Insider 111 - September/October 2013 by Insider Publications

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

September & October 2013 Year 11. Issue 111 â&#x201A;Ź4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

insider athens

| September & October 2013

ATHENS

Back to School Lessons in Education / Interview with Indonesian Ambassador / The Athens International Film Festival / Museum Cafes / The Flea Market / Behind the scenes at Cirque du Soleil / Kalymnos, an island of extremes / Life is a game of golf / Autumn beauty routines / Restaurant reviews PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS AND MORE

The French actually have a term for the ‘big return’ back to work in September: la rentrée. While we do not have a similar expression in Greece, ‘kalo xeimona’ is the closest we have to distinguish the break from a carefree, agenda-less summer to getting back into a routine. September is when children head back to school with new satchels while tanned adults reluctantly drag themselves to work with new resolves of working off their summer indulgences.

Sudha Nair-Iliades

publisher’s note What’s wonderful about going back to work in Greece is that the transition isn’t that cruel. I personally cherish September, as open-air cinemas still screen movies till the end of the month, the sea is still inviting at 25+ temperatures, and there are more cultural events that dot the calendar than any other month. It has all the promise of new beginnings, of setting things in order after a chaotic, undisciplined summer. There was a time when September used to be when everyone from pensioners to public servants, diplomats and entrepreneurs waited with bated breath for any hints from the Prime Minister’s first official address on what lay ahead. With war and uncertainty looming in the Middle East, and unemployment soaring at home, this September, it looks like there might be few announcements that might bring cheer. On the other hand, that same uncertainty, has prompted an unprecedented number of tourists to choose Greece as their holiday destination. Hopefully, the spillover from a positive tourist season, will infuse some much needed energy into the economy. Tourists aside, September is when newcomers, expats and diplomats, who have just adopted Greece as their new home, move in. We hope that Insider will provide you with some useful insights into navigating through Athens’ complex character and if it’s all Greek to you, we hope that it is in Insider’s brilliantly researched articles, photo features and practical guide that you’ll seek inspiration and answers. If you’re not a subscriber yet, please do so through www.insider-magazine.gr. Kali arxi !

Sudha Nair-Iliades Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades

Contributors in this Issue

Art Director Eliza Mouzenidou

Maria Stergiou,

Marketing and Public Relations Executive Maria Stergiou Photos Kostas Bekas, Marie-Irène Moschona, Maya Iliades Web Design www.studiozip.com

Graham Wood, Marie-Diane Meissirel, Peter Poulos Founder Steve Pantazopoulos

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

Christos Christopoulos Prepress, Montage and Printing Entypossis Ektypotiki LTD

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.

Legal Counsel

Insider Publications Ltd. located at Markou Botsari 16 A 117 41 Athens, Greece. Telephone: 210.729.8634 Fax: 210.729.8635. Tax: No. 099747145.

insider athens | September & October 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.

Graham lived and worked in the UK and Japan before moving to Athens in 2004 to cover the Olympics and Paralympics as a freelance journalist. Currently he writes about the Greek sports scene for the Press Association and UEFA and has contributed features on travel, leisure and the environment to publications such as the Athens News and Kathimerini.

Marie-IrĂ¨ne Moschona

After studying theatre at the University of Athens and at Sorbonne, Maria-Irene obtained a Masters in Management of Cultural Activities from the Panteion University of Athens. She was an assistant director at Kappa Theatre, Media Assistant at Badminton Theatre and at the Half Note Jazz Club and editor at the cultural site Spirto.net. A keen photographer, Maria-Irene lets her roving lens capture the essence of her native city

Kostas Bekas was born and raised in Athens and has been capturing Athensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rich social and diplomatic life for the past twenty years. A regular contributor to Athens Insider and Bonjour AthĂ¨nes, Kostas has been the official photographer to several multinationals and embassies.

Marie-Diane Meissirel

Kostas Bekas

Half-French, half-American, Marie-Diane studied in Paris (Sciences Po, HEC) and in Hong-Kong (Chinese University). She has lived in France, India, Croatia and now Greece. Passionate about gourmet cuisine and opera, she published her first novel, set in Patmos, last summer.

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 six 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.

Peter Poulos

Graham Wood

Eliza Mouzenidou

Peter Poulos is a third generation Greek-American. He has been living and working in Athens for the last 7 years. Peter works as a professional fundraiser for non-profits and politicians in America and is a partner in the food company Navarino Icons here in Greece. Additionally he as started his own brand of hand made Greek totes that are manufactured and sold in Greece and the United States.

2 insider athens | September & October 2013

contents

08 16

Features

Departments

Age of Innocence 8 Claire-Tsalouchidi-Hadjiminas portrays the innocence of young children and their guileless dogs

Lessons in Teaching 30 Athens Insider looks at how some educational institutions have focused on their strengths

Arts 4

Cultural Diplomacy Interview with the Indonesian Ambassador to Greece

Soaring new heights 34 An island of extremes, Kalymnos has discovered a new niche in tourism, climbing

Diplomacy 14

Athens’ autumn date with cinema 16 Orestis Andreadakis of the Athens International Film Festival on the passion Greeks have for cinema Culture in a coffee cup 20 Get your caffeine fix with art, sculptures and music for company at the museum cafes

Athens’ Flea Market 24 Peter Poulos guides us through the musts, dos and don’ts of bargain hunting at the Athens flea A back-stage pass to Dralion 26 Mark Shaub, Director for Cirque du Soleil, takes us behind the scenes to share the joys and anxieties of putting on a spectacle

Get sporty! Follow our guide for the best in travel and sports

Fast Lane 12

Cinema 16 City Life 24 Entertainment 26

Life is a game of golf 40 Graham Wood discusses the mystical power of golf with George Stephanopoulos, the driving force behind Swing Away, a comedy about the sport set in Crete

Education 30

City oases Restaurants at the city’s hotels offer a break from the bustle

My Athens 44

Setting the bar high 54 Step by Step in Halandri stands out for its high aesthetics and exquisite cuisine

Travel 34 Sports 38

Beauty 46 Restaurants 52 Kaleidoscope 80

30 34 46 48 50 Cover picture: shutterstock

insider athens | September & October 2013 3

Arts & events

10,17&241626 1921 1930 september

Hellenic American Union Theater Art21 - 100 Artists 01 The American nonprofit organization Art21 in cooperation with Hellenic American College and the HAU present the series of documentaries Art21 - 100 Artists, a celebration of international contemporary art which comprises 24 documentaries. 100 international artists discuss their work as well as the creative process they follow, their relationship with the audience and their attitude towards social developments in the 21st century. The series of screenings will conclude with a panel discussion featuring contemporary Athens-based art theorists and artists as well as Art21 representatives. Massalias 22 www.hau.gr/culture

september

Cacoyannis Foundation

Dragon – A Rock Opera

4th Royal Thai Food Festival

4th Silent Film Festival A homage to the Great Directors of the Silent Cinema, the 4th festival follows the highly successful tribute to American and European silent films chosen by M. Cacoyannis himself. The Festival showcases 16 films, filmed from 1902 until 1929, by famous directors such as Friedrich Murnau, Fritz Lang, Carl Dreyer, Sergei Eisenstein, Bunuel and Dali, Cecil B. de Mille, Charlie Chaplin Buster Keaton amongst others. Free entrance Pireos 206 www.mcf.gr

Melina Merkouri Theatre 02 World Premier - A co-production of Greece, France, Poland and Bulgaria, supported by the European Committee Program The starting point is the myth of the Knight who kills the Dragon, saves the City and liberates his beloved one. The performance refers to “Akrites” guards of the boarders, as encountered in European legends and tales. The performance is a modern show which combines live music, singing, dance, acrobatics, suspension-stilts, circus techniques, puppets, video-projections, installations, chariots and fireworks. In English with Greek subtitles. Tickets: 15-20€ Vironas www.festivalvraxon.gr, www. ticketservices.gr

The Westin Athens Astir Palace The 4th Royal Thai Food Festival brings once again the flavours of exotic Thailand to The Westin at the Astir Palace Resort. Thai chefs from the Westin Bangkok will be here to prepare unique dishes that will transport guests to the magical world of Thailand. Cooking classes on Thai massage sessions will be held throughout the festival. To enroll, contact info@insider-magazine.gr Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni www.westinathens.com

4 insider athens | September & October 2013

On the town For location details see listings on page 71

until

september

21 september

2429

september

Kalfayan Galleries

Megaron

España Festival

Badminton Theater

Blue 03 The exhibition brings together a selection of contemporary artists from diverse backgrounds and nationalities that have relied on the expressive qualities of the color blue to evoke a sense of mystery, a sense of calm or even the endless void of space as in the work of Bouchra Khalili, winner of the Abraaj Group Prize of 2014. Haritos 11, Kolonaki www.kalfayangalleries.com

Beryozka Russian Dance Company Having performed in more than eighty countries, the Beryozka Russian Dance Company has reasonably earned the respect of art lovers as the most authentic traditional Russian Ballet Company. Having performed in the most famous theatres of the world such as La Scala, the Beryozka Ballet Company have exceeded their audience’s expectations. The famous circular female chorus “The Birch in the Field”, in particular, comprises the trademark of a cultural treasure of a whole generation. Tickets: 20 – 80€ Vas. Sofias & Kokkali www.megaron.gr

Sporting Basketball Club grounds 04 A festival dedicated to dance, art and Spanish cuisine. «Espana Festival» unveils the unique culture of this Mediterranean neighbor with spectacular projections and exhibitions, flamenco seminars, Spanish cuisine courses and music-dance performances. The events will culminate with a concert by acclaimed flamenco singers, Diego El Cigala. Tickets: 25-50€ Ilia Zervou 89 & Sarantaporou, Patisia

STOMP 05 The kings of rhythm come to Athens! Cans, buckets, barrels, matchboxes, empty beer cans, newspapers, and scrap metal, broomsticks and even pieces of old cars and everything else imaginable, become impromptu musical instruments in the hands of performers, who direct this extremely impressive performance. A multi-sight sound experience that will enchant the audience! Formed in 1991 in Brighton by Brits Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the band returns to Athens for 7 unique performances. Tickets: 20 - 60€ Olympic Properties, Goudi www.badmintontheater.gr, www.ticketservices.gr

insider athens | September & October 2013 5

Arts & events

25 8 29 1 30 until

september

december

B&M Theocharakis Foundation C.P.Cavafy: “Painted”. 40 Contemporary Greek Artists For the celebration of Cavafy’s 150 year anniversary, exceptional works of art by distinguished artists such as Yiannis Tsarouchis, Basil Theocharakis, Alekos Fassianos, Michalis Makroulakis, Kostas Varotsos and Yiannis Metzikoff will be on display athe foundation. Imaginative paintings and sculptures, immediately related to Cavafy’s poetic realm, reveal a universe where writing and image coexist. On October 2, a round table discussion on «Artistic Creation and Poetry in the work of C. P. Cavafy» will be hosted with the participation of prominent artists and poets. Tickets: 4-6€ Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1 ww.thf.gr

september

december

Former Athens Stock Exchange 4th Athens Biennale 2013 Agora 06 This year’s Biennale will set out to explore creative alternatives to a state of bankruptcy. Titled AGORA, the exhibition proposed by AB4 will be realized in an emblematic building by a nameless and ephemeral group of artists, curators, theorists and practitioners in creative industries. What matters most to those who participate is a shared sense of responsibility and an urge to co-produce meaning. Sofokleous 8-10, Athens www.athensbiennale.org

6 insider athens | September & October 2013

september

Cycladic Museum Deste Prize 07 Established in 1999 and awarded biennially to a Greek or Cypriot artist living in Greece or abroad, the prize aims to showcase an emerging generation of artists. The six shortlisted artists will present their work within the scope of the latter’s Young Views programme, which aims to engage a younger audience, bring the public up to date with developments in contemporary cultural production and open up a dynamic space for the exchange of ideas. Neophytou Douka 4 www.cycladic.gr

until

september

3rd Athens Open Air Film Festival

The Athens Open Air Film Festival infuses the city with film screenings and other cultural events against a unique urban backdrop: Athens’ most characteristic monuments. Out of a wide selection of films, ranging from the most popular ones to the most uncommon, from short to feature-filmmaking attempts by representatives of new Greek cinema and subversive artistic suggestions of “mixed media” fusing cinema with music, the festival continues to offer another uplifting artistic month, full of passion, love for cinema and art. Free entrance www.cinemag.gr, www.aoaff.gr

On the town For location details see listings on page 71

until

o ctober

16 20 17 october

23 28

until

july

october

El.marneri galerie

Badminton Theater

Benaki Museum

Pattern 09 A contemporary jewellery exhibition of 9 jewellery makers who come from different nationalities and create stories based on a combination of materials. Strongly connected to the body, the jewels are the mirror of the experimentation and sensibility of each artist. Participants: Anna Drexel, Chiara Cavallo, Francesca Urciuoli, Enrica Prazzoli, Lavinia Rossetti, Lena Grabher, Nur Terün, Valentina Caporali, Azahara Santoro Lebessi 5-7 & Porinou 16, Akropoli www.elenimarneri.com

Grigorovich Ballet Theatre of Russia 10 After a successful show two years ago, the Russian choreographer and artistic director of the Bolshoi for 30 years, Grigorovich returns to Greece along with 70 members of his ballet to present a tender adaptation of the masterpiece of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” and his own version of Ludwig Minkus’ “Don Quixote”. Both works are based on the classical choreography of French legend Marius Petipa and exemplify the diversity of his works. Tickets: 9-58€ Olympic Properties, Goudi www.badmintontheater.gr

Yannis Tsarouchis: Illustration of an autobiography. 11 The exhibition presents the history of Yannis Tsarouchis’ paintings, re-creating the environment in which he lived and investigating the manner in which he was influenced throughout his artistic progress. The theme “Illustrating an autobiography” will be shown in two parts, each of which will last a full year. Viewers will begin in Yannis Tsarouchis’s childhood in Piraeus, Athens and Kifissia, and will traverse the artist’s era through his works, what he listened to, his acquaintances, his intimates, his collaborators and his teachers. Tickets: 2,5- 5€ Pireos 138 www.benaki.gr

Faliro Pavilion, TaeKwonDo Stadium Disney on Ice 2013 Welcome to the fantastic spectacle of “Worlds of Fantasy” of Disney on Ice, an unforgettable adventure for the whole family full of colourful costumes, special effects, magical dance numbers and dazzling skating! With Disney characters as guides, enjoy a fascinating journey at the Tae Kwon Do Stadium. Tickets: 8-33€ www.viva.gr

insider athens | September & October 2013 7

Art

Age of Innocence Claire Tsalouchidi-Hadjiminas draws out the frailty and innocence of her young subjects: children, and their guileless four-legged companions, dogs. Her exhibition at the quaint Argo Gallery starting September 24 takes us on a quest of our own childhoods.

or Claire Tsalouchidi-Hadjiminas, the inspiration for her portraits came from an unexpected source: the controversial English playwright, Oscar Wilde. “When I was a child, I used to read, over and over again, certain fairytales which always touched me deeply. It was only a few years ago, while reading them to my two boys as bedtime stories, that I realized who the author was. My discovery was as moving as the stories themselves. The Happy Prince, the Selfish Giant – they were both by Oscar Wilde! Who could have guessed it? Written for his two sons, these were texts he felt had no literary value. Their importance lay elsewhere: they were treasures of meaning and thought: a gift for his two children.” Claire’s paintings capture that disarming expressiveness we grownups read in the eyes of children and pets. Claire introduces us to her muse and observes, “The central figure, a child himself, is Oscar. He is the host of this exhibition, and we are his guests. It’s as simple as that…” Christos Boulotis, well-known writer of children’s stories, who wrote the prologue for the exhibition catalogue, describes the

innate desire of each one of us to “grow up to become children.” Recounting the candid answer given by a little girl during a recent TV reportage, with the journalist predictably asking preschoolers at an Athenian day nursery what they’d like to be when they grow up that “she’d like to be a child”, Bouliotis states that he found the response “unbearably sad in its wisdom.” Bouliotis finds that the little girl’s answer echoes through Claire’s faces, immobilized in the time of pastel and graphite. He observes, “Our shared homeland is our childhood – both topos and utopia – and as we move away from it we become expatriates and aliens.” Claire’s creatures send us on our own quest of our lost childhood. In Claire’s world, the painterly gaze of a little dog locks together with the gaze of a child. Her guileless four-legged creatures are also pictorially multiplied – one portrait of a dog for every portrait of a child. And a real dog walking along the hallway that leads to the inner, secret garden, wagging its tale, ready to jump onto the painted canvas. Or did it just jump out of the painting, shaking graphite and pastel off its fur like water?

