ATHENS
weekly
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • www.insider-publications.com • No 114 • Friday, September 9, 2016 MOSAIC ODYSSEYS
7th ATHENS BIKE FESTIVAL
Brazilian day in Athens
One of our favourite Greek art expressions – the mosaic - gets an outing (Sept 9-18) at Mosaic Odysseys, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, featuring 11 world-renowned British and Greek artists with contemporary works inspired by the great adventure of the Odyssey. Peiraios 206, 210.341.8550, mcf.gr/en.
Athens Bike Festival (Sep 16-18) is a cornerstone of European Mobility Week (the pan-European campaign to raise awareness on the use of public transport and cycling within the city) – and a great cycling celebration for young and old, professionals and hobbyists. Free entrance. Technopolis Gazi, Peiraios 100, technopolis-athens.com
Banish post-Rio withdrawal symptoms at the city’s first Brazilian Day, Sept 18, from 5pm at Gazarte, with capoeira and Brazilian dance workshops, live music shows and DJ set by Kafka, plus acclaimed Brazilian composer Mu Chebabi. Free entrance. Voutadon 34, Gazi, gazarte.gr
TRIBUTE
CITY LIFE
TV THIS WEEK Mistresses
One year has passed since the night that Joss met the dangerous Wilson and she must now relive her painful past as she testifies during her manslaughter trial in this new season premiere. Monday at 21.00 on Foxlife.
Farewell Libertad
Stitchers
Belle of the High Seas
A Star is (Re)Born
Paris has Les Deux Magots, Athens has Zonar’s. Insider takes a nostalgic look at one of the capital’s most famous and beloved café icons, Zonar’s, fresh from its recent re-fit. Traditionally a meeting place for politicians and intellectuals, but also of the Athenian bourgeoisie, the legendary café-brasserie Zonar’s reopened after a complete renovation under the PanasGroup banner, a few months ago. This quintessential bastion of elegance - the Athenian equivalent of Paris’s Deux Magots - was packed, especially in the 50s and 60s, by the affluent youth of the city, by the power people, by prime ministers and artists, both Greek and foreign, such as Hellenic acting legend Melina Merkouri (pictured with Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis). You could come across politicians like Konstantinos Karamanlis, Ilias Iliou, Sofoklis Venizelos, Xenofon Zolotas, Giorgos Gennimatas Leonidas Kyrkos and others, sharing floor space with acting greats such as Sophia Loren, Anthony Quinn and Charlotte Rampling, or writers like Lawrence Durrell and Jorge Luis Borges.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Music Anna Vissi Live Greek mega-star Anna Vissi puts on an open-air performance on September 10 (9pm) at Theatre Veakeio, Prophet Elias Hill, Piraeus, 210.422.6330. Tickets € 15, at Public, Reload and Media Markt, or at viva.gr and public.gr
GASTRONOMY
The brewery still resembles a hotel lobby. That was the intention of its creator in 1939 and remains the ambition of the new owners. Ideally located close to Syntagma Square, the great historical hotels, major foreign embassies (not to mention the luxe shopping district on the corner of Panepistimiou and pedestrianized Voukourestiou), Zonar cafe-brasserie has been, since its debut, the place of relaxation of the Athenian bourgeoisie. ‘I remember Athens with the elegance of Zonars Cafe, where the Greek ladies all spoke French’ recalls Athens chronicler John Zervos. ‘It was considered the height of elegance to have a coffee and cake at Zonars, and in the summer, its outdoor seating was the “de rigeur” meeting place for many Athenians’ Zervos tells Insider. ‘As a child I often went there with my parents and indulged in hot chocolate topped
with whipped cream. Zonars at the time exuded a sense of luxury which in the early 1950’s contrasted sharply with the poverty of a city recovering from years of conflict. As it was close to the Parliament, it was frequented by politicians and their entourages, by political hopefuls and social climbers, who could probably ill-afford the minumum 12 drachma charge for a coffee.’ The life of Zonar’s founder is as fabulous as the creation itself. Born in 1873 in the Forty Churches region, eastern Thrace (Turkey currently), Kalliklis Zonaras studied in the Great School of the Nation in Constantinople. At age 27, he left Europe to settle in the United States, in Dayton, Ohio. There, while working in a Greek pastry shop, he learned the craft of chocolate and Americanized his name to Charles Zonars. Six months later, he opened his own shop, specializing in pastries and ice cream. Despite many setbacks, Zonar’s went on to create a chain of stores throughout the region. Next, he decided to fulfill his dream, to travel around the world, inspired by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne. In 1920, he visited Athens with the idea of founding a company. His encounter with a beautiful Athenian decided his fate: he settled in the
Kirsten works for a secret government agency which penetrates the minds of people who have died recently, using their memories to investigate cases of unsolved murders. Wednesdays at 21.00 on Foxlife. Watch FOX and FoxLife on NOVA, OTE TV, Vodafone, CYTA
CINEMA THIS WEEK
HANDS OF STONE
At age 72, legendary trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro) comes out of retirement to coach world-class Panamanian boxer Roberto Durán (Édgar Ramírez) and both change each other’s lives.
SULLY
The story of Chesley Sullenberger who became a hero in 2009 after gliding his plane along the water in the Hudson River, saving all 155 crew and passengers. With Tom Hanks and Laura Linney.
WELL-BEING
Forum
A World Not Ours A moving international display about the refugee plight on Samos. The exhibition includes works by Pulitzer Prizewinning Yannis Behrakis and runs until October 15 at Art Space Pythagorion, Samos. schwarzfoundation.com.
