music

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

Ochre & Brown Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Cantina Social

Try the Polish beers

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

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

SHOP

Beauty & Cosmetics

Cantuccio

Gifts

Mono Resturant

SHOP

Syntagma

SHOP

Psyrri

Plaka

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

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

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

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

Gifts

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

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

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

Graf Von Faber-Castell Boutique

Department Stores

Kori

Panepistimiou 41, Tel: 210.321.8564 Traditional hand-held writing utensils Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery

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

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

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

Home

Stock House & Travel

Baccarat

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

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

Fashion - Men’s

Jewellery

Pagoni

Apriati

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

Flowers

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

Dromoloulouda

Bulgari

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

Food & Wine

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

Cartier

Aristokratikon Karageorgi Servas 9, Tel: 210.322.0546 Handmade chocolates

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

insider athens | March & April 2013 57

Insider guide Gofas

Vassilis Zoulias Old Athens

Paul

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

Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

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

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

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

Zolotas

Chopard 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

EAT Avocado

Cellier Le Bistrot

Boutique

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

Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot

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

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

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

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

Indian Kitchen

Eat

New: Funky Gourmet Restaurant, Michelin star restaurant, Paramithias 13 & Salaminos, Keramikos Classic: GB Corner, Greek Brasserie (www.gbcorner.gr) Undeniably the most famous “corner” of Athens,GB Corner is a favorite setting for the capital’s most stylish set.

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

58 insider athens | March & April 2013

Mitropoleos 12-14, Tel: 210.324.7607 Savoury Greek cuisine, perfectly combining modern & traditional elements

DRINK

Furin Kazan

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

Tzitzikas and Mermigas

Nikis 30, Tel: 210 3237878 Vegetarian restaurant

Shoes

Club

Central Athens

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210 3237720

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

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

Noodle Bar 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

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

new

Heteroclito

Fokionos 2, Tel: 210.323.9406 A true wine destination with focus on Greek vineyards

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

Frequent wine

Oinoscent

Voulis 44A Syntagma. tastings Tel: 210.322.9374 Trendy winebar

T Palace King George Palace Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.322.2210 Great 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 Avenue Metropolitan Hotel, Syngrou Ave 385, Tel: 210.947.100 French bistrot inspired by Michel Roux

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Michelin star chef

Onassis Cultural Center Syngrou Ave 107-109, Tel: 2177071118, 2103316767 Creative gourmet Greek cuisine by Nikos Karathanos with stunning views

Kollias

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

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

Kona Kai

Jimmy and The Fish

Kitchen Bar

Food & Wine

Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084. Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada

Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

All about Whisky

Kollias

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

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

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

Tony Bonano

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

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

Café Zoe

Vassilenas

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

Etolikou 72 & Vitolion Tel: 210.461.2457 Friendly food and atmosphere

Zefyros

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

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

Thissio

Première

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

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

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

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

Le Petit Sommelier

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

Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

EAT Amigos

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

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

Zythos

Bayern Bierhaus Microbrewery

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

Chr. Nezer 19, Tel: 210.894.4439 Authentic German cuisine

SHOP

Beirut Saki Karayiorya 13,

Fashion

Tel: 210.894.3169

Enny di Monaco

Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

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

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

Obervatory Attitudes

Ag. Ioannou 13, Glyfada.

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

DRINK

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

Istioploikos

Jewellery

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

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

Provence

DRINK

Glyfada

Hytra

Southern & Northern Athens

ZerTeo Metaxa 24-26, Tel: 210.894.6682 Unique jewellery designs

Cook Lobby

Jamon Pintxos Bar

new

Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 2108946089 Basque “pinchos” in a cozy, cheerful atmosphere

To 25araki M. Botsari 8, Tel: 210.894.4112 Fresh seafood at reasonable prices

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

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

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

Faliro

Piraeus

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

Iskandar

Amphitheas 6 & Poseidonos, Tel: 210.988.6474 Authentic Indian cuisine

insider athens | March & April 2013 59

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Far East

Nest Café Bar

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

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

Kiliza

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

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

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

Seiza

Voula

Konstantinopoleos 13 Tel: 210.894.4648 Delicious kebabs & decadent deserts

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

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

DRINK

Southern & Northern Athens

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

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

Elias Koukoutsi

Baku, The Margi

Ithaki

Mythos of the Sea

Apollonos 28,

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

Live music Tel: 210.896.3747 Vasileos Pavlou 99,Thur sday-Saturday Beautiful sea view, fresh seafood & Tel: 210.899.5480 A modern “rakadiko” serving Greek dishes. Live music Thursday - Saturday