Claire-Tsalouchidi Hadjiminas’ exhibition, The Garden runs at Argo Gallery, 5 Neophytou Douka, Kolonaki from 24 September to 19 October.

8 insider athens | September & October 2013

4Throyal Thai food fEsTival 19-29 /9/ 2013 Thai chefs fly in from Bangkok Experience Thai culture through exotic dishes Thai gastronomy lessons with Westinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expert chefs Thai massage

SPONSORS:

For more inFormation or to maKe a reservation, visit westinatHens.Com or Call (+30) 210 8902000

& Programming Highlights September

©TCFTD

NEW SEASON

HOMELAND 3 PREMIERE: Monday 30/9 @ 21.30 The third chapter of the ‘Homeland’ saga will unfold exclusively on FOX, only a couple of hours after the official US premiere! ‘Homeland’ has received critical acclaim, as well as several industry awards, including winning the 2012 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama, and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Damian Lewis and Claire Danes respectively. The critically acclaimed ‘Homeland’ is widely regarded as one of the best TV series of all time. Based on the origi-

10 insider athens | September & October 2013

nal Israeli series ‘Prisoners of War’, Season 3 opens during the aftermath of the horrific terror attack that decimated the U.S. intelligence apparatus, and prompted a global manhunt for the world’s most wanted terrorist – Nick Brody (Damian Lewis). As Carrie (Claire Danes) and Saul (Mandy Patinkin) begin to pick up the pieces of their shattered professional and personal lives, they are swept up in the political and media firestorm surrounding the terror attack and the subsequent search for Brody’s whereabouts. With the FOX premiere locked less than 18 hours after the official US premiere, make sure you are tuned in to your favourite channel!

NEW SEASON

NEW SERIES

FALLING SKIES 3

‘TWISTED’

PREMIERE: Tuesday 24/9 @ 21.30

PREMIERE: Monday 23/9 @21:00

Fresh off the heels of its 4th season renewal announcement, FOX airs the 3rd chapter of the epic science fiction series, ‘Falling Skies’. Executive produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Noah Wyle and Moon Bloodgood, the third season currently ranks #1 in basic cable ratings charts. ‘Falling Skies’ tells the extraordinary tale of life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle plays Tom Mason, a college professor who becomes an unlikely resistance leader after a massive invasion by an alien force. After the cliffhanger season 2 finale, multiple questions still need to be answered including Hal’s condition after having an eye worm implanted, the identity of the new aliens and their allegiances, the status of Anna’s pregnancy, and the strength of the local Espheni and Rebel Skitter forces. Stay tuned to FOX and find out!

FOXlife premieres its brand new series, ‘Twisted’, a drama series guaranteed to hook you from the first episode. ‘Twisted’ is a onehour mystery full of twists and turns that follows Danny Desai (Avan Jogia), a charismatic 16-year-old with a troubled past who returns to his hometown after spending five years in juvenile detention. Immediately branded an outcast, Danny attempts to reconnect with his two childhood best friends, Jo (Maddie Hasson) and Lacey (Kylie Bunbury), and to smooth over tensions with his mother, Karen (Denise Richards), whose socialite status plummeted after her son’s imprisonment and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Danny’s father. All you need to do is remember what time to tune in! NEW SERIES

‘MISTRESSES’ PREMIERE: Monday 23/9 @ 21.50

©Turner

Based on the hit UK television series of the same name, “Mistresses” is a provocative and thrilling drama about the scandalous lives of a sexy and sassy group of four girlfriends, each on her own path to self-discovery - Savi (Alyssa Milano), a successful career woman trying to make it as partner at her law firm while she and her husband try to start a family of their own, Savi’s free-spirited and capricious baby sister, Josselyn (JesMacallan), who serial dates, their common best friend, April (Rochelle Aytes), a recent widow and mother of two, rebuilding her life after tragedy and Karen (Yunjin Kim), a successful therapist with her own practice. ‘Mistresses’ takes a sexy and unfiltered approach to real life situations.

WATCH AGAIN

TOUCH 2

ONCE UPON A TIME 2

RERUN PREMIERE: Thursday 5/9 @ 21.30

RERUN PREMIERE: Wednesday 4/9 @ 19.20 and everyday at the same time.

In case you missed it the first time around, FOX gives you the opportunity to watch ‘Touch’. ‘Touch’ is a drama that blends science and spirituality to explore the hidden connections which bind together all of humanity. At the center of this distinctive series is Martin Bohm (Kiefer Sutherland), a widower and single father, haunted by an inability to connect to his emotionally challenged 11-year-old son, Jake (David Mazouz). In Season Two, the story setting shifts from New York to Los Angeles, where Martin and his gifted son Jake are on the run from the mysterious and possibly sinister research facility Aster Corps, which had shown tremendous interest in exploiting Jake’s ability to perceive the hidden patterns that connect people around the world.

A fantasy-drama series, created by “Lost” and “Tron: Legacy” writers, Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, Once Upon a Time” features Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) and her adoptive son Henry (Jared Gilmore), who reveals a stunning theory to Emma. Everyone in Storybrooke, Maine is a fairytale character under a curse, and Emma - as the long lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming - is the one who can save them all. The first season ended with The Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla) interrupting the wedding of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince “Charming” James (Josh Dallas) to announce that she will cast a curse on everyone and take away all their love so that she is the only one with a happy ending.

insider athens | September & October 2013 11

Fast Lane The White Rose of Athens

Chicago Chef Cook-out The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago, America’s only national institution to document the legacy of Greek Americans and their contributions to the American mosaic, while celebrating their rich Greek history and culture, hosts the 6th Annual Kouzina event on September 19. Over a dozen of Chicagoland’s finest chefs will each prepare their distinctive twist on the flavors of Greece paired with premium Greek wines for guests to enjoy. This year’s lead chef is John Gatsos, Executive Chef of Tavern on Rush (The Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants). The other participating chefs include Louie Alexakis of Avli Estiatorio, Tino Almaraz of Rosewood, Jaymes Berry, GAEA Corporate Chef and Georgios Bournas of Psistaria Greek Taverna among others. Author Charles Blackstone whose anticipated novel, Vintage Attraction is set partially in the vineyards and rocky bluffs of Santorini and Master Sommelier Alpana Singh, former host of the TV show Check Please! and owner the restaurant The Boarding House in Chicago, will speak about our premium Greek wines. www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org

12 insider athens | September & October 2013

Nana Mouskouri, the Crete-born legend who went on to wow the world for five decades with 1550 songs in almost 15 languages, reveals the incredible journey she has had, in her autobiography, Itinéraire Intime, to be launched on September 12 in Paris. Published by Editions Cherche Midi, the book reveals the incredible trajectory her career followed after her rendition of The White Rose of Athens in Berlin in 1960 and her encounters with music legends such as Manos Chatzidakis in Greece, Michel Legrand in France and Quincy Jones in the US.

Street Art: The Kerameikos-Metaxourgeio district, dotted with galleries and gourmet restaurants, hosts Remap, a biannual contemporary art platform that provides a new and distinctive way to create, access, interpret, share and experience international contemporary art in Athens. Hosting a unique mix of projects with current and up-and-coming artists, curators, institutions and galleries from across the world, Remap takes place across a variety of locations as varied as vacant lots, basements, neoclassical buildings and 60’s apartments within the Kerameikos-Metaxourgeio area from 8 to 30 September. http://remapkm.org/4

Run, Athens, run We Run Athens – the first Nike race organized in Greece – connects 2,500 runners for a beautiful run through the city’s ancient centre on Oct. 7. We Run Athens is a part of the global Nike We Run race series, which hits 34 cities in 17 countries and connects 400,000 runners globally. The 10K route in the historic city centre traverses iconic streets including Ermou and Patision, wrapping up in the Zappeion Gardens. The first Nike+Run club was held in July, inviting runners to join and train for the 10K race. Professional coaching, training sessions and interactive challenges kept runners engaged and motivated throughout the training period. The Nike+Run club will continue hosting training sessions in Athens. Participation Cost: 10€. All proceeds will be donated to the Foundation of Homeless of City of Athens. http://www.werunathens.gr/

Discovering young talent This year’s TEDx on September 28 at the Athens Concert Hall invites dreamers, thinkers and doers. Discovery is the act of detecting something new, or something “old” that had been unknown. It is a continuous process to understand the world, life and ourselves. Speakers at this year’s TEDx include Yiannis Boutaris, current mayor of Thessaloniki, Chris Dellarocas, is Professor and Chair of Information Systems at Boston University, David Gallo, an American oceanographer, Spiros Kitsinelis, researcher focusing on the development of novel and energy efficient light sources amongst others. www.tedxacademy.com

A race for a healthy future

A certain idea of Greece The city of Athens will dedicate a square to French historian and philhellene Jacqueline de Romilly, fittingly located under the benign gaze of the Acropolis in Thissio. Having dedicated her life to the culture and language of ancient Greece, and in particular on Thucydides, Jacqueline de Romilly was awarded the Greek nationality in 1995 and in 2000 was named as an Ambassador of Hellenism by the Greek government. An author of several books on ancient Greek thought, she embraced the ancient culture of Athens with an almost romantic fervour and championed the role of ancient Greek, whose waning role in the French education system distressed her greatly. She was also an ardent advocate of several Greek causes and raised funds for victims of the fires that ravaged the Peloponnese in 2007. She passed away in 2010, at the grand old age of 97.

Dean Karnazes, the Greek-American ultramarathon runner who has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits, will run for the first time in Greece at the Navarino Challenge marathon from 18 to 20 October, raising awareness on childhood obesity and the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Among his many accomplishments, he has run 50 marathons, in all 50 US states, in 50 consecutive days, finishing with the NYC Marathon, which he ran in three hours flat. In line with his commitment in improving the health and wellness of youth, which he puts into practice through his foundation KARNO KIDS, Karnazes will undertake the role of informing parents and local school students about childhood obesity and how it can be fought through sports, healthy living and nutrition. The choice of the Peloponnese is of foremost importance, as due to its biodiversity and traditions, it is a key ambassador for the healthy Mediterranean diet. The Navarino Challenge marathon will be held on three different routes on three consecutive days with Dean Karnazes participating in all of them. The starting point of Navarino Challenge will be Silimna, Arcadia, the birthplace of Dean Karnazes’ family, while the last route of the Marathon will end at the prime Mediterranean destination Costa Navarino. Navarino Challenge hopes to become an annual event with the contribution of Dean Karnazes. To participate, fill in the relevant entry form: www.facebook. com/navarinochallenge, www.costanavarino.com

insider athens | September & October 2013 13

Forging ties through culture

Photo Credits: Kostas Bekas

The Indonesian Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Benny Bahanadewa on the unique geography that Indonesia and Greece share as archipelago countries and the synergies that bind both nations Your posting here: Your posting here comes at a challenging time for Greece. What are the most pressing issues on your agenda as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Greece that you would like to address? Regarding bilateral relations between Greece and Indonesia, I would say that they are at a good level, but there is room for further improvement. Since the two main pillars of today’s relations are Trade and Tourism, we are both focussing on developing these two areas through economic agreements. How different is Athens from the cities you were posted before? I consider myself lucky since Athens is the latest in a series of most beautiful and interesting cities I have been assigned so far. I have been previously posted in Brussels, Washington DC, Paris and Chicago. And now, here I am in Athens, grateful to be posted in a beautiful

14 insider athens | September & October 2013

country that resembles Indonesia so much, both with their numerous islands. Five thousand years of history have left an indelible mark on the Greek landscape and now I have the opportunity to see myself.

Greece-Indonesia relations: Two old civilizations: One at the end of a difficult recessionary period and the other poised for growth as one of the world’s most promising economies. How do you hope to capitalize on Indonesia’s competitive advantages to further trade ties and investments with Greece? Firstly, I’d like to stress Indonesia’s new profile as an emerging economy. An economy, which has managed step by step, not only to recover from its collapse during the 1998 recession, but also to become the largest economy in Southeast Asia. In a broader perspective now, I believe that Greece as part of Europe, and Indonesia, as part of Asia, are connected as part of a broader

Diplomacy relationship. Since the economic growth centre of the world is now in Asia, this is where Europe should turn and find more channels of cooperation with growing Asian economies. On the other hand, Asia’s emerging markets need Europe in order to sustain their economies and growth. In an effort to further strengthen our mutual relationship, we will be organizing visits of high-level Indonesian government officials and industrialists and, although it has not been finalized yet, the response so far has been quite promising. We are also trying to actively promote Indonesian products in the Greek market and vice versa. We are looking forward to participating in the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair from 7-15 September 2013. We are also working hard to attract Greek traders to visit Tradexpo, Indonesia’s big exhibition, to be held in Jakarta from 16-20 October 2013. I believe that, apart from the high demand products in the bilateral trade list, such as edible oils, electrical machinery, footwear and paper exported from Indonesia to Greece, and textile fibers, pulp & waste paper and tobacco, exported from Greece to Indonesia, there are still plenty of opportunities to expand our trade relations.

beneficial for us. Indonesia’s outbound tourism is not very developed yet, but there is a continuously growing number of Indonesian tourists visiting Greece. Until the end of June 2013, more than 200 Indonesian tourists had come to Greece, while the number of Greeks visiting Indonesia during 2012 was approximately 2600.

