Insider 119

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

February & March 2015 Year 13. Issue 119 € 4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

ATHENS

Hello February!

Cityscope: Pangrati, the island of frogs / Luxury boutique hotel AthensWas / Heritage Hotel Marpessa / The French Supplement: Interviews with French Ambassador, Jean Loup Kuhn-Delforge / Christophe Lemarié of Pernod Ricard Hellas and Michel Darrieus of Air Liquide / Goût de France / Restaurant reviews: Atrium, Ocean Basket, Tutti a Tavola Plus: Book reviews and Mad Greek Dictionary | February &AND insider athensMAPS March 2015 1 PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MORE

2 insider athens | February & March 2015

Sudha Nair-Iliades

While most Januarys are devoted to gently easing into the pace of things punctuated by a few important name-days and vassilopita cuttings, this year has been a whirlwind of fast-forward happenings. First, the gruesome Charlie Hebdo events that shocked the world out of its post-holiday glow into some serious soul-searching and then, the elections here in Greece that sent a powerful message, left, right and centre.

Athens was swamped with journalists from the world over to cover the elections with anchormen screaming above the din, commenting on everything from the sartorial tastes of our new politicians to whether Greece’s defiant posturing would influence others in Europe to follow suit.

publisher’s note

So while we wait, watch, hope and pray, there is a lot to look forward to in terms of non-political drama: St.Valentine’s dinners, carnival parties, ski weekends and winter getaways - none of which our team at Insider Publications might actually have time for as we head full throttle into a very demanding year.

We will be re-launching our weekly supplement, Insider Weekly with the International New York Times-Kathimerini in a few weeks in addition to our magazines, weekly newsletters and website in 5 languages. It seems like a lot to take on but we hope that we can play on our strengths and cover the needs of our readers and advertisers across different platforms.

This February issue focusses on Pangrati, a quarter with an interesting past and a vibrant present, introduces two new hotels that have sprung up with an accent on design and high aesthetics, and a few restaurants we’d love to recommend for your evenings out.

We also have a special French supplement in this edition featuring an interview with the French Ambassador and touching on the French Embassy’s initiative to promote tourism and diplomacy through the palate – a gustative initiative celebrating French savoir-faire in food and wine. Cheers to that!

Kales apokries!

Sudha Nair-Iliades

Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades

Web Design Siteland

Art Director Michel Devanakis

Contributors in this Issue John Carr, Paul Anastasi, Isabella Zampetaki, Iason Iliades

Editorial Team Christina Michele Rios Muriel Noël Client Relations Sophia Velissaridis Web Content Royce Gavrias Photos Angelos Giotopoulos, Christos Kontsaloudis

Founder Steve Pantazopoulos Legal Counsel Christos Christopoulos Prepress and Printing Non-Stop Printing Distribution Econews

Subscriptions * Athens Insider published in English in Greece € 30, Abroad € 60 *B onjour Athènes published in French in Greece € 20, Abroad € 40 * Both magazines in Greece € 50, Abroad € 90

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

Telephone: 210.729.8634 Fax: 210.729.8634.

Tax: No. 099747145.

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

Also published in Chinese, Russian, Turkish and Arabic Prices include VAT and postage. info@insider-magazine.gr www.insider-magazine.gr www.insider-publications.com Athens Insider is published monthly and its brand, logo and all editorial content is held worldwide by:

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: Monthly Publication ISSN 1790-3114 Code: 6548

insider athens | February & March 2015 3

Michel Devanakis

Award-winning graphic designer, fluent in English, French and Greek, Michel moved to Athens in 1997 to create Studio ZIP, after a long and interesting career in France and Canada. His background in Marketing is a major asset in his creative approach and his services are sought after both in Greece and abroad. An artist in his ‘rare’ spare time, Michel is passionate about discovering obscure destinations. He is the Art Director of Athens Insider, Bonjour Athenes and Insider Weekly.

Born to a French-Spanish father and American mother, Christina is passionate about learning about new cultures, the arts and fashion. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and worked for a number of luxury fashion brands, before relocating to Athens in 2008. She hasn’t looked back since and has been culling the best addresses to wine and dine in the city for Athens Insider and our weekly newsletter.

John Carr

Born in North Staffordshire, John Carr has a BA in history and MA in sociology from Leicester University. He has worked in Greece as a correspondent for the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal Europe, The Times of London and Vatican Radio and as broadcaster, writer and actor since 1978. He has published several books including, The America Capsule (2005),Your Eyes Fourteen (2007), On Spartan Wings (2012), Sparta’s Kings (2012), The Defence and Fall of Greece 1940-41 (2013) and RHNS Averof (2014)

French by origin and a long-time Greek resident, Muriel is a trained geographer whose love for the media veered her towards a career in publishing with French lifestyle magazine VSD and Maison Française, a design magazine.

After a career that spanned several years, she moved to Athens, where she has been actively involved with the French community. Muriel splits her time between Paris and Athens and is the force behind Insider Publications’ French magazine, Bonjour Athenes, its French website and weekly newsletter.

Sophia Velissaridis

CHRISTINA MICHELE RIOS

Muriel Noël

Sophia grew up in Johannesburg and studied industrial psychology at the University of South Africa (UNISA). She later moved to Greece to pursue her interest in fashion and travel. She juggled her twin careers in both industries, specializing in incoming tourism from emerging markets such as India and China. With an innate sense of style and privy to Athens’ best kept insider secrets, Sophia is a welcome addition to the Insider Publications team

Born to a Cypriot father and French-Greek mother, Royce is presently specialising in Shipping Management. Having grown up in the southern suburbs by the sea, Royce is into water-sports and you can find him surfing the waves in Vouliagmeni on most weekends. Royce manages data entries for Insider’s website, updating the latest in culture and entertainment.

4 insider athens | February & March 2015

ROYCE GAVRIAS

08 10 12

Features

Sections

Mad Greek Dictionary 08 An Insider’s Guide to colourful Greekisms by John Carr and Paul Anastasi

In High Spirits 28 Insider sits down with Christophe Lemarié, CEO of Pernod Ricard Hellas

Arts & Events

04

Books

09

Four Must Reads 09 Page-turners for your February bucket list

Stepping on the Gas 29 An interview with Michel Darrieus General Manager of Air Liquide

Travel

10

Fast Lane

12

Infusing History with Modern Comforts 10 The Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel in Agrinio combines heritage with modern aesthetics

A Taste of France 30 Diving into Goût de France, a global French gastronomic initiative

History

14

City Scope

16

Diplomacy

24

Business

28

Agora

34

Restaurants

36

Wellness

42

Kaleidoscope

64

Discovering AthensWas 13 The Anemi Group opens a new luxury boutique hotel in Athens Pangrati, the Island of Frogs 14 Insider plunges into the past, uncovering the history of Pangrati Quintessentially Greek and Quirky 16 Pangrati’s must-see’s and mustdo’s

French Associations 32 A guide to French associations in Greece A Lush, Sun-Kissed Atrium 38 Rekindle your romance at the Atrium restaurant in the Herodion Hotel A Fishy Tale of Success New fish restaurant Ocean Basket is making waves in Glyfada

36

The French Supplement 22 An Insider’s Guide to all things French in Greece

An Authentic Trattoria 40 Insider reviews Tutti a Tavola, a cosy Italian eatery in Kolonaki with a story

The French Connection 24 An exclusive interview with the French Ambassador following the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris

Fighting the Clock 42 Orloff Spa unveils Valmont’s new anti-aging Body Time Control line

16 34 36 40 42 Cover illustrations:

by Michel Devanakis

Find us on:

insider athens | February & March 2015 5

until

15 0815 1516 22 until

february

Benaki Museum Venia Dimitrakopoulou: Promahones Bastions by Venia Dimitrakopoulou is a sculptural installation of monumental scale made of iron, inspired by the state of being on guard, on the ramparts and in the resistance. The immovability of the heavy sculpture and the presence of shadow are both equally representative and powerful, inviting the visitor to experience ‘synesthesia’-a union of the senses.

Pireos St. Annexe, Pireos 138, 210.345.3111, benaki.gr

february

Nei Fourni Gallery of Technopolis A Jewel Made in Greece An exhibition featuring an extensive collection of mesmerizing Greek jewellery, showcasing creative and stunning work by some of Greece’s best jewellery designers and artists. This exhibition aims to create a platform for contemporary Greek designers as well as show a timeline of the history of Greek jewellery from antiquity to modern day.

Pireos 100, Gazi, 210.347.5518

6 insider athens | February & March 2015

february

Megaron Mousiki Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra: Daniele Gatti The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the finest in the world, performs the entire symphonic repertoire of Brahms, under the baton of the eminent Italian conductor Daniele Gatti.

Featuring Johannes Brahms: Symphony no 3, opus 90 and Symphony no 1, opus 68.

Christos Lambrakis Hall, 20:30 Vass. Sophias & Kokkali, 210.728.2333, megaron.gr

february

Benaki Museum - Museum of Islamic Art Theodoros Rallis: Gazing at the East This exhibition includes paintings, correspondence, photographs, illustrations and work inspired by literature, poetry, Greece and the Middle East. The exhibition is organized into three parts, an introduction with archival material, a second part entitled “Faith in the East” and a third dedicated to “The Harem and the bath.” This exhibition attempts to explore the look of the West towards the ‘other’ East. Guided Tours available.

Agion Asomaton 22 & Dipylou 12, Kerameikos, 210.325.1311, benaki.gr

On the town For location details see listings p.61

0728 28 until

february

february

28

until

until

february

01 march

Megaron Mousiki

Institouto Gkaite

Athens Gallery 7

Benaki Museum

Pierre Beaumarchais: The Marriage of Figaro Following the success of their Iliad, Stathis Livathinos and his award-winning troupe are now presenting their new project, a masterpiece of the French classical repertory, Beaumarchais’ Marriage of Figaro. Apart from its political dimension, it which it brings together many of the ideological preoccupations of the Enlightenment, the work is also a frenzied comedy which exploits the cast’s talents for improvisation.

Nikos Skalkotas Hall, Vass. Sophias & Kokkali, 210.728.2333, megaron.gr

The Great War Behind the Lines-Beyond the Trenches This photography exhibition presents the work of five photographers who recorded the war and its effect on people’s everyday life in the Balkans during 1914-1918. Featuring photos of victims of war, the city of Thessaloniki after the landing of the Allied Forces, the retreat of the Serbian army in the mountains of Albania and finally the war crimes against the civilian population in the Balkans.

Omirou 14-16, 210.366.1000

Konstantinou Massou: In search of a lost place This is the artist’s first solo exhibition, featuring the acrylicpaper-cardboard canvas which refers to a problematic existence around the human condition–a contrast created by our culture in the urban and physical world.

It is divided into 2 sections: the first refers to the city as reality and fantasy and the second is the subject of flight and nature–the simultaneous search for another place.

Gallery 7, Solonos 20 & Voukourestiou St, 210.361.2050, gallery7.gr

Domenikos Theotokopoulos between Venice and Rome A collection of Domenikos Theotokopoulos’ paintings from his Italian period, including The Baptism of Christ, View of Mt Sinai and the Monastery of St Catherine. El Greco’s painting, A Boy Blowing a Candle, will also be on display for the first time ever in Greece. Paintings, engravings and manuscripts will take you on an artistic journey of postRenaissance Italy.

Pireos St. Annexe, Pireos 138, 210.345.3111, benaki.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 7

14 march

19

Athens House of Photography

The National History Museum

The Municipal Art Gallery of Athens

Pnoi Dentron-In Delicate Balance by John Demos This visually appealing photography exhibition focuses on the well-known Greek photographer’s black and white images of trees in the landscape.

Trees dominate in Demos’ work from the late 1970s, with an emphasis on the search for a spiritual representation and timeless spirit in their depictions.

Zirini 23, Kifissia, 210.522.8696, phototheatreon.com

Imagining the Balkans: Identities and Memory in the long 19th century This groundbreaking international exhibition explores the emergence of modern national identities and nation states, with a focus on the 19th century. It explores the history of ideological, sociopolitical, economic and cultural changes in the Balkans and narrates a common history while highlighting the similarities between people and states despite their national rivalries.

Stadiou 13, 210.323.7617, nhmuseum.gr

Exhibition: Athens, 180 years the capital of Greece The Municipal Art Gallery of Athens is celebrating 100 years since its inauguration and 180 years of Athens as the capital of Greece by hosting this historical art exhibition. It is dedicated to artists who loved and immortalized moments, people, monuments and ideas of Athens, including work by local and foreign artists.

Pireos 51, Koumoundourou, 210.323.1841

until

until

april

8 insider athens | February & March 2015

31

until

may

31

until

may

Cycladic Museum of Art Hygeia. Health, Illness, Treatment from Homer to Galen A tour from 1200 BC to the 3rd century AD of the evolution of ancient healing practices, examining the transition from magic-religious healing to rational, scientific medicine including three thematic sections: Health, Illness and Treatment and over 300 ancient artifacts.

Neophytou Douka 4, 210.722.8321, cycladic.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 9

Mad Greek Dictionary

Tοπ

John Carr and Paul Anastasis follow up on their original Mad Greek Dictionary, Your Eyes Fourteen, with a rib-ticklingly funny guide to learning Greek through its quirky, colourful, idioms – The Insider’s Guide to Greekisms. Illustrations by Iason Iliades.

T

his book, published by Insider Publications (out in spring 2015), is a glance into the colourful world of modern Greek idiolects, a form of linguistic communication indigenous to any given nation that employs vivid figurative language to illustrate its point.

Greek is especially rich in idiolectic expressions. Some of these expressions may seem crude to the genteel eye and ear, even verboten in a politically correct sense. But the Greeks have never been, and never will be, Puritan Protestants. In their vernacular the risqué and the divine often intermingle, sometimes with startling results.

The expressions are divided into seven broad categories according to their main subject: people and human relations; body parts and sex; animals, plants and food; weather and nature; life experiences; historical memory; and the other world. Insider will carry excerpts from the book throughout 2015. Here is Part 2 in a series of 7.

Being a faller (Ειναι πεφτουλας) (Einai peftoulas) a boy showing his heart on his sleeve The “faller” here is one who easily falls for girls and shows it – not the wisest course of action in the eternal dance of the sexes, hence the dismissive connotation.

Finding them (Τα βρίσκουμε) (Ta vriskoume) working things out; reaching a compromise This very useful street phrase has warded off many a bitter quarrel. The “them” denotes the terms of agreement to be reached. For example, in a shop where bargaining takes place between buyer and seller, even though agreement is still far off, both will vow that “we’ll find them” and remain on civil terms, confident that a solution will be found. It’s a verbal signal that a fight would be in no-one’s interest. But, caveat emptor, the phrase can often be used to deceive, or lull one side into compliance.

Idiot with a helmet (Βλακας με περικεφαλαια) (Vlakas me perikafalaia) an insufferable fool The origin of the helmet image in this expression is unclear, but it appears to denote someone who is stupid and seems proud of it, i.e. who thinks he’s clever. There could also be a harking back to the postwar era, when Greek traffic police wore conspicuous shiny helmets and were often thus objects of ridicule to aggressive motorists.

Chanting them

Having it saved for someone

(Τα ψέλνω) (Ta pselno) telling off

(Του την έχω φυλαγμένη) (Tou tin ekho fylagmeni) plotting revenge

As in much Greek slang, the “them” here refers not to the object of the action but the content of the action. In this case it’s the collection of sharp words used in the process of berating someone. The shrill tones might be reminiscent of the stentorian style of many Byzantine rite cantors, hence the reference to chanting.

Part of the sweetness of revenge is the feeling of saving it up for an appropriate time. The grammatical structure is of interest, as it avoids the active voice and employs a participle that lends a vague air of additional menace.

Being a shopping item (Ειμαι ψονιο) (Eimai psonio) being naïve, gullible, easily led A shopping item is something bought, hence anyone who can be “bought,” or easily persuadable, lacks those traits that the Greeks have always prided themselves on possessing – cleverness, resourcefulness and an aversion to being spoon-fed.

The term can also be used for fanatic enthusiasts of every kind of hobby or belief.

10 insider athens | February & March 2015

At the knives (Στα μαχαιρια) (Sta mahairia) at daggers drawn Not much explanation is required here except to note the plural usage as lending an image of both the contenders having knives, which evens out the odds somewhat. i

Lila Marilynne Robinson Virago, 272 pages, 21.40 €

Whoever has not read Marilynne Robinson is missing out on one of the best novelists of our time.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North Richard Flanagan Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 352 pages, 22.00 €

Stone Mattress: Nine Tales

The Bone Clocks

Margaret Atwood Nan A. Talese 288 pages, 13.00 €

David Mitchell Hodder & Stoughton, 598 pages, 17.80 €

From the author of the acclaimed Gould’s Book of Fish, a magisterial novel of love and war that traces the life of one man from World War II to the present.

Margaret Atwood turns to short fiction for the first time since her 2006 collection, Moral Disorder, with nine tales of acute psychological insight Revisiting the beloved characters and turbulent relationships bringing and setting of Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer PrizeAugust, 1943: Australian surgeon to mind her award-winning 1996 novel, Alias Grace. In this collection winning Gilead and Orange Dorrigo Evans is haunted by his Prize-winning Home, Lila is an affair with his uncle’s young wife of highly imaginative short pieces that speak to our times with deadly unforgettable story about a girl two years earlier. His life, in a accuracy, Margaret Atwood is at the living on the fringes of society in brutal Japanese POW camp on top of her darkly humorous and fear, awe and wonder. the Thai-Burma Death Railway, seriously playful game.

Although Lila is the third book in is a daily struggle to save the men under his command-until he In her acknowledgements to Stone the trilogy it can stand by itself: receives a letter that will change Mattress Margaret Atwood writes you don’t have to read the other him forever. that these nine stories are in fact two first. However, we’re sure that if you read this one you will A savagely beautiful novel about nine tales: “These nine tales owe a want to go back and read Gilead the many forms of good and evil, debt to tales throughout the ages.