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

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

great service

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

Psaraki

Maistrali

Schara

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

Matsuhisa Athens

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

Balux Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

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

Il Τramonto

Liberty Fivis 17, Tel : 210.894.3856 A 20’s themed bar with excellent cocktail list

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

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

Vouliagmeni

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

60 insider athens | March & April 2013

EAT Baku

new

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

Al Bacio

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

Il Tramonto Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.8901794 Creative Italian cuisine with mind-blowing views of the Saronic Gluf

Nobu

Matsuhisa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000

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

Almyra Filikis Eterias 39, Tel: 210.681.9109 Refined seafood and magical summer garden

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

Kitchen Bar

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

NORTHERN ATHENS EAT

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

Saipan

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

Nanninela

Argyropoulou 8, Tel: 210.801.6533 Decadent handmade chocolates

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

Leof. Pendelis 85, Tel: 210.682.5017 Asian cuisine and sushi bar in luxury environment

Arion Spa

Aristokratikon

Bo Botrini’s

Golden Phoenix

CHILL

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

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

Bo Botrini’s

Varsos

Common Secret

Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

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

EAT Acqua Azzurra Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Phoenix

Peloponnissou 13 Tel: 210.600.5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor

Psaroma

Olio by Portofino

Psomi & Alati

Ag. Ioannou 63, Tel: 210.639.1666, Mediterranean flavours in a chic interior

Rakokazano

Ichthyes

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

Jaipur Palace

EAT 30 something

new

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

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

Sokratous 23, Tel: 210 683 9348 Imaginative parade of seafood and fresh fish Eleftherioton Sq 8, Tel.: 210.684.8178 Gastronomic paradise serving Greek dishes with a modern twist

Kifissia

Halandri Ag.Paraskevi

Food & Wine

Apsendi

En Plo

Southern & Northern Athens

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

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

Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissias 289, Tel: 210.801.1093 Delicious salads, appetizers, souvlakia & grilled platters Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

Fashion

Kifissias 222, Tel: 210.808.8318 Indian cuisine and fine wines

21 Kifissia

Kastelorizo

SHOP

Kifissias 265, Tel: 210.801.3594 Extreme sport paraphernelia

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

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

Kool Life Bo Botrini’s

Life Gallery, Thiseos 103, Tel: 211.106.7400 Lefteris Lazarou's cuisine in a cool restautant cum deli

insider athens | March & April 2013 61

Insider guide Shop, Eat, Drink & Chill!

Northern Athens

Mangiamo by Meat Square

Salumaio di Atene

Divine

Aneton

Ave. 5, Drossia. Tel: 210.800.4700 Open from Mondays to Friday from 3 pm to midnight and on weekends from 1pm to midnight

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

Kifissias 239, Tel: 201.801.0810 Chic lounge serving classic concoctions

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

Menta Café

El Taco Bueno

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

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

Nui Gortinias 11, Tel: 210.801.3553 Gourmet mutli-Asian restaurant

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chateau Ag. Dimitriou 9, Tel : 210.801.5830 The cool sets preferred bar with baroque décor and refined cuisine

Mauzac

62 insider athens | March & April 2013

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

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

Maroussi

Meat Me

Semiramis Restaurant

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

The Mall Athens

Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

EAT

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

Mauzac Alamanas 1, Tel: 210.619.9902 Clean lines and a beautiful garden make this café, 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

Altamira

Whispers of wine

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

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 6, 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 | March & April 2013 63

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

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

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

Crowne plaza

Holiday Inn Attica Avenue

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

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

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

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 NOVOTEL

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

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

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

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Tel: 210.720.7000

64 insider athens | March & April 2013

Royal Olympic

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

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

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: 210.741.6000 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

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

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 PERISCOPE HOTEL

CORAL HOTEL

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

Santorini MYSTIQUE SANTORINI

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

Tel: 210.623.3622-6 THE MARGI

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 210.524.8511-6.