The Ambassador’s role: Culture: Your Embassy has been very active with a host of cultural activities from Batik fashion shows and a group of 30 dancers scheduled to perform at the Dora Stratou Dance Theatre in September. Any highlights in the cultural calendar to look forward to in 2013? One of my objectives is to promote Indonesian culture in Greece; to demonstrate how Indonesia is a country rich in diverse cultures and ethnicities. So, since January 2013, we have been quite active, participating in various cultural events, hosted in many Greek cities, such as the “Carnival of the World” in Volos, International Folklore Festival in Kamena Vourla, the 51st Lefkas International Folklore Festival and the 3rd Earthdancers in Athens. On September 3, as you mentioned, there will be a magnificent performance of Indonesian traditional dances and music at Dora Stratou Theatre in Athens, which I am sure will delight the Greek audience. And later on, in continuation to the previous painting exhibitions we participated in at various museums in Athens and Thessaloniki, the Embassy and AKTO Art School will host the visual art exhibition “Behind the Myth” from 21-25 October 2013. In this group exhibition, the visitors will be introduced to 6 Indonesian contemporary artists, so, in combination with our previous events, people will form a more holistic view of Indonesian culture. Hopefully, this way, Indonesia will no longer be a distant, mysterious, exotic destination, but will become a familiar, colorful friend with a rich heritage.

Tourism: Indonesia, like Greece, relies heavily on tourism. What are the numbers of Greek tourists visiting Greece and Indonesian tourists visiting Greece? Tourism is one of the potential sectors to be developed in Indonesia and we consider that the cooperation with Greece could be mutually

How would you describe a typical day at the office? I have been posted in Greece for 8 months now and I have made it my primary task to promote bilateral relations by establishing personal contacts with Greek partners not only in Athens, but also in other parts of Greece. So, I try to keep myself less busy at the office, where my dedicated and qualified staff perform their duties more than sufficiently, and focus more on contacts I consider substantial and productive. To that end, I have travelled to many parts of the Greek mainland. And thanks to the trip for diplomats organized by the Protocol Department of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was also happy to visit North-West Greece. Not to mention the special experience of visiting the islands of Santorini, Crete and Chios.

Personal: Since your term here, what has been a major eye-opener for you as regards the Greek way of life? What is the best perk of being stationed in Greece? A little too early in the term, but what would you like your legacy in Greece to be? As I mentioned earlier, Greece and Indonesia share the similarity of both being archipelago countries. So, whether I am in Indonesia with its 13000 islands or in Greece with its approximately 6000 islands, it really feels like home to me. I have noticed how Greeks spend their summer vacation visiting the islands that this country has. I think this is how the Greek economy has always managed to keep its wheels turning, not only by attracting tourists to the country, but also by encouraging Greeks to spend vacations in their own local islands. I am motivated to deepen the bilateral relationship between Greece and Indonesia, whether in tourism, investment, or other areas. I have the capacity to make a difference, to forge stronger ties with Greece and I am inspired to make a strong impact in my term here in Greece.

insider athens | September & October 2013 15

cinema

Athens’ autumn date with

Mr. Andreadakis, you have a special connection with France and Nychtes Premieras reflects that unique relationship. I studied and lived in Paris for several years and later in Vaucluse. Since the beginning of the festival, we have had over 1015 French or Francophone films and we traditionally choose the first Wednesday of the festival as the Journee de la Francophonie. The screening is always followed by a reception where cinema enthusiasts can let the cinematic experience linger a little longer. This year, we’ll be celebrating it on 25 September with the screening a movie that was awarded at Cannes: Le Passé directed by Asghar Farhadi and starring Bérénice Bejo. Greece has always been a big market for French cinema. How do you explain the Greek cinema-goer’s enthusiasm for French cinema? You’re absolutely right. I think it has as much to do with France being the country that invented this unique art-form and as the pioneer of several cinematic genres as with France being a big friend of Greece. In the ‘70s, France supported us both during and after the difficult dictatorship years and one of the main slogans of the time was “France – Greece alliance”. That support was also evident during our recent economic crisis. Greeks remember that and show their appreciation by watching French cinema! And both Nychtes Premieras and Le Festival du Film Francophone share strong synergies. The Open-Air Festival that you launched is now proving to be a huge success. How did the idea come about? It was an easy idea. You see the azure sky, smell the jasmine and the idea of letting everyone enjoy this art form for free in public spaces was born. But it was also difficult. The screenings were free but it cost a lot of money. Thanks to our sponsors we were not only able to put on a great festival but it also attracted a lot of interest from tourists and created a positive image of Greece. In an age of downloads and video games, how do you keep the interest in cinema alive through the film festival? Nychtes Premieras is not just a festival about screenings. It is

16 insider athens | September & October 2013

an event that marks the beginning of the cultural season. It is the place to meet your friends after the summer holidays, and the annual autumn rendez-vous for Athenians. The music concerts, masterclasses and conferences around the festival create an atmosphere of a festival that goes beyond the silver screen. Around 50,000 viewers enjoy the magic of cinema during the 10-day festival. It is of course much more difficult as screening fees are high and we have less money but again thanks to our sponsors and EU funds, we manage to keep the festival going. This year we have more films, more theatres and more events around the festival. You will be honoured with L’Ordre de Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in September. What does the honour mean to you? I feel extremely honoured and grateful. I’m also doubly proud that the letter confirming the honour was signed by the French Minister of Culture, Aurélie Filippetti. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in cinema? It was when I watched Knife in the Water, which marked Roman Polanski’s debut as a feature-length director. I knew immediately that that was what I wanted to do. I was 14 then. What are your top 5 top all-time favourite films? Vertigo by Hitchcock, The Godfather, Les enfants du Paradis by Marcel Carné, Tokyo Story by the Japanese director Ozu and Tarovsky’s Andrei Rublev. And your favourite Greek director? Theo Angelopoulos. His passing has been a huge loss. The young French-Greek actress Adele Exarchopoulos who won the Palme d’Or at Cannes for La Vie d’Adele will in Athens for the Festival. What did you think of the film and of Adele? It is undoubtedly the best movie of the year. It is not just a movie about love, it is a movie about being in love. And of course, Adele is so young and promising; it was a revelation.

Cinema

On the eve of the 19th edition of

Nychtes Premieras, Athensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual date with cinema, Orestis Andreadakis, the Artistic Director of the festival, speaks of the special affinity that Greeks have for the big screen.

ADĂ&#x2C6;LE EXARCHOPOULOS

insider athens | September & October 2013 17

Shopping

Shopaholic’s Paradise Want to shop for designer wear in the heart of the city, under one roof? attica, with a plethora of big-name brands offers a shopping experience like no other.

attica, the largest and most fashionable department store in Greece, is housed in a historical, neo-classical building that used to be the former Army Pension Fund, a landmark architectural gem that was referred to as the Tameio. Fully renovated in 2005, attica has become synonymous to high fashion in a glamorous, uncluttered environment, offering Athenians and tourists a unique shopping experience. Occupying prime commercial real estate and covering a whole block fringed by the city’s arterial Stadiou, Panepistimiou, Voukourestiou and Amerikis streets, attica showcases a wide array of high-end designer brands and excellent, personalized service. Eight floors of musthave accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, jewellery, traveler’s items and homeware offer the latest fashion trends. With window displays that are bold and beautiful and almost qualify as works of art combined with airy, immaculate interiors, the department store is an aesthetic treat. With a café-restaurant that gives a bird’s eye view of the Athenian cityscape, attica is on par with Europe’s most legendary department stores, such as Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Gallery Lafayette. Recognizing that service holds the key to a great shopping experience for its international clientele, attica has a special tax-free shopping service exclusively dedicated for non-EU residents. Bang in the heart of Athens’ vibrant city centre, attica, located at City Link is a few metres away from Syntagma Square, Kolonaki, Ermou street and Omonoia Square. attica also has a separate store for accessories on Stadiou 4, located at City Link. If you happen to be in the northern suburbs, attica’s second store, spread across four levels at the Golden Hall Shopping Centre in Maroussi, lets you indulge in some serious shopping therapy. If that’s not enough, a brand new attica has just opened at The Mall Athens. With a sprawling 700 sq.metres dedicated to jeans and casualwear, it promises to be the new trendy retail hang-out. If you’re in Thessaloniki attending the International Trade Fair or the Thessaloniki Biennale, enjoy attica’s exceptional range of menswear, womenswear, beauty and accessories at the Mediterranean Cosmos Shopping Centre. Right across, is another attica that exclusively stocks casualwear and jeans.

18 insider athens | September & October 2013

attica City Link 9 Panepistimiou, Syntagma, Athens. Tel: 211.180.2600 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 - 21.00, Saturday 10.00 - 19.00 attica Golden Hall 37A Kifissias Av., Maroussi. Tel: 211.181.4000 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 - 21.00, Saturday 10.00 - 20.00 attica The Mall Athens 35 Andrea Papandreou, Maroussi. Tel: 211.181.4000 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 - 21.00, Saturday 10.00 - 20.00 attica Mediterranean Cosmos 11th km National Road Thessaloniki-Moudania, Thessaloniki. Tel: 231.181.3000 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10.00 - 21.00, Saturday 10.00 - 20.00

Culture in a coffee cup Want to grab a coffee? Get your caffeine fix with art, sculptures and music for company at the museum cafes. Photos by Marie-Irène Moschona

Acropolis Museum With a cafe on the ground floor and a restaurant on the third floor, the Acropolis Museum offers a choice of venues for those who just want to soak in the museum atmosphere with a quick coffee or want to make an experience of it with an extended lunch. The café downstairs is just adjacent to the museum shop and has a vertiginous overview of the archaeological excavations just below, while upstairs the majestic Acropolis seems just an arm’s length away. Ideal for a quick break before venturing into Plaka for the evening, the café offers hot and cold beverages, scrumptious desserts (try the lemon tart), light snacks and salads. 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, www.theacropolismuseum.gr

20 insider athens | September & October 2013

City Life

Cycladic Museum The sound of water trickling, a verdant wall of cascading plants, vivid hues of turquoise, vermillion and yellow from the museum shop across and the whiff of aromas from the kitchen make cafe Aethrion in the atrium of the Cycladic Museum a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Athens. Perfect as a pit-stop from a tour of the museum or for a break after shopping in Kolonaki, here is an example of an intelligent use of space in the city centre. Its compact size lends it a sense of coziness and the service here is especially commendable. Great coffee, even better lunch options. 4 Neophytou Douka, www.cycladic.gr

insider athens | September & October 2013 21

Benaki Museum A favourite haunt for diplomats and ladies-who-lunch, the Benaki Museum’s café-restaurant offers panoramic views of the city’s key landmarks: the Acropolis, Lycabettus and the National Gardens. Open weekdays for lunch and on Thursday evenings for dinner (when the museum is open until midnight), the cafe has an air of easy elegance. Antonis Kyriacoulis’ quirky characters that adorn the table mats lend humour while the Greek-inspired menu (try the stuffed courgettes with avgolemono sauce and the eggplant imam) is a hit with regulars. Koumbari 1. & Vas. Sofias, www.benaki.gr

22 insider athens | September & October 2013

City Life

Numismatic Museum An absolute oasis of tranquility with larger-than-life statues benignly looking on as you sip on a frappe, the Numismatic Museum’s café is gaining currency as the best value-for-money spot in town. The sprawling 800m2 garden boasts rare species of Greek flora and is a terrific venue for parties and corporate events. With wi-fi access, an interesting lunch menu and live jazz on Wednesday evenings, the Numismatic Museum is easily accessible from Syntagma. And while there, check the Museum’s amazing coin collection. Perhaps, its never too late to learn a few lessons in money management! Iliou Melathron, 12 Panepistimiou, www.nma.gr

insider athens | September & October 2013 23

Scouring for treasures at

Athens’ Flea Market Peter Poulos spends his Sunday mornings looking for collectibles he has absolutely no room, and even less need, for. But the urge to find that little something with a story still drives him to the colourful flea market in the Votanikos district. A word of caution: this is not a breezy stroll for a novice. It is a high-powered elbowing game for the hardened bargain-hunter.

he Paris flea market is world famous, London’s Portabello Road is a favorite stomping ground for vintage finds, Pasadena, California’s Rose Bowl Flea Market is a site to see, but for those wishing to experience a truly original, no-frills, open-air flea market, nothing beats the Greek capital’s Sunday morning event in the neighborhood of Votanikos. Nowhere is the feeling of the eastern world colliding with the western world more evident than here. The Votanikos Flea has nothing to do with Athens’ more famous Monastiraki Flea Market that takes place daily in the centre of Athens. The Votanikos Flea is the place for the hardcore picker, dumpster diver and modern day treasure hunter who is not afraid to get a little dirty to find that one-of-a-kind item. Just as the all-night party is about to end for the hordes of young Athenians in the adjacent neighborhood of Gazi, another swarm of Athenians is heading to the Votanikos Flea. Sunday morning brings over 400 individual vendors, under the watchful eye of Athena, pedaling their wares in an abandoned, roofless, bus terminal on Athens’ famous Iera Odos, the ancient Holy Road. The event is truly Athenian with thousands of people making their Sunday morning pilgrimage there along with the few lucky tourists who manage to succeed in tracking it down.

The eclectic mix of vendors (Greeks and Gypsies) sell a plethora of Greek and foreign pottery, house wares, electronics, paintings, jewellery, vintage clothing, traditional blankets & bags, Greek handicrafts, Orthodox icons, tools, furniture, toys, Egyptian souvenirs, books, vintage

24 insider athens | September & October 2013

photos, ephemera, Russian nesting dolls, porn, expired cosmetics, silver Greek spoon sweet sets, lamps, vintage sunglasses, incense and more! Kyrie (Mr.) Andreas, whose stall sits right inside the main entrance, has 3 or 4 small perfectly draped crates which showcase his selective finds, a naïve 300 - year old icon from northern Greece, a set of Rosenthal Studio pottery pieces, a delicate sterling silver baby cup, rare Greek hammered tamata (votive church offerings), ancient Egyptian scarabs, an American miniature portrait in an ivory frame, a 24K gold Russian Orthodox cross and chain. He has a fiercely loyal clientele who wake up before the sun rises to ensure they have the first pick. But Kyrie Andreas’ items for sale tell a much greater story about Greece, Athens and its citizens. You understand that Greece has been a seafaring nation for centuries and, as a result, its people have travelled the world. You appreciate that cosmopolitan Greeks were living in cities like Smyrna, Alexandria and Constantinople before they where forced out and moved to cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. You recognize that you are looking at and buying the beloved everyday items of Greek families with tremendously varied backgrounds. And this is precisely what makes the Athens Flea Market so special. The Votanikos Flea starts early, at 5 or 6 am. The largest crowds arrive between 10am and 11am when you will be pressing flesh (and your handbag) with people you might not want to. The Flea is growing constantly and during a recent visit, it had expanded to an additional venue on Iera Odos, a bit closer to the Eleanos Metro station.

City Life

Practical info: • I f it’s sunny, and normally it is, bring a hat and sunscreen. • You can buy water there. •B ring small bills and change. Most vendors won’t change large bills. • Most vendors speak a bit of English so you can get buy with gesturing and finger pointing. •B argain with the vendors, Greeks like to haggle. Don’t hesitate to walk away from something you want because the price is too high, most likely they will chase you down and give it to you are your price. • The flea market gets crowded so try not to carry a backpack. You’ll just get knocked around a lot. • Use the bathroom before you venture out.

€

Words of caution:

Keep you valuables close to your person. If you’re a man don’t put you wallet in your back pocket and if you’re a woman don’t carry your wallet in your outside purse pocket. Do not eat the souvlaki (grilled skewered mystery meat) sold there!