Calling a piece of short fiction a and Home. of truth and transcendence, as one man comes of age, prospers, tale removes it a least slightly from the realm of mundane works and Robinson’s books are exquisitely only to discover all that he has days, as it evokes the world of the crafted and shaped. Not only lost. folk tale, the wonder tale, and the is it a beautiful story about long-ago teller of tales”. redemption and hope, but also «A symphony of tenderness and it allows you to go further into love, a moving and powerful questions, full of life truths and story that captures the weight and Once again, Margaret Atwood has not let you down. You’ll read insights all wrapped in the most breadth of a life; a masterpiece.» all these captivating tales, right superb writing.

The Guardian through the very last one, Stone Matress, a long-ago crime, which A real jewel.

Winner of the Man Booker is avenged in the Arctic via a 1.9 Prize 2014 billion-year-old stromatolite.

One drowsy summer’s day in 1984, teenage runaway Holly Sykes encounters a strange woman who offers a small kindness in exchange for ‘asylum’. Decades will pass before Holly understands exactly what sort of asylum the woman was seeking.

“What is born must one day die.

So says the contract of life, yes? I am here to tell you, however, that in rare instances this iron clause may be rewritten.”

Metaphysical thriller, meditation on mortality and chronicle of our self-devouring times, this kaleidoscopic novel crackles with the invention and wit that have made David Mitchell one of the most celebrated writers of his generation. Here is fiction at its most spellbinding and memorable best. He must have had fun writing it and his fans will have fun reading it.

Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2014

Books recommended by bookstore Lexikopoleio. lexikopoleio.com

insider athens | February & March 2015 11

The Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel, housed in a building that bears testimony to the affluence of the Agrinio region, has just won an award for intelligent hotel design. Part of Yades Greek Historic Hotels, and one of 500 Historic Hotels in Europe, the Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel is a terrific getaway that combines the elegance of its storied past with modern amenities. A good pit-stop to discover the cultural wealth and astonishing beauty of the Agrinio region.

A

n authentic mansion of the 1920’s located in the city of Agrinio, Marpessa is not only a valued heritage property renovated respecting its historical characteristics, but is also a hotel that is ideally situated as the point of reference to explore the undiscovered beauties of Western Greece as well as the important archaeological sites in the area.

Named after Marpessa, the daughter of Evinos and the granddaughter of Ares, the God of war, the hotel is located in the heart of Agrinio which used to be the centre of the tobacco trade in Greece.

The imposing houses on the main Papastratou street were a reflection of the prosperity and privileged circumstances of their owners. This particular house, which also comprised the tobacco warehouse, had all the architectural characteristics of the era.

Stepping into the hotel, one is transported back in time - a reminder of Greek life in the early 20th century. The reception is where tobacco leaves were hung to dry and where merchants from the world over haggled over wholesale tobacco prices. It is now dominated by a large fireplace, a bookshelf with the latest reads, relaxing couches and design elements.

On the ground floor is the bistro, done up in minimalist tones, ideal for a cup of coffee and for a light meal of home-made pies and salads. The 9 Limnes spa, inspired by the network of the waterways in the region, including the magnificent Trichonida Lake, is a floor below, a veritable wellness zone to relieve urban stress. The suites and rooms are on the top three floors, fitted with soundproof insulation and opaque curtains to keep the light out. For owner Marianna Zoidi-Pitsiola, “The idea was to retain the original decorative and architectural elements and transform the mansion into a modern boutique hotel with 14 rooms and 3 suites, with an area for wellbeing. The aims is to act as guardians of the past while being outstanding hosts of the present.�

12 insider athens | February & March 2015

Travel ifj Marianna Zoidi-Pitsiola in conversation with Athens Insider.

Could you take us through the story of the Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel?

When we first spotted the house, it had been abandoned for over forty years. Our aim was to retain all the authentic characteristics and to render its original position as an architectural landmark. The Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel does justice to its glorious past and brings a new dynamic to the tourism industry in Agrinio.

What is Marpessa’s unique characteristic that distinguishes it from other hotels?

Our main goal for Marpessa was to define an integrated concept with water, the dynamic element of the region, as its central idea. So the Marpessa is the ideal base for guests to discover the Etoloakarnanias area with its nine lakes, three rivers and three lagoons. The Marpessa has unique aesthetics and reflects the new, post-crisis way in which the tourism product of Greece ought be developed. What sets Marpessa apart are the high standards hospitality, innate to Etoloakarnania’s long tradition of filoxenia.

Could you add a little bit about Agrinio and its unique cultural and culinary offering?

Agrinio is a city of 100,000 inhabitants with a great history. It was the tobacco capital of Greece, a product that has now been taken off the Greek map as a result of European agricultural policy. However Agrinio still produces a whole range of organic products today and is a unique habitat for vegetation. Culturally, it has a huge wealth of its ancient finds with five ancient theatres, and is home to wellknown sculptors and engravers of Greece, including Kapralos, whose museum is based here as are other temples of culture such as the first municipal regional theatre in Greece, the Municipal glyptotheque, the Municipal art gallery, the Archaeological museum and the Museum

of folk art. But the biggest enticement for visitors is Agrinio’s mesmerizingly beautiful natural environment and the wealth of its archaeological and Byzantine monuments.

You have just received an award celebrating Marpessa’s high design standards and aesthetics. How can one retain the glory of the past while meeting contemporary needs and modern aesthetic standards?

Marpessa was created respecting the history of the neoclassical mansion showcasing all its original architectural features. The new additions converse perfectly with the listed heritage building and create an aesthetic that is perfectly intertwined with the urban landscape. The renovation of the hotel has also meant an upgrade of the building’s immediate environs. The hotel comprises cutting edge elements in its architecture and contemporary services to complement the modern-day traveller How would you describe a typical Marpessa guest?

A typical guest would be someone who expects high-quality accommodation for business and leisure and combines his trip with alternative tourism, cultural explorations, sports activities and wellness.

Any promotional offers for our readers?

We offer a 10% discount for bookings of three nights or more for the Ash Monday weekend. i The Marpessa Smart Luxury Hotel, Papastratou 76, Agrinio.

Tel: 2641 047500 About The Historic Hotels of Europe Established in 1997 with the objective to promote the unique cultural and historic heritage of Europe, the Historic Hotels of Europe is a gold-standard prestigious network of 500 exceptional hotels, offering guests outstanding accommodation, fine regional cuisine, and the opportunity to experience hospitality in its purest tradition.

insider athens | February & March 2015 13

A Metaphorical Exhibition Relax and Unwind Indulge in the deepest essence of well being and a day of luxe pampering just in time for Valentine’s Day! Grande Bretagne’s award winning spa has several special Valentine’s Day offers, including gift vouchers for her or for him! The 75 euro voucher for him is inclusive of: Indoor Pool and Thermal Suite use for 90 min as well as a Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage of 40 min. The 75 euro voucher for her is inclusive of: Indoor Pool and Thermal Suite for 90 min as well as a Valmont award-winning Face Renewing Flash treatment. (Both vouchers are valid from 1-28 February.) The GB Spa, Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma Square, 210.333.0799, gbspa.gr

Venia Dimitrakopoulou’s Promahones sculptural installation exhibition has been extended by the Benaki Museum until the 15th of February, much to our delight! Sculptor Venia Dimitrakopoulou works with a wide variety of materials and media, her Promahones exhibition is made of steel and monumental in scale. Her work refers to a hypothetical state of siege, to the state of constantly being ‘on guard,’ on the ramparts and in the resistance. The weight of the heavy material has a profound impact on the viewer as well as the use of shadow and sound. The element of shadow-both natural and artificial-seems to create a shifting alter-environment where the viewer may experience ‘synaesthesia’ (a union of the senses).

Benaki Museum, Pireos Annexe, Pireos 138, 210.345.3111, benaki.gr

Wine n’ Dine Wet your palette and embark on a Nordic contemporary cuisine journey at Insider Favourite: Safka. The innovative menu is designed by Chef and co-owner Samu Koskinen based on classic French gastronomy infused with Nordic flavours and local Greek ingredients. They are hosting a series of Wine Tastings and have recently launched a new crave-worthy Sunday Brunch menu!

SAFKA Bar Restaurant, Megalou Alexandrou 80-82, Kerameikos, 210.524.3340, safka-athens.gr/en

Connecting the Dots Hub Dot, a global movement of women, comes to Athens in March!

What started from a gathering of 98 women in London in 2012 has evolved into an organization of over 10,000! The concept is to help women of all professional and cultural backgrounds to connect, faceto-face, and share inspiring stories about success, failure, courage, motherhood, reinvention, personal growth and entrepreneurship.

It’s about removing labels and replacing them with ‘coloured dots,’ which the logo and company name represent. The Athens launch date is 11 March at 19:30 at Orange Grove: Ground Floor, Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou 5-7, 211.408.2551, hubdot.com

14 insider athens | February & March 2015

Travel ifj

Urban adventure, daring design, original architecture, energetic social hub and stylish comfort, AthensWas takes convention and turns it on its head. A luxury boutique hotel with attitude, the Anemi Group’s new venture, promises to be a welcome addition to Athens’ cityscape and to the Greek hospitality industry.

Housed in a completely refurbished neo-classical building on Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens’ best-known pedestrian walkway, AthensWas is the latest hospitality venture by the Anemi Group, who also have their flagship hotel Anemi on Folegandros. AthensWas has 20 well-appointed rooms and is scheduled to open on April 2.

Just a few footsteps away from the city’s top attractions including the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Plaka and Syntagma, AthensWas is an ideal base to explore the city’s layered past. And its approach to hospitality is as rich as the history that runs beneath your feet too!

Constructed by Epilogi Ktirion-K.Benakopoulos and born from the innovative vision of design impressario Stavro Papayannis, this luxury hotel boasts classical modernist architecture and design. The aesthetics feature clean lines and natural raw materials, combining Greek marble & wood, to create a warm and welcoming space that embodies discreet luxury.

AthensWas’ 20 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities all feature verandas to take in a truly authentic Athenian experience – that of sipping one’s frappe or sundowner while reveling in breathtaking views of the majestic Acropolis and the charming Plaka district with its meandering streets, under a glistening sun. The rooms feature Bose Sound Link speakers, perfect for playing light music with a cocktail in hand while watching life go by – tourists strolling down the street, cats lazing in the sun, souvenir sellers trying to peddle their wares and itinerant accordion players ringing the air with nostalgic rebetiko tunes.

The AthensWas Lobby Lounge, caters to all tastes with indulgent infusions of traditional Greek flavours combined with Mediterranean elements and Asian flair. The concept is “all-day, modern comfort food” comprising classic dishes with a twist that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

But if you’d like to step out to savour the city’s gastronomic offerings, the hotel is conveniently located a short walk from a plethora of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Designed with all creature comforts, including sound-proofing and opaque blackout curtains, here’s a hotel that does everything to guarantee a deep and serene slumber!

With its careful attention to detail, high aesthetics and impeccable service, Athens Insider recommends AthensWas as a perfect base for business and leisure travelers. AthensWas, Anemi Hotels, Dionysiou Areopagitou 5, 210.725.4871, athenswas.gr i

insider athens | February & March 2015 15

P

angrati is an old suburb of Athens, with sharp outlines, a varied terrain and a well-planned topography dotted with squares and parks; it hinges on the city centre but retains its distinct, eccentric character. Two factors have greatly influenced its evolution.

The first factor is the Ilissos, the river or rather the torrent that crossed the eastern Attica basin, under what is now Michalakopoulou Avenue, Vas. Konstantinou and Kallirois to its mouth in the Faliro Delta.

Since ancient times, when Socrates walked with and conversed with Phaedra along its banks, until the 19th century when the Panathenaic Stadium (or Kallimarmaro) was under construction, the Ilissos was the eastern edge of the city of Athens.

An animated quarter of Athens, Pangrati, formerly known as Vatrahonissi, was an island on the banks of the river Ilissos - and as its name suggests - inhabitied mainly by frogs! The river, which used to flow along the path where the Vas. Constantinou road now runs, determined the eastern boundary of the city of Athens. Professor of architecture and urban historian Panayotis Tournikiotis, unravels this bustling suburb’s past and takes us through its metamorphosis to its present form. An extract from his lecture.

The construction of Pangrati started at the end of the 19th century, with the announcement of the expansion of the city to the opposite bank, on Vatrahonissi. Pangrati was then referred to as the island of frogs because of the many toads and tadpoles that thrived on the banks of the Ilissos and because the river parted ways here to create a small island. The Ilissos, with its large and small bridges, its open embankments that allowed rainwater to flow, was Pangrati’s natural boundary; and, it remained so until the 1950s, when the decision was made to cover the river with the Vas. Konstantinou avenue.

The second factor was the urban planning of Pangrati on the east bank of the Ilissos. Pangrati was a model of a well-construed urban expansion plan, based on the theories of the time, with a projection to the future beyond the life of the Ilissos river. A period dominated by then Prime Minister Charilao Trikoupis and the Director of Public Works of the Ministry of Interior, the architect Ernst Ziller. The plan was approved in 1886 and implemented with a few changes.

The alignment pattern of streets in the Vatrahonissi neighborhood is characterized by a geometry that is a continuation of the structure and aesthetics of the first Athens urban plan designed by Kleanthis and Schaubert and, subsequently amended by Klenze.

Several events contributed to the development of Pangrati. In 1891, the construction of the palace for the successor to the throne behind the Royal gardens had been initiated and in 1894, the project of remarbling the Panathenaic Stadium was in full swing, just ahead of the first modern Olympic Games. Ernst Ziller had bought all the land

16 insider athens | February & March 2015

City Scope

around the stadium which he then sold to the king, who then financed the completion of excavations and subsequently donated the stadium to the Olympic Committee. At the time, only a tram pulled by horses led to it. Some theatres had settled on the banks of the Ilissos and the circular Panorama building that was devoted to art and entertainment, was located right in front of the Stadium.

But Athens was a modest-sized city, and Pangrati was until the early 1920s, a sparsely populated suburb, situated on the edge of town. It was the Asia Minor Catastrophe that propelled Pangrati closer to the centre and hastened its urbanisation. In 1903, the foundations of the Saint Spyridon church were laid and in 1928, those of the Church of the Prophet Elijah. A few years later, a modern and impressive school building makes its appearance. Then, in 1936, in front of the school, under the auspices of the Mayor of Athens, the systematic plantation of exotic plants for the creation of a park begins. A small zoo with bears, wild boars, peacocks, exotic birds and various other species, that hinged the park no longer exists. During WWII, the Nazis installed their camps in the Royal gardens.

Pre-war Pangrati was very different from its current appearance. The buildings did not exist and Vatrahonissi comprised of 19th century dwellings occupied by various trades, including that of the legendary Antonis Mollas of the popular Karagiozis shadow theatre.

The river had become the dumping ground for the region, threatening the health of the people around. The proposed solution was to cover it. Several proposals emerged. It was eventually decided to cover the Ilissos and construct an avenue and a large square in front of the Stadium. While construction for the road began, the excavations near the riverbed unearthed the temple of Heracles Pangratis. The archaeologist Yannis Miliadis attributes the current appellation of the area to the chthonic (subterranean) God of antiquity.

The new avenue triggered a total transformation: not only was land bordering the insalubrious river now prime property with facades that overlooked the arterial road, but the area became part of a wider restructuring of the east side of the city centre. The new Vas. Konstantinou Avenue connected Vas. Olgas to Vas. Sofias, allowing for the construction of large new buildings in Athens. This created a profound disruption

of social organization based on the invisible divide of the Ilissos. The not-so-chic eastern banks now boasted shiny new temples of culture and entertainment with the inauguration of The Hilton, the National Pinacotheque, the National Research Centre and the Conservatory.

In the 1960s, the Pangrati neighbourhood occupied a different place in Athens. It was now completely rebuilt with buildings. This expansion renewed hope and regeneration in the area. Many old houses paid the price of this rampant expansion, including that of the Nobel laureate George Seferis, built by architect Panos Manouilidis. Nevertheless, one can identify great examples of modern Greek architecture including the buildings of Suzanne and Dimitris Antonakakis on Archelaou Proklou streets and the private house built in 1961 by architect Aris Konstantinidis for the diplomat and critic Alexandros Xydis on Archimidous street and a little further down the street, the property of George Théodossopoulos built in 1980.

Today the contemporary city can boast of some unique cultural assets.

The «Elefthero Theatro» (Open Theatre) has brought its liberal, antiestablishment touch to the area. The Maghemenos Avlos, (The Magic Flute restaurant that is still open today on Plateia Proskopon) long served as a meeting point for artists and intellectuals including that of legendary composer Manos Hatzidakis. And the large, convivial squares at Varnava Hymittos Avenue and Messologhiou still offer the outdoor pleasures of life during the summer months.

It is the magical, urban character of Pangrati, with its hanging gardens, its private alleys, its large, public, theatrical spaces, its taverns and bars that lend the area it’s contemporary vibe. The Pangrati neighborhood retains its familiarity and gives the city colour, meaning and the advantages of a beloved place. A place that acquires all its richness when we know more about its past and of its carefully construed present.

Panayotis Tournikiotis teaches architectural theory at the National Technical University of Athens. He has published books and essays on architecture and the city of modern times. He has twice been winner of the International Award for Architectural books by the American Institute of Architects. In recent years, he has been researching and developing projects in Athens, the most important one being “Rethink Athens,” the restructuring project on Panepistimiou Avenue. i

insider athens | February & March 2015 17

Just across the tony Kolonaki district, Pangrati retains its unpretentious charm and authenticity with mom-and-pop shops sharing retail space with design stores, schools with graphics on its walls vying for attention with art galleries, hip bars and trendy restaurants drawing regulars away from other fashion-forward corners of the city. Here is a neighbourhood that has it all – century-old bakeries, large pockets of green, stunning views of Mt. Lycabettus, and even, a Michelin-starred restaurant!

Mt. Lycabettus seen from Rizzari str.

The historic Kallimarmaro

18 insider athens | February & March 2015

City Scope

A

district that is juxtaposed between the Hymettus on the one side, Athens’ First Cemetry on the other (the resting place of prominent Greeks) and with the historic Kallimarmaro stadium (host to the modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the finish line for the grueling Athens marathon every year) fronting it, Pangrati is a neighbourhood that wears its history lightly.