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

Part of YES! Hotels. Haritos 22, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.729.7200, www.periscope.gr

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

Philippos

VEDEMA, SANTORINI

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

amarilia hotel

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

SYROS VILLA SELENA

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

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

Tel. 210 8990391, www.amarilia.gr

Would you like TO see your hotel LISTED here?

CONTACT US at: info@insider-magazine.gr

A luxurious five-star boutique hotel with suitably equipped rooms and suites to ensure a comfortable stay. The spacious terrace with a panoramic view is ideal for breakfast or drinks Tel. 22810 86007, www.villaselena.eu

insider athens | March & April 2013 65

AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For Rent: Summer Cottages in Southern Peloponnese Two summer cottages, totally equipped, situated in a large olive grove leading up to a magnificent sandy beach.

Large enough to accommodate two families.

Contact Information: email: info@spark.gr or call: 6945778389

66 insider athens | March & April 2013

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

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

Embassies Cultural Institutes

Business services

useful information

French Institute Sina 31, 10680 Athens Tel: 210 339 8600 Hellenic American Union Massalias 22, 10680 Athens, Tel: 210 368 0900 British Council 17 Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210 369 2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens Tel: 210 3634117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens Tel: 210 3661000 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou Ave. 107-109, 117 45 Athens, Tel: 213 017 8000 Instituto Italiano di Cultura Patission [28 Oktovriou] 47 Tel: 210 369 2333, 210 524 2646 ALBANIA Vekiareli 7, Filothei, Tel: 210.687.6200 ALGERIA Vas. Constantinou 14 Tel: 210.756.4191-2 ARGENTINA Vas. Sophias 59. Tel: 210.724.4158 ARMENIA K. Palaiologou 95, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145 AUSTRALIA Kifisias & Alexandras, Tel: 210.870.4000 AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Avenue 4, Tel: 210.725.7270

AZERBAiJAN Skoufa 10.

Tel: 210.363.2721 BELGIUM Sekeri 3, Tel: 210.360.0314 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Hatzikosta 3. Tel: 210.641.0788 BRAZIL Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

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

Tel: 210.727.3400 CHILE Kifisias 317A Tel: 210.807.1020 CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.1212 CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.677.7033 CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei.

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

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

Tel: 210.747.5660 FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5.

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

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

Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25.

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

Tel: 210.674.1436 IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7.

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

Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychiko.

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

Tel: 210.698.4080 KUWAIT Perikleous 2, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.3593

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

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 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

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

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

English media

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Paediatric Hospitals

Newspapers The International Herald Tribune carries the English version of Kathimerini Athens Insider, the bi-monthly magazine for Greece

Radio Athens International Radio 104,4 Good Morning Athens at 10am, english programs at 11am, music programs on weekdays at 9pm, weekends at 1pm

Schools

Greek Language

SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Tel: 210.723.0364-6 TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57, Tel: 210.677.5122 Representative office THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 & Kyprou, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.9065 TUNISIA Antheon 2, P. Psychiko, Tel: 210.671.7590 TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Tel: 210.726.3000 UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei, Tel: 210.680.0230 UNITED KINGDOM Ploutarchou 1.

Tel: 210.727.2600 UNITED STATES Vas. Sofias 91.

Tel: 210.721.2951 URUGUAY Menandrou 1, Kifissia Tel: 210.361.3549 VATICAN Mavili 2, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.3598 VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.9169 VIETNAM Yakinthon 50, Psychiko. Tel. 210.612.8733, 210.675.3080.

Emergencies

LEBANON 6, 25th Martiou, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.675.5873 LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.674.2120 LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49.

Tel: 210.729.4356 LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38.

Tel. 210.729.4483 LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2.Tel: 210.725.6400 MALTA V. Sofias 96.Tel: 210.778.5138 MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14.

Tel: 210.729.4780 MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei.

Tel: 210.699.0660 MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.674.4210 NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7.