Getting there: Metro stop Eleanos, from Syntagma take the Egaleo line. When you exit the station head up the road towards the Acropolis. The official flea is 400 meters up the street from the exit toward the Acropolis. You will pass unofficial hawkers selling just about everything on the walk to the flea. A metro ticket is 1.40 euros and is good for 1.5 hours. Make sure to validate your ticket before you enter the Metro. By taxi, a 10-minute ride from Syntagma Square will cost you approximately 5 euros. Iera Odos is halfway between Spyrou Patsi and Markoni Street, just past Athens’ Botanical Gardens.

insider athens | September & October 2013 25

A back-stage pass to Dralion

Following the huge success of Alegria last year, Dralion, Cirque du Soleilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mega-production, comes to Athens from 29 October to 3 November. Mark Shaub, Director for Cirque du Soleil, takes us behind the scenes to share the joys and anxieties of putting on a spectacle of the calibre and complexity of Dralion. Mark Shaub

26 insider athens | September & October 2013

Entertainment

How does Cirque du Soleil choose its themes from Michael Jackson to Alegria or Dralion? We have currently 19 shows. Each is distinct

Dralion Dralion Dralion Dralion Dralion

Mark, you started off your career as a dancer. How easy was it to make the transition and move back-stage? I took on the position of Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil in 2005 with Corteo. It’s always a challenge to leave the stage but I get to stay in the milieu of performing artists, to use my experience and share it with younger artists.

Dralion Dralion

main characters

years on the road

9000000 viewers

54 artists

years old, the youngest artist

3000 costumes

300 pairs of shoes

Dralion Dralion Dralion Dralion Dralion

ith a 20-year career as a dancer, Mark Shaub took over as Artistic Director of Cirque du Soleil in 2005. In a phone interview from Montreal, Mark Shaub shared aspects of an artist’s life rarely revealed to the public - the strain on personal relationships but also the camaraderie and cohesion of the team. And the millions of details that go into making a show that is seamlessly spectacular and safe. From getting 3000 custom-tailored costumes repaired by the three seamstresses who travel with the group to overseeing the logistics of shipping the 27 containers it takes to send the equipment and props to a new venue, to liaising with technicians in a new country every week, the devil clearly lies in the details and in remarkable organization skills. Mark Shaub’s job, it seems, is to stay calm through it all.

Dralion Dralion

and has its own acrobatic acts. There is one team that creates the show and another that runs it. My job is to make sure that Dralion continues to give the audience what it was originally created for in 1999. How easy is to scout for a Cirque du Soleil artist? Cirque du Soleil has a very large casting department with talent scouts looking at performers all over the world in gymnastics, acrobats and dance. Finding a martial arts performer who can also dance and sing might be more difficult though we could find someone and develop his skills while a tumbler or a musician are easier profiles. Watching the spectacle is a nail-biting experience. How nerve-racking is it for you as the creative director when the curtains are up for the final show? What causes you your greatest anxiety? It’s different for me when I watch the show. I look at things technically…. So I’d be more worried about a piece of equipment not being on stage rather than the success of a complicated act as I know we have very competent artists. On a human scale, I’d be more concerned if an artist would have to adapt his performance because of an injury. But what might appear scary to the public is really not (to me at least) and other seemingly simpler things might worry me a lot more!

insider athens | September & October 2013 27

Entertainment What does it take to go through that stress on a daily basis? I’m fortunate to work with a fantastic team of coaches and artists who know the details and know what it takes physically to perform an act. We have our physiotherapists on hand and stage managers who know what’s going on stage, below and behind the stage. I’m fortunate that Dralion has been running for 14 years. We’ve seen everything that could possibly go wrong, go wrong and we have contingency plans for almost everything. We have so many variations that the audience will never see the glitches. The essence of the show is always there. That’s what 29 years of experience offers. How many hours of rehearsals does it take before you perform in front of an audience? Usually, for a new show from conception to premiere, the time frame is 2 years. First the composers and creators will start working on the idea. Then the casting and talent department come in and they create the acrobatic apparatus and in the final 6-8 months, the artists come in to rehearse. How do you add to an already impressive repertoire? When a show has been running for this long, it is important to keep the artists stimulated. The artist needs to feel challenged and we need to keep the performance alive. If it

28 insider athens | September & October 2013

ends up being automatic, for a performer it is no fun. And we owe it to ourselves to keep it alive in terms of safety. Its our job to be aware, alert and alive - it enhances performance quality and keeps us all safe. What are the qualities that define a Cirque du Soleil artist? It takes several qualities but one is generosity… to give that much on a regular basis you need to be generous. You also need a certain level of energy, creativity and a small dose of craziness! How do you keep the cohesion within such a diverse group of performers? We travel so much and we do so much together that there is a huge element of respect for each other. About Dralion: Dralion is the result of the contraction of two words: “dragon”, a symbol of China and “lion”, the symbol of the East. The show has four main characters who represent earth, air, fire and water. Dralion comes to Greece for the first time after having toured around the world for 14 years for 10 performances from 29 October to 3 November. Tickets available at all Germanos stores and ELTA post offices. Online bookings at www.lavris.gr. For group bookings, call 210.725.8510 and for information on ticket sales, call 210.893.8138.

insider athens | September & October 2013 29

Education

TξZ Lessons in Teaching

How have international academic institutions faired in a period of economic turmoil? Athens Insider looks at how some international schools have focussed on their strengths and have got the better of the crisis and the malaise within Greek public education, by maintaining high standards.

Byron College

St. Catherine’s British School

Stuart Smith, the new headmaster at St. Catherine’s British School who is fully aware of the impact of the crisis despite being in Athens for little over a month, believes “the key lies in stability in quality education.” Mr. Smith explains that while some parents have had to re-assess their choices, the enrolment numbers have remained stable. “Most parents still believe that the one thing that will ensure a brighter future for their children is quality education.” Mr. Smith is adamant of upholding St. Catherine’s high standards, applying a holistic approach to its tuition, and a creativity-rich curriculum designed to impart its 950 pupils with skills for life, rather than merely achieving grade excellence. That said, he is proud of the school’s academic achievements. With several years of teaching experience in the UK, this is Mr. Smith’s first international assignment. Confirming that schools such as St. Catherine’s compare with the best in the world, he states, “We have had impressive IB and GCSE results with two of our students scoring maximum IB points.”

At times of economic turmoil, it is all too easy to revert to introversion and inactivity as a coping mechanism. However, it is the exact opposite strategy that Byron College has adopted and has been rewarded for it. Mr Matthew Burfield, the new Head of School at Byron College, is convinced that the only way forward is through focusing on academic excellence, investing constantly in the school and its staff, remaining extroverted and true to the school’s vision. “Numbers speak for themselves! Just a few indicative examples are: at IGCSE level, our A*/A was 36% compared to 21% in the UK National average, our A* - C in English Language was 92% compared to 64% in the UK, and in Sciences our A* - C was 94% compared to 53% in the UK. Our AS Level Languages, grades A and B was at 100% and all our graduates entered their first choice universities achieving 100% pass rate at A Level.” Byron College remains confident in itself, its pupils and staff and is planning to undergo an official BSO inspection in the fall of 2014 which will further validate its commitment to academic excellence and dedication to ensuring that teach child develops fully as a pupil and individual!

Echoing the sentiments of his fellow principals, Stephen Atherton, headmaster of Campion since 1991, observes, “It does seem that the economic downturn has had a positive effect on schools like Campion, which is now open to the Greek community as well and which in comparison is seen as a bit more attractive,” Mr. Atherton says that in the past two years Campion has grown “in an enjoyably controllable way.” In order to also allow bright minds of less affluent means access to education at Campion, the school is hoping to establish a “decent-size scholarship fund.” It would seem that international accreditation and affiliation with global educational establishments plays a deciding factor for parents. Mr. Atherton is understandably chuffed with the way Campion has achieved its expansion, sense of community and reputation over the past two decades. “We’ve been working together as a very close team. But there’s still a lot to do, and I’m perfectly happy working to reach those goals.”

Campion

American Community Schools For Dr. Stephanos Gialamas, President of the American Community Schools (ACS), “the capacity to change and adapt to constantly transforming socio-economic demands, should become the main focus of forward-thinking educational institutions.” If the crisis has taught us anything, it is that innovation is no longer a buzz word, it is a necessity. He stresses that where schools such as ACS distinguish themselves from Greek schools is the adoption of a more inclusive teaching regimen. “We are unique in that we allow children and teachers to be equals where educators stimulate participation, serve as mentors and facilitators, while allowing students to have an opinion,” prides Dr. Gialamas. “This type of innovative learning is an integral part of the learning process. By building a theoretical knowledge then working with a practitioner, students come out with something concrete - intuitive understanding.” 30 insider athens | September & October 2013

insider athens | September & October 2013 31

TξZ Catalysts of change

Education

For a country that has taught the world a great deal, Greece’s state universities seldom make it to international rankings. But a few private educational institutions have proven that given the right approach, they can stand out as centres of excellence drawing foreign students and attracting academic talent from abroad. Founded in 1992, ALBA Graduate Business School quickly established itself as a centre for excellence, innovation, research and teaching drawing not just students from abroad but also a faculty that comprises a core team of resident scholars with extensive teaching, research and consulting experience at an international level. Highlighting the ethos behind ALBA’s success in the international arena, Professor Nickolaos G. Travlos, Dean, ALBA Graduate Business School at The American College of Greece states, “We aim to create agents of change; individuals who embrace ‘the new’ and who bring about change in their organizations and in society at large.” ALBA’s student body includes diverse nationalities such as Nigeria, France, India, Russia and Jordan among others. It has consistently worked on creating a network of partnerships across the world which in turn has translated into opportunities for students to experience exchange programs in more than 30 Universities. ALBA’s partner schools are reputed academic institutions in their fields and include Bordeaux Business School

What sets apart successful Universities is quality education combined with flexible modules and curricula. The City Unity College (formerly City University of Seattle in Athens) has not only partnered with prestigious Universities from the world over, it offers specialization in 10 to 15 different options with a very flexible study programme. Founded in Greece in 1999 as an authorized Annex of City University of Seattle (USA) in Athens, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, The City Unity College has since 2009 received approval from the Ministry of Education and from 2012, it has been operating as a college with renowned partner universities including the City University of Seattle, The University of Strasbourg whose

32 insider athens | September & October 2013

(KEDGE), EM Lyon, XLRI Jamshedpur, MIP Politechnico di Milano, University of San Diego, Sabanci Universitesi, The KLU, among others. Working closely with industry, ALBA’s curriculum reflects the real needs and problems of a global business environment and apart from its regular MBAs and Masters degrees, it also offers highquality executive education in South-East Europe, meeting the needs of dozens of large corporate clients. The programmes are tailored to suit organizations at different levels of growth and individuals at different stages of their career. Taking justifiable pride in the accomplishments of ALBA’s graduates, Professor Nickolaos G. Travlos observes, “The measure of our success is the success of our alumni. Our graduates are leaders in a broad range of organizations world-wide, ranging from start-ups, family businesses established firms, to government and not-for-profit organizations, and they serve in a wide spectrum of industries.” www.alba.edu.gr

history dates back to the early 16th century, The Liverpool John Moores University, one of the top public universities in the UK education and research, The New England College, in operation since 1946, the Cardiff Metropolitan University whose roots go back to1800, Universitatea Din Bucuresti in existence since 1864. The faculty consists of distinguished professors and qualified professionals with excellent knowledge of the subject they teach and the choice of academic staff is subject to very strict procedures. Assessments are based on specifications that apply to quality education globally. Karytsi 1 and Kolokotronis, Syntagma Theseus 15-17, Syntagma Poseidon 70 Glyfada housed at the Palmyra Beach Hotel.

Kalymnos: soaring new heights Platis Gialos

Traditionally an island whose residents have plunged the depths of the ocean to retrieve sponge, Kalymnos is soon acquiring a reputation as a mecca for climbers. Sudha Nair-Iliades leaves Kalymnos seduced by its craggy beauty.

t was a casual discovery by an Italian tourist, Andrea di Bari on a sultry evening in 1996 that changed the fortunes and reputation of this rugged island in the Dodecannese. With no claim to ancient ruins or sandy beaches, unlike its more blessed neighbours, Kalymnos was never an island that attracted droves of tourists. A barren terrain with rocky promontories and stalacite formations reminiscent of Jaws, most of the islanders earned their living by diving into the depths of Klaymnos’ crystal waters to find sea sponge. The island is the largest producer and processer of natural sponges and most sponge merchants still display antiquated scuba-diving gear used by their forefathers. But Kalymnos’ moniker as a sponge-diver’s island is very likely to be replaced by its new tag-line: Climber’s mecca. That serendipitous discovery by the Italian tourist, that Kalymnos had a natural predisposition to be a climber’s paradise, changed the way the islanders looked at their cursed landscape. An island, whose population temporarily displaces itself for a few months each year to far-off Australia or USA on short-term labour contracts, now looks on at the same jagged cliffs, sculpted by the elements, as their island’s salvation. Andrea di Bari came back with his climbing buddies in 1997, put some climbing routes, and the rest, as they say, is history. What it has done for the economy of Kalymnos though, is invaluable. Kalymnos’ charismatic mayor, Mr. Dimitris Diakomichalis, (who was also the mayor during the crucial years from 1997 to 2002 when imminent war with Turkey loomed), was so enthused with di Bari’s idea of promoting climbing, that he gave it his full backing. The first major international climbing event on the island was held in October

34 insider athens | September & October 2013

2000 and attracted 180 climbers from 13 different countries. Today, Kalymnos is a climbing venue with more than 2,000 routes with vast tracts of rock still left unexplored, and on the bucket list of climb afficionados worldwide. The mayor informs, “Climbing now accounts for a steady trickle of tourists throughout the year. The climbing months stretch from April to November and provide a lifeline to the island.” The Kalymnos municipality has since ensured that the climb routes are pre-equipped with permanent drilled-in bolts, so that all a climber really needs is a pair of rock shoes, rope and slings. Pantelis Koutroulis, the Director of Tourism at the municipality of Kalymnos, who took me on an exhaustive tour of the island, suggests that the attractiveness of Kalymnos lies in its accessibility to a wide range of climbers in terms of age and ability. There is something for everyone: septuagenarian climbers giving it a shot, teenagers travelling on skateboards or climbers with young families. Kalymnos leads the way in the kind of all-year niche tourism other Greek destinations need to emulate. At the second North Face Kalymnos Climbing Festival from 10 to 13 October, even more world-class climbers and climbing enthusiasts from the world over are expected to descend on the island, than the year before. The festival lasts three days and has a full program of competitions and master classes and beach side parties. “The sheer beauty of watching these champion climbers incredulously dangling upside down in the Grande Grotta, a cave filled with suspended stalactites, is hard to describe”, Koutroulis beams. That said, there is still work to be done. Away from the rocky crags, there is little infrastructure in terms of accommodation. Just a few

Travel

Nikolaos Smalios

hotels make the cut in terms of amenities while the vast majority are reminders from the ‘70s. But Kalymnos has so much else to offer that you’ll spend very little time cuddled up in your hotel room. In terms of sights, Kalymnos is dotted with inlets and gorges in the most unlikely of bends. A trek upto Kastri fort, that was first fortified in the 4th century BC and whose fortifications still remain pretty much intact, is well worth the clamber. At its feet lies a flat plain covered with wild, fragrant herbs, a great venue to picnic after the steep ascent. Follow it up with a cool swim in the inviting waters below. Despite its predominantly barren landscape, Kalymnos is not all brown and craggy. The refreshingly lush valley of Vathi with its turquoise fjords and fertile citrus orchards, provides a refreshing counterpoint. (The oranges here were reputed to be so good, they were exported to Russia, Turkey and the Balkans for decades. Today, the consumption is restricted to the local population of Kalymnos, now at 11,500.) For a taste of authentic island life, take a day trip to Kalymnos’ neighbouring isles, some inhabited only by sheep and goats, others, like Telendos and Pserimos, with just a few houses and tavernas. (The tavernas here are a bit pricier than on the mainland but unmatchable for their setting.) Just a fifteen-minute ferry ride away from Kalymnos, are Kos and Leros, and the Turkish coast is just a few nautical miles away, providing easy access to tourists from all around. For those who’d rather dive, Kalymnos’ sea bed is one of the most interesting, rich in vegetation and marine life. Diving for sponges has been the Kalymniot’s profession for centuries and that has meant that it has very good infrastructure, making scuba diving in Kalymnos, a safe and memorable experience. The island’s hospital is equipped with a modern decompression chamber. An island of heights and depths, Kalymnos still retains its unspoilt charm, and its residents have taken the initiative to make it the new extreme sport destination. Here is an unpretentious island that truly has it all.