A stone’s throw from the National Gardens and the city-centre as well as from the museums on Vas. Sofias Avenue, Pangrati is a great starting point to take in the city’s sights and sounds. A locality that exudes warm, intimate vibes but one that has retained

Soccer on Plateia Stadiou

In front of La Musique Cafe

its gritty ‘urban’ edge, Pangrati is the new go-to place for laid-back jazz, great valuefor-money meals, quaint book-stores and cutting-edge art galleries. Its paradoxical character of blending the old with the new is evident in the plethora of family-run businesses that have been around for multiple generations, but with just enough room to squeeze in a few cosy nooks of creativity and design.

Boxes n Foxes

With its inviting neranji tree-lined streets, Pangrati is home to a tight-knit community of long-time residents and young students. Buildings from the ‘70s jostle for space

Pangrati Laiki

insider athens | February & March 2015 19

with beautifully restored neo-classical homes from the ‘20s, often with a lemon orchard tucked away in the backyard.

A case in point being the The Athens Centre - the perfect setting to learn Greek and imbibe Greek culture, in an exquisitely charming neo-classical home with a sun-kissed courtyard. Other temples of learning include DIKEMES, an institution that has been promoting Greek history and culture to American University students on a Study Abroad programme, as well as the Arcadia campus, both in Pangrati.

The Athens Centre

Pastry Family Bakery

Planet Spen Lexikopoleio Bookstore

20 insider athens | February & March 2015

While in Pangrati, reward yourself with delectable chocolate truffles and crunchy, buttery, sable biscuits at Pastry Family. This charming bakery has been on Rizari street since 1969 and is still a neighborhood cult-staple! For savoury traditional Greek cuisine inspired by flavours from across the Bosphorous, grab a bite at Fatsio. This restaurant, established in 1948 in Constantinople and at its current location on Efroniou street since 1969, is open only for lunch, serving delicious home-style cuisine at extremely affordable prices. Kostas, the grandson of the founder, now runs the place with the same passion and discreet service that has earned this eating place its regular clientele.

A favourite haunt for politicians and intellectuals alike, Fatsio is a Pangrati institution.

Right next to Fatsio is Ratih. For those familiar with the eponymous boutique in Spetses, the Pangrati store stocks the same Asian-inspired choice of jewellery, baubles, clothes, furniture and more. If you’re looking for an eclectic mix of home-décor, captivating light fixtures and interior design pieces, pop into this store. Further along Pangrati’s bustling Rizari street is Rizzari Café. Relax and unwind in the plush, comfy chairs while enjoying your coffee and a chat (or one of the numerous books in their library) or indulge in a light lunch.

The area around Plateia Proskopou (or the Scouts Square) is hugely popular with locals for some serious R&R. Aerostato that spills onto the park serves light snacks, homemade pies and fresh salads. While it is tempting to sit outdoors all-year round, the atmosphere is equally cosy and inviting indoors. Just around the corner is Lexikopoleio that stocks the latest page-turning New York Times best-seller books in all languages – plus a really versatile collection of children’s books and dictionaries.

For quirky, creative and unique gifts for both yourself and others, Planet Spen has everything you could ever dream of and more! Trays, jewellery, ceramics, sculptures that one can wear or admire on a bookshelf, Planet Spen is a treasure-trove of objects designed by upcoming Greek designers. Right across Planet Spen is La Musique Café, a laid-back space to catch up with friends or emails in a relaxed setting. With an extensive choice of wine and a rich cheese platter, you can just stretch your day from morning to night.

City Scope

Ratih

Spondi

Fatsio ceiling detail

Dimotiko Sxoleio Rizzari

insider athens | February & March 2015 21

Wide-eyed porcelain dolls welcome you into the playfully idiosyncratic world of Boxes N’Foxes. For those into statement pieces that reek of character and good taste, this is a great stop! For more art, take in the exhibitions at ArtZone 42 and Titanium Yiayianos Gallery on Vas. Constantinou featuring Greek and international talents.

For thirsty jazz-enthusiasts, head to Kafeneio Trigono and sip on raki, wine or a coffee without breaking the bank. For live jazz concerts, The HalfNote Jazz Club just across the First Cemetry, has been regaling Athenians for over 30 years, with some great acts from the world over. Try and make it over weekdays as weekends can get rather busy.

Going by what the locals love and proclaim, Cretan-inspired Mavro Provato offers the best-value-for-money meal in town with dinner plus a glass of wine for just under 12 euros! Book ahead as Mavro Provato has limited seating and fills up easily. Diners are willing to brave the chill and spill on to the streets even in the winter – such is the appeal of the place!

But if you really want to dine in style, there is no better place than Spondi, the Michelinstarred restaurant that is housed in a delightful powder-blue neo-classical home in Plateia Varnava. Its refined French cuisine has been consistently good and has wowed critics and connoisseurs alike for over a decade.

Aghion Spyridon Church

If all that wining and dining leaves you bloated, there is nothing better than a good run around the historical Kalimarmaros Stadium. It might just about inspire you to take on the next marathon! i

Boxes n Foxes Kafeneio Trigouno

Old Neo-classical building

City Scope INSIDE TRACK: Shop for original gifts at: Planet Spen: Aminta 13, 210.721.1549, planetspen.gr Ratih: Efroniou 5-7 & Rizari, 210.756.2572, facebook.com/pages/RatihAthensSpetses/434661759880023 Boxes N’Foxes: Arxelaou 23, 210.724.1223, boxesnfoxes.gr

Study Greek culture at: The Athens Centre: Archimidous 48, 210.701.2268, theathenscentre.gr CYA/ DIKEMES: 5 Plateia Stadiou, 210. 756.0749, cyathens.org.

Arcadia: Embedokleous 26, 210.752.5318, gr.arcadiacenter.edu.gr Movie theater Petit Palais

Have a drink at: La Musique Café: Arrianou 37 and Arxelaou, 210.723.8900 Kafeneio Trigouno: Amynta 15 and Arxelaou 23, 210.724.3085 Rizzari Café: Rizari and Vasileous Georgiou B, 213.009.0926

Indulge your sweet tooth at: Pastry Family: Rizari 19, 210.721.0987, pastryfamily.gr

Browse and pick up a book at: Lexikopoleio: Stasinou 13, 210.723.1201, lexikopoleio.com/en

Grab a bite at: Mavro Provato Colell

Mavro Provato: Arrianou 31, 210.722.3466, tomauroprovato.gr Fatsio: Efroniou 5-7, 210.383.2076, fatsio.gr Spondi: Pyrronos 5, 210.756.4021, spondi.gr

Get bluesy at: Half Note Jazz Club: Trivonianou 17, Mets 210.921.3310 halfnote.gr

Soak in the art at: ArtZone 42: Vas. Constantinou 42, 210 7259549, artzone42.gr Titanium Yiayianos Gallery: Vas. Constantinou 44, 210.729.7644, titaniumartgallery.com Melanithros: Zappa 4, Kallimarmaro, Athens 210.363.6904, melanithros.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 23

The French have always prided themselves in their flair, their natural talent, their ‘je ne sais quoi’ which has always distinguished them from other mortals. In this French supplement, we celebrate all things French. An interview with the French Ambassador to Greece Jean Loup Kuhn-Delforge is followed by conversations with two representatives of the French business presence in Greece, the President of the Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Pernod Ricard, Christophe Lemarié and Michel Darrieus, CEO of Air Liquide in Greece. A list of all the restaurants participating in the Goût de France initiative in Greece follows and an index of key French institutions and organizations in Greece. Vive la France!

24 insider athens | February & March 2015

Discover, taste and savour the finest chocolate recipes, creations and pleasures at the Astir Palace Resort. Chocolate is a special kind of pleasure: it’s always an extravagance, the fine ending of a dinner, a dietary sin we never regret, a child’s obsession and an adult’s object of desire. Astir Palace Resort pays tribute to Chocolate and organizes the sweetest winter party. The pastry team of the Astir Palace create the perfect destination for lovers of chocolate!

Arion Resort & Spa, Grill room 14-15 February & 21-22 February 2015 Saturday 12:00-00:00 and Sunday: 12:00-22:00

Entrance fee: €15 for adults, €8 for kids.

Includes unlimited access to: • The story of Chocolate • Live chocolate creations • Chocolate tasting • Chocolate buffet • Chocolate house with chocolate surprises • Chocolate fountain and fondue • Chocolate drinks • Chocolate quiz With the support of: VALHRONA | TUSSO | NESPRESSO VEUVE CLICQUOT | EGEM

For more information, please contact 210 8902000 or visit www.arionresortathens.com, www.astir-palace.com

French Ambassador Jean Loup Kuhn-Delforge in conversation with Sudha NairIliades, shortly after the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris and just ahead of the Greek elections. He shares his views on the overwhelming show of solidarity by Greek citizens, the need for a united European front against terrorism and France’s position on the changes in the Greek political landscape

T

his has been a rather challenging start to the year for the French with the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The response in Greece was spontaneous with demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki to show their solidarity with the French people. You participated in the rally in Athens. What were the emotions on the streets of Athens? Did people share their thoughts with you on the subject?

We have been through a period of both shock and sadness but also witnessed electrifying moments of national unity, which have brought us together to reflect on a number of challenges that are unique to France but to many European societies too. In these trying moments, when the French Republic’s values were attacked to the core, it warmed our hearts to receive spontaneous expressions of solidarity, friendship and sympathy from the Greek people – both from ordinary citizens who gathered at Sina (outside the French Institute) but also at the highest level, with the presence of the then Greek Prime Minister in Paris on January 11, along with other world leaders and four million French citizens who had lined the streets of every town in France, to express their solidarity. I also received many messages by email and post – from Greeks who wanted to testify, to demonstrate their friendship for the French people, but also to show support for our common values.

France finds itself in a position of tackling not just international

26 insider athens | February & March 2015

terrorism but also of healing the divisions within its society. There has been a lot of debate and discussion on policies to be implemented to better integrate the different communities that lend France its unique character. How will that impact the French education system and diplomatic missions around the world?

It is true that France is very committed to the fight against terrorism.

We are committed to overseas operations in Africa to curb terrorist activity in Sahel and also engaged in Iraq alongside the coalition, so as a country, we are very exposed. But these attacks, and the overwhelming response to them by the French people, demonstrates the need for us to work doubly hard. First, we need to work on our society, its living conditions, the manner in which we educate our youth on their role as French citizens living in harmony, irrespective of their social or geographical origin, irrespective of their faith or lack of it. We need to affirm the values of the Republic and to communicate these values through education, especially the values of secularism.

French secularism (‘laïcité’) is specific to France: the state and public authorities being neutral, everyone is free to profess the faith of their choice (or not) and has to respect the other’s religion, avoiding the assertion of one’s religious beliefs in public.

But it is not just education but also national security that needs to be looked into. We need to examine what failed in our system of security during the two attacks of January and generally in the combat against

French Supplement

terrorist risks. We will also examine the eventual lapses in the justice and education systems, in the field of cyber monitoring to understand what went wrong in preventing the attacks.

upcoming national elections and implications not only for itself but also for the rest of the euro zone. How does this affect your role as an Ambassador in these challenging times? What is France’s position?

At the same time, France will work with its European partners for a common response (which had already been initiated at the European Council in June 2014), to address issues of security strategy, crossborder information exchange, combat against cybercrime and the prevention of radicalization. But we also have to plug the security loopholes: that is to say, we need to quickly set up a European Passenger Name Record (PNR); to make greater use of the exchange of information between Schengen member states; to launch a European initiative towards major players in the internet including social media networks; and to fight against the financing of terrorism.

As is customary, it is the task for an Ambassador and his team on the ground to inform their authorities of the developments in Greece.

I have already met the executive team of Mr. Tsipras on several occasions.

We were very touched by the response of European leaders who were present alongside us.

But what we consider justified is a solemn declaration at the highest level of Europe, in view of the symbolic dimension of the attacks that bore directly on the freedom of expression, freedom of the press and democracy. It calls for a strong and determined reaffirmation by the EU of our values of tolerance, humanism, pluralism and respect, but also a message of conciliation and unity.

Greece finds itself in the midst of a changing political landscape with

So, the role of an Ambassador is to say what is, envisage what might be in the future and recommend a position, a course of action to his government. The position of France is known - it has been expressed on several occasions. It is one of working with the Greek government.

In the spirit of friendship that binds Greece and France for almost two centuries, and even more since the entry of Greece into the EU and the eurozone, but also in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility vis-Ă -vis the commitments of both sides, we are ready to work with the new Greek government and with our European partners to accompany Greece on the path of hope, growth, employment and reforms beneficial to its citizens.

France is one of the major trading partners of Greece, with major players in the automotive, infrastructure. There have already been a few powerful companies in the banking and financial services sector who have quit Greece in the past couple of years. What arguments

insider athens | February & March 2015 27

“

...we will work with the Greek government in a spirit of cooperation, but with mutual respect of commitments that have been made on either side

”

would you put forward to convince French companies to invest in the Greek economy?

Indeed France is traditionally one of Greece’s major business partners and also a significant investor in its economy. France has participated, since the early twentieth century, on several large projects which have modernized Greece, especially in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, transport, mining and industry, as well as the food industry. We are also present in the field of tourism. In fact, there is potential for development in a wide range of sectors. As you know, what is remarkable is that during this period of crisis, all French companies stayed put in Greece, except the banks (Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole), mainly because of internal restructuring.

Greece remains for French companies an important commercial market and an important investment destination. Greece has a certain number of advantages, first among which is the extraordinary quality of trained Greeks and also the number of successful start-ups on which we can rely on. Greece remains a natural destination of our exchanges and also of our investments. That is the reason why we have participated in a number of privatization projects and we remain very present and we are watching very closely the opportunities that could arise.

As you have already observed, Greece is a very Francophile country and Francophone countries and many cultural initiatives launched by the French Embassy such as the annual Francophone Film Festival have found resonance with the Greek public. How do you propose to build on this natural basis of good will to promote French language and culture?

28 insider athens | February & March 2015

We cannot conceive of a relationship between our two countries without the cultural dimension which is quintessential to our two countries. France would not be France without Greek culture. As has been made evidently clear at conferences organized by the French Archaeological School, there has been over a century of reciprocal exchanges between Paris and Athens in all fields of culture. These exchanges have been further reinforced by the vicissitudes of history including dictatorships and the exile of several artists and intellectuals from Greece to France over the years.

That has contributed to a fertile cultural soil, and mutual curiosity of each other’s cultures. The French Institute of Greece supports the promotion of Greek creativity, especially in the field of theatre: we translate, publish and support the presence of contemporary Greek playwrights who have met with much success in Paris and the Avignon Festival. We are working actively in the field of cinema with the Francophone Film Festival but also in all other languages of artistic creation.

There is no doubt that an initiative such as the Greece-France-Alliance in 2014 which was designed to accompany the Greek Presidency of the EU has had a significant impact on the image of the two countries but also an impact on the promotion of the French language. Thanks to the success of the Greece-France-Alliance that drew nearly 70,000 participants at various events (including the extraordinary success of the ‘Philosophy Night’), we reached out to a newer audience. So it’s also a way for us to say that French is a language of culture, French is a language of exchange. The future of the youth in Greece and in France, as in other European countries lies in the knowledge of at

French Supplement

least two European foreign languages, which the European partners agreed to promote in every educational systems as one of the ways to develop European citizenship.

In a bid to promote French tourism, especially in gastronomy and oenology, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs will launch an initiative described as “Goût de France – Good France.“ Could you describe the project in detail for our readers?

Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also a true Ministry of Tourism and a Ministry of Gourmet-Diplomacy. We are said to be the leading country in the world in terms of tourist arrivals, but we are far behind in terms of revenues derived from tourism. We have this challenge: our position as the first tourist destination in the world is not necessarily one that could last forever. We live in a very competitive world, and with many new countries entering the tourism market, we have to fight to retain our market share. So we have taken a series of measures to strengthen the tourist attractiveness of France, starting from the welcome of tourists and some initiatives, including those related to gastronomy. We reckoned that many tourists come to France for its cultural heritage and the beauty and variety of its landscapes but also for its culinary heritage.

Since UNESCO has declared the ‘repas a la française’ as part of the intangible heritage of humanity, we have to work on the subject. But French culinary attractiveness too, is not an asset that is eternal. We face stiff competition from successful emerging cuisines and chefs from the world over. So we need to affirm the quality and diversity of the French culinary offering and of our food products.

So playing on the pun of “Goût de France” and “Good France” –

we will launch an initiative on March 19 where the same French meal, created according to French specifications, will be served on the same day, in all 5 continents, by over 1,500 chefs. Gastronomy has long been the ally of diplomacy. Talleyrand said, “The most important collaborator of an Ambassador is his cook.” And the French politician Déroulède famously quoted at the end of the 19th century, “An embassy is a flag and a cook.”

In your three years in Greece as Ambassador, you have lived through some tumultuous times. What are the memories that you take back from here? What has struck you most about Greece and its people?

The three and a half years I have already spent here as Ambassador have been branded by the crisis. So I have witnessed political somersaults and upheavals in Greece and I have witnessed first-hand the degradation of living conditions for a number of Greeks. The work of the various departments of the embassy was to accompany and support France’s efforts to assist Greece on issues related to State and administrative reform and tax reform for more fairness and greater efficiency. Greece’s recovery is well underway, notably as far as its budgetary plan is concerned, where Greece has accomplished an unprecedented effort. So each day of my three-and-a- half years here has been a very significant one.

But my stay here has also been a moment of memorable discovery (or rediscovery) of Greek civilization, and the multiple facets of this country, which lend it its beauty. And last but not least, the opportunity for passionate, enriching and warm encounters. i

insider athens | February & March 2015 29

finding a lasting agreement with international creditors. This is a difficult mission to achieve, and vibrant, dynamic and competitive companies will be a key to its success. The French Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be ready to lend its full support to the government to that end.

Christophe Lemarié, CEO of Pernod Ricard Hellas and President of the French-Greek Chamber of Commerce spells out the spirited challenges that lie ahead and presents the key brands as well as the quintessentially French labels in his company’s portfolio In your twin roles as the President of the French-Greek Chamber of Commerce and as the CEO of Pernod Ricard Hellas, you have been operating a business here under rather challenging conditions while pushing for policy changes with the Greek government to suit French business needs. What is your reading of the present economic climate in Greece?

