Looking for an escape in the city… on the beach! Become a member of the Astir Palace “world”, a private peninsula in Vouliagmeni surrounded by the emerald blue of the Saronic Golf.
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • insider-publications.com • facebook.com/insiderpublications • No 56 • Friday, April 03, 2015 Exhibition Cosmas Xenakis
Concert Latinitas Nostra
Come peruse one of the pioneers of post-war art in Greece’s retrospective collection. Xenakis was a multi-media artist expressing himself through painting, sculpture, architecture, theatre, dance and urban planning. Now until 10 May at Benaki Museum. Pireos St. Annexe, Pireos 138, 210.345.3111, benaki.gr
A musical journey connecting Louis XIV’s Chapelle Royale with the hashish and bouzouki joints of 1920’s Piraeus. A passionate exploration of French Baroque, rembetiko, and the amanes to find a common ground, shared sound and mood to unite them. 3 April 20:30 at the OCC, 107-109 Syngrou Avenue, 4th floor, 213.017.8000, sgt.gr
Favourite Five
All about that base by Cordelia Madden-Kanellopoulou
Not so long ago, a pizza was a pizza was a pizza. A thick circle of bread, a scraping of tomato sauce and several thousand calories in melting cheese heaped across the top. But in recent years, the choices have proliferated. There are vegan variations; ‘gourmet’ varieties with truffle or ribbon-thin cuts of exotic animals; even, should you so fancy, sweet pizzas with melted chocolate and lashings of mascarpone. Many of these new-generation pizzas step away from bog-standard, glutenheavy white flour, moving towards more nutritious and easily-digestible crusts. Here is our pick of the pies.
1) Root Art Space, Thissio. This recent addition to the Thissio scene is impressive: formerly stabling for King Otto’s horses, it later became a school, and is now reinvented again into a trendy bar-restaurantgig space, complete with vinyl shop and wine cellar. Pick a bottle to accompany
your meal, and order the pizza from the paleo-influenced menu. Paleo pizza? Yup, turns out those cavemen knew a thing or two about good living! Creamy hunks of mozzarella burrata, leaves of peppery rocket, and a drizzle of truffle oil (prosciutto optional) adorn a low-gluten base made from carob flour, which adds a slightly earthy, hearty flavour. Simply scrumptious. See rootartspace.gr 2) Mystic Pizza. This chain of eateries specialising in cannabis flour pizzas might sound a bit hippy-ish, but these guys are serious about nutrition. Their menu lists the glycaemic index of each dish, as well as the calorie count, and they use extra virgin olive oil and Mediterranean sea salt. They serve nearly 30 pizzas, either with cannabis or dinkel dough (your choice). Try the Bloody Mary (with a splash of vodka and a dash of Tabasco in the tomato sauce), the Indian curry option, or any of the vegan selection. Eat in or get it delivered from one of their three branches. And if it gives you the ‘munchies’, they serve a mean chocolate soufflé to follow! See mystic.com.gr 3) Vespa Rossa, Pangrati. It’s actually made from regular wheat dough, but it certainly doesn’t look like it – this pizza base is black! Cuttlefish ink is mixed with the dough to create the dark-hued and
tangy base for the Clamato pizza, which is topped with clams, garlic, parsley and pepper flakes. If you’re not big on seafood, this buzzing osteria also serves a delicious Romana with thin and crispy base. Oh, and sweet pizza for afters! See osteria-vesparossa.gr 4) Cafe Boheme, Kolonaki. While on the subject of slim crusts, they don’t get finer than those served at Cafe Boheme. They’re made with low-gluten zea flour, from the ancient Greek crop, and their canny chefs are also experimenting with completely gluten-free crusts that are well worth a taste. The perennial favourite is the truffle and mushroom version – heaven! – but the vegan option spread with tapenade and graced with sliced veg is also delicious. See cafeboheme.gr 5) Raffaello, Agia Paraskevi. It looks like your average no-frills neighbourhood takeout joint. But emerging from the kitchen, alongside the mageirefta and tis oras, you’ll find a trans-Atlantic treat. Raffaelo’s Canadian-style pizzas are made by dousing the crust in tomato puree and leaving it to soak overnight in this lycopene bath. The result, once cooked, is so succulent and tasteful that Raffaello was singled out as one of the city’s top pizza parlours by celeb chef Vassilis Kallidis in his book Athens Special. Tel 2106541710.