Maya Iliades

J. Koyllias

insider athens | September & October 2013 35

Travel

J. Koyllias

Getting there:

Swim:

By air: Either directly to Kalymnos, or to Kos or Leros, and then by ferries that ply several times daily. By ferry: Most visitors arrive from the nearby island of Kos via frequent ferry service. There are two services: Anem Ferries runs a large boat which can take vehicles, and the Kalymnos Star is a smaller, faster, passenger-only boat. There are also a number of direct ferries that run daily from Rhodes to Athens and stop ‘enroute’. Also the ‘Dodecanese Express’ runs almost every day from Kos as do the ‘Flying Dolphins’. It is also possible to travel directly to Kos as well as Bodrum, Turkey, and other nearby Greek islands. There is also a scheduled ferry service to/from Athens year round, and a seasonal service to Thessaloniki in the summer months.

Apitikou beach (near Emborios), a secluded pebbly beach with clear blue waters (but no shade) Cassonia beach (near Pothia), a beautiful, family-friendly beach close to town Gefira beach (near Pothia), for a plunge of f rocky boulders Kantouni beache (near Panormo), ideal for families Palionisos beach (near Palionisos), perfect for some solitary swimming Platis Gialos beach (near Panormo), a gorgeous black-sand beach with magical blue-green waters Therma beach (near Therma), the thermal spring that runs into the sea makes a swim here not only fun but also therapeutic Massouri beach, trendy beach with sea toys

See:

Buy:

Monastery of Saint Sava, Pothia: an attractive monastery perched high on the hill for a slice of spirituality and great views.

The mandatory sponge and scrub set Shells in all shapes and sizes Kalymnos’ famed honey

Eat: Aegeopelagitgika for excellent seafood in Massouri. Themis in Myrties for traditional mageirefta cuisine. By the seafront in Pothia, O Pantelis for both fish and meat specialities. Psirris, for stuffed squid and octopus croquettes. Harry’s Taverna and Artistico in Emborios.

Drink: Rock and Blues, in Kantouni Domos, in Kantouni In Massouri, Scorpion Bar, Bossa and Nadir

36 insider athens | September & October 2013

Stay: Elena’s Village, Tel: 2243 047 177 Kalydna’s Island Hotel in Massouri, Tel: 22430 47880-1 Hotel Olympic, Tel: 22430 51710

Useful numbers: Municipality of Kalymnos, www.kalymnos-isl.gr, email: george@kalymnos.gr and mto@kalymnos.gr, Tel: 22430 59056, 50879 Kalymnos Hoteliers Association, www.kalymnos-hotels.com, admin@kalymnos-hotels.com, Tel: +30 6947604120

A five star hotel, member of Domotel group of luxury hotels, perfect for your summer vacations for two or more! “Sea or mountain?” Just choose the view from your room! Built in the 60’s, with the unique architectural style of the historic “Xenia” hotels it has been totally reconstructed in 2006, creating thus an idyllic environment of luxury, lifestyle, calmness and relaxation. With its ideal location Domotel Xenia Volos is the perfect starting point for short trips and excursions to Sporades islands or to the picturesque villages of Pelion. Do not miss to start your day with the awarded Greek breakfast, to experience unique local tastes at the O2 open kitchen restaurant or to rejuvenate at the spectacular Dreamway Spa and finally to have a drink to its Yacht club, the hot spot of Volos with the most enchanting view to the sea!

1, Plastira Street, 38221, Volos, T.: +30 24210 92700, F.: +30 24210 92800 xeniavolou@domotel.gr

This autumn, Cycling is... art Participate in the Athens Bike Festival and see cycling through a different perspective! The event raises awareness on the use of public transport, cycling, walking and encourages citizens to adopt these modes of transport. The exhibition will also host for posters of acknowledged artists and amateur works by graphic designers. Technopolis, Gazi, 20-22 September www.bikefestival.gr

Are you a freerunner? Want to criss-cross a city by jumping off rooftops? You need to hone your freerunning skills then. Red Bull Art of Motion has been bringing together the world’s best freerunners on unique courses in epic locations across the globe. And freerunners from all over the world will be in Santorini leaping off the island’s signature blue domes in an epic 3-day Freerunning festival! World-renowned freerunning star and the victor in that first competition, Ryan Doyle, explains that “ It’s not 18 freerunners competing against each other, it’s 18 freerunners competing against the course every time.” Firostefani, Santorini, 11-14 September www.redbullartofmotion.com

38 insider athens | September & October 2013

Sports

0Fξ

Get sporty Slalom on the waves Get ready to glide on the shimmering waters of Lake Pamvotis at the Europe and Africa Water Ski Open Championships in Ioannina from 4-8 September. Host to many a water-skiing event, Lake Pamvotis is fast emerging as ‘the’ venue for the sport. So hold on tight and get carried away. Ioannina, 4-8 September www.2013eaoc.org

A fun family marathon Take part in the Spetses Mini Marathon en famille from 11 to 13 October. Held for the third year in a row, the event features two unique running races: 25km Run (Full Naturalistic Round of the Island) and the 5km Run (Fun Run, Historical Round of the Town), two swimming races, 2,500metres and 5,000m, a 1000m children’s run and a children’s swimming competition. Spetses, 11-13 October www.spetsesmarathon.com

insider athens | September & October 2013 39

Life

is a game of

g lf

Graham Wood discusses the mystical power of golf with George Stephanopoulos, the driving force behind Swing Away, a romantic comedy about the sport set in Crete.

olf. You either love it, loathe it or are completely indifferent to it. Probably the most famous uttering on the sport came from the mouth of one of America’s greatest writers, Mark Twain, who famously said:

“

”

Golf is a good walk spoiled,

while former top amateur player Bobby Jones’ description is a philosophical classic in its simplicity:

“

Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.

”

Despite its ability to divide opinion, George Stephanopoulos is pretty convinced about golf’s ability to provide a poignant metaphor for life, and it is that aspect which provides one of the central themes of the film he is producing. A Greek-American lawyer by trade but a passionate golfer who lives and breathes the game by vocation, New Yorker Stephanopoulos’ aim through the Steven Kampmann-directed film is to give something back to his native homeland, as well as expose the slightly bizarre world of golf in Greece. Stephanopoulos has plenty of experience on the subject. He grew up playing golf in the United States with his father, a Greek Orthodox priest, and it was his childhood experiences which helped inspire his motivation for Swing Away.

40 insider athens | September & October 2013

Cinema

A romantic comedy set on the island of Crete, the film revolves around a Greek-American golf pro named Nikki who gets suspended from the LPGA tour and escapes to the village of her Greek grandparents. Her plan is to get away from her career disappointments and along the way she meets an array of villagers and ends up trying to save a beautiful golf course on the island that is being neglected. Independent film company Picturehouse has already signed up to distribute the completed project, and Stephanopoulos has reached out to potential investors via a resource that many other entertainment professionals have started using as of late: crowd funding. Although the project did not manage to attract the target of $200,000, a total of $27,945 from 115 backers was raised. Insider caught up with Stephanopoulos for a Q & A about his inspiration for the film, its aims and the importance of crowd funding for filmmakers in general. What inspired you to come up with the idea for Swing Away? The idea was the result of my search for a deeper connection to the country and people of Greece outside of just visiting family so that I could have a real sense of belonging that was more my own and not simply the result of being born Greek American or raised Greek Orthodox. Some Greeks (of a certain generation) viewed this as being

motivated by sentimental reasons. Not only did they ignore the importance of community and family but questioned what it means to be Greek. It hadn’t occurred to me that there might be an identity crisis in Greece. In the end, this search to do something positive and in service of others manifested as a movie about Greek identity (the logline reads: a meaning-focused story about love, Greece and the comedy of life). Certain aspects of the film will be highly stylized, if not idyllic. Of course this is not to suggest that Greeks have a monopoly on how to live a life of meaning but the Greek spirit and passion is surely unique to Greece, and most definitely, its richest and greatest export. What are the key themes of the film? Swing Away is a comedy that takes place in Greece in a romantic golf setting. The combination of these elements will allow us to tackle a variety of stereotypes as well as the mystical aspects of golf and in turn our endless pursuit of perfection. Thus, the ultimate aim of Swing Away is to entertain and through comedy convey the idea that to truly experience joy one must ‘swing away’ at all aspects of life in a natural, relaxed and uninhibited manner - like the perfect golf swing. Golf is not the most popular of sports in Greece. How and why do you think Swing Away will boost golf’s profile in Greece? It is a curious mystery although part of the blame lies in the origins and culture of golf as a rich man’s sport. That is no longer the case and its worldwide popularity is undeniable among men and woman

insider athens | September & October 2013 41

Cinema

of all ages, ethnicities and economic backgrounds. The future of golf and in particular women’s golf will continue to become more relevant in Greece now that golf is an Olympic sport starting in Rio in 2016. There are now more opportunities to play and more and more girls and boys in Greece will be introduced to the game because of the Olympics. The movie will also inevitably boost the profile of golf in Greece - it is the nature of film. However, just how big an impact remains to be seen. What made you decide on Crete as the backdrop for the film? There are many reasons why we decided on Crete even though we scouted other film locations elsewhere in Greece and Cyprus. A key factor was that we wanted to pay homage to Nikos Kazantzakis who was born in Iraklion and was best known for having created Zorba the Greek, one of the greatest characters in modern fiction. We also understand Swing Away as a family friendly film addresses timely and universal themes and that the story could just as easily be told in China, India, Puerto Rico or the Middle East. But the idea to film Swing Away outside of Greece did not interest me. Our view of Swing Away is that it is more than a film...it is a mission. And that mission involves among other things giving back to Greece. Times are tough in Greece due to the state of the economy, do you hope that it can provide Greeks with inspiration? And what will they gain from seeing the film? The story of Swing Away is fiction, so it is not real. But as The National Herald reported, Swing Away will “present the real Greece to the world: a stunningly beautiful country where life is lived and challenges are faced and overcome.” We hope the movie brings joy, laughter and wonder to Greeks and possibly serve to create a new narrative that counters the current, often far too negative image of Greece and the Greek people. The nature of the Greek spirit is to overcome insurmountable odds and we find this to be as true in present day Greece as at any time in its history. What is the current status of the cast? In addition to our two main Greek actors, Renos Haralambidis (to play the role of Panayiotis, the manager of the local golf course) and

42 insider athens | September & October 2013

Manos Gavras (to play the role of Marcos, Spiro’s father, a widower and English teacher at the local school), we cast John O’Hurley, who is best known to international audiences for his role as J. Peterman on the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, to play the smarmy, antagonistic entrepreneur who owns the golf course. We are also in active discussions with an Academy Award-Winning actress for the role of Nikki (our female lead/LPGA tour pro) and another great actor for the role of Thomas (the British expat employed by Panayiotis as the groundskeeper). Keep in mind that although Swing Away is an English language film, the majority of the cast and most if not all the extras will be Greekborn. This is what is unique about the film and appeals to me. Concerning funding, what is the status and why is public/crowd funding important for projects such as this one? Our crowdfunding campaign on RocketHub.com ended in early August. We raised a total of $27,945 from 115 backers. These people who supported us financially are now a part of the making of Swing Away. We will use funds for pre-production and certain production costs once we raise the full budget. Although we did not hit our goal, the campaign was successful on a variety of fronts - the most important of which was to raise audience awareness for the film. The ability to build community on the Internet and social media is paramount and not unlike what Bob Berney (the new owner of Picturehouse and distributor Swing Away) did in the case of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, except here our outreach efforts are taking place before we even shoot the movie. These kinds of initiatives are essential, if you want to break through the clutter and raise the profile and demand for your film. Obviously, in this genre, My Big Fat Greek Wedding was an unexpected success. Is this something you hope to imitate and will it be a similar kind of movie? No, we do not want to nor is it possible to imitate Greek Wedding. The success of that film is the equivalent of capturing lightening in a bottle. What we can realistically hope for is to make a film that will transcend borders and cultures like Greek Wedding and if we succeed in that we are not only guaranteed film sales and eventual profits, but we will have a made a movie that matters.

6WRD RI $WWDORV $WKHQV -XO\ V 6WRD RI $WWDORV $WKHQV -XO\ VW Co-Hosted Co-Hosted by

Co-organ Co-organi

Convened by:

DEMOCRACY under pressure

Î&#x201D;Î&#x2014;Î&#x153;Î&#x;Î&#x161;ÎĄÎ&#x2018;Î¤Î&#x2122;Î&#x2018; Ď&#x2026;Ď&#x20AC;Ď&#x152; Ď&#x20AC;ÎŻÎľĎ&#x192;Îˇ

Stoa of Attalos

Athens, September 16th 2013 As part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Global Conversationâ&#x20AC;? series, the International Herald Tribune and Kathimerini are proud to host a high level debate and panel discussion, focussing on the key issues challenging democracy in the world in the very spot where the Athenian democracy was born 2,500 years ago -- the ancient Agora of Athens at the foot of the Acropolis.

Carl Bildt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sweden

H.E. Antonis Samaras Prime Minister of Greece

Dr Shashi Tharoor, M.P. Minister of State for Human Resource Development Government of India

Yorgos Kaminis Mayor of Athens

Invited

Annika Savill Deputy Executive Head, UN Democracy Fund, United Nations

Masha Gessen

Sultan Al-Qassemi

Russian and United States journalist and author

Commentator on Arab affairs and prominent voice during the events of the ongoing Arab Spring

www.IHTGlobalConversation.com

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Athens Forum 2013â&#x20AC;? will look at the state of Democracy in the world and how the economic, social and religious crisis are putting â&#x20AC;&#x153;Democracy under pressureâ&#x20AC;?. Nowhere does this seem to be more visible

Headline Sponsors:

Kind Support of:

Roger Cohen

Alexis Papahelas

Columnist for The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune

Executive Editor Kathimerini newspaper

Joint the conversation on twitter: @ekathimerini

than within the E.U. where the reforms being put forward by different governments are causing much popular discontent and are empowering formerly fringe political and religious groups.