For a start, I would like to clarify one thing: our aim is not to promote policies narrowly suiting French business needs, but rather to promote the interests of French companies in Greece (and of Greek companies in France). For this, we need an environment that is favorable to entrepreneurship, rewards risk-taking and attracts investors. Obviously, the economic climate is currently uncertain. Greece has big challenges in front of it, and there are many questions as to which policies the new government wants to implement, and how they will affect the business climate and the investors’ confidence.

It is fair to say, though, that this uncertainty pre-dates the elections.

While the business sentiment was positive until last autumn, it started declining in the last quarter of 2014, with the impression that the reform effort was tapering off, and the realization that the final discussions with the troika were not going smoothly, which could lead to political upsets.

Now there is a new government, with a popular mandate that must be respected. They say that they want to continue reforming and modernizing Greece, building mutually beneficial relationships with foreign investors, and fighting corruption. At the same time, they want to free the Greek people of the austerity that it has supported for the last six years, while

30 insider athens | February & March 2015

Could you deconstruct Pernod Ricard Hellas in figures for our readers? How long have you had a presence in Greece? How many employees does your Greek affiliate employ? The annual turnover / volume of sales (if you’d like to share, not mandatory).

Pernod Ricard Hellas is an affiliate of the Groupe Pernod Ricard, which is the number 2 worldwide in the wines and spirits industry. In Greece, we occupy the same position on the Spirits segment. The affiliate was created in 1990, 25 years ago, through the purchase of a Greek spirits company, Lizas & Lizas, which commercialized liqueurs Eoliki. In 1996, we bought EPOM, owner of the ouzo Mini of Mytilini. We currently employ 130 employees, and are number one in the key categories such of vodka (Absolut) and super premium whiskies (Chivas Regal). We also have major market shares in Rum (Havana Club), whiskies (Ballantine’s and Jameson), gin (Beefeater), champagnes (Mumm) and of course ouzo!

Pernod Ricard has had a strong presence in Greece with some heavyweight international brands such as Chivas Regal and Absolut, and local brands such as Mini Ouzo. What are the key French brands in Pernod Ricard’s portfolio?

The key French brands in Greece are the champagnes, Mumm and Perrier Jouët. They represent a great opportunity for us, as we believe that they can take advantage of luxury consumption and the touristic market development. We are also promoting Lillet, a Bordeaux winebased aperitif that is very well tuned to the new consumption habits of young consumers. Finally, of course, there is Pastis Ricard, which is always close to the heart of the French community, in Greece as everywhere in the world!

You have heard of the Goût de France initiative on the part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote French gastronomy worldwide. While French cuisine and wines are reputed, do you think that there is potential for French spirits to become better known beyond French frontiers?

I would think that French spirits are already well-known out of France!

Think of champagnes, cognac (such as our brand Martell), Armagnac.

What is true is that, with the exception of champagnes and cognac, many categories are dominated by small brands, with a high quality and old heritage. Greece, where consumption tends to be dominated by whisky, vodka and local spirits, is not easy to penetrate for them.

At the same time, there is an openness to discover new tastes, and new ways of consumption, that definitely create opportunities. This is what we are trying to exploit with Lillet. i

lic hospitals, private doctors as well as to patients in Greece. How vulnerable has your business been in the current economic context?

Air Liquide Hellas Healthcare division serves primarily the country’s hospitals as well as patients in need of special respiratory therapy at their home (our Home Healthcare activity performed through our Vitalaire subsidiary). Regardless of the economic context, the patients need reliable access to oxygen (respiratory infections and intensive care) and specialized services (such as pulmonary diseases, sleep apnea).

Although we have been facing difficulties in getting properly compensated for our services due to the global financial situation, we have continuously supported the hospitals and individual patients we serve. In the coming years, as the economic situation stabilizes, we expect to see a growing demand for our services linked to global trends in our societies such as population aging and urbanization.

Air Liquide has diversified its presence to other industries including those of waste management and renewable technologies. Could you please elaborate on these new developments?

We constantly develop innovative applications for our products and services, contributing to the gains in efficiency of our customers’ production and to the protection of the environment. Our technologies in the field of Hydrogen energy are contributing to the development of “zero emission” Hydrogen powered cars and buses which are gradually being rolled out in several countries.

Michel Darrieus, General Manager of Air Liquide, a company that has had a presence in Greece for over 100 years, explains the wide range of industries serviced by his company – from carbonated drinks to hospitals to refineries, fish farming and even automobiles!

How large is Air Liquide’s presence here in Greece?

Air Liquide Hellas and its subsidiary Vitalaire Hellas employ 130 people in Greece, for an annual turnover of 25 million euros.

We remain a leader in our industry, delivering long term performance and acting responsibly. i

As the world leader in gases, technology and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide has been present in Greece for over hundred years with 3 primary production units and 4 filling centres all across Greece. Could you explain Air Liquide’s main scope of activity and describe who your principal clients in Greece are?

Air Liquide Hellas offers support to a vast number of industries of all sizes, helping them become more competitive and contributing to the quality of their products while also optimizing their environmental performance. We produce gases from air or by using the planet’s natural resources. These gases (primarily nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide) are packaged under compressed or liquefied form and distributed to our customers for use in their processes or to hospitals and patients. Our customers include refineries, steel and aluminum manufacturing, metal recycling, fish farming, food processing, food packaging, welding, cutting and refrigeration.

For example, our customers use the cold of liquefied nitrogen for food freezing and special gas mixtures for food preservation (packaged food such as salads, nuts and meat) while large quantities of oxygen are required in steel manufacturing, in fish farming or water treatment. Carbon dioxide is widely used for carbonation of drinks (sodas) and we supply most of the leading suppliers of colas and beers. Solid carbon dioxide (also known as dry ice) is used on all airplanes for refrigeration of the food.

Your Healthcare division has been supplying high quality products, technologically advanced equipment and specialized services to pub-

insider athens | February & March 2015 31

The French Embassy organises a gastronomic even a rotisserie. Its creative French cuisine and superb wine list alone initiative on March 19 to get Francophiles and should qualify it as a foodie destination, irrespective of whether a trip to the airport is involved. Sofitel Athens Airport, Spata, 210.354.4000 foodies the world over to savour the goodness of a real French meal. With over 1,500 restaurants La Terrasse across the globe presenting and serving the exact Chef: George Stylianoudakis same menu on the same day, the French Ministry Long a standard bearer for French cuisine in Greece, the Hotel of Foreign Affairs hope to win the hearts of its Pentelikon’s La Terrasse is an accessible, inviting space open all day long to tuck into a sumptuous breakfast, leisurely lunch, a coffee break tourists-to-be through their palates. Athens Insider or an excellent dinner. With its sister-restaurant, Vardis, the recipient winds up the list of restaurants in Greece who will of many a culinary distinction it is La Terrasse that hopes to raise the competition in-house. Diligianni 66, Kifissia, 210.628.1400 be participating in this unique experiment.

In Athens Avenue Bistro & Bar Chef: Ilias Kariotoglou and Michel Roux A bistro with French classics such as Canard confit and Blanquette de veau, under the supervision of the legendary Michel Roux, Avenue is a destination to savour French cuisine as it should be. Young and talented Ilias Kariotoglou brings his passion and expertise to the table.

Metropolitan Hotel, Sygrou Avenue 385, Athens, 210.947.1001

Museum Cafe-Restaurant Chef: Jean Louis Capsalas Jean Louis Capsalas brings his French approach and technique to Mediterranean flavours, combining classical and modern influences at «Deipnosofistirion Catering». His dishes reflect his cosmopolitan background and the simplicity of the Greek tradition. Matsa 17, Kifissia, dipnosofistirion.gr

Polly Maggoo Chef: Georgios Iliou

Chef’s Club of Greece Chef: Miltiadis Karoubas Established in 1992 with the objective of preserving the culinary heritage of Greece but to also raise the bar of Greek gastronomy and patisserie standards, the Chef’s Club has played an instrumental role in training young chefs to take on the profession and to wear their hats with pride. Vouliagmeni Avenue 171, Dafni, 210.825.1401

Karavi Chef: Theofanis Stathis Karavi has long been acclaimed by its guests and food critics alike as a gourmet restaurant, just across the Athens airport, ideal for romantic farewell dinners before a flight or business meals. Chef Stathis is at the helm of this ship-themed restaurant that features a show kitchen and

32 insider athens | February & March 2015

A warm, inviting restaurant, consistently rated among the best restaurants to dine at in the capital, Polly Maggoo, along with its other trend-setting peers, has converted the Kerameikos area into a virtual gastronomic zone. With exquisitely well-executed French cuisine, an enviable wine list and live music, Polly Maggoo is a real culinary gem.

Leonidou 80 & Salamivos, Metaxourgiou, 210.524.1120

Première Chef: Jean-Charles Metayer A protégé of the legendary French chef Jacques Le Divellec, JeanCharles Metayer is clearly one of the most talented chefs in Greece today.

With a cuisine based on fresh Mediterranean ingredients executed with French flair, and an extensive list of regional and international wines, the Première has established itself as an upscale restaurant with high aesthetics. With owner Dakis Joannou’s impressive art collection finding its way into the restaurant, and the terrace offering spectacular views of the Acropolis; the Première is a temple of fine dining. Hotel InterContinental, Syngrou 89-93, Athens, 210.920.6777

In Thessaloniki Alfredo’s Grand Dining Chef: Apostolos Altanis Alfredo’s has long been a shrine to good food in this northern city and it has continued to raise the bar with its unflinching standards.

With an outstanding number of haute gastronomy awards, Alfredo’s offers a unique culinary experience, which moves to its verdant, scentfilled garden in the summer. Regency Casino, 12km National Road Thessaloniki Airport, Thessaloniki, 231.049.1234

Kalyva Chef: George Palisidis Housed in the elegant Tarsounas Mansion at the foothills of Kaimaktsalan, arguably Greece’s best ski station, Kalyva serves traditional Greek fare with a refined twist. Acclaimed for its rich cheese platter, cured pork and succulently grilled meats, Kalyva has been attracting skiers as well as day-trippers from Thessaloniki to savour its delicacies. Emmanouil Fili 15, Thessaloniki, 238.103.1898

La Place Mignonne Acropolis Museum Restaurant Chef: Dominique Perrot A veritable marriage of regional Greek flavours and French culinary traditions, the restaurant at the Acropolis Museum combines the high aesthetics of the building it is housed in with some absolute winners from its kitchen. Scouring the far corners of the country for little known ingredients and regional recipes, the restaurant prides itself in bringing them to a wider public. The specialities here include fresh shrimps from Alexandroupoli with ouzo, orzo and red saffron from Kozani and trachanas from Arachova with mushrooms and crunchy Greek prosciutto. The Acropolis Museum, Dionisiou Areopagitou 15, Athens, 210.971.4148

In the Peloponnese Maryvonne Chef: Matina-Laura Saloyannis This restaurant, tucked away in a little village in the Peloponnese around 6km from Ermioni, has been serving delectable French cuisine for ten years and has earned a loyal following in the region. Diners come in from as far as the neighbouring isles of Hydra and Spetses and from Porto Heli to savour this bistro’s wholesome Mediterranean fare with a distinctly French touch. Iliokastro, Ermioni, 275.409.1352

Chef: Palli Ioanna Maria A little French bistro that lives up to its name of being a cutesy, inviting restaurant, which has has wowed foodies with its refreshing new take on French standards. La Place Mignonne builds on the layers of history and gastronomic influences that define Thessaloniki to recreate a menu that is familiar, yet original and with the promise of transporting one’s taste buds to uncharted territory. Ethnikis Aminis 4, Thessaloniki, 231.028.8354

Papillion Chef: George Mastrodimitris Papillon has been tickling the senses of Thessaloniki residents with its creative, playful works of pastry art with its wiggly little piglets and herds of sheep vying as much for the ‘most adorable confectionery’ award as for the most delectable sweet nothings money can buy.

Taking that same passion and creativity from its pastry business to its restaurant, Papillon offers ethnic cuisine with an edge. G. Lambraki 207, Thessaloniki, 231.090.8680

In Larissa En Larissi Chef: Romeo Gutzo

In Crete Skoufos & Oinos Chef : Antonis Stavrianakis A little restaurant hidden behind the Venetian shipyards, Skoufos & Oinos has earned itself quite a reputation both among locals and the drones of tourists making their annual pilgrimage here.

Serving Mediterannean cuisine with French and Italian staples, Chef Stavrianakis adds a hint of masticha or a dab of ouzo to give his dishes a quintessentially Greek flavour. Definitely worth a stop at this Cretan port. Killergon St. 24, Chania, 282.105.0878

Widely rated as the best restaurant in Larissa, En Larissis offers escape, music and some delectably good food, a serendipituous find in this unpretentious town. With a play on seasonality, from its delicately seasoned artichokes stuffed with vegetables to its braised foie gras, served with a herb veloute sauce, the accent here has always been on surprising the customer with an unexpected flavor mix. In this case, it works admirably well. The meats are all sourced from the Thessalian mountains as are the dairy products. Dorotheou 1, Larissa, 241.053.4303 i

insider athens | February & March 2015 33

A compilation of French cultural institutes, social networks and community organisations in Greece.

IN ATHENS

Entraide

French Embassy

entraide-grece.com

Vas. Sofias 7 210.339.1000 ambafrance.gr.org

Athenes Accueil

French Consulate, Athens Akademias 6, Athens 210 339 12 00 consulfrance-athenes.org

French Institute Sina 31, Athens ifa.gr

French Archaeological School (EFA) Didotou 6 efa.gr

French-Greek Chamber of Commerce Sina 31www.ccifhel.org.gr

Business France Akademias 6, Athens ubifrance.com/gr

Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugene Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag.Paraskevi lfh.gr

Democratic Association of French Citizens Abroad (ADFE)

athenesaccueil.com

French Association of Engineers and Managers (AFIC) afic.gr

Association of Parents of Students of the Franco-Hellenic School Eugène Delacroix (French Section) ape-lfh.net

Federation of Public School Student Parent Councils (FCPE) fcpeathenes.wordpress.com

Friends of Alsace in Greece alsacemonde.org

Friends of Brittany in Greece lesamisdebretagne.org

IN THESSALONIKI French Consulate, Thessaloniki 27 Evzonon, Thessaloniki 2310 244 030 consulfrance-salonique.org

francais-du-monde.net

French Institute

Union of French Citizens Abroad (UFE)

Leof. Stratou 2A, Thessaloniki 2310 82 12 31.

ufe.org

34 insider athens | February & March 2015

Education

The American Community School celebrates 7 decades of providing its students with a holistic, meaningful and harmonious American educational experience, preparing them to become leaders with ethos, principles and values.

which students will benefit greatly from.”

ACS is an independent international school with no owner and no government subsidies, with a 15-member board of trustees that guides the educators to select the books used, the faculty employed, and to make any other relevant decisions that affect the school’s curriculum.

ACS Athens is open to anyone who wants to embrace international education and its current student population includes 52 nationalities.

Part of the attraction is that it clearly focuses on the learner and aims to develop what each student is good at. This is something that ACS’ faculty embraces and understands.

Dr Gialamas explains, “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.

We seek to develop qualities that are sustainable – listening, decision making based on analysis, and finding new, creative ways of resolving issues and adjusting the world to a child’s strengths.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion and to share the milestones that have defined the institution over the years, ACS will get together as a community on February 13 to raise funds for a Board-approved improvement initiative for the playground and athletic areas of ACS’ existing campus. Dr. Gialamas, President of ACS observes, “These improvements will be a significant and wonderful enhancement,

Proceeds from the previous gala went towards promoting innovative techniques such as i2Flex teaching and learning in a “green” environment where students are actively engaged with personalized, independent, flexible learning experiences facilitated and supported by sound pedagogical applications of technology. The funds from the 2015 gala will be used for further enhancing the “green” of the campus and in improving the campus’ athletic facilities this coming summer. i ACS Athens, 129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave & Kazantzaki Street, Halandri.

Tel: 210.639.3200, acsathens.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 35

but a few gifts now and then don’t hurt either!

se h the to t i w ne d ved o uarantee nd o l r s, g ss a l you Sp1oi ic goodie a godde ks! nt ke oo roma er feel li r good b eh in he mak u o y keep

1

2

1. Valentine’s Collection Lace Bra Available at Women’s Secret

2. Zeus + Dione Lina Fanouraki Bracelet Available at Zeus + Dione

3

3. Too Faced Soul Mates bronzing powder

4

and blusher Available at Sephora

4. Cellier Valentines Basket with Cognac Delamain, Champagne Krug, Montofoli Wine & Valhrona Chocolates Available at Cellier

5. Ring by La Vie Jewellery Available at We Create Harmony

6. Fleur de Bambou Press by Il Profumo Available at Perfumes and More

7. Personalised Coordinates Print

5

Available at Not on the High Street

6

8. Charlotte Olympia Love Betsy Booties Available at Charlotte Olympia

9. Love Letter Necklace Available at Zolotas 10. Musical Wine Glasses Available at Firebox 11. Shourouk for Sephora Jewel Eyeshadow Palette Available at Sephora

12. Candles Available at El Marneri Galerie 13. Hand Made Chocolates Available at The Dark Side of Chocolate 14. The Body Shop Smoky Poppy Deluxe Collection Available at The Body Shop 15. CREED Spring Flower Perfume Available at Creed Fragrances 16. Shorouk for Sephora Jewel Blush Available at Sephora 36 insider athens | February & March 2015

7

8

9

10

11

12

Accessorize: Ermou 42. 210.331.7780 accessorize.gr Aesthet: aesthet.com

13

14

Amazon: amazon.com Apivita Experience Store: Solonos 6 & Kanari, Addresses: Kolonaki, 210.364.0560, apivita.com CharlotteCellier: Olympia: charlotteolympia.com Kriezotou 1d, Syntagma. 210.361.0040, Kifissias Ave.369, Kifissia 210.801.8756,Syngrou Cellier: Kriezotou 1d, Syntagma.

210.361.0040, cellier.gr 320, 210.453.3551 cellier.gr

15

16

El Marnericreedfragrances.co.uk Galerie: Lebesii 5-7 &Porinou17, Creed Fragrances: Acropolis. 210.861.9488, elenimarneri.com El Marneri Galerie: Lebessi 5-7 & Porinou 17, Acropolis.

