Insider 115

THE CITY MAGAZINE OF

May - June 2014 Year 13. Issue 115 €4.50 ISSN 1790-3114

ATHENS

Spring into Summer: Posidonia sails ahead / Athens Festival / Interview with the Brazilian Ambassador / FIFA: Road to Rio / Astir Beach’s Platinum experience / A family vacation at The Westin, Costa Navarino / Skiathos / Gastronomic delights at the Astir Palace Resort / Varoulko has a new home / Plus: Summer Fashion and Beauty Tips | MayAND insider athens & June 2014 1 PLUS: ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & WINE, NIGHTLIFE, SHOPPING, NOVELTIES, MAPS MORE

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Sudha Nair-Iliades

Its spring and nothing screams of the onset of summer as the hillsides in full bloom in a roving spectrum of vibrant yellows, bright poppy red, tinges of mauve and the scent of orange blossoms and jasmine permeating the air. It is finally time to shed those layers of wintry woolies and step into the sunshine.

The Greek summer: there is just something so utterly liberating, rejuvenating and life-affirming about it. It is when you put petty, niggling pre-occupations on hold to engage in the more compulsive business of just having a good time. With a range of cultural choices to pick from - from the Athens Festival’s spectacular programmes to the summer cinemas that have a poetry of their

publisher’s note own, the Megaron’s open-air concerts on its lush lawns and the string of concerts, plays and performances to take in all summer long at the various island festivals - June is when everyone steps out in their fashion-forward summer gear to soak in some culture.

It is also when masses of beach-loungers and pub-goers (expected to be a collective audience of 42 billion!!) will be glued to their TV screens watching the World Cup, caprinihia in hand.

The Biennial event of Posidonia gets underway the first week of June with the international shipping community coming in large numbers to Athens to participate in the world’s largest maritime event of its kind.

With a broad gamut of events to choose from, June is sure to keep you buzzing around the city.

Sudha Nair-Iliades

Publisher - Editor Sudha Nair - Iliades Art Director Michel Devanakis Administrative Executive Aris Gavrielatos, Royce Gavrias Marketing & Sales Christina Michele Rios Photos Kostas Bekas, Marie-Irène Moschona Web Design www.studiozip.com

Contributors in this Issue Marq Riley, Michael Sweet, Graham Wood, Founder Steve Pantazopoulos Legal Counsel Christos Christopoulos Prepress, Montage and Printing Grafima Distribution Hellenic Distribution Agency

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

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

Telephone: 210.729.8634 Fax: 210.729.8634.

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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.

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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

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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 (Paris 1983), is a major asset in his creative approach. He provides his services both in Greece and abroad. Art Director of Insider and Bonjour Athènes for a year, Michel has also designed the new website for Insider Publications. Passionate about art, and painter in his ‘rare’ spare time, you can find out more about him on his website: www.studiozip.com

Born to a French-Spanish father and American mother, Christina is no stranger to learning about new cultures, languages and exploring the world. Having lived between the U.S. and Europe her entire life, she developed a passion for travel, the arts, communication and fashion. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and worked for a number of Luxury Fashion Brands. She relocated to Athens in 2008 and never looked back, the islands and warm lingering summers continue to inspire her and have captured her heart.

CHRISTINA MICHELE RIOS

Born and raised in Athens in a Greek-Cypriot family, Georgia studied Political Science and History in Athens and did a Masters in International Relations in the UK. She loves music and travelling and tries to GEORGIA PAPAIOANNOU combine the two as often as possible. She enjoys taking long walks in the city, discovering new places and faces and then sharing her tips with the rest of the world.

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. He started sailing at the age of 6 and you can find him surfing the waves in Vouliagmeni on most weekends. He is the youngest member of the Insider Publications team.

ARIS GAVRIELATOS

Born and raised in Athens, Aris studied Sociology at Panteion University and is a Ph.D. Candidate on a thesis about the historical centre of Athens. Trail running is his passion while he dreams of a Tour of Europe on his motorbike right up to the Atlantic Coast in Portugal.

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

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ROYCE GAVRIAS

DIMOSTHENIS THERIANOS

contents 10 14 22

Features Culture Fest 10 A few highlights to look forward to this summer at the Athens Festival Posidonia, the definitive guide to shipping 14 Posidonia, the world’s most prestigious and influential maritime event gets underway Forward, Brazil 22 Beyond the carnival and samba stereotypes, Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy with a growing middle-class.

Ambassador Edgard A. Casciano speaks on the eve of the World Cup Road to Rio 24 All eyes will be on Brazil as the 20th FIFA World Cup takes place in the ‘cradle of football’ from 12 June to 13 July.

Life is a beach 28 A platinum experience at the Astir Beach Four delectable culinary gems 30 Very distinct gastronomic experiences at the Astir Palace with the promise of creative cuisine in an exquisite setting.