Contributing Sponsor:

In Cooperation with:

Exclusive Transportation Provider:

For further info: S.G.T. S.A., Ms. Antigone Zorbas, tel.: +30 210 728 9000, a.zorbas@tsomokos.gr or Mr. Alberto Cano adv-greece@iht.com

Hospitality Sponsor:

Under the Î&#x2018;uspices of the:

HELLENIC REPUBLIC

World Press Freedom Committee www.wpfc.org

Ministry of Culture and Sports

CITY OF ATHENS

Media Partner:

Co - Organized by:

My Athens Designer Nassos Ntotsikas whose wearable-off-the-catwalk knitwear creations are a must-have this autumn, believes in Athens’ creative chaos but stays true to his Chios roots.

u What do you do? I am a fashion designer, specialized in knitwear and I run

u The one thing that you always pack in your suitcase? Books, music and my pencils.

my own label the last 2,5 years.

u What are your creative inspirations? It varies... It can be an interesting book, a theatrical play, a photo, a journey... But at the core is always the woman as I

u Why did you choose to come back to Athens? I never really left…

ideally have her image in my mind!

u Which area of Athens do you live in and what do you see from your balcony?

u Why knitwear? Because knitwear for me is a way of escaping and express-

Lykovrisi, where I see a friendly and quiet

ing myself.

neighbourhood!

u Your creations are aimed at:

u Athens to me is….

Sophisticated and elegant women with a strong personality

a creative chaos!

u Your favourite picks: Your island of choice: Chios, where I come from!

44 insider athens | September & October 2013

My Athens

FW 2013-14 Black Widow. Photo credits: Michail Lavdiotis (Photo), Antonis Papastavrou (MakeUp), Ermi Sdrali (Hair), Models: Mihaela & Julie, Shoes: Dress2Impress

u The most endearing and most annoying quality of Athenians?

u A perfect day on the island starts with… and ends with:

Endearing: Their feeling of solidarity in a crisis and Annoy-

It starts with Greek coffee at Mesta village and

ing: their habit of doing everything at the last minute!

continues at Mavra Volia beach and ends with a stroll at Chios Hora enjoying a perfect Kronos ice

u Can you describe a quintessentially Athenian sound, smell, taste and sight? Whenever I am at Acropolis, thousands of feelings flooding me that I can’t describe them in few words.

u With the crisis, has Athens now become a creative hub?

u What would you take back from Greece as a gift for friends and family? Mastiha and Pixari liquer from Chios.

Athens always was a creative hub but during the crisis, more people have become creative.

cream!

u Which Greek designer/s do you most admire? Loukia, Rita Attala, Celebrity Skin, Angelos Frentzos

u A restaurant or bar in Athens you’d highly recommend: ‘Armolia’ restaurant at Chalandri, specialized in Chios cuisine.

insider athens | September & October 2013 45

Beauty routines for Fall

BEAUTY TIPS by • While applying blush, look in the mirror and smile to better distinguish the ‘apples’ of your cheekbone and start your day in a good mood! • To get rid of dark circles as much as possible, choose a concealer a tone lighter than that of your skin: if it is too dark, it will accentuate your dark circles and make them stand out even more.

• Black mascara is a sure bet for all eye colours! However, play with colours! Brown mascara best matches on blondes while plum or purple shades make green eyes sparkle! At night, dare to put on mascara with glitter!

20% Off!

46 insider athens | September & October 2013

Cut this coupon & avail of 20% off on all exclusive brands at Sephora’s stores in Greece.

1. Black Pine Serumanti-Wrinke, Firming & Lifting Face Serum available at Korres 2. Rougeg Flirte from Voilette de Madame collection by Guerlain, available at Hondos Center and attica 3. Stay Flawless by Benefit, available at Sephora 4.Blush Collector from Voilette de Madame collection by Guerlain, available at Hondos Center and attica 5. BetterThanSex by Too Faced, available at Sephora 6. Flower In The Air Eau De Parfum By Kenzo, available at Hondos Center 7. Justin Bieber SOMEDAY, available at Sephora 8. Lift Remodelling Cream By Sensai, exclusively available at Notos Galleries 9. Diesel Loverdose Tattoo, available at Hondos Center Stores: • attica CityLink, Panepistimiou 9, 211.180.2600, Golden Hall, Kifissias Ave 37A, Maroussi, 211.181.4000 • Hondos Center Omonia Square 4, 210.528.2800, Agiou Konstantinou 2, Glyfada, 210.891.0900 • Korres El. Venizelos Airport, Spata, 210.353.3002, The Mall Athens, A. Papandreou 35, Maroussi, 210.610.9495 • Notosgalleries Stadiou & Aiolou, 210.324.5811 • Sephora Ermou 24, Syntagma, 210.331.3167, A. Metaxa 33-35, Glyfada, 210894.3378

New! StriVectin Present Perfect Antioxidant Defense Lotion

™

sephora.gr

NIA-114® TECHNOLOGY

™

* Based on consumer evaluation on 36 subjects at 4 weeks.

Agora

What would Greece be if it were a souvenir?

O 10

ver 60 Greek designers create objects that redefine the design and meaning of the traditional Greek souvenir. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all, oh so souvenir to me is an on-going exhibition by Occhi Concept Store that runs until 28 September at Matalou at home, Ipitou 5 & Voulis 40, Syntagma, Tel: 211.184.5416 and 6972.635.512. Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12.00-21.00, Wednesday and Saturday 12.00-16.00, Sunday 19.00-21.00.

Photos: 1. The twelve Gods of Olympus by la.trap + lila, 2. Age of the ass by Aggliki Tsotsoni, 3. Tasos by Busy Bee, 4. Nissos cutlery stand by Dede , 5. Hangers by Meetthe the Cat, 6. Grannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apron by THEIA, 7. Tsolias by Rdesign, 8. Exhibition post card, 9. Notebook by PloosDesign, 10. Earthy by acdesign 09

48 insider athens | September & October 2013

A pageantry of taste

Restaurants

Executive Chef Sotiris Evangelou

Bearing all the expectations of its regal name, The Tudor Hall at the refurbished King George, not only exudes understated opulence, its cuisine evokes nostalgia and emotion.

erched on the seventh floor of the recently renovated King George, the Tudor Hall Restaurant is very likely destined to be the new favourite haunt for leisurely breakfasts, business lunches and unhurried dinners. With the Acropolis dominating the skyline, the view from the restaurant offers a sweeping vista of the city’s other landmarks - the Greek Parliament, the National Gardens and the Kalimarmaro stadium. While the setting is magical, the cuisine is yet another reason to try out Tudor Hall. If ever there has been a consistent culinary trend in Greece in the past couple of years, it has been a strong desire to re-discover the simplicity and freshness of conventional comfort foods and to keep the construction of the dish as uncomplicated and clean as possible. Executive Chef Sotiris Evangelou does just that by re-creating traditional cuisine with a modern, refined twist that relies on seasonal produce to evoke childhood memories and stirrings of emotions that only a beautifully cooked meal can induce. Following the seasons implies a frequently updated menu to reflect the produce and culinary customs of the relevant period and so the restaurant constantly throws up a surprise - even for regulars. Accompanying Chef Evangelou’s creative cuisine is an extensive wine list culled by sommelier Evangelos Psofidis from the finest Greek vineyards.

50 insider athens | September & October 2013

Start your meal with the veggie goodness of a briam, or a crunchy octopus with grilled eggplants or the sheer succulence of a sun-kissed tomato salad with croutons and marinated anchovy. For flavours from the depths of the Aegean, try Greece’s own version of the bouillabaisse, kakavia with rockfish and seafood. The main-course is a toss-up between meat or seafood but our recommendations would be either a slow-cooked, braised veal cheek with orzo, a crisp roast chicken marinated in yoghurt, honey and thyme, an olive crusted grouper or Mikrolimano shrimp. Pastry chef Eugene Vardakastanis adds his special flourish with an original dessert menu that plays between chocolate and time-honoured Greek pastries such as ravani semolina cake, and Greek yoghurt with fruits and honey. The Tudor Hall is also perfect for a drink before or after dinner and if you’re adventurous, the bartenders here are reputed to be among the best mixologists in the city, concocting the right cocktails to match the mood and occasion. Daily Opening Hours: Breakfast: 06:30 - 11:00, Lunch: 13:00 - 18:00, Dinner: 18:00 - 1:00 For reservations, contact 210.333.0265 or 210.333.0000 www.kinggeorgeathens.com

the ii

Business of Luxury CONFERENCE

SAVE THE DATE Thursday 21 November 2013, Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Understanding & Engaging the new Luxury Consumer Τhe unique luxury business conference in Greece, on the strategy, positioning and promotion of luxury products and services. The conference will address 10 main topics:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The dynamics of the luxury products and services market globally

The new global balance of power in view of the evolution of emerging markets

The luxury consumer’s profile, his/her habits and preferences, as well as the way he/she perceives luxury and deals with it

How the online and social media boom, along with their strong effect on communications methods affect sales of luxury brands and services? Which sales and promotion strategies do luxury brands and services opt for, based on new eco-social trends?

10.

The use of the “affordable luxury” concept as a response to the economic crisis The economic crisis’ effects on the consumer’s behavioral patterns and buying habits How is the local luxury market developing, what is the positioning of imported luxury brands and the strategy of “top international brands” with a presence in Greece The evolution of Greek luxury brands and their future prospects in Greece and abroad Greece’s prospects and potential as a top international luxury destination

The conference will present selected best practices of Greek leading luxury companies with an international profile.

Official Publications

Health & Beauty Digital Media Sponsor

Media Sponsors

insider ATHENS

CONTENT & SPONSORSHIPS: Danae Salepoula, tel.: 210 6617 777 (dir.115), e-mail: dsalepoula@boussias.com CONTENT: Katerina Vallogianni, tel.: 210 6617 777 (dir.105), e-mail: kv@boussias.com SPONSORSHIPS & REGISTRATIONS: Vassilis Koutsavlis, tel.: 210 6617 777 (dir. 129), e-mail: vkoutsavlis@boussias.com

Restaurants

The Byzantino steps out into the sun! The Byzantino, long a favourite haunt of Athenians for leisurely lunches, now opens onto a terrace. Open all day long from 11 in the morning to 11 at night, the verdant courtyard of the Byzantino is ideal for coffee, its famed lunch buffet, snacks, dinner and everything else in between. with smoked salmon and cream cheese, bagel with prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and pesto baguette with tomato, feta and olive paste, Byzantino offers a spread that delights. Regulars will be glad to find their Hilton Classics: the hotel’s signature club sandwich, Caesar’s salad and the Hilton burger. To accompany your coffee, choose one of the traditional, homemade desserts prepared daily by Byzantino’s pastry chef: ravani, traditional ice cream, pecan pie, apple pie and scrumptious loukoumades drizzled with honey.

atch the city scurry by under the vigilant presence of the city’s most recognisable glass sculpture, Dromeas (the Runner) by Kostas Varotsos, while enjoying one of the many fresh and healthy options at Byzantino. From mini sandwiches to multigrain bagel with smoked turkey, English muffin

52 insider athens | September & October 2013

Cool off with a healthy smoothie: Purple Rain, with black berries, pineapple, mango and orange or Pinky with strawberry, pineapple, banana and orange. As the sun goes down, enjoy a glass of wine and indulge in cheese and cured meats. On Sundays, lounge back and read your newspapers followed by a languorous brunch in the city centre.

A few added plusses: Free wi-fi, free parking while on the premises for lunch or dinner and good news for smokers, smoking is tolerated in the courtyard. For more information call 210.728.1400, www.hiltonathens.gr

Restaurants

Downtown rendez-vous With glass-panelled bay windows that overlook the city’s main square and the bustling Stadiou street, the Plaza Lounge at the NJV Athens Plaza’s lobby is a terrific choice for a coffee-break in the city centre in between business meetings and shopping. A stone’s throw from the boutique-lined Voukourestiou street and high-street clothing stores on Ermou, the Plaza Lounge is ideal for a light snack or salad especially when you have tourist friends and family in town.

esigned for people-watching, The Plaza Lounge lets you watch Athenians go about their busy lives while you meet the movers and shakers of Athens in the lobby. The restaurantcafé’s rounded chairs in vivid hues of royal purple and lime green are at once inviting while the deep, comfortable couches that you literally sink into, lend it an extra touch of luxury. Pleasant music, natural light and impeccable service add to its charm and explains why regulars seek out the Plaza Lounge for much-needed respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. If you’re peckish, and would like to opt for flavours of the Mediterranean, try the delectable penne with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, the absolutely refreshing Plaza seafood salad, linguini with tuna, and even pizzas and burgers! Quite a few of Athens’ famed theatres, including the legendary Pallas are housed just a few metres away making the Plaza Lounge a perfect stop-over for a before-or-after performance snack. Open from 8 in the morning for power breakfast until late at night till just before midnight. Reservations: Tel: 210.335.2400. www.njvathensplaza.gr

insider athens | September & October 2013 53

Setting the bar high

54 insider athens | September & October 2013

Restaurant review

Halandri is fast acquiring the reputation as the eating capital of Athens with new concept bars and restaurants sprouting up every other day. While the choice might seem a bit cluttered, Step by Step sets the bar really high and stands out.

he uber-chic Step by Step on Sokratous, just off Halandri’s bustling square, combines the cool, quirky aesthetics of designer Kirios Criton and Nikos Pantazis’ twenty-odd years of experience in the restaurant business. The design logic of the bar-restaurant seems to flow from the façade of the restaurant to the menu and beyond. Running alongside the name of the restaurant, are what appear to be the first series of odd numbers that correspond to the prices of starters on the menu. The restaurant itself is split into an outside space, covered interestingly with a chrome ceiling, stools propped on to a wall as a décor feature and a lounge area where a winding red staircase holds centre-stage. A round table, spread out like a fan, sits at the bottom of the staircase while the top end leads to a private dining area that will be used for musical and theatrical events throughout the year. Kirios Criton’s décor sensibilities play with the “unexpected” at every turn. From a child’s scrawl on the ceiling which proclaims ”Sky is the Limit” to the creative out-sized wash-basin (which resembles more of a water slide), design fans will find little details to savour that make the experience of spending time here a truly rewarding experience. While Kirios’ touch is present everywhere, Nikos Pantazis’ years of successfully operating restaurants in an extremely competitive environment comes through in the running of Step by Step. Open for breakfast from the early hours of the morning, to lunch, dinner, drinks, coffee and snacks throughout the day until late at night, the sheer complexity and skills required to manage the operation is impressive. The food here, contrary to the dreadful fare of greasy cheese pies and soggy sandwiches one expects at all-day lounge restaurants, is upliftingly good. Chef Dimitris Papadopoulos, who has had years of experience working with the best restaurants in Athens including Beau Brummel, creates dishes that seem uncomplicated in structure but refined in texture and taste. For starters, try the salmon pouches filled with mascarpone, the absolutely exquisite octopus carpaccio and little savoury truffles in six different flavours. The mains are extremely reasonably priced too with prices in the range of 9 to 12 euros and the most pricey dish on the menu being a grilled lobster at 19 euros. A trendy place to hang out with family and friends, this is one bar-restaurant, Athens Insider would whole-heartedly recommend. Step by Step, Socratous 4, Halandri. Tel: 213.027.6376

insider athens | September & October 2013 55

Restaurant review

Lebanese delights Beirut, in Glyfada, offers authentic Lebanese cuisine at very affordable prices in a cosy setting.