Grande Bretagne Hotel, Syntagma. 210.333.0000: 210.861.9488, elenimarneri.com grandebretagnestore.com Firebox: firebox.com Mamannoula: mamannoula.gr Grande Bretagne Hotel: Syntagma, 210.333.0000, Perfumes and More: Hotel King George, Syngrandebretagnestore.com tagma.210.333.0266 kinggeorgeathens.com Not on the High Street: notonthehighstreet.com Sephora: Ermou 24, 210.331.3167, sephora.gr Perfumes and More: Hotel King George, Syntagma, O.P.I at Sephora: Ermou 24, 210.331.3167, 210.333.0266, kinggeorgeathens.com sephora.gr Sephora: Ermou 24, 210.331.3167, sephora.gr The Body Shop: Ermou 10, 210.331.1186, theThe Bodybodyshop.gr Shop: Ermou 10, 210.331.1186, thebodyshop.gr The DarkWeDesign, Side of Chocolate: Solonoswecreateharmony.com 49, 210. 339.2348 Greece Revisited: wedesignshop.gr We Createand Harmony: wecreateharmony.com + Dione: Agias Irinis Square 4, 210.325.3839, Women’s Zeus Secret: Athens Metro Mall, Leoforos Vouliagmenis 276, Agioszeusndione.com Dimitrios, 210.973.6314 Zolotas: Panepistimiou 104,or210.325.3839, Stadiou 9. zolotas.gr Zeus + Dione: Agias Irinis Square Aesthet: aesthet.com zeusndione.com Zoumboulakis 10 Galleries: 6 Kriezotou st Zolotas: Panepistimiou or Stadiou 9, 210.360.1272, zolotas.gr210.363.4454.zoumboulakis.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 37

Gastronomy

38 insider athens | February & March 2015

the new Ocean Basket, rant in seafood restau ing waves, Glyfada is mak ble seafood serving delecta m prices. at ocean-botto

African brand ly successful South ge hu e th of s es cc , and more recent uilding on the su ons in Africa alone ati loc 0 16 in es ean Basket has that has franchis d now Athens, Oc an i ba Du , us pr ampioned the openings in Cy reason: they have ch od go for d an al pe ide ap environment proven its world-w served in a relaxed od afo se s ou pti um , scr of Ocean Basket concept of accessible George Ioannou s. ice pr ey on r-m -fo e Ocean Basket at incredible value cious restaurant lik ns co etdg bu a of al the water but explains, “The appe , where we live on ns he At in lly cia pe – es ets.” is understandable heavily on our pock restaurant weighs h fis a to it vis a w someho e Far East, Ocean which used to hous da yfa Gl in er rn co eet mely spacious Located in a quiet str s spill on to an extre ow nd wi y ba ge lar 0. Its atmosphere here Basket seats up to 20 gety children! The fid th wi s ilie fam large odates all palettes terrace – ideal for ing menu accomm olv ev tly tan ns co it’s season while still is very friendly and par with what is in on g yin sta s, nd tre and seafood culinary ve grown to love. al favourites we ha ion dit tra e th ing includ quintessentially em drawing on its th of me so – s rd wo chips and Sole With a witty play on asts of Feesh and bo ard bo nu me e – th s do not accept South African roots ch as Sorry! Bank su ts en mm co ky chee nu.

Mate Platters and ppered on their me pt cheques! – are pe ce ac t no do sh fee feesh, so le of educating also takes on the ro et sk Ba n ea Oc d, aroun prawn varieties For all the jesting between different on cti tin dis e th t ing ou erican Surf ’n its public by draw diterranean and Am Me , se ne pa Ja , jun in Ca orge Ioannou and serving seafood inable enterprise, Ge sta su a ing be in itself ble fishing. We Turf styles. Priding to support sustaina rd ha rk wo we et, n Bask do whatever we observes, “At Ocea of the sea and we y sit ro ne ge nt cie d an respect the great an a responsible bite.” our fish and seafood of e bit ery ev ke can to ma earned a steady the restaurant has o, ag hs nt mo of le coup et’s generous Since its opening a savour Ocean Bask to up ing lin s fan ood ting its menu to following with sea-f ean Basket is adap Oc , er rn co e th d aroun platters. With Lent ary customs. lin cu al loc th fit in wi yle platters order the family-st ow kn e th in e os s: Th . Try the FullInsider’s Favourite rely Sunday lunch su lei a g rin du ng shari and includes which are perfect for between six people d are sh be y sil ea can s & Line Fish. deck Platter which lamari Steak Strip Ca , ari lam Ca ls, Musse New Year’s 30 Prince Prawns, abandoned their n’t ve ha o wh s er us din lads, served For health-conscio or Seared Tuna Sa on lm Sa d are Se e der th flavour! Hit the resolutions yet, or lories but not on ca on ht lig are which rimp Tempura with Ponzu sauce bite. The Rock Sh ick qu a ab gr to g lookin coating gives sushi bar if you’re spy fried tempura cri e th t, ho ed rv se der e is creamy with maki is a must-or p inside. The sauc rim sh th ou r-m ou -in-y ve a large parea way to tender-melt ep it light. If you ha ke to s ru cit of k a kic Salmon Platter or a hint of spice and minds, opt for the eir th up g kin ma time who have a tough all palates. i aranteed to please gu r, tte Pla Nagoya da. 210.898.3183, & Pandoras 5, Glyfa 61 ki ra za La et, sk Ocean Ba oceanbasket.gr

B

insider athens | February & March 2015 39

40 insider athens | February & March 2015

Gastronomy

The Atrium at Herodion Hotel, at the footsteps of the Acropolis, exudes intimacy and bathes in the clarity of the Athenian light that filters through its sky roof. With its sophisticated approach to Greek cuisine and exquisite works of contemporary Greek art that adorn its walls, here is the place to rekindle your romance.

D

one up in exquisitely good taste, the Herodion has always had a high accent on the arts with its façade doubling up as a mini-art gallery featuring abstract sculptures and bursts of spring bloom, quietly making a statement of the hotel’s lofty aesthetic values. And that is something that comes through in every aspect of the hotel.

The Atrium, tucked at the back of the front lobby reflects the same understated elegance and radiates warmth and intimacy. By day, the space is suffused with light that catches specks of colour off the backgammon boards, books and brightly-hued cushions. By evening, the crackling fireplace permeates the air with the smell of pine and lends the restaurant a cosy, romantic ambiance.

Large wrought-iron chandeliers add a touch of sophistication while the wild pistachio trees piercing the roof remind one that literally the outdoors have been brought in with the glass panels reflecting the green of the garden beyond. A cross between a conservatory and a chalet, the Atrium transports you to a greener, more serene place but with the luxury of stepping on exquisite silk carpets and rugs!

Open all day, the Atrium is a great stop to savour home-made Greek sweets, hot chocolate, flavoured teas and coffee. The restaurant seats upto 60 and also serves lunch and dinner, its compact size making it ideal for a business meal, small corporate event, or for a romantic evening.

Described as an exclusive Greek bistro, the Atrium’s Chef Manolis Mavrigiannakis and Chef Marios Pirpiridis concoct quintessentially Greek dishes infused with fresh ideas and even fresher ingredients.

The menu urges you to revisit culinary staples and ends up being a lesson in Greece’s gastronomic geography. Athens Insider recommends the risotto with a touch from Sfakia, sofrito from Corfu, dolmades from Smyrna and pizza from Kimolos!

Enjoy a romantic Valentine’s dinner with your significant other with a decadent prix fixe of 30 euros per person featuring prosciutto rolls with pear chutney and nasturtium served on frozen gluhwein, followed by wild mushroom risotto, carpaccio with baby rucola salad, caramelized pork belly in a port-wine sauce reduction and finally, a caramel parfait with crispy coconut—the perfect ending to an elegant meal.

Most Athenians tend to ignore something that tourists would give an arm and an expensive flight ticket to enjoy – the sight of the Acropolis under a moonlit sky. Well, follow it up with a meal at the Atrium and relive the magic under its starry roof.

Atrium, Hotel Herodion, Rovertou Galli 4, Makriyianni. Open daily from 11am to 11pm. For business lunches, dinner or events, contact Mrs. Roi Ioakimopoulou at 210.923.6832 i

insider athens | February & March 2015 41

Restaurant review

“T

he idea was to create a trattoria that reflected the coziness of home with wholesome Italian cooking at affordable prices.

We want regulars to treat Tutti a Tavola as an extension of their space, and hopefully, 6 of our 10 tables will be old-timers who come here for the food and a friendly chat with the chef,” explains co-owner Dimitri Anastopoulos who has known Chef Antonio for 17 years.

As a University student who had just moved to Athens from Brussels, and later as a young professional, Dimitri used to call the chef to keep the restaurant kitchen open so that he could grab a midnight meal. The friendship blossomed over the years and as business partners now, they return to the original venue where Chef Antonio started off his culinary career in Athens. Call it karmic coincidence or just sentimentality, Chef Antonio is back doing the things he had sworn off doing: running a restaurant in Athens in the winter! Either way, it is a fortunate decision, especially for the scores of Athenians who have known and loved Antonio’s cuisine for years.

Chef Antonio Tutera and Dimitri Anastopoulos join forces to create a cosy, convivial Italian trattoria serving authentic fare with just 10 tables on Spefsippou in Kolonaki.

At first glance, Tutti a Tavola is an unpretentious eatery done up in muted hues of grey with black and white line drawings and framed recipes of Italian classics adorning the walls. But the toned down décor almost seems like a deliberate attempt to let the food take centre-stage and do all the talking.

For Chef Antonio, who loves to linger at tables to speak to guests, the menu really depends on, “the mood I’m in, what humours me at the moment and what I might chance upon at the market.” The menu flirts with staples but is also peppered with little known Italian dishes from central Italy such as pasta alla norcina with black truffles and flavourful sausages in a light creamy sauce and vitello tonnato. For someone who moved to Greece in the late ‘80s setting up restaurants in Santorini before moving to Athens, he knows his clientele well enough to offer them classic Italian dishes but to tweak their palates enough to coax them into trying out new flavours.

For starters, try the velvety pumpkin soup or for a low-carb option, slivers of finely grated zucchini that resemble spaghetti strands, served with porcini! With mains reasonably priced between 9 and 12 euros and exceptionally going upto 16 euros for an extremely generous portion of osso buco, a meal here is filling without burning a hole in one’s pocket. The house wines here are Greek – a white malagouzia and a red blend of Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot – and tabled especially for the restaurant. All the other wines here are sourced from small Italian vineyards.

Keeping up with modern dietary requests, Tutti a Tavola also offers gluten-free pasta on the menu. The chef’s favourite? Undoubtedly the homemade gnocchi which he is particularly fond of, and for more adventurous souls, the fegato alla veneziana - succulent liver braised just so, with gently stewed onions.

Tutti a Tavola’s winning appeal lies in the warmth and openness its hosts radiate, without the pretensions and trappings of a fancy restaurant. Great value-for-money in a cosy setting.

Tutti a tavola is open every evening from 7 pm to 1 am, on Saturdays from 2 pm in the afternoon to 1 am and on Sundays from 6 pm to midnight. i Tutti a Tavola, Spefssipou 8, Kolonaki, 210 722.7785

42 insider athens | February & March 2015

Orloff Spa unveils Valmont’s anti-aging skin care revolution with their Body Time Control line! Get in shape and stop the clock at Orloff Spa’s treatment rooms at the Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni and Life Gallery in Ekali

C

ould it be true? Could the panacea to our cellulite, sagging skin and the dreaded loss of firmness skin woes be here? Valmont’s long-awaited anti-age line: Body Time Control is out and promises to do just that!

These days the pressure to appear young and fresh in a world where cosmetic surgical procedures are surging in popularity, finding effective treatments to help us maintain our youthful glow - without going under the knife -has become a personal odyssey for some of us. Here is the Insider Scoop on treatments that are tried and tested by the Insider team -on what works and why.

Skin aging affects us all and is primarily due to two factors, the skin’s cell renewal slows down with age and free radicals as well as increasing environmental stressors damage our support tissues.

This causes fine lines, deep wrinkles, uneven skin tone, lack of firmness, sagging and loss of skin density. Some of this is of course due to genetics but our skin care regimen plays an enormous role in preventing and treating these conditions. Valmont has launched a new line to help fight these problem areas, called Body Time Control.

What is Valmont and how does it work?

Valmont is a high-end line of skincare products with a renowned reputation as the leading antiaging specialists in cellular cosmetics. Established in Switzerland in 1985, they initially concentrated on facial care but now they’re expanding this same technology, delicate

44 insider athens | February & March 2015

Special promotion

enough for the face, to be used all over the body - butt, thighs, hips and anywhere else we’d like to see a little improvement and tweak!

Valmont combines the latest in cellular cosmetic research with a focus on DNA - a water molecule that stays in the cell’s nucleus. They have developed this technology so that it is transported by liposomes to penetrate faster and deeper into the skin - so that you see results more quickly and longer lasting.

Body Time Control addresses the problems of mature skin, specifically water retention, cellulite, advanced dryness and lack of elasticity. Our two favourite products in this line are the anti-cellulite serum D. Solution booster, perfect for the troublesome back of the thigh area and the body cream C.Curver shaper for slimming and firming anti-age action. These creams combine high-tech ingredients, the latest developments in skincare, such as Hyp-Silicium and the famous anti-age liposomes DNA & RNA complex.

First, apply the D.Solution booster serum, then the C.Curve shaper cream.

D.Solution Booster serum (100ml- 195€) combines a groundbreaking combination of state-of-the-art ingredients (such as caffeine, forskolin, destocking complex and draining complex to name a few) in high concentrations that is proven to fight cellulite/fights cellulite thanks to draining and fat burning effective technology. This serum works in synergy against the phenomena responsible for bulging, un-

sightly uneven bumps and cellulite while giving the impression that the body is immediately toned.

C.Curve Shaper cream (200ml-256€) is a revolutionary antiaging product that provides slimming, shaping and smoothing of the skin - let’s be honest, who couldn’t use more of that?! This cream works by combining liposomed DNA- a rich, fast absorbing balm that targets firmness with a high concentration of Hyp-Silicium.

Peaks of Slimness (95€) is a full one-hour body-sculpting massage that remodels the silhouette, which is as relaxing as it is indeed, slimming. This gentle massage is delicate enough for the most sensitive of skin and blends a variety of movements following a strict protocol including the original palper-rouler motion (also known as sub-dermal tissue massage). This treatment focuses on lifting, shaping the layers of skin to bring back a smooth and tight appearance while reducing signs of cellulite.

Orloff Spa combines the latest skincare technology with natural ingredients at both its locations on Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni, which is also open throughout the winter, or at the Life Gallery, amidst the pine forests of Ekali. i

Orloff Spa Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, 210.896.0028 or Life Gallery-Thiseos 103, Ekali, 211.106.7456, orloffspa.gr

insider athens | February & March 2015 45

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 Kifissia Keep Woking Glyfada Noodle Bar Syntagma NUI Kifissia Wagamama Maroussi

BAR - RESTAURANTS 42 bar Syntagma Apsendi Halandri BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq Café Zoe Syngrou CASH Kifissia CINCO Kolonaki CV Bar Keramikos Dirty Ginger Gazi En Plo Vouliagmeni Bar Explorer’s Lounge Syntagma Gazarte Gazi GINGER Mavili Sq Hoxton Bar Gazi ISLAND Vouliagmeni KITCHEN BAR Faliro KITCHEN BAR Halandri MAMACAS Gazi Minnie the Moocher Kolonaki MoMix Gazi NIXON Kerameikos OSTERMAN Syntagma PARKO ELEFTHERIAS Mavili Sq PIXI Gazi.