Tel: 210.725.4900 NIGERIA Dolianis 65, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.802.1188 NORWAY Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.724.6173 PAKISTAN Loukianou 6.

Tel: 210.729.0122 PALESTINE Giassemion 13, P. Psychiko. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3 PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus. Tel: 210.428.6441 PERU Semitelou 2. Tel: 210.779.2761 PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychiko.

Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.679.7700 PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23.

Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784 QATAR Rigillis 16A Tel: 210.725.5031 ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.8875 RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.672.5235 SAUDIA ARABIA Palaiologhou 2 & Agias Annis Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Tel: 210.777.4344 SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072 SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychiko. Tel: 210.677.1980 SLOVENIA Mavili 10, Tel: 210.672.0090-091 SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias 60, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.610.6645 SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Tel: 210.921.3123 SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Tel: 210.726.6100

Health

useful information

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 | March & April 2013 67

useful information

Public Power Corporation (DEI) In case of power failure: Tel: 210, 523 9939 www.dei.gr

Weather Attica, Tel: 148, www.hnms.gr

Water Supply & Sewage (EYDAP) In case of water cut: Tel: 1202, www.eydap.gr

Citizen’s Rights Ombudsman: 5 Hatziyiannis Mexis (near the Hilton Hotel), Tel: 210 72 89 640

Universities University of Indianapolis Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210 323 6647 DEREE Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi, Tel: 210 600 9800

ALBA Graduate Business School Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210 896 4531 American University of Athens Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel: 210 725 9301 Business College of Athens Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210 808 8008

International Kindergartens

International Schools

St Catherine's British Embassy School Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210 282 9750 St. Lawrence College Anemon St, Koropi Tel: 210 891 7000 American Community Schools of Athens Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri, Tel: 210 639 3200 Campion School Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini Tel: 210 607 1700 Byron College Filolaou 7, Gerakas Tel: 210 604 7722 International School of Athens Xenias and Artemidos, Kifissia, Tel: 210 623 3888 Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag. Paraskevi Tel: 211 300 9121 Scuola Statale Italiana Odos Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia Tel: 210 228 2720 German School in Athens Homatianou & Ziridi, Maroussi Tel: 210 619 9261 Greek German School 25 Martiou & Vernardou, Vrylissia Tel: 210 682 0566

68 insider athens | March & April 2013

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

Money

Public Services Administration Information Center (paperwork assistance) on weekdays 8am-3pm (KEP): Tel: 177, ww.kep.gov.gr

National Library Tzavella 25, Tel: 210 382 0657 Benakeios Library Anthimou Gazi 2, Tel: 210 322 71 Nordic Library 7 Kavalotti St, Tel: 210 9249210 and 210 9249211

LOST OR STOLEN CREDIT CARDS

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.

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

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 pay- phone buy a phone card at the kiosks.

Prepaid mobile phone cards (SIM cards) are available for €5 at kiosks, post offices, mini markets and mobile phone company stores.

Phone

Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) www.oaed.gr, Tel: 210 99 89 000

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

Libraires

Road Assistance ELPA: 104

Social Security & Health insurance (IKA) www.ika.gr

Post

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

!

advertise in our listings, and reach thousands of customers email us at

ads@insider-magazine.gr

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Spata.

Tel: 210.353.0000, 210.353.1000. www.aia.gr.

24 HOUR VIP TRANSPORT SERVICE

Car rental

WSW Skycap Services at Athens Airport provides Meet & Greet, Baggage Hauling and Transport Service.

Tel: 210.353.0100 www.skycap.gr For info about the public bus lines please check our section Getting Around Ada Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.322.0087 Arena Tel: 210.894.6883, 210.614.7400 Auto Union Tel: 210.922.1211/1213 Avis Tel: 210.322.4951 Budget Tel: 210.921.4771-3 Europcar Tel: 210.924.8810-8 Hertz Tel: 210.998.2000 Michael Stamou Luxury Rentals Tel: 210.922.2442/43 Sixt Rent-a-Car Tel: 210.570.6895, 210.922.0171