Hello, Future! Come get inspired by the most talented artists globally who will be shaping tomorrow’s visual environment. Leaf through the sketchbooks that curate the most groundbreaking trends in design, photography, visual arts, graphic arts and animation. Now until 31 May at the OCC, 107-109 Syngrou Avenue, 4th floor, 213.017.8000, sgt.gr
TV THIS WEEK White Collar 5
A Treasure Hunt of Easter Books
Cosy up with a book recommended by bookstore Lexikopoleio this Easter! Peppa’s Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Cut-Outs Penguin Books Ltd. Elisabeth Tedder-Golden Books. The perA children’s storybook about Grandpa fect Easter gift for children! Join fleecy Pig and Peppa Pig embarking on a spe- lambs, bright yellow duckies, fuzzy white cialized Easter Egg treasure hunt where bunnies for an Easter party and parade! they end up finding more than just choco- The book comes with animal figures, a late eggs on their adventure! cart to put together, interactive Easter Easter in Harwick cards and nut cups for an Easter party. Wilbert Vere Awdry (Author), Richard Dictionary of Biblical Criticism Courtney (Illustrator)- Golden Books and Interpretation A story about Thomas the train and Stanley E. Porter-Routledge friends celebrating Easter time on the An expertly combined study of biblical Island of Sodor. The children are eagerly interpretation with the examination of awaiting the big egg hunt when they find theological and philosophical preconout that Terence has lost all the eggs in ceptions that have influenced it, while the countryside and now it’s up to Thom- also surveying the history of interpretaas to deliver the children to Easter! tion from different perspectives.
In the season 5 opener, Neal makes a dangerous deal to help clear Peter’s name after he is accused of playing a role in Sen. Pratt’s death. Premiere Monday, 6th of April at 21:30 on Fox
AMERICAN HORROR STORY
An anthology series that centers on different characters and locations, including a haunted house, an insane asylum, a witch coven a freak show and a hotel. Everyday at 23:15 on Fox Watch FOX on OTE TV
CINEMA THIS WEEK
As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy - posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals - Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel. Directed by John Madden and starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy.
The new Cycladic Café at the Museum of Cycladic Art is a unique meeting point of culture, combining the light, authentic flavours of the Cyclades, and its clean, contemporary architecture. Stepping inside the café, one is transported through beautiful green vegetation and into a light airy canopy; it exudes the feeling of an oasis in the midst of the chaotic heartbeat of everyday city life.
The menu features traditional Cycladic dishes with a twist, with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Ideal for a quick café, breakfast, leisurely brunch, or lunch. Enjoy a glass of wine from a list of niche Greek wine producers to accompany your meal! Kali orexi! Cycladic Café at the Cycladic Art Museum,Neophytos Doukas 4, 210.722.8321, cycladic.gr
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS 7
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother.
WEEKEND ESCAPE
Orchestra Concert Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem Come delight your ears with “Adagio” music for Easter. Co-produced by the Athens Concert Hall Organisation and Athens State Orchestra. 7 April 20:30 at Megaron Mousikis, Christos Lambrakis Hall, Vas. Sophias & Kokkali, 210.728.2333, megaron.gr
MESSOLONGHI:
GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
WeLLNESS
If you’re planning to head somewhere different this spring, look no further than Messolonghi. Just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Athens, Messolonghi in the Gulf of Patras offers a small slice of paradise with its serene, postcard-perfect lakes, stilted cabins perched on water, its therapeutic mud-baths and springs and its culinary delights.
Accessible
Luxury
A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES
Honeymoon like a royal at Antara Palace Wellness Spa
Where else than the island of Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite the goddess of love, is more perfect to celebrate love, romance, engagement or to even host a destination wedding? On the stunning golden shores of Cyprus, in an emerging touristic destination called Chysochoous, is an opulent and sprawling estate known as the Antara Palace. Antara Palace’s aesthetic was inspired by ancient Greek architectural standards and is an oasis of relaxation as all the facilities are organised around the award-winning spa. The grounds host the most luxurious suites, a private cinema, a grand ballroom, a ceremony dining room, a 15m pool, a yoga room, private beach, a lavish garden terrace and more! The décor is reminiscent of archaeologi-
Choose your preferred membership and enjoy exceptional services at the resort’s private sandy beaches & sea-water swimming pools, state-of-the-art tennis facilities and iconic boutique spa in its exquisite environment. Learn more at: 210. 8902000, 210 8901795 or visit arionspa.com
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
Exhibition The Twisted Odyssey Homer’s poem was the basis for 24 unconventional works of art by Konstantinos Patsios. The viewer is invited to recognize, decrypt and relate to the symbolisms between the artist’s work, original poem as well as the viewer’s own personal voyage. Now until 7 May at Blender Gallery. Zisimopoulou 4, Glyfada, 213.028.0597, theblendergallery.com
A Canadian play by Guillermo Verdecchia and Daniel Brooks, directed by George Papastylianos, that explores the inner world of a couple in an economic crisis facing the possibility of pregnancy. Avaton Theatre, Evpatridon 3, Gazi, 210.341.2689, until 5 April.