SEMIRAMIS RESTAURANT Kifissia SHOWROOM Kolonaki Socialista Gazi Sofa Bar Vouliagmeni Step by step Halandri The James Joyce irish bar, Thissio

CHINESE China’s Fantasy Psychico Saipan Halandri

FISH RESTAURANTS Ai Nikolas Syngrou CAPTAIN JOHN’S Piraeus ITHAKI Vouliagmeni JIMMY AND THE FISH Piraeus KASTELORIZO Kifissia MILOS Hilton MYTHOS OF THE SEA Vouliagmeni Ocean Basket Glyfada PAPADAKIS Kolonaki Psaroma Halandri THALATTA Gazi TO 25ARAKI Glyfada ZEFYROS Piraeus

FISH TAVERNAS Almyra Halandri DOURAMBEIS Piraeus Fish Co. Platters Psychico

Ichthyes Kifissia KOLLIAS Piraeus RAFALE Vouliagmeni Piperia Psychico PSARAKI Vouliagmeni Sardelaki Glyfada Trata Omonia TRATA O STELIOS Pangrati VASSILENAS Piraeus

FRENCH Gaspar Food and Mood Psychico L’ABREUVOIR Kolonaki LE PETIT SOMMELIER Faliro MONO WINE RESTAURANT Plaka SPONDI Pangrati

GOURMET ALERIA Kerameikos AVENUE Syngrou Bo Botrini’s Halandri KUZINA Thissio Fuga Mavili Sq Funky Gourmet Kerameikos F+W Kolonaki GALAZIA HYTRA Vouliagmeni HYTRA Syngrou KOOL LIFE Kifissia Orizontes Lycavyttou Kolonaki P-Box Kolonaki Polly Magoo Metaxurgeio PremiEre Syngrou VAROULKO Kerameikos

GREEK 2 MAZI Plaka 310 Street Psychico Archeon Gefsis Metaxurgeio ATHIRI Kerameikos ATRIUM Acropolis Berdema Kifissia Bluefield Burger Psychico CUCINA POVERA Pangrati Dioskouroi Psychico DIPORTO Psyrri ELAIS GI Kifissia ELIAS KOUKOUTSI Voula IDEAL Omonia KAVOURAS Exarhia Krithamos Psychico MANI MANI Acropolis MELILOTOS Monastiraki PSOMI & ALATI Halandri RAKOKAZANO Halandri Rena tis Ftelias Psychico Peacock Syngrou PROSOPA Gazi TO KOUTI Monastiraki YANTES Exarhia YDRIA Plaka

GRILL 1920 Halandri Meat Square Glyfada Meat Square Halandri Meatropoleos 3 Syntagma Telemachos Barbeque Club Kifissia

46 insider athens | February & March 2015

INDIAN BOLLYWOOD Gazi Indian Kitchen Syntagma Indian Masala Thissio JAIPUR PALACE Kifissia KOHENOOR Gazi

INTERNATIONAL Ache Glyfada AMANDINE’S Syndagma CHEFI’S Halandri Food Mafia Glyfada Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis Kifissia

ITALIAN 30 SOMETHING Halandri AGLIO OLIO Acropolis AL BACIO Vouliagmeni Albion Psychico Al Dente Glyfada AL FRESCO Vouliagmeni Aperitivo Glyfada BOSCHETTO Kolonaki CANTUCCIO Psyrri CAPANNA Psyrri DA BRUNO Faliro DA VINCI Ag. Paraskevi di Antonio Halandri DULCIS IN FUNDO Voula GENOVESE Voula Il Salotto Glyfada Il Salumaio Kifissia Il Tinello Faliro IL TRAMONTO Vouliagmeni Capanna Kolonaki LA CASA DI GIORGINO Gyfada MANGIAMO BY MEAT SQUARE Kifissia Matilde Pizza Bar Psychico Nanninela Ag. Paraskevi Ombra Psychico Pausa Maroussi Sale Bianco da Salvotoro Glyfada SALE E PEPE Kolonaki SCALA VINOTECA Kolonaki SILVER Casa Vouliagmeni TONY BONANO Piraeus Tutti a tavola, Kolonaki VEZENE Hilton VINCENZO Glyfada

JAPANESE FURIN KAZAN Syntagma Hama Glyfada INBI Kolonaki KIKU Kolonaki MATSUHISA ATHENS Vouliagmeni li-li-shu Kolonaki

KOREAN Dosirak Syntagma

KOSHER Gostijo Psyrri

LEBANESE BEIRUT Glyfada NARA NARA Psyrri NARGILE Kifissia

MEDITERRANEAN Alatsi Hilton BAKU Vouliagmeni BERDEMA Kifisia BYZANTINO Hilton CAFE AVYSSINIAS Monastiraki Common Secret Kifissia EX ANATOLIS Halandri DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT Plaka FATSIO Pangrati GB CORNER Syntagma HYTRA Plaka IDEAL RESTAURANT Omonia KOUZINA CINE-PSIRRI Psyrri LEILIMLEI Gyzi MALABAR Vouliagmeni MAVRO PROVATO Pangrati Mimaya Glyfada Mushroom Glyfada MUTFAK Glyfada OCHRE & BROWN Psyrri PARLIAMENT Syntagma PRYTANEION Kolonaki RATKA Kolonaki STOU MEIDANI Monastiraki TO KOUTI Monastiraki TORTUGA Pangrati TRAPEZARIA Pangrati VOSPOROS Piraeus ZORBAS Piraeus

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

MEZEDES AND OUZO Antaios Psychico ATHINAIKON Omonia KIRKI Thissio OUZADIKO Kolonaki SCHOLARHEIO Plaka

MULTI ETHNIC Altamira Kolonaki

PERSIAN ANAHITA Halandri

POLYNESIAN LEDRA KAI Syngrou

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissia KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki Kebabtzidikon Barbadimos Nea Smyrni Kebabtzidikon To Gnission Voula Kebabtzidikon Kyr. Ariston Faliro NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki

SCANDINAVIAN SAFKA Kerameikos

SPANISH JAMON PINTXOS BAR Glyfada SALERO Exarhia

SUSHI Koi Syntagma Koi Voula Yoko Sushi & Bento Kolonaki Suba Kolonaki Tomoe Kifissia Sushi Bar (The) Pangrati

TAVERNAS FILIPOU Kolonaki LOUIZIDIS Vouliagmeni O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas Kifissia, Syntagma VLASSIS Hilton

THAI ANDAMAN Athens BLUE BAMBOO Athens ROUAN THAI Piraeus ROYAL THAI Kifissia TAMARIND Metaxurgeio

TURKISH

PUB RESTAURANTS

Mutfak Glyfada

MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada

VEGETARIAN

RETRO Aneton Maroussi

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

RUSSIAN Barin Glyfada

Avocado Syntagma Giouvetsakia Glyfada NICE N EASY Kolonaki Rosebud Kolonaki

WINE BARS FABRICA DE VINO Exarhia HETEROCLITO Syntagma Kiki’s de Grece Syntagma L’Enoteca Halandri OINOSCENT Syntagma Vinifera Kifissia Vrettos Plaka Whispers of wine Maroussi VINARTE Glyfada

Acropolis Gifts Greece is for Lovers 50 - 52 Valtetsiou Str. 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

Ermenegildo Zegna

Rere Papa

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

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

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

Mouyer

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

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

Free Shop

Skoufa 10 Tel: 210.362.2326 Designer homeware and accessories

Vlassis Holevas

Syllektiko Paleopolio

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

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

Flowers

Vinyl Microstore

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

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

Fleria Bespoke Athens

Fashion

Kalogirou

Atelier Loukia

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

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

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

Kylix

Bespoke Athens

Solonos 5, Tel: 210.361.8030 French take on American sportswear

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

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

Boss Store

Lanvin

Linea Piu

Carouzos

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

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

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

Amerikis 19, Tel: 210.338.9080 Smart separates for a work wardrobe

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

Observatory Attitudes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul & Shark

Jack in the Box

Anagnostopoulou 6, Tel: 210.339.2334 Casual yachting styles

Haritos 13, Tel: 210.725.8735 Beautiful wooden toys and more

Elina Lebessi

Preview

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

Patriarchou Ioakim 19, Tel: 210.722.4731 High fashion designer shoes

DKNY

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

Gadgets

Luisa

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Patriarchou Ioakim 35, Tel: 210.722.9697

Food & Wine

Lacoste

Solonos 8, Tel: 210.360.3775 Classic American sportswear

Children

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

The Tsitouras Collection

Exarhia

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

Thalassa Collection

Ilias Lalaounis museum

Central Athens

Insider guide Shop

insider athens | February & March 2015 47

Insider guide Shop

Liana Vourakis

Oxette

Anagnostopoulou 26-28, 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

Voukourestiou 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pangrati BEAUTY & COSMETICS

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

48 insider athens | February & March 2015

Plaka

Syntagma

Antique stores

Accessories

Martinos 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

Fresh Line

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

Ermou 30, Tel: 210.324.6500 Fresh organic cosmetics from Greece

Psyrri

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

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

Home Notoshome Kratinou 5, Tel: 210.374.3000 Home dĂŠcor superstore

MAC

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

Department Stores 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

Fashion - Men’s Pagoni Akadimias 61, Tel: 210.363.9277 Selling ties and cufflinks since 1933

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

Gofas Stadiou 3, Tel: 210.331.7540 High-end timepieces

Ilias Lalaounis

Food & Wine

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

Aristokratikon

Kessaris

Karageorgi Servas 9, Tel: 210.322.0546 Handmade chocolates

Marathianakis

Cellier Kriezotou 1, Tel: 210.361.0040 Speciality wine shop

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

Gifts Graf Von Faber-Castell Boutique

Panepistimiou 7, Tel: 210.323.2919 Wide range of luxury brand timepieces 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 brand’s collections Voukourestiou 2, Tel: 210.322.7682

Pentheroudakis Voukourestiou 19, Tel: 210.361.3187 Timeless pieces inspired by classical Greek design

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

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

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

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

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

Folli Follie

Zayiana

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

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

Vassilis Zoulias Old Athens Akadimias 4, Tel: 210.361.4762 Handmade shoes and handbags inspired by films of the 50s & 60s

Glyfada 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

Saltwater Astir Beach, Vouliagmeni 210.894.0813 Designer beach and resortwear

Zayiana

Northern Athens

Dromoloulouda

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

Southern Athens

Flowers

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr 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

A. Metaxa 19 Tel: 210.898.32.69 www.zayiana.com

Dimitrios Square 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen

Jewellery

Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

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

Varsos

Maroussi Golden Hall

Provence

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

Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

Food & Wine

20%

The Mall Athens

Off!

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

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

Atrium Rovertou Galli 4, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.923.6832, Refined Greek cuisine in a cosy setting

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

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

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

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

Ginger Ale

MoMix

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

Keleou 1-5, Gazi. Tel: 697.435.0179, Temple of mixology and high-quality bartending

Vox

PIXI

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

Evmolpidon 11, Gazi.

Tel: 210.342.3751, Get in to the groove

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

Plastiko

Sofroniou 12A, Tel: 210.341.0308 Excellent cocktails, reasonable prices, summer mood

Socialista Triptolemou 33, Gazi Tel: 210.347.4733 Mainstream barclub in industrial setting

Tapas Bar

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

Athiri

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

Hilton

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

Kohenoor

EAT

Butcher’s Shop

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

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.

Thalatta Vitonos 5, Tel: 210.346.4204 Fresh seafood creations

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges 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

Hoxton Bar Voutadon 42 Gazi, Tel: 210.341.3395, A cocktail bar based on Hoxton in East London

Gazarte

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

Gasoline

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

50 insider athens | February & March 2015

Mani Mani

Voted one of to p 10 restaurants in Paramythias 13 and Salaminos, Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine Europe Funky Gourmet

Alatsi Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

Byzantino

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

Cookoovaya

in art deco interior

Safka

Regular w ine

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

DRINK

Hatziyianni Mexi 2A, Tel. 210.723.5005, 5 famous chefs combine their talents to create unique flavors.

CV Bar

Baltinon 2 , Gyzi. Tel : 211.700.9383

Kolonaki

Konstantinoupoleos 108, Keramikos Tel: 210.345.1744

Leilimlei Milos

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

Guaranteed value for money

Vezene

EAT Bakeries & Patisseries Cake

Vrasida 11, Tel: 210.723.2002 Modern bistrot serving seafood & cured beef

Irodotou 15, Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more

Vlassis

Fresh

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

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

DRINK

Restaurants

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

Kerameikos EAT Aleria

Awarded Toqu e d’Or in 2013

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

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

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

Eat & Drink

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Cinco

Ouzadiko

Yoko Sushi & Bento

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

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

39 Patriarchou Ioakeim, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.342.4654 Fresh sushi to-go!

F+W

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

new

Xenokratous 49, Tel: 210.721.1146 Gourmet food by Oliver Campanha

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

IT restaurant Skoufa 29, Tel. 210 36 35 773, Affordable gourmet menu in a chic environment.

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

Li - Li - Shu Deinokratous 1, Tel: 210.722.2254 Refreshingly authentic Japanese cuisine

Minnie the Moocher Tsakalof 6, Kolonaki, Tel: 210 364 1686

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

Papadakis

P-BOX Haritos 24, Periscope hotel Tel: 210.729.8556 Simple ingredients, special flavours in a setting designed

by Theodore Zoumboulakis

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

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

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

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

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

Suba Restaurant Skoufa 58 & Sina, Kolonaki Tel: 210.338.8211 Authentic sushi in the heart of the city

TGI Friday’s

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges City Charitos 43, Tel: 210.722.8910 Modern aesthetics, mutli-culti crowd and soulful music

London str 72

new

Solonos 72, Tel: 693.951.1760, 690.607.3362 Union jacks and red telephone booths in an all day bar-restaurant

For Creative Cuisine www.lachocolatiere.gr

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

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

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

Ten Ploutarhou 10, Tel: 210.721.0161 One of the most popular hot spots in town

Mavili Sq

Cafés

Balthazar

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

Da Capo Tsakalof 1, Tel: 210.360.2497 Long-established people-watching hangout

Baraonda

Peros

Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq.

Tel: 210.623.3945, American restaurant with real steak and barbecuesauce for casual dining!

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

Tutti a Tavola

To Tsai

Spefsippou 8, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.722.2785, Authentic Italian trattoria at affordable prices.

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

Tea

Tsoha 43, Tel: 210.644.4308 Gourmet cuisine and funky beats

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

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

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

St’Astra

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

To Parko Eleftherias

Aleria

Milos Garden

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

insider athens | February & March 2015 51

Insider guide Eat & Drink Metaxurgeio

360 Cocktail Bar

EAT Andaman Alopis 65, Athens, Tel. 211.210.4939, Thai food in an exotic setting

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

Blue Bambo Kydantidon 24, Athens, Tel. 210.342.3124, Thai food with modern interior design

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 Keramikou 51, Metaxourgio, Tel. 210.522.5945, tamarindathens.gr/eng Thai food in a beautiful setting

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

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

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

Loukoumi Bar Plateia Avissinias 3, Tel: 210.323.4814 An all day hang-out with good music, cool atmosphere and great views

Fuga

2 Michelin stars

Six Dogs

Spondi

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

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

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

Taf

Sushi Bar (The) Stilponos 2, Pl.Varnava, Pangrati Tel: 210.752.4354 Sushi on a budget

Venizelou Paleologou 4, Tel: 210.322.6711 Unpretentious gourmet cuisine

Tortuga

Scholarheio

Archimidous 1, Pangrati, Tel: 213.030.7520, Healthy, affordable street-style food.

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

Trapezaria

Ydria

Efronionos 13, Pangrati Tel: 210.921.3500, Mediterranean cuisine in chic setting

Adrianou 68 & Eolou, Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

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

Nea Smyrni EAT Kebabtzidikon Barbadimos Aigaiou and Spathari 2, Nea Smyrni, Tel. 210.934.7600 Casual, authentic souvlakerie

Electra

Mono Wine Restaurant

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

Psyrri

Omonia

DRINK - LIVE BARS

Diporto

Savvas

EAT

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

Athinaikon

Half Note Jazz Club

Sigalas-Bairaktaris

Ideal Restaurant

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

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

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

Souvlaki Bar

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

Adrianou 7 & Thisiou 15, Tel: 210.515.0550

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

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

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

DRINK 360 Cocktail Bar Ifestou 2, Tel: 210.321.0006

Trata

Trivonianou 17, Tel: 210.921.3310 A jazz club with great history, hosting important names from the international music scene.

Superfly Empedokleous 28-30, Tel: 211.404.6076 The new hot spot for retro gamers

Plaka

Pangrati

EAT

EAT

2 Mazi

Cucina Povera

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

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

Mavro Provato

Ariannou 31, Pangrati, Tel: 210.722.3466 Best value-for-money meal in Athens

52 insider athens | February & March 2015

Brettos Kydathaneon 41, Plaka, Tel: 21.323.2110. Legendary wateringhole in the Plaka district

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

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

Gostijo Aisopou 10 street, Tel: 210.323.3825 Kosher menu and mediterranean “repertoire”

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

Eat & Drink

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Ochre & Brown

Dosirak

Noodle Bar

Kalua

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

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

Apollonos 11, Tel: 210.331.8585 A congenial place to drop in for a quick noodle fix

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

DRINK

Furin Kazan

O Tzitzikas ki o Mermigas

Oinoscent

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

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

GB Corner

Osterman

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

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

Indian Kitchen

Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

Bars, Clubs & Lounges Cantina Social Leokoriou 8, Tel: 210.325.1668 Tiny standing bar, ideal for socializing.

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

Syntagma EAT

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210.323.7720

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

Amandine Bagels & Gourmandises

Kiki’s de Grece

Nikis 13, Syntagma Tel : 210.323.9829 Fresh bagels and French pastries

Ipitou and Voulis 38, Syntagma, Tel: 210.321.1279, Cosy wine bar with French flair

Avocado Nikis 30, Tel: 210.323.7878 Vegetarian restaurant

City Bistro Stoa Spiliomilou, Syntagma, Tel. 210 32 11 315, citylink.gr Refined cuisine in chic setting

Koi 15 Nikis, Syntagma, 210.321.1099 Affordable street-food style sushi

Meatropoleos 3 Mitropoleos 3, Tel: 210.324.1805 Modern greek grill restaurant

Paul

Plaza Lounges NJV Athens Plaza Hotel Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 All day lounge with salads & snacks

The Parliament NJV Athens Plaza Hotel Vas. Georgiou A & Stadiou Tel: 210.335.2400 International cuisine with Mediterranean accents

Tudor Hall Restaurant & Lounge King George Hotel Vas. Georgiou A 3, Tel: 210.322.2210 Elegant setting, refined cuisine an an incredible Acropolis view

DRINK

3 Kolokotroni, Syntagma, Tel: 6948242455, Delicious creative cocktails and mixology

Boutique

Eat Drink Do

New: CV, Kerameikos, Athens

Classic: Filippou, Kolonaki, Athens Alternative: Vezene, Ilissia, Athens

Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot NJV Athens Plaza, Syntagma Square, Tel: 210.335.2400, Magnificent cocktails and live jazz in an intimate atmosphere Fokionos 2, Tel: 210.323.9406 A true wine destination with focus on Greek vineyards

Classic: Oinoscent, Syntagma, Athens

Syngrou Ave. 156, Tel: 210.923.2918 Original seafood dishes, fresh ingredients and simple elegant interior

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

Café Zoe Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel: 210.920.6655 Casual dining and terrific buffets for lunch and on Sundays

Hytra Onassis Cultural Center Syngrou Ave 107-109, Tel: 217.707.1118, 210.331.6767 Creative gourmet Greek cuisine with stunning views

Ledra Kai Athens Ledra Hotel, Syngrou 115, Neos Kosmos, Tel: 210.930.0000 Polynesian Tepanyiaki restaurant going strong after 30 years Hotel Hera, Falirou 9, Tel: 210.923.6682 Traditional food with breathtaking Acropolis views

Première Athenaeum InterContinental, Syngrou Ave 89-93, Tel: 210.920.6981 Gourmet cuisine with splendid views

Thissio EAT

Alternative: Minnie the Moocher, Kolonaki, Athens

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

New: Onassis Cultural Centre, Tavros, Athens Classic: Museum of Cycladic Art, Kolonaki, Athens Alternative: Herakleidon Museum, Thissio, Athens

AiNikolas

Peacock

Explorer’s Lounge

Heteroclito

EAT

Syngrou Ave. 303, Tel: 210.940.8620 Excellent seafood in a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere

42 Bar

New: Suba, Kolonaki, Athens

Syngrou

Kollias

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

Frequent wine

tastings Voulis 44A Syntagma.