LIMOUSINES 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

Public transport

Airport

Airlines

Aegean Tel: 801.11.20000 Air France KLM Tel: 210.998.0222 Air Malta Tel: 210.965.2300-22 Alitalia Tel: 210.998.8888 American Tel: 210.361.3373 Air Taxis (Helicopter and plane charters) Tel: 210.938.4149 British Airways Tel: 801.11.56000 BMI Tel: 210.960.0942 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Delta Tel: 210.331.1673-6 Easy Jet Tel: 210.353.0300 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.960.56.08 Iberia Tel: 210.353.6004 Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 210.966.6666 Qatar Airways Tel: 210.950.8700 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Tunisair Tel: 210 3220104-5 Turkish Tel: 210.353.7280-2

Combined tickets for metro, buses and trolleys (€1,40) are available from metro stations and central ticket booths, valid within 90 mins of validation for all public transport - except the airport service, which costs 8€.

EXPRESS BUS from/to airport

X93 Kifisos Intercity Bus Station - Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to the intercity bus (KTEL) terminals KIFISOS and LIOSION X95 Syntagma – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to Syntagma Square at Athens city center.

X96 Peiraias – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to Piraeus central passenger port terminals.

X97 Dafni Metro Station – Athens Airport Express.

Direct Connection to DAFNI metro station. Tickets available at the Arrivals Hall; validate on board. Fare is €5 One-way travel time estimates**: X93 (65’ min), X95 (70’ min), X96 (90’ min), X97 (70’ min).

For further information dial 185 or visit www.oasa.gr, www.ametro.gr. For info on trains visit www.proastiakos.gr

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 (Egaleo-

Doukissis 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.

For KTEL itineraries all over Greece call 14505

RADIO TAXI Enotita Tel: 210.645.9000 Ermis Tel: 210.411.5200 Ikarus Tel: 210.515.2800 Kifissia Tel: 210.801.4000 Piraeus Tel: 210.418.2333 Radio Taxi Glyfada Tel: 210.960.5600 There is a booking fee of €2 added to the meter, and a €3,40 + VAT for a pre-arranged meeting. For PET taxis there is an extra charge of €5.

Sea ports Lavrio Tel: 22920.27711, 22920.22089 Piraeus Tel: 210.422.6000-4 Rafina Tel: 22940.22300, 22940.28888

Sea ports & Ferries

getting around 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:

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 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 Shipping Posidonos 61, P. Faliro.

Tel: 210.985.9400 Seahorse Alkyonidon 83 (Marina), Voula.

Tel: 210.895.2212 Seascape Poseidonos Ave. 29, Alimos.

Tel/Fax: 210.985.8301 Valef Yachts Pl. Chatzikonstanti 2, Piraeus. Tel:210.451.2010 Vernicos Yachts Posidonos 11, Kalamaki.

Tel: 210.985.0122-8

insider athens | March & April 2013 69

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

70 insider athens | March & April 2013

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 | March & April 2013 71

K A L E I DOSCOP E 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Carnival The Carnival or ‘apokries’ have been celebrated in Greece for centuries and has always been associated with revelry and satire. It is a period of purging ones inhibition’s before Ash Monday and the beginning of the Lenten fast. Revellers get creative in disguising themselves as deposed dictators or mirror their economic woes by taking potshots at the establishment. Angelos Giotopoulos scanned the city’s streets and hit the coolest parties in town to capture the essence of the festivities.

72 insider athens | March & April 2013

ASH MONDAY - Seafood Buffet at Zephyros Restaurant Celebrate “Ash Monday” in Zephyros restaurant and enjoy an array of traditional dishes such as Crayfish, Calamari, Octopus, Mussels, Seafood rice rissoto and a sumptuous dessert buffet accompanied by live entertainment.

Monday, March 18th 2013 Seafood Buffet: 12:30 - 16:30 Price: ¤ 43.00 per person (not available with other discounts or promotions)

¤ 16.00 for children ages 4-12 50% discount on parking For reservations please call 210 930 0060

Athens Ledra Marriott Hotel 115 Syngrou Ave. 117 45 Athens, Greece Tel: +30 210 930 0000 Fax: +30 210 935 8603 Email: athensledra@marriott.com Website: athensmarriott.com • ledramarriott.gr