Greek capital. The crisis of 1929 destroyed all of his US assets; never mind, he decided to start a new life in Athens regardless. First came a small pastry in front of where Zonar’s stands today, selling its chocolates and famous ice “Chicago.” But every day, this ambitious entrepreneur eyed up the other side of the street on the construction of a large building, one of the most prestigious of Athens, now occupied by a department store, a theater and a covered walkway. Zonaras saw immediately the potential of this place and he did everything to rent the prime space, straddling these vital street corners mentioned above. Assisted by the best architects and designers of the moment, he finally opened on 23 August 1940, the most fashionable brasserie cafe in Athens. Closed during the German occupation, the facility reopened in 1950 in all its former glory. Refined and elegant, Zonar’s occupies a proud place in the history of Athens, not least because of its extraordinary founder. The very name of this café, pub, restaurant or bistro represents a bygone era rich in political and cultural dynamism. In short, Zonar’s possesses a bit of the soul of Athens ...
Greece played host this week to this majestic white-sailed beauty where she commemorated two Greek sailors for their wartime efforts 200 years ago, as part of her roaming “Bicentennial Voyage”. The historic Argentine Navy training vessel, Frigate “Libertad” was moored in the Port of Piraeus from Saturday until Wednesday (7th), when she set sail for the island of Hydra. There, a tribute was paid to Greek-born sailors Samuel Spiro and Nicolas Jorge (Kolmaniatis), who fought in Argentina’s war of independence. A wreath ceremony took place at the monument to Nicolas Jorge (Kolmaniatis), which is erected in Hydra’s port. Libertad has spent 17 of her 53 years at sea, covering over 800,000 nautical miles and visiting over 500 ports in 60 countries. She has been internationally awarded and has won a number of important trophies, including the Great Medal in 1966; as well as setting the world record for the fastest North Atlantic crossing (which still stands to this day), covering 2,058 miles from Cape Race (Canada) to the Dublin/Liverpool line in just eight days and 12 hours. The last time Frigate Libertad visited Greece was almost 20 years ago, in 1997. Her 196-day long Bicentennial Voyage to 10 countries began in April when she set sail from Buenos Aires. You can take a virtual tour of the ship at www.fragatalibertad.mindef.gob.ar
Tribute Bonsai Stories About Ground Zero A literary tribute to mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11: HAU hosts “Bonsai Stories about Ground Zero,” a collection of short stories relating to the events of September 11, 2001. On Sept 12 at 8pm, Massalias 22, 210.368.0900, hau.gr
Ruth’s Recipes
Ruth Bardis’ Lazy Housewife Cheese Pie means less time in the kitchen. You won’t hear any complaints from us. Lazy Housewife Cheese Pie Method Makes: 8 servings Preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F). Time: 45 minutes In a bowl, whisk together the milk, flour, This recipe bears the name Lazy House- and baking powder. Add the beaten wife Cheese Pie because this pie does eggs, salt, pepper, cheeses, and dried not have pastry crust, implying that the oregano. Mix the ingredients well with a housewife could not be bothered to wooden spoon to combine. make her own pastry. Surely we all have Pour the mixture into an oiled 20 cm days when we are pressed for time, have (8 in.) round dish. Top it with sesame unexpected guests showing up at the seeds and bake for 35 minutes or until door, and have to quickly contemplate it is golden. Allow the pie to cool slightly, what we can serve. I say, who needs and then slice and serve it. pastry for every pie when this one tastes “Hellenic Kanella: Memories Made in a Greek amazing without it? This is “fast food” Kitchen” by Ruth Bardis is available in Athens at its best. Hold on to it for those lazy from ELEFTHEROUDAKIS, Panepistimou 15, days—it’s delicious and super cheesy. 105 64, tel. 210-3258-440 (for €35) or from Amazon (£47.95) Ingredients •1 cup whole milk •1 cup all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon baking powder •3 eggs, whisked together •½ teaspoon salt •½ teaspoon black pepper •250 g (8.8 oz./0.55 lb.) feta cheese, crumbled •80 g (2.8 oz.) grated yellow cheese (mozzarella or parmesan) •1 teaspoon dried oregano •1½ tablespoons sesame seeds
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Yoga Mondays in the Park No More Manic Mondays! Salute the Sun (and the new SNFCC!) at free yoga workshops during September. We can’t think of a better way to become acquainted with the dazzling new Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – or to get in sync with the gentle changing rhythm of the seasons - than by joining in one of the free yoga workshops staged at the SNFCC throughout September. The SNFCC, which is already earning rave reviews for its wonderful green public spaces, is holding a series of 90-minute yoga journeys each Monday from 19.30-21.00 on its Great Lawn. The workshops, led by Georgia Georgoni, are designed for adults without any se-
vere medical conditions, who are willing to explore new paths to promote a sensation of personal freedom and advancement. Take a moment from our daily existence to reflect on who we are, expand our horizons, and relax deeply. According to ancient Indian texts, the body is composed of seven energy centers-chakras that, when in balance, help us experience a fulfilled and healthy life. Focusing on a different chakra at each session, the yoga experiences will discover how we can improve our wellbeing, gain emotional stability, empower our personal strength, love, creativity and expand our perception.
The Monday sessions are as follows: 04.07: Safety, stability & the 1st chakra 11.07: Passion for a fulfilling life & the 2nd chakra 18.07: Self-confidence, willpower & the 3rd chakra 25.07: Acceptance, love, giving & the 4th chakra Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes, bring along their own yoga mat, as well as a wrap-around to cover their bodies during relaxation. Pre-Registration is required. To register, visit: www.snfcc.org/visitorscenter/events/2016/ *For your convenience, you can use the free shuttle bus service which connects the SNFCC Visitors Center with Syggrou - Fix metro station (starting point from Kallirrois Avenue and arrival on Evripidou street - beginning of the Esplanade). Scheduled routes will take place 30’ before and after each event.