Tel: 210.322.9374 Trendy winebar

Kirki Explorer’s Lounge

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

insider athens | February & March 2015 53

Insider guide Eat & Drink Kuzina

Vosporos

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

Akti Koumoundourou 20, Pireaus, Tel.210.412.7324, Mediterranean dining with a sea view.

The James Joyce

Southern Athens

Astiggos 12, Tel: 210.323.5055 Genuine Irish pub with typical pub fare

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

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

Jimmy and The Fish Ak. Mikrolimanou, Tel: 210.413.4084.

Excellent seafood; try the astakomakaronada

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

Rouan Thai Notara 131, Piraeus, Tel. 210.429.4494, Home-style Thai food

Tony Bonano

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

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

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

Mikrolimano, Tel: 210 5228400 Seafood prepared by Michelin star-winning chef Lefteris Lazarou

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

Restaurants

Molly Malone's

Istioploikos

Aperitivo

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

Kyprou 70, Tel: 210.894.0377 Authentic Italian cuisine in a cosy setting

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

Katafigio

33rd Street Elliniko 13, Tel: 210.963.5416 The fist dedicated Russian restaurant in Athens

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

Food Mafia

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

Il Tinello Kebabtzidikon Kyr.Ariston

new

Zisimopoulou 96, Faliro, 210.982.2320 Dining in a garden setting Comfort food overlooking the sea

Le Petit Sommelier

Laodikis & Filikis Etairias10, Tel: 210.894.2177 International fare with attitude

Giouvetsakia Ithomis 20 and Moreos, Tel: 210.964.8081 Organic mageirefta food

Hama Grigoriou Lambraki 34, Tel: 210.960.0595 Sophisticated Japanese cuisine in a cosy setting

Il Salotto Markou Botsari 13, Tel: 210.894.8397 Minimal décor, elegant Italian fare

new

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

Inbi

DRINK

Jamon Pintxos Bar

“Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music

Zythos

lazaraki 26, Tel: 2108944982 Sushi fusion Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 210.894.6089 Basque “pinchos” in a cozy, cheerful atmosphere

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

Keep Woking

Glyfada

La Casa Di Giorgino

EAT Bakeries & Patisseries Paul Esperidon Square and Kyprou 70, Tel: 210.894.7169 A real French boulangerie that serves meals too.

54 insider athens | February & March 2015

cuisine

Panagouli 52 & Faidras Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

Faliro

Knossou 54, Tel: 210.982.8462 Real Italian home cooking

Russian

Barin

Beirut

Zinc

Varoulko

Matsuhisa

DRINK

Degustation menu Kitchen Bar Ak. Koumoundourou 52, at just 40€ Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Varoulko

New Address!

Kyprou 30-32, Tel: 210.963.8770

Dimitriou Gounari 70, Tel:211.012.2801 Create-your-own Asian cuisine, fast and funky Kyprou 30-32, Tel: 210.963.8770 Authentic Italian pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven

Mushroom

new

Labraki & Ag. Nikolaou 48, Tel: 210.960.3943 Menu with emphasis on mushrooms with cosy, wood decor. Try the cocktail with mushrooms

Mutfak Laodikis 38, Glyfada, Tel.210.894.9060 Politiki Kouzina in a romantic setting

Ocean Basket new

Lazaraki 61 & Pandoras 5, Glyfada 210.898.3183 Fresh oysters South African favourite seafood restaurant comes to Greece

Sardelaki Foivis 15, Tel: 211.402.1195 Sardines and seafood in a casual setting.

Sale Bianco da Salvotoro Markou Botsari 10A, Tel: 210.898.6301 Authentic Italian food in an inviting atmosphere

The Burger Joint Foivis 17, Tel: 210.894.0260 NY style, organic burgers in a casual and relaxed environment.

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

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

CreperieS To Paramythi Kyprou 9, Tel: 210.894.1361 Creperie in a fairy-tale setting

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Balux

Mimaya

Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

Markou Botsari 8, Tel: 210.894.4850 Black and white setting with creative Mediterranean cuisine.

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

Bourbon

Eat & Drink Galazia Hytra

DRINK

Westin Hotel, Astir Palace, 210.890.2137 Michelin star gourmet restaurant

En Plo

Il Tramonto Astir Palace, Apollonos 40, Tel: 210.8901794 Creative Italian cuisine with mindblowing views of the Saronic Gulf

Ithaki

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

Mikro Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 210.894.1031 Minimal decor with well-known Greek DJs

Vinarte Marangou 18, Tel: 210 894.1511 A wine bar and Italian restaurant with regular art exhibitions and cool decor

Cafes

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

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

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

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

Chocolat

Matsuhisa Athens

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

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

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

Live music Vasileos Pavlou 99, Thursday-Saturday Elias Koukoutsi

Tel: 210.899.5480 A modern “rakadiko” serving Greek dishes.

Kebabtzidikon To Gnission Voula, Tel. 210.895.1331, Grilled meats to suit all budgets

Koi 98 Vas. Pavlou in Voula, 213.032.0890 Affordable street-food style sushi

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

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

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

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: 210.896.2215 Seafood served in an informal setting

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

Silver Casa Litous 2 & Apollonos 18, Tel: 210.967.1164, 210.896.4112 Italian restaurant across the water

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

Ex Anatolis

Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

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

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

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

Saipan K. Varnali 9, Tel: 210.685.0644 Exquisite dishes from China, Japan and Indonesia

1920 Ag. Paraskevi 110, Tel: 210.681.3029 Accent on meat in an elegant setting Eleftherioton Sq 8, Tel.: 210.684.8178 Gastronomic paradise serving Greek dishes with a modern twist

Ag. Paraskevi

Rakokazano

EAT

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

Da Vinci

Santa Fe

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

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

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

Step by step

new

Socratous 4, Tel: 213.027.6376 Refined tastes in cool, quirky aesthetics

Wine Not

new

Kalogrezis 12, Tel: 210.689.0007 Industrial setting with eclectic wine list

Psychico

Halandri

EAT

EAT

310 Street

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

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

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

Kifissias Av. 310, Tel: 210.671.0688 Juicy burgers and rich salads with retro look

Albion Omirou 6, Tel: 210.674.0710 Mediterranean flavours in a cosy atmosphere

Antaios G. Drosini 7, Tel: 210.675.5493 Relaxed atmosphere with delicious mezedes

Bluefield Burger Aggelopoulou 3, Tel: 210.677.7739 For real American burgers

Apsendi Il Τramonto

Vasileos Georgiou 33, Halandri, 210.681.3607 Spicy middle eastern cuisine

Psomi & Alati

Northern Athens

Bo Botrini’s

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

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, winner of Golden Hats 2014

Chefi’s Perikleous 31, Halandri, Tel. 210.681.5774, chefi.gr, Refined cuisine with international flavours and regular wine tastings

The Burger Joint Solomou 4-6, Tel: 210.671.2222 New York style, organic burgers in an industrial and fresh restaurant environment.

China’s Fantasy Kambouroglou 32, Tel: 210.674.9889 Chinese cuisine

Dioskouroi Dim. Vasiliou 16, Tel: 210.671.3997 All day café-restaurant

insider athens | February & March 2015 55

5

Insider guide Eat & Drink Gourounakia Kifissias

Perikleous 11, Tel: 210.671.1976 A modern take on a traditional psarotaverna

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

Gaspar Food and Mood

Il Salumaio

Dim. Vasiliou Av. & Lykourgou, Tel: 210.677.5011 Creative bistro cuisine ideal fro business lunches

Panagitsas 3, Tel: 210.623.3934 Specially-prepared Italian meals

Mpoumpoulinas & N. Paritsi, Tel: 210.672.8790 Traditional flavours in an informal atmosphere

Matilde Pizza Bar Perikleous 7, Tel: 210.671.6803 Italian fare with accent on high quality ingredients

Ombra Olimpionikon 220 & Lykourgou, Tel: 210.671.1320 Italian food with attitude

Piperia Agg. Sikelianou 8 & Andrianiou, Tel: 210.672.9114 Terrific fusion food with piquant flavours

Rena tis Ftelias 25th Martiou 28, Tel: 210.674.3874 Highly recommended Greek taverna

Kifissia EAT Berdema Skiathou 3 & Strofiliou, Kifisia, 210.620.1108 Family restaurant with Mediterranean fare

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

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

Dyo 48

Jaipur Palace

Kifisias 248, Tel: 210.623.0870 New hang out oasis with retro ambience

Kifissias 222, Tel: 210.808.8318 Indian cuisine and fine wines

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

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

Kokkino Psaraki Evagelistrias 36, Tel: 210.620.1572 Seafood taverna

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

Mangiamo by Meat Square Stamata 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

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

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

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

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

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

Telemachos Barbeque Club

Golden Phoenix

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

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

Gortinias 11& Dangli, Kifissia, Tel: 210.801.3553 Great sushi at terrific prices

56 insider athens | February & March 2015

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

Food & Wine Cellier Kifissias 369, Tel: 210.801.8756 By far, one of the best cellars stocking the finest labels in town

Maroussi Agani Kifissias 22, Tel: 210.277.7065 Delectable, inspired Greek cuisine

Altamira

new

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilton Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club 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 Award-winning spa featuring treatments

by E’SPA, Valmont & Algoane

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

Thissio

Perikleous 28, Tel: 210.612.8841 Multiethnic cuisine in funky environment

Hammam baths Ag. Asomaton 17 & Melidoni 1 Tel: 210.323.1073

Aneton

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

Tomoe

Mento Café

Southern Athens

Krithamos

DRINK

Central Athens

Fish Co. Platters

Chill

Glyfada Holmes Place Gr. Lambraki 83 Tel: 210.969.0096

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

Voula Urban Yoga Center Leukados 10 Tel: 213.025.3946, 697.704.0841 Release from urban stress

Vouliagmeni Arion Spa Astir Complex, Apollonos 40 Tel: 210.890.2000

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

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

B&M Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 1, Athens Tel: 210.361.1206 Ileana Tounta Contemporary Art Centre 48 Armatolon-Klephton st.

Athens, Tel: 210.643.9466 Megaron Mousikis (The Athens Concert Hall) live concerts, operas and other performances. Vas. Sofias Ave. & Kokkali. Tel: 210.728.2333 Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Piraeus 206, Tavros, Tel: 210.341.8550 Onassis Cultural Centre Syngrou 107-109, Athens, Tel: 213.017.8000 The Art Foundation Normanou 5, Athens, Tel: 210.323.8757 Badminton Theatre Goudi, Athens, Tel: 211 101 0020 Gialino Music Theatre Sygrou 143, N. Smyrni, Athens Tel: 210.9316.101-4 Pallas Theatre Voukourestiou 5, Athens, Tel: 210.321.3100

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.

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

Agora Museum Located in the Stoa of Attalos, Athens. Tel: 210.321.0185.

Atelier Spyros Vassiliou Webster 5A, Athens.

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

Benaki Museum, Pireos Pireos 138 & Andronikou, Gazi Tel: 210.345.3111, benaki.gr Byzantine Museum Vas. Sofias 22, Kolonaki. Tel: 210.721.1027 Hellenic Cosmos Foundation of the Hellenic world Pireos 254, Tavros. Tel: 212.254.0000. hellenic-cosmos.gr Frissiras Vlassis Museum of Contemporary European Art Monis Asteriou 3-7, Plaka, Tel: 210.323.4678 frissirasmuseum.com Goulandris Foundation Museum of Cycladic Art Neofytou Douka 4, Athens .Tel: 210.722.8321 cycladic.gr Herakleidon Herakleidon 16, Thissio, Tel: 210-346.1981. herakleidon-art.gr Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum Karyatidon & Kallisperi 12, Makrygianni, Acropolis. Tel: 210.922.7260, lalaounis.com Jewish Museum Nikis 39, Plaka. Tel: 210.322.5582. jewishmuseum.gr Kerameikos Museum Ermou 148, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.346.3552.

National Archaeological Museum Patission 44, Athens, Tel: 210.821.7724 National Gallery and Alexandros Soutsos Museum Vas. Konstantinou 50, Athens.

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

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

Tel: 210.924.1043, theacropolismuseum.gr The National Art Gallery and Alexander Soutzos Museum Michalakopoulou 1 - Vas. Constantinou 1, Athens, Tel: 210-7235857 Allou Fun Park Kifissou & Petrou Ralli, Ag. Ioannis Rentis, Tel: 210.425.6999, allou.gr Children’s Museum Kydathinaeon 14, Plaka, Tel: 210.331.2995.

Goulandris Museum of Natural History Levidou 13, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.801.5870, 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: 210.331.2621 childrensartmuseum.gr Summit The Wall Sport Climbing Center Ag. Athanasiou 12, Pallini, Tel: 210.603.0093, summit.gr Westin Kids Club Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni, Tel: 210.890.2000 http://www.westinathens.com/en/westin_kids_club/

Just for kids

Galleries

A. Antonopoulou Art Aristofanous 20, Psyrri Tel: 210.321.4994 Artzone 42 42 Vas. Konstantinou, 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., Athens, Tel: 210 721 3938 Bernier/Eliades Gallery Eptachalkou 11, Thissio, Tel: 210.341.3935 (The) Breeder Gallery Iasonas 45, Metaxurgeio, Tel: 210.331.7527 Ekfrasi Gallery Valaoritou 9a,Tel: 210 360 7598 Eleni Marneri Galerie Lebessi 5-7& Porinou 16, Acropolis Tel: 210.8619.488 EMST National Museum of Contemporary Art Vas. Georgiou B 17 - 19 & Rigilis Athens, Tel: 210 9242 111-3 Gagosian Gallery Merlin 3, Athens, Tel: 210 364 0215 K-Art Gallery Sina 54, Athens, Tel: 211.401.3877 Kalfayan Gallery Haritos 11, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.721.7679 Kourd Gallery Kassiani 2-4, Athens, Tel: 210.642.6573 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, Athens, Tel: 210. 364.0288 The Art Foundation (TAF) Normanou 5, Monastiraki, Tel: 210.323.8757 The Eynard Mansion Aghiou Konstantinou 20 & Menandrou, Athens, Tel: 210 322 1335 Titanium Yiayiannos Vas. Konstantinou 44, Pangrati, Tel: 210.729.7644 Xippas Gallery Sofokleous 53D, Athens, Tel: 210 331 9333

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. Lykavittos Hill is the highest point in Athens. Take the teleferique from the top of Ploutarchou St. 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 8:30am-3pm. 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 changing-of-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: 10.324.5220.

Museums

Tel: 210.322.9705

Cultural venues

ASSOCIATION OF GUIDES

Zoumboulakis Gallery Kolonaki Square 20, Kolonaki Tel: 210.360.8278 Zoumboulakis Gallery Kriezotou 6, Syntagma, Tel: 210.363.4454

Sites Theatres

ORGANISED TOURS

insider athens | February & March 2015 57

partner hotels ARION RESORT & SPA

ATHENS HILTON

COCO-MAT HOTEL NAFSIKA

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

508 renovated rooms, two pools, banquet rooms restaurants, convention facilities, business centre & spa. The rooftop Galaxy bar has gorgeous city views.

Vas. Sofias 46, Kesariani.

Tel: 210.728.1000

Located in Kifissia, the hotel offers an unforgettable experience thanks to COCO-MAT‘s unique sleep systems in its 22 guest rooms, power breakfast, bike rids and herb garden.

Pellis 6, Kifissia. Tel: 210.801.8027

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

Parthenonos 19-25 Makrigianni, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.928.0100

ATHENAEUM INTERCONTINENTAL ATHENS

ATHENS LEDRA HOTEL

Crowne plaza

GRANDE BRETAGNE

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, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.920.6000

314 deluxe guest rooms, 18 suites.

Rooftop swimming pool and bar, health club, Polynesian - Tepanyiaki Restaurant, Ledra Kai and sports bar.

Syngrou 115, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.930.0000

Newly renovated, at a very convenient location attracts both business and leisure travellers. Amenities include restaurant, bar, rooftop swimming pool, conference and business facilities, garage parking.

Michalakopoulou 50, Athens.

Tel: 210.727.8000

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

ATHENIAN CALLIRHOE HOTEL

CIVITEL ATTIK

DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & SPA

Holiday Inn Attica Avenue

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

Kallirois 32 & Petmeza, Neos Kosmos.

Tel: 210.921.5353

A tranquil first-class business, sports and family hotel set in the leafy green suburb of Maroussi, with a swimming pool, conference facilities and spacious restaurant with terrace.

Eptalofou 13 – 15, Maroussi. Τel: 210.610.1000

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, KavouriVouliagmeni. Tel: 210.891.1100

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, Spata. Tel: 210.668.9000

ATHENS ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL

CIVITEL OLYMPIC

DIVANI CARAVEL

Holiday Suites

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

Right across the Olympic Stadium, its Superior Rooms and Junior Suites are fitted with modern amenities, from free minibar to free wifi internet access and interactive tv.

Kifissias 2A & Pantanassis, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.680.1900

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

Vas. Alexandrou 2, Kesariani.

Tel: 210.720.7000

Elegant, all-suite hotel offering high standard accommodation. Each suite provides guests with a separate living room and kitchenette.

Arnis 4, Ilissia.

Tel: 210.727.8000

58 insider athens | February & March 2015

partner hotels KEFALARI SUITES

METROPOLITAN

Royal Olympic

THEOXENIA PALACE HOTEL

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

Pentelis 1, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3333

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 Av. 385, P. Faliro.

Tel: 210.947.1000

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., Acropolis Tel: 210.928.8400

In an elegant neoclassical building, this hotel has a restaurant, gym, sauna and outdoor pool. Business centre, internet & conference facilities.

Filadelfeos 2, Kifissia.

Tel: 210.623.3622

KING GEORGE

NEW

SEMIRAMIS

THE MARGI

Situated in the heart of the city, it’s 102 guest rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and natural wood floors. Meeting & Conference spaces, restaurants with panoramic views. Vas. Georgiou A’ 3.

Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210.322.2210

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

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

Boutique hotel with 90 spacious rooms and suites and great views to the sea and pine forests. Baku Restaurant offers a unique dining experience while Malabar and the Lobby lounge are perfect for a glass of champagne.

Close to the lake, beach and tennis courts.