A taste of the Cyclades
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visual Arts Festival
Theatre Insomnia
cal treasures such as the fresco of the Villa of Mysteries in Pompeii. Marble statues, Doric columns, sumptuous pavements adorn the property and display an enchanting background that is bejeweled with lush emerald green Mediterranean gardens running all the way up to the turquoise, sparkling sea. The Valmont spa menu spares no details and offers the crème de la crème of treatments in an utmost private and lavish setting, guaranteed to make you feel like a queen. After a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, one can retreat to the Far East inspired jacuzzi or infra-red sauna while waiting for their anticipated spa treatment in the cosy cabins. A little Insider tip for brides-to-be? Try the ‘Valmont Vitality of Glaciers facial’ for a rejuvenating anti-
aging treatment that boosts cell renewal and includes a collagen mask, followed by a ‘Valmont Peaks of Slimness full body massage’ that is anti-aging, relaxing and revitalizing - just what the doctor ordered! http://www.antarapalace.com/ www.orloffspa.gr - www.orloffdayspa.gr
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A unique natural delta that boasts several lakes, lagoons, unique fauna and flora and over 300 rare species of birds including dwarf seagulls, water swallows, whistling sea-birds and yellow finches, Messolonghi has a rich eco-system, protected by Natura. One of the few places in Greece where fresh-water fish abound, just the beauty of the region should be an enticing enough reason to canoe through its waters and explore its bio- diversity. Hop on to a bike, as the locals do, or sail on its limpid waters.
MAD Greek Dictionary
Insider’s Guide to Greekisms by John Carr. Illustrations by Iason Iliades
Being a cat (Είμαι γάτα) (Eimai gata)
Meaning: being crafty, cunning, astute The Greeks share few, if any, of the cuddlypet associations that the cat has, for example, among the English. Greek cats have been, and remain, hardier beasts, the survivors of centuries of neglect and abuse by
GASTRONOMIC TREASURES
Add to it the region’s gastronomical riches - from its coveted avgotaraho, unique in its texture and flavour thanks to the confluence of the briny sea waters with the sweetness of the rivers that flow into it; its sheer range of fish and sea-food that abound in the shallow waters that give Messolonghi its reputation as Greece’s fish capital; its exquisitely rare and ancient olive varieties; its unique take on sushi – the local marinaded pasta (pronounced pastaah); and a haven for salt aficionados – the humble sea salt is elevated to a whole new culinary high – here it is laced with ouzo or has hints of lavender!
brance of the “Sortie” or the mass exodus on April 10, 1826 of all the residents of Messolonghi (numbering around 10, 000 then) to counter the Turkish occupation. Philhellenes Lord Byron and Eugene Delacroix both lent their support to the cause and in fact, Lord Byron’s heart is believed to be buried under his statue in Messolonghi’s main square.
TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS
But another reason to make it to Messolonghi this weekend is to participate in the commemoration of a particularly poignant moment in Greece’s independence struggle. Every Palm Sunday marks the rememfarmers and householders who saw them only as mouse-catching machines, inherently dirty and barely fit for human cohabitation. A cat in Greek carries distinct connotations of slyness, self-calculation and quick-wittedness, all key feline traits. Thus a man who “is a cat” has the respected ability to survive in politics or business, though he’s not exactly a well-loved figure in society. Eyeing one (Ματιάζω) (Matiazo)
Meaning: giving someone the Evil Eye Anyone has lived in Greece for any length
of time will surely know that being “eyed” is a far more sininster fate than the English might imply. An amazingly durable shamanistic carryover from pre-Greek times, the Evil Eye is still a frightening reality for large segments of the population, regardless of class and educational level. To “eye” one is to look at someone or something in a spirit of envy. That evil impulse alone, it is said, shoots some negative supernatural power at the victim, who is supposed to become unwell as a result. An entire pseudo-science has grown around around “eyeing,” its symptoms and its remedy (the “de-eyeing”), involving much elaborate mumbo-jumbo which we cannot go into here.