erving authentic Lebanese fare for over 30 years, Beirut has moved to a new location and has been completely revamped to include modern lighting and fixtures, a fullfledged bar both indoors and outdoors. Beirut, a sprawling restaurant that seats around 150, is a delightfully authentic Lebanese restaurant. Beirut sits at a spacious L-shaped corner, away from the hustle of Glyfada’s clogged streets, just across the Ag. Konstantinou Church, and has a large terrace that accommodates as at least 80 guests. Open all day long, Beirut is a great meeting point to catch up with friends and family over a laid-back lunch, for a cocktail (the bartender works magic) or for dinner. The food here is exceptionally good. With loads of starters to choose from, try Lebanese staples such as hummus, falafel, kibbeh, tabouleh and fatush salad. For mains, opt for the copius mixed grill platter or shish taouk, a succulently grilled, skewered, chicken. Sohail Kayser, the man behind Beirut, has a simple philosophy. “I want people to feel at home, and to have such a good time that they’ll want to relive the experience by coming back again.” As you walk in, the whiffs of fragrant jasmine and an everso-faint aroma of narguile, transport you to an Oriental garden. For those willing to give it a shot, narguiles are brought around for guests to truly savour a Lebanese experience. Extremely reasonably priced, a meal here is well under 20 euros per person. If you have a sweet tooth, do try the absolutely crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that is the baklava, distinct from its Greek counterpart, by the crunch factor. Beirut has live music on weekends and can be booked for private parties and corporate receptions. Beirut, Panagouli 52, Glyfada. Tel: 210.894.3169

56 insider athens | September & October 2013

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

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

ASIAN GOLDEN PHOENIX Halandri NUI Kifissia WAGAMAMA Maroussi

BAR - RESTAURANTS APSENDI Halandri BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq CASH Kifissia CINCO Kolonaki ECLIPSE Kolonaki FRAME Kolonaki GINGER Mavili Sq ISLAND Vouliagmeni KITCHEN BAR Faliro & Halandri MAMACAS Gazi NIXON Kerameikos OSTERMAN Syntagma 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 Sq FUNKY GOURMET Kerameikos GALAZIA HYTRA Vouliagmeni

HYTRA Syngrou KOOL LIFE Kifissia P-BOX Kolonaki POLLY MAGOO Metaxurgeio PREMIERE Syngrou

GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka ALERIA Kerameikos ATHIRI Kerameikos BERDEMA Kifissia CUCINA POVERA Pangrati DAKOS Kolonaki DIPORTO Psyrri ELAIS GI Kifissia ELIAS KOUKOUTSI Voula 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 ME Kifissia MEAT SQUARE Glyfada & Halandri MEATROPOLEOS 3 Syntagma TELEMACHOS BARBEQUE CLUB Kifissia

INDIAN BOLLYWOOD Gazi 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 CAPANNA Psyrri DA BRUNO Faliro 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

MEZEDES AND OUZO ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka

MULTI ETHNIC ALTAMIRA Kolonaki

PERSIAN ANAHITA Halandri

POLYNESIAN

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

ALATSI Hilton APLA Kifissia BAKU Vouliagmeni BEREKET Glyfada BRACHERA Monastiraki BYZANTINE RESTAURANT Hilton CAFE AVYSSINIAS Monastiraki CAFE BOHEME Kolonaki COMMON SECRET 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 MALABAR Vouliagmeni 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 AMIGOS Glyfada DOS HERMANOS Kifissia EL TACO BUENO Maroussi SANTA FE Halandri

PUB RESTAURANTS BAYERN BIERHAUS MICROBREWERY Glyfada MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada

RETRO ANETON Maroussi

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

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB

MEDITERRANEAN

MEXICAN

KONA KAI Syngrou

BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula GOUROUNAKIA KIFISSIAS Kifissia KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni SIGALAS-BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki SOUVLAKI BAR Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki TIKE Kifissia

SCANDINAVIAN SAFKA Kerameikos

SPANISH JAMON PINTXOS BAR Glyfada SALERO Exarhia

TAVERNAS FILIPOU Kolonaki LOUIZIDIS Vouliagmeni O TZITZIKAS KI O MERMIGAS Kifissia, Syntagma SKOUFIAS Exarhia VLASSIS Hilton

THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia TAMARIND Metaxurgeio

VEGETARIAN AVOCADO Syntagma

WINE BARS FABRICA DE VINO Exarhia HETEROCLITO Syntagma L’ENOTECA Halandri OINOSCENT Syntagma WHISPERS OF WINE Maroussi

insider athens | September & October 2013 59

Gift a slice of Greece to your family and friends for just 30 euros a year*. Win fabulous prizes including flight tickets, hotel stays and spa treatments. Special offer available until 31 October 2013.

ATHENS

To subscribe, call: 210.7298634 or fax:210.7298635 or email: subscriptions@insider-magazine.gr or simply visit our website www.insider-magazine.gr *70 euros a year for subscribers abroad (postage and shipping included)

ACROPOLIS GIFTS Greece is for Lovers Karyatidon 13A Tel: 210.924.5064 www.greeceisforlovers.com Tongue-in-cheek souvenirs for the discerning traveller

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Marie Chantal Boutique

Free Shop

Rere Papa

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

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

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

Giorgio Armani

Thalassa Collection

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

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

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

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

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

FLOWERS Fleria Patriarchou Ioakim 35, Tel: 210.722.9697

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

Yesterday's Bread

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

KOLONAKI ANTIQUES Kilim Hali Valaoritou 9, Tel: 210.363.7056 www.kilimhali.gr Antique carpets from around the world

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

Harnn Shop

Bespoke Athens

FASHION

Hugo Boss

Cava Anthidis

Atelier Loukia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Irakleitou 15, Tel: 210.364.5428 Beautifully packaged skincare and homespa products

Dior Boutique

CHILDREN

DKNY

Bambineria Kanari 5, Tel: 210.339.2597 Designer togs for tots

Frattina 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

FOOD & WINE

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

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

Kylix

Lacoste

Wine Garage

Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear

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

Karneadou 20, Tel: 210.724.5143 Quality picks from the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best vineyards; including Greek labels

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

GADGETS

Linea Piu

Octopus

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

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

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

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Benaki Museum Gift Shop Vas. Sofias & Koumbari Tel: 210.367.1045 Artefacts and jewellery inspired by the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibits

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

Observatory Attitudes

Elina Lebessi

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

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

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

Ermenegildo Zegna

Preview

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

Patriarchou Ioakim 19, Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes

Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear

GIFTS

Luisa

Ilias Lalaounis museum

Central Athens

Insider guide Shop

insider athens | September & October 2013 61

Insider guide Shop

Liana Vourakis

Oxette

Pindarou 42, Tel. 2103617705

Skoufa 37, Tel: 210.339.0547 Trendy, affordable jewellery

HOME

Ozzi Skoufa 30, Tel: 210.364.2139 Greek silver fashion jewellery

Christofle

Van Cleef & Arpels

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

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

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

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

MONASTIRAKI ANTIQUES Darousos Normanou 7, Tel: 210.331.1638 Small antique shop in the heart of the flea market

Paleovivliopolio Hiotakis

JEWELLERY

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

Apriati

FOOD & WINE

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

Arapian

Elena Votsi 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

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

Bahar Evripidou 31, Tel: 210.321.7225 Well-known herb haven

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

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

PANGRATI

Liana Vourakis

Korres

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

Ivikou 8 & Eratosthenous Tel: 210.722.2774 Natural Greek products made using Mediterranean herbs

BEAUTY & COSMETICS

62 insider athens | September & October 2013

PLAKA

SYNTAGMA

ANTIQUE STORES

ACCESSORIES

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

FOOD & WINE

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

ANTIQUES Antiqua

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

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

GIFTS

BEAUTY & COSMETICS

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

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

Fresh Line Ermou 30, Tel: 210.324.6500 Fresh organic cosmetics from Greece

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

BOOKS Eleftheroudakis

HOME

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

Notoshome

DEPARTMENT STORES

Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home décor superstore

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

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

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

FASHION - MEN’S Pagoni Akadimias 61, Tel: 210.363.9277 Selling ties and cufflinks since 1933

Shop FLOWERS

JEWELLERY

Dromoloulouda

Apriati

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

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

Bulgari

FOOD & WINE

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

Aristokratikon

Cartier

Cellier

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

Chopard

Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop

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

GADGETS

Folli Follie

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

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

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

Kori Mitropoleos 13, Tel: 210.323.3534 Traditional & contemporary jewellery

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

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

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

SHOES

Gofas

Ermou 63, Tel: 210.322.7590 Pick up a pair of Manoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at half price!

Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.331.7540 High-end timepieces

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

Omega Omega, the brand of James Bond and Nicole Kidman, has its own elegant boutique on Voukourestiou showcasing the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collections Voukourestiou 2, Tel: 210.322.7682

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

MISSED THESE GREAT ISSUES? 35.000 readers get the best of Greece each month. Subscribe to Insider and never miss another issue! send us an e-mail at: subscriptions@insider-magazine.gr or give us a call at: 210.729.8634

Spiliopoulos

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

Southern Athens

Karageorgi Servas 9, Tel: 210.322.0546 Handmade chocolates

Northern Athens

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

GLYFADA

KIFISSIA FASHION 21 Kifissia Kifissias 265, Tel: 210.801.3594 Extreme sport paraphernelia

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

FOOD & WINE Aristokratikon Argyropoulou 8, Tel: 210.801.6533 Decadent handmade chocolates

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

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

Stefanidis Finest Foods

FASHION Enny di Monaco Laodikis 41, Tel: 210.894.0153 Carefully selected designs by various international designers

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

Dimitrios Square 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen

Varsos Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

MAROUSSI 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

JEWELLERY

Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

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

FOOD & WINE Provence Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

insider athens | September & October 2013 63

Central Athens

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

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

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

Yantes

DRINK

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

BARS, CLUBS & LOUNGES

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

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

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

GAZI EAT

EXARHIA

Bollywood Gazi

EAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plastiko Sofroniou 12A, Tel: 210.341.3729 Excellent cocktails, reasonable prices, summer mood

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 EAT Alatsi Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

Matilde Pizza Bar

Byzantine Restaurant

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

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

Kitrino Podilato

Milos

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

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

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

Vezene

Thalatta

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

Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

64 insider athens | September & October 2013

Mani Mani

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

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

Vlassis

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

KERAMEIKOS EAT

1 Funky Gourmet Michelin star Paramythias 13 and Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior

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

Aleria

Awarded Toque in 2013

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

Varoulko

Degustation Pireos 80, menu Tel: 210.522.8400 at just 40 € Seafood prepared by Michelin star-winning chef Lefteris Lazarou

Eat & Drink Safka

Cinco

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

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

KOLONAKI

Dakos

EAT

Tsakalof 6, Tel: 210.894.7040 New-age Cretan specialties

BAKERIES & PATISSERIES Cake Irodotou 15, Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more

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

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

Altamira Tsakalof 36A, Tel: 210.361.4695 Flavours of multiethnic cuisine

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

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

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

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Eclipse (Bar restaurant)

For Creative Cuisine

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

Inbi Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.lachocolatiere.gr

Milos Garden

P-BOX

City

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

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

Prytaneion

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

Milioni 7, Tel: 210.364.3353 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

Mai Tai

Rosebud

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

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

Sale e Pepe

Skoufaki

Aristipou 34, Tel: 210.723.4102 Authentic Italian trattoria

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

Scala Vinoteca

Ten

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

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

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

CAFÉS

Square Sushi

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

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

Da Capo

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

TEA

TGI Friday’s

To Tsai

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

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

Ouzadiko

DRINK

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

MAVILI SQ

BARS, CLUBS & LOUNGES

DRINK

Central

Balthazar

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

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

Papadakis

Aleria

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

insider athens | September & October 2013 65

Insider guide Eat & Drink Baraonda

Karavitis

Tsoha 43, Tel: 210.644.4308 Gourmet cuisine and funky beats

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

Briki Dorileou 6, Mavili sq. Tel: 210.654.2380 Trendy hole-in-the-wall hangout

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

Flower Dorileou 2, Mavili sq. Tel: 210.643.2111, Fun, funky and affordable watering hole

Spondi

2 Michelin star s

EAT

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

Fuga

Trata o Stelios

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

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

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

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

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

METAXURGEIO EAT 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

Tamarind Thai Kitchen, Address: Kerameikou 51, Tel: 210.522.5945

MONASTIRAKI EAT Bairaktaris

Eclipse

Fuga

Café Avyssinias

Loukoumi Bar

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

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

Doris

Six Dogs

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

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

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

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

Savvas

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

OMONIA

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

EAT

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

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

Athinaikon

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

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

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

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

DRINK

Brachera

Ifestou 2, Tel: 21.321.0006

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

A for Athens

360 Cocktail Bar

new

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

66 insider athens | September & October 2013

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

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

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.