Litous 11, Vouliagmeni. Tel: 210.892.9000

LIFE GALLERY

NJV athens plaza

SOFITEL ATHENS AIRPORT

THE WESTIN ATHENS

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

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, Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210 3352400

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

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

MELIÁ ATHENS

NOVOTEL

ST. GEORGE LYCABETTUS HOTEL

TITANIA HOTEL

Located in the heart of Athens with 136 luxury rooms, spacious dining areas, a modern health club and views of historic monuments.

Chalkokondili 14 & 28th Octovriou, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.332.0100

Located in the center of Athens. Two Bars/Restaurants at outdoor Rooftop Pool & lobby area, play area, gym, free indoor parking, free Wi-Fi and panoramic view from the Roof Garden.

4-6 Michail Voda Street, Vathis Square.

Tel: 210.820.0700

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

Located in the heart of the historical and commercial center. The recently refurbished suites and rooms combine style with comfort. Awarded Gourmet Restaurant “Olive Garden”, underground garage, fitness center. Panepistimiou 52, Omonoia, Tel: 210.332600

insider athens | February & March 2015 59

partner hotels TwentyOne

Herodion

SANTORINI

COSTA NAVARINO The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

MYSTIQUE

A five minute walk to Plaka. 90 guest rooms, meeting facilities and a lovely atrium bar-coffee shop.

Rovertou Galli 4, Makrigianni.

Tel: 210.923.6832

Inspired by old Messinian mansions, its 445 deluxe rooms, suites, 123 with private infinity pools, offer access to an extensive common pool areas, and reflect Westin’s soothing aesthetic.

Navarino Dunes Costa Navarino, Pilos Messinia, Tel: 27230.95000

Mystique is an 18 villa hotel, designed by Frank Le Fevbre.

Mystique, Oia. Tel. 22860.71114

AVA HOTEL & SUITES

HOTEL ELECTRA

The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort

The Tsitouras Collection Hotel

Luxurious apartments and suites in Plaka. Magnificent views of the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Arch and Zeus Temple. Short walk to Syntagma.

Lysikratous 9-11, Plaka.

Tel: 210.325.9000

Within walking distance from all archaeological sites, business and commercial districts. Includes bar, restaurant, lobby and meeting areas.

Ermou 5, Syntagma Sq. Tel: 210.337.8000

289 exquisitely appointed rooms and 32 suites with individual infinity pools.

Traditional Greek design with contemporary touches.

Navarino Dunes Costa Navarino, Pilos Messinia, Tel: 27230.96000

Art and hospitality are graciously combined in the unique backdrop of a dramatic landscape.

Firostefani, Santorini Tel: 22860.23747

amarilia hotel

PERISCOPE 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, Kifissia Tel: 210.623.3521

A CATEGORY

evia

VEDEMA

THERMAE SYLLA wellness hotel

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

17 rooms, 4 junior suites and a super-lux penthouse suite. Part of YES! Hotels.

Haritos 22, Kolonaki.

Tel: 210.729.7200

Fresh Hotel

Philippos

Voted one of the ten best spas in the world, it has 101 rooms, 7 Suites and 1 presidential suite with an incredible sea view. 2 restaurants offer traditional Mediterranean cuisine Posidonos 2, Edipsos, Evia. Tel. 22260.60100

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: 22860.81796

PATMOS

SYROS

Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa

Situated in the heart of old Athens within walking distance of the Plaka. Enjoy the Orange Bar, rooftop restaurant and pool.

Sophocleous 26 & Klisthenous, Omonoia.

Tel: 210.524.8511

Recently refurbished, all 50 rooms are well-appointed and comfortable. Good value for money.

Mitseon 3, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.922.3611-4

60 insider athens | February & March 2015

A 5-star luxury hotel situated only a few steps from Grikos beach. Considered possibly the best located hotel in Patmos.

Patmos, Grikos Bay. Tel: 22470.32800

VILLA SELENA

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

instant access is now

at your fingertips.

5

in languages

Insider gives you an optimized search feature for the latest in art and entertainment, food and drink and film listings. All the buzz, all the news, all the action PLUS all the Insider articles.

Now just a click away.

www.insider-magazine.gr

AUDIOVISUAL OTE video conference service 7.30am-10pm. Patission 85.

Tel: 210.883.8578, 210.822.0399

Commercial Office spaces Regus Tel: 210 727 9000 Global Business Services Tel: 210.876.4876 Kifissias Ave. 90, Maroussi

COURIER SERVICES

ACS Asklipiou 25, Kryoneri Tel: 210.819.0000 DHL Tel: 210.989.0000 Express City S. Trikoupi 71, Athens, Tel: 210.821.9959 Geniki Taxydromiki Kifissou 14, Renti, Tel: 210.485.1100 Speedex Seneka 24, 15klm Athinon-Lamias, Kifissia Tel: 801.110.0011 UPS 4klm Peanias-Markopoulou Av., Koropi Tel: 210.998.4000

Driving Schools in English Trochokinisi Driving School 28th Oktovriou 126, Ambelokipi, Thessaloniki Tel: 231 072 9092 Driving School Highway Amfitheas and Ag. Triados 30, 175 64 P. Faliro, Tel: 210.988.8098, 699.772.2777 Vlachos Bros 25th Martiou 20, Peristeri; Xenofodos 17, Peristeri; Afroditis 39, Ilion Tel: 210.574.4895, 210.576.9190

Relocation Agencies Allied Pickfords Mourouzi 7, Athens Tel: 210.610.4494 Athens Relocation Centre Zakynthou 10, Glyfada Tel: 210.965.0697 Attica Movers Syngrou Ave. 19, Neos Kosmos, Tel: 210 922 7221 Celebrity International Movers Kapodistriou Ave. 102, Nea Ionia Tel: 210 272 0106 Corporate Relocations Athens Ag. Saranta 32, Nea Erithrea Tel: 210.800.3510 Orphee Beinoglou 27th km Old National Road AthensKorinth Location Elefsinia, Elefsina Tel: 210.946.6100 Octopus Relocation Services Ygeias 7, Marina Zeas, Tel: 210.459.9530

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

62 insider athens | February & March 2015

TRANSLATIONS / INTERPRETING Global Business Services Kifisias 90, Maroussi, Tel: 210.876.4876 IBS - International Business Services Michalakopoulou 29, Kaissariani Tel: 210.724.5541

Travel Agencies Travel Plan Christou Lada 3, Athens Tel: 210.333.300, www.travelplan.gr Amphitrion Kyprou 46 & Ploutarhou, Dafni Tel: 210.900.6000, www.amphitrionholidays.gr TravelPlanet24 Karagiorgi Servias 4, Syntagma Tel: 211 107 9684, www.travelplanet24.com Mid-east Travel Vas Sofias 105-107, Ampelokipoi Tel: Tel: 211.211.8888, 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 Kolonaki Square 17 106 73 Athens Tel: 210.369.2333 Instituto Cervantes Mitropoleos 23, 105 57 Athens Tel: 210.363.4117 Goethe Institut Omirou 14-16, 100 33 Athens Tel: 210.366.1000 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, Athens Tel: 210.756.4191-2 ARGENTINA Vas. Sophias 59, Athens Tel: 210.724.4158 ARMENIA K. Palaiologou 95, Athens, Tel: 210.683.1130, 210.683.1145 AUSTRALIA Kifisias & Alexandras, Ampelokipoi Tel: 210.870.4000 AUSTRIA Vas. Sofias Av. 4, Athens, Tel: 210.725.7270

AZERBAiJAN Skoufa 10, Athens, Tel: 210.363.2721 BELGIUM Sekeri 3, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.360.0314 BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Hatzikosta 3, Athens, Tel: 210.641.0788 BRAZIL Vassilis Sofias 23, Athens Tel: 210.721.3039 BULGARIA Stratigou Kallari 33A, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.8105 CANADA Ioanni Gennadiou 4, Athens, Tel: 210.727.3400 CHILE Rigilis 12, Athens, Tel: 210.729.2647 CHINA Krinon 2A, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.672.3282 CROATIA Tzavella 4, N. Psychico, Tel: 210.677.7033 CUBA Sofokleous 5, Filothei, Tel: 210.685.5550 CYPRUS Xenofontos 2A, Athens, Tel: 210.373.4800 CZECH REPUBLIC G. Seferi 6, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.671.9701 DENMARK Mourouzi 10, Athens, Tel: 210.725.6440 EGYPT Vas. Sofias 3, Syntagma, Tel: 210.361.8612 ESTONIA Messoghion 2-4, Ampelokipoi, Tel: 210.747.5660 FINLAND Hatziyianni Mexi 5, Athens, Tel: 210.725.5860 FRANCE Vas. Sofias 7, Syntagma, Tel: 210.339.1000 FYROM Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychico.

Tel: 210.674.9585 GEORGIA Ag. Dimitriou 24, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.2186 GERMANY Karaoli & Dimitriou 3, Athens, Tel: 210.728.5111 HUNGARY Karneadou 25, Kolonaki Tel: 210.725.6800 INDIA Kleanthous 3, Mets, Tel: 210.721.6481 INDONESIA Marathonodromon 99, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.2345 IRAN Stratigou Kallari 16, Patisia, Tel: 210.674.1436 IRAQ Mazaraki 4, Psychico, Tel: 210.677.8276 IRELAND Vas. Konstantinou 7, Mets, Tel: 210.723.2405 ISRAEL Marathonodromon 1, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.670.5500 ITALY Sekeri 2, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.361.7260 JAPAN Ethnikis Antistaseos 46, Halandri.

Tel: 210.670.9900 JORDAN Papadiamanti 21. P. Psychico.

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

Tel: 210.698.4080

Ambulance Tel: 166 Doctors SOS Tel: 1016.

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

Ipirou 1, Athens.

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 Coast Guard Tel:108 Air Police Tel: 210.964.2000

ROAD ASSISTANCE ELPA Tel: 10400 Emergency Service Tel: 104 Express Service Tel: 154 Hellas Service Tel: 1057 Interamerican Tel: 1158

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, Athens, Emergency number 1169 or Tel: 210.367.4000 www.centralclinic.gr EUROCLINIC Diagnostic, surgical and treatment centre.

Athanasiadou 9, Athens, (near Mavili Sq.), Tel: 210.641.6600 EURODENTICA Specialized dental care Patision 150, Athens, Tel: 210.866.3367-8 Alamanas 3, Maroussi, Athens, Tel: 210.619.5760-1, El. Venizelou 162, Kallithea, Athens, Tel: 210.956.5365 YGEIA 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 ASKLEPIEION HOSPITAL Vas. Pavlou 1, Voula. Tel: 210.895.8301-4 EVANGELISMOS Ypsilantou 45-47, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.720.1000 KAT HOSPITAL Nikis 2, Kifissia, Tel: 210.628.0000 Specialized trauma unit.

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, Tsoha 17, Athens, 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 New York Times 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. Peiraios 100, Athens, Tel: 210.341.1610

Schools

Greek Language

SWEDEN Vas. Konstantinou 7, Athens, Tel: 210.726.6100 SWITZERLAND Iasiou 2, Evaggelismos, Tel: 210.723.0364-6 TAIWAN Marathonodromon 57, Psychico, Tel: 210.677.5122 Representative office THAILAND Marathorodromon 25 & Kyprou, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.9065 TUNISIA Antheon 2, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.671.7590 TURKEY Vas. Georgiou B’ 8, Athens, Tel: 210.726.3000 UKRAINE Stephanou Delta 4, Filothei, Tel: 210.680.0230 UAE Kifissias Av. 290 & N. Paritsi 2, Tel: .210.677.0220 UK Ploutarchou 1, Athens, Tel: 210.727.2600 USA Vas. Sofias 91, Athens, Tel: 210.721.2951 URUGUAY Menandrou 1, Kifissia, Tel: 210.361.3549 VATICAN Mavili 2, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.3598 VENEZUELA Marathonodromon 19, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.9169 VIETNAM Yakinthon 50, Psychico, Tel. 210.612.8733, 210.675.3080.

Emergencies

KUWAIT Marathonodromon 27, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.3593 LEBANON 6, 25th Martiou, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.675.5873 LIBYA Vyronos 13, P. Psychico, Tel: 210.674.2120 LITHUANIA Vas. Sophias 49, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.4356 LATVIA Vas. Konstantinou 38, Athens Tel. 210.729.4483 LUXEMBOURG Vas. Sofias 23A & Neofitou Vamva 2, Syntagma Tel: 210.725.6400 MALTA V. Sofias 96, Athens, Tel: 210.778.5138 MEXICO Filikis Etaireias Sq. 14, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.729.4780 MOLDAVIA Georgiou Bacu 20, Filothei.

Tel: 210.699.0660 MOROCCO Marathonodromon 5, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.674.4210 NETHERLANDS Vas Konstantinou 5-7, Mets, Tel: 210.725.4900 NIGERIA Dolianis 65, Maroussi, Tel: 210.802.1188 NORWAY Vas. Sofias 23, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.724.6173 PAKISTAN Loukianou 6, Evaggelismos, Tel: 210.729.0122 PALESTINE Giassemion 13, P. Psychico. Tel.: 210.672.6061-3 PANAMA Praxitelous 192 & II Merarchias, Piraeus, Tel: 210.428.6441 PERU Semitelou 2, Athens, Tel: 210.779.2761 PHILIPPINES Antheon 26, P. Psychico.

Tel: 210.672.1837 POLAND Chrysanthemon 22, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.679.7700 PORTUGAL Vas. Sofias 23, Kolonaki Tel: 210.729.0096 / 210.723.6784 QATAR Perikleous 2 & Kifissias Av. 212, N. Psychico, Tel: 210.725.5031 ROMANIA Emm. Benaki 7, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.8875 RUSSIA Nikiforos Lytra 28, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.672.5235 SAUDI ARABIA Palaiologhou 2 & Agias Annis, Halandri, Tel: 210.671.6911 SERBIA Vas. Sophias 106, Athens, Tel: 210.777.4344 SINGAPORE Aigialias 17, Paradissos Amaroussiou. Tel: 210.684.5072 SLOVAK REPUBLIC G. Seferi 4, P. Psychico. Tel: 210.677.1980 SLOVENIA Kifissias Av. 280 & Dimokratias 1, N. Psychico, Tel: 210.672.0090-091 SOUTH AFRICA Kifissias 60, Maroussi.

Tel: 210.610.6645 SPAIN Dionysiou Areopagitou 21, Plaka, Tel: 210.921.3123

Health

useful information

The Athens Center 48 Archimidous Street, Mets, Athens 11636, Greece Tel: 210.701.5242 CELT Athens 77 Academias Street, 106 78 Athens, Greece, Tel: 210.330.1455 Greek House Dragoumi 7, 145 61 Kifissia, Tel: 210.808.5186 Hellenic American Union 22 Massalias str., 106 80 Athens, Tel: 210.368.0900 Omilo Greek Language And Culture Panagi Tsaldari 13 (4th floor), 15122 Maroussi, Tel: 210.612.2706

insider athens | February & March 2015 63

useful information

Universities University of Indianapolis Ipitou 9, Athens, Tel: 210.323.6647 DEREE Gravias 6, Aghia Paraskevi, Tel: 210.600.9800

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

64 insider athens | February & March 2015

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 Learning Steps Ath. Diakou 81 & Ydras 5, Kifissia, Tel: 210.620.5818 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

German kindergartens

Money

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

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

Italian Institut Library Patision 47, Omonia National Library Tzavella 25, Syntagma, Tel: 210.382.0657 Nordic Library 7 Kavalotti St, Makrigianni Tel: 210.924.9210, 210.924.9211

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.

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 American School of Classical Studies Blegen Souedias 54, Athens Tel: 210.723.6313 Athens College Library Stephanou Delta, P. Psychico Tel: 210.679.8100 Benakeios Library Anthimou Gazi 2, Athens Tel: 210.367.1027 British Council Library Kolonaki Sq. 17, Kolonaki Tel: 210.363.3211/5 French Institute Library 31 Sina St, Athens Tel: 210.362.4301 German Archaeological Institute Library Pheidiou 1, Athens Tel: 210.362.0270 Goethe Institute Library Omirou 14-16, Athens Tel: 210.360.8111 Hellenic American Union Greek Library 22 Masalias St (7th floor), Athens, Tel: 210.362.9886

AMERICAN EXPRESS Tel: 210.324.4975 DINERS CLUB Tel: 210.929.0200 MASTERCARD Tel: 00.800.1188.703.03 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

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

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

Au petit bonheur 50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Les Alouettes Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 Mary Poppins 4, Kodrou, Filothei, Tel: 210.677.3803 Paramythia Cycladon 11, Glyka Nera, Tel: 210.600.3196 Play and Learn Kassaveti 22, Kifissia, Tel: 210.801.1428

Libraires

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

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

International Kindergartens

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: 210.602.0162 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 Kacaya 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: 210.353.0453 Continental Tel: 210.353.4312 Cyprus Airways Tel: 210.353.4100 Easy Jet Tel: 211.198.0013 El Al Tel: 210.934.1500-1 Emirates Tel: 210.933.3400 Etihad Tel: 210.324.1010 Iberia www.iberia.com/gr Lufthansa Tel: 210.617.5200 Olympic Airways Tel: 801.801.0101 Qatar Airways Tel: 210.950.8700 Singapore Tel: 210.994.2567 Swiss / Crossair Tel: 210.617.5320 Tunisair Tel: 210.969.6496 Turkish Tel: 210.988.5700

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: 210.323.3696 Northstar Poseidonos 9 & Achilleos, 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 | February & March 2015 65

K A L E I DOSCOP E

All that glitters‌

Come revel in A Jewel in Greece, an exhibition featuring dazzling baubles and gems, showcasing the work of over 25 Greek artists and jewellery designers who represent some of the most talented designers in the world, including five artists who have pioneered the development and export of Greek jewellery worldwide. This diverse exhibition features glittering contemporary jewellery that is architecturally influenced with sculptural accents, one-of-a-kind pieces with incredibly high levels of craftsmanship, and classic, traditional pieces with odes to Ancient Greece. These mesmerizing adornments could just as easily hang on a wall as artwork or be worn! A Jewel in Greece, 8 until 15 February at Nei Fourni Gallery of Technopolis, Gazi, 210.347.5518

66 insider athens | February & March 2015

insider athens | February & March 2015 67