PLAKA 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

Mono Resturant Venizelou Paleologou 4, Tel: 210.322.6711 Unpretentious gourmet cuisine

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

Eat & Drink

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Scholarheio

Ochre & Brown

Far East

Kalua

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

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

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

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

Ydria

DRINK

Furin Kazan

Oinoscent

BARS, CLUBS & LOUNGES Try the Cantina Social Po lis h beers Leokoriou 8,

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

Voulis 44A Syntagma. tastings Tel: 210.322.9374 Trendy winebar

GB Corner

SYNGROU

Adrianou 68 & Eolou, Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

Tel: 210.325.1668 Tiny standing bar, ideal for socializing. Kalamiotou 14, Tel: 210.322.7130 Uptempo bar inspired by “Big Lebowski”

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

Cantuccio

Soul

Indian Kitchen

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

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

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210 3237720

PSYRRI

Dude

EAT

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

Gostijo Aisopou 10 street, Tel: 210 32 33 825Kosher 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

SYNTAGMA EAT Avocado Nikis 30, Tel: 210 3237878 Vegetarian restaurant

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

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

EAT Avenue

Ioannis

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

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

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

Meatropoleos 3

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

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

Kollias

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

AiNikolas

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

Paul Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

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

DRINK

Eat Club

Boutique

Classic: Vlassis Restaurant, Ilissia, Athens

Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot

Alternative: Funky Gourmet, Kerameikos, Athens

Explorer’s Lounge

New: Rakkan, Kifissia, Athens Classic: By the Glass, Athens Alternative: Cinco, Kolonaki, Athens

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

Heteroclito

Michelin st

chef

Syngrou Ave. 303, Tel: 210 940 8620 Excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere Syngrou Ave. 156, Tel: 210 923 2918 Original seafood dishes, fresh ingredients and simple elegant interior

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

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

Première

BARS, CLUBS & LOUNGES New: Tudor Hall Restaurant & Lounge, King George, Athens

Hytra

Osterman

Parliament

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

Frequent wine

new

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

THISSIO EAT Indian Masala

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

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

insider athens | September & October 2013 67

Insider guide Eat & Drink Kirki

Zorbas

Apostoplou Pavlou 31 Tel: 210.346.6960 Ideal for a lunch break

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

Kuzina

Southern Athens

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

PIRAEUS EAT

Il Τramonto

Baku, The Margi

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

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

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

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

FALIRO

Zinc

Sale Bianco

“Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music

Zythos

Markou Botsari 10, Tel: 210.898.6301 Authentic Italian cuisine with an interesting wine list Panagouli 52, Tel: 210.968.0320 Quality French cuisine

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

Da Bruno

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

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

GLYFADA

Kollias

Il Tinello

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

Knossou 54, Tel: 210.982.8462 Real Italian home cooking

EAT

Jimmy and The Fish

Tony Bonano

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

EAT DRINK

Iskandar

Amigos

Amphitheas 6 & Poseidonos, Tel: 210.988.6474 Authentic Indian cuisine

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

BARS, CLUBS & LOUNGES

Bayern Bierhaus Microbrewery

Balux

Chr. Nezer 19, Tel: 210.894.4439 Authentic German cuisine

Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

Beirut

Bourbon

Beirut, Panagouli 52 & Faidras Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

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

Bereket

Capri Bay

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

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

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

Kitchen Bar

Vassilenas

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

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

Tartare

Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

Le Petit Sommelier

DRINK

Zefyros

Big Apple South

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

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

Jamon Pintxos Bar

new

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

Liberty

To 25araki

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

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

CAFES

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

Molly Malone's Matsuhisa

68 insider athens | September & October 2013

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

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

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

Bo Botrini’s

Seiza

Ithaki

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

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

VOULA

Louizidis

EAT

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

Dream Grill

Malabar

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

Live music Vasileos Pavlou 99, Th ursday-Saturda y Tel: 210.899.5480 A modern “rakadiko” serving Greek dishes.

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

VOULIAGMENI EAT

new

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

Al Bacio

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waffle House

Sofa Bar

Meat Square

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

Ethnikis Antistaseos 9-11, Tel: 210.683.1300, Juicy steaks in pleasant family environment

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

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

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

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

Island

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

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

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

KIFISSIA EAT

EAT

Acqua Azzurra

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

new

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

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

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

Almyra

DRINK

Il Tramonto

Psaroma

HALANDRI

Santa Fe

Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

K. Varnali 9, Tel: 210.685.0644 Exquisite dishes from China, Japan and Indonesia Ag. Paraskevi 110, Tel: 210.681.3029 Accent on meat in an elegant setting

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

En Plo

Saipan

1920

EAT

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

Posidonos 17, Tel: 210.896.0400 Trattoria serving traditional Italian dishes & pizza Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.8901794 Creative Italian cuisine with mindblowing views of the Saronic Gulf

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Northern Athens

Eat & Drink

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

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

Kitchen Bar K. Varnali 6, Tel: 210.689.2015 Delightful gastronomic tour in a relaxing atmosphere

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

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

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

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

insider athens | September & October 2013 69

Insider guide Eat & Drink Aneton

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

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

Prytaneion

El Taco Bueno

Kolokotroni 37, Tel: 210.808.9160 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

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

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

Salumaio di Atene

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

Ichthyes Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

Jaipur Palace Kifissias 222, Tel: 210.808.8318 Indian cuisine and fine wines

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

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

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

Shogun

Pausa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vinifera

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

70 insider athens | September & October 2013

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

Olive Tree Spa Chatzigiani Mexi 4, Tel: 210.724.4425

SYNTAGMA GB Spa Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.333.0799 Awardwinning 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

THISSIO Ag. Asomaton 17 & Melidoni 1 Tel: 210.323.1073

Kifissias 239, Tel: 201.801.0810 Chic lounge serving classic concoctions

MAROUSSI

Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club

Hammam baths

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

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

HILTON

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

Whispers of wine

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

Divine

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

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

Boudoir

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

Nargile

Wagamama

DRINK

Chateau

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

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

Mangiamo by Meat Square

Meat Me

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

Urban Yoga Center

Southern Athens

Golden Phoenix

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

Mauzac

Central Athens

Piazza Mela

Royal Thai

Kool Life

Chill

GLYFADA Touch & Go Quick relief by expert masseurs Dousmani 15, Tel: 210.894.4734

VOULA Urban Yoga Center Leukados, 10 Tel: 213.025.3946, 6977040841 Release from urban stress

VOULIAGMENI Arion Spa Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000

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

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 El.marneri galerie Lebessi 5-7& Porinou 16, Akropoli Tel: 210.8619.488 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 | September & October 2013 71

partner hotels ARION RESORT & SPA

ATHENS LEDRA MARRIOTT HOTEL

DIVANI PALACE ACROPOLIS

The legendary beauty resort is part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf, elegant and sophisticated décor in all 123 rooms and suites, private swimming pools and beaches, spa and gourmet restaurants. Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.890.2000

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

NEW

GRANDE BRETAGNE

METROPOLITAN

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 NJV ATHENS PLAZA

ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS

543 rooms with renovated Deluxe rooms and suites. Dedicated business centre facilities and 3.500 m2 of extensive & flexible meeting space. New I-Spa and renovated gym. Award winning restaurants. Syngrou 89-93. Tel: 210.920.6000

Designed by the Campana brothers, NEW, the latest venture of YES! Hotels has 79 luxury rooms, including 18 Studios and 6 Junior Suites. NEW Taste, is the Hotel’s innovative restaurant concept. Filellinon 16, Syntagma. Tel: 210.3273000

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

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

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

ATHENS ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL

DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & SPA

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

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

ATHENS HILTON

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 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 KEFALARI SUITES

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

situated close to major tourist attractions with, rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. Vas. Alexandrou 2, Tel: 210.720.7000

72 insider athens | September & October 2013

Turn-of-the-century hotel in Kifissia, part of YES! Hotels.Themed suites with modern facilities. Pentelis 1, Kifissia. Tel: 210.623.3333

Located in the center of Athens, a few minutes walk from two metro stations and the National Archeological Museum, connecting to the major attractions and commercial areas of Athens. Two Bars/Restaurants at outdoor Rooftop Pool & lobby area, play area and Gym. Novotel Athenes offers you free indoor parking, free Wi-Fi and panoramic view from the Roof Garden. 4-6 Mikhail Voda Street Tel: 210.820.0700, www.novotel.com ROYAL OLYMPIC

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: 210.928.8400, www.royalolympic.com SEMIRAMIS

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

partner hotels SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT

TWENTYONE

FRESH HOTEL

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

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. HERODION

LIFE GALLERY

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

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

Modern architecture finds its expression in a minimalist designed building with discreet swimming pools, Zen gardens and ethnic elements. The hotel offers 29 spacious, luxury rooms, including 3 art studios and 2 suites and a spa and fitness centre. Thiseos Avenue 103, Ekali. Tel: 211.106.7400

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

A CATEGORY

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

AVA HOTEL & SUITES

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

Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka. Magnificent views of the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch and Zeus Temple. Short walk to Syntagma and Monastiraki. Lysikratous street 9-11, Plaka. Tel: 210.325.9000, www.avahotel.gr

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

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

PERISCOPE HOTEL

CORAL 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

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

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

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

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

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

PHILIPPOS

VILLA SELENA

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

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 | September & October 2013 73

AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm. Patission 85. Tel: 210.883.8578, 210.822.0399 TCS M. Antipa 20 & 2 Prometheus, Tel: 210.976.7086

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

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

74 insider athens | September & October 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: 210.672.3282 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 | September & October 2013 75

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

76 insider athens | September & October 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

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

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

INTERCITY BUSES

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

Sea ports & Ferries

getting around

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 | September & October 2013 77

sales points For central Athens points, see i on map EASTERN SUBURBS Gerakas: Mini Market Milionis: 131, Marathonos Avenue Pallini: Bookshop Bouzas: 63, Marathonos Street Peania: Bookshop Tangopoulos: Agias Triados Street

NORTHERN SUBURBS AG.PARASKEVI: Mini Market Avarakis: 3, Themistokleous Street, Kiosk Theodoropoulos: 8, Polytechniou Street DIONYSSOS: Kiosk Michail: 4, Mitropolitou Kydonion Street EKALI: Kiosk Kyrpoglou: Vassileos Pavlou Square FILOTHEI: Kiosk Roupa: Drossopoulou Square, Super Market Kyriakopoulos: 11, M.Renieri Street, Mini Market Plati: 27, V.Georgiou Street HALANDRI: Mini Market Kyriakou: 3, Lykourgou Street, Kiosk Drizos: V. Konstantinou & V.Georgiou Street, Bookshop Evripidis: 11, V.Konstantinou Street, Mini Market Bakatsia: 46, Pendelis Avenue, Bookshop Vivliostyl: 34, Olympou Street, Mini Market Tsakiri: 76, Ag.Antoniou Street HOLARGOS: Kiosk Bekiaris: 212, Messogion Aveue, Kiosk Tambouridis: 256, Messogion Avenue KEFALARI: Kiosk Glentzis: Patr.Maximou & Apergi Square KIFISSIA: Kiosk Karadouman: 36-38, Kyriazi Street, Bookshop Gioggaras: 34, Elaion Street, Kiosk Koutsodimou: 308, Kifissias Avenue MAROUSSI: Tobacco & Gifts Tsitsilonis: 41-43, Kifissias Avenue, Tobacco & Gifts Raptis: 64, Kifissias Street, Kiosk Stefanopoulos: 46, Kifissias Street, Mini Market Kitsios: 43, Grammoou & Dionyssou Street MELISSIA: Kiosk Manikas: 75, Dimokratias Avenue, Mini Market Koufopandelis: 28, Pigis Street NEA ERYTHREA: Kiosk Anastassopoulos: 142, Harilaou Trikoupi Street, Bookshop Giannaki: 169, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, Newsstand: 20 klm National Road Athens-Lamia, Kiosk Konidakis: Thisseos Avenue & Papadaki, Kiosk Kallergis: 130, Tatoiou Street NEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Katichidis: E.Makariou & Michalakopoulou Street, Kiosk Doukas: 44, Diamantidou Street, Kiosk Gionis: 25, Chr.Smyrnis & Ag.Georgiou Street PAPAGOU: Mini Market Papavassiliou: 16, Ellispontou Street

PALEO PSYCHIKO: Kiosk Kyriakou: Solomou Square, Kiosk Gialama: Efkalypton Square, Kiosk Polydoros: Kifissias & Ag.Dimitriou Street, Kiosk Kalogeropoulos: V. GeorgiouSquare, Kiosk Kontabasis: 2, Amaryllidos & V. Pavlou Street, Kiosk Kalfagian: V. Georgiou B’ 11 POLITIA: Kiosk Vovlas: Politia Square VRILISSIA: Kiosk Theodoropoulou: 5, Analypsi Square, Kiosk Aggelopoulos: Pendelis Avenue & Omirou, Bookshop Karystinaiou: 69, Alefiou Street

SOUTHERN SUBURBS GLYFADA: Kiosk Tamourantzis: 3, Metaxa & Maragou Street, Kiosk Tsakanikas: 3, Lambraki Street, Kiosk Mavraki: Pandoras & Ioanni Metaxa, Kiosk Adamopoulos: 20, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Papadakou: 7, Ioanni Metaxa Street, Kiosk Haikal: 1, Ioanni Metaxa & Fivis Street, Kiosk Bolota: Gounari & Iraklitou Street, Kiosk Bellou: 5, Saki Karagiorga Street, Mini Market Agiokatsikos: 24, Ilias Street HELLINIKO: NewsStand: 43-47, Vouliagmenis Avenue ILIOUPOLIS: Super Market Kokossis: 5, Glastonos Street LAGONISI: Kiosk Vassiliadis: 37,5 klm Athinon-Souniou Avenue NEA SMYRNI: Kiosk Manoussos: 28, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street VARKIZA: Kiosk Paraskevopoulou: Varkiza Square VOULA: Kiosk Leontopoulos: 12, Sokratous Street, Mini Market Pournara: 33, Pringipos Petrou Street, Kiosk Christopoulou: V. Pavlou & Ag. Ioanni Street VOULIAGMENI: Kiosk Andrioti: Armonias Square, Kiosk Chryssikos: 1, Ermou Street, Kiosk Kylitis: 14, Thisseos Street PALEO FALIRO: Kiosk Kombogianni: 1, Ag. Alexandrou Street, Kiosk Kapetanou: 24, Achilleos Street, Mini Market Nikouli: 9, Pliadon Street, Tobacco & Gifts Berekos: 1, Possidnos Avenue & Moraitini Street PIRAEUS: Hand Delivery Telstar: 57, Akti Miaouli, Tourist Chop Siatras: 46, Akti Koumoundourou Street, Kiosk Samarogiannis: 7, Merarhias B’Street, Kiosk Siaho: Akti Moutsopoulou (Kanari Square), Kiosk Kentros: 73, Iroon Polytechniou Street, Kiosk Fotis: 1, Loudovikou Street, Kiosk Spalas: 111, Karaiskou Street, Newsstand: Railway Station Loudovikou Square

www.mysephora.gr

For central Athens stores, see on map ASPROPIRGOS Filis 100 & Bouboulinas, Tel: 210.558.0989 ERMOU Ermou 24 Tel: 210. 331.3167 & 325.7744 KALLITHEA Thisseos & Davaki, Tel: 210.956.5959 - 956.5446 KIFISSIA Kassaveti 6, Tel: 210.623.1741 & 623.1742 KORYDALLOS Taxiarhon 110A, Tel: 210.569.5270 569.5998 THE MALL, Notios Paradromos Attikis Odou, Tel: 210.630.0125 & 630.0126 AVENUE Kifissias 41-45, Tel: 210.610.9739 & 610.9740

78 insider athens | September & October 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 | September & October 2013 79

K A L E I DOSCOP E 1

Nychtes Premieras:

The 19th Athens International Film Festival will be screening two of the best films of the year for its opening and closing nights. The Athens International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Athens and one of the most significant film events of the Eastern Mediterranean region and the Balkans. This year’s event is all about women: Frances Ha by Noah Baumbach will open the festival and La Vie d’Adele by Abdellatif Kechiche, which was awarded the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, will be screened at the closing ceremony. The two leads, Greta Gerwig and Adele Exarchopoulos (who will attend the screening), have created two singular and original characters, that will become touchstones for similar stories in the future. The Festival will take place from 18th until 29th September at Danaos Cinema 1&2, ODEON Opera 1&2, Ideal and the theatre of the Greek Film Arhives. The festival has been co-financed by Greece and the European Union. Athens Insider’s selection of must-see movies during the festival: 1. Frances Ha, 2. Ain’t them Bodies Saints, 3. Blue is the warmest colour, 4. Much ado about nothing, 5. Pussy Riot: a punk prayer, 6. Spring Breakers, 7. Fruitvale Station, 8. Le passé & 9. All is Lost Stay tuned for all festival news at: www.en.aiff.gr &www.cinemag.gr

80 insider athens | September & October 2013