Sections Diary of a family vacation 32 A family holiday account at The Westin, Costa Navarino.

Skiathos 36 A cosmopolitan island of hidden coves and lush forests

Arts & Events

4

Business 14 Fast lane

18

Re-living the remarkable legacy of Jack Bauer 40 An exclusive interview with Jon Cassar, Executive Producer of 24: Live Another Day

Diplomacy 24

Varoulko has a new home 48 Varoulko, Chef Lefteris Lazarou’s ode to seafood finds a new home on the water, on Akti Koumoundourou in Mikrolimano.

TV

36

Fashion

40

Beauty

44

A new star is born 49 Chef Lefteris Lazarou promises his signature seafood fare at the White Star in Mykonos.

Restaurants

50

Kaleidoscope

72

Sports 26 Travel 32

A toast to Greek summer! 50 Become your own mixologist and create your own refreshing concoctions to beat the heat with Metaxa

24 30 40 49 50 Cover picture:

by Michel Devanakis

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Arts & events

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Megaron Mousikis

Onassis Cultural Centre

Museum of Cycladic Art

British Council

Romeos and Juliettes 01 The French Institute presents a hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s play with seven hip-hop dancers, a circus performer and an actor who assist director Sébastien Lefrançois in reinterpeting a series of symbolic scenes like the ball, the balcony and the battle between the Capulets and the Montaigus. The goal is to make Shakespeare come alive through urban culture and dance.

Tickets: 5-30€ Vasilissis Sofias Av. & Kokkali www.megaron.gr

Dimitris Papaioannou 02 The internationally acclaimed artist presents his new and much anticipated work at Onassis Cultural Centre. Going back to where everything starts - the body – Papaioannou reminds us that art has the ability to invoke magic through the most minimal of means. His diverse projects throughout the years carry us away to beautiful and deeply symbolic worlds.

Tickets: 5-36€ Syngrou Av. 107-109, Athens www.sgt.gr

Stefanos Tsivopoulos: History Zero 03 Representing Greece in 2013’s Venice Biennale, ‘History Zero’ depicts the experiences of three people, with very different perceptions on money; a young African immigrant wandering around the streets of Athens pushing a supermarket trolley and collecting scrap metal; a foreign artist who visits Athens seeking inspiration for a new artwork; and an elderly art collector who suffers from dementia and lives all alone in her museum-like house surrounded by contemporary artwork. The narrative explores the effect of monetary exchange in human relations and political and social implication.

Neophytou Douka 4, Athens www.cycladic.gr

International Summer Academy of Creative Writing The British Council in cooperation with Kingston Writing School and Kingston University London hosts The International Summer Academy of Creative Writing in Athens and Thessaloniki. The courses offered cover a wide range of literary genres such as fiction, poetry, flash fiction, biography and autobiography, screenplay, essay and literary translation. A series of lectures on contemporary British literature and art in Greece will also be organized. Classes will be held daily, Monday to Saturday at the British Council in Athens and Thessaloniki. For information, call 210.369.2336.

Kolonaki Sq. 17, Athens Tsimiski 43, Thessaloniki www.britishcouncil.gr

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B & M Theocharakis Foundation

Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre

Konstantinos Parthenis 04 Kostis Parthenis has been the most important painter of the last two centuries of the Modern Greek state as he managed to mingle the morphological perception of the modern aesthetics with the Modern Greek perception of painting, which was dominated by the spirit of the ‘Munich School’. As a teacher in the Fine Arts School, he influenced decisively the moulding of the ‘Generation of the ‘30s’ that combined Hellenism with contemporary aesthetic expressions.

Tickets: 3-6€ Vasilissis Sofias Av. 9 & Merlin 1, Athens www.thf.gr

Plisskën Festival Plisskën Festival, first began in 2010 in Athens. Spanning a total line-up of 80 international artists and selected local acts over its 3 editions so far, the festival prides itself for its genredefying philosophy and aspires to embrace music from a diversified background. Plisskën’s main goal is to offer the audience a unique music experience.

This year’s line-up includes Black Lips, Dub Pistols, Fink, Shackleton, Say Lou Lou and many more.

Tickets: 30-50€ Building 56, Entrance C Pireos Av. 254, Tavros www.plisskenfestival.gr

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Onassis Cultural Centre

Megaron Mousikis

Baby Guru / Tango with Lions Secret Gig III 05 The third and final Secret Gig at the OCC features two of the most dynamic Greek rock groups that sing and write in English. Their music combines an atmospheric electric sound with dark riffs and a powerful rhythm section. Kat Papachristou is the predominant figure in Tango with Lions and she has collaborated with numerous groups of the English-language indie scene. Baby Guru’s music is all about a guitar-based sound that is also influenced by African percussion, psychedelia, early electronica and Kraut rock.

Tickets: 15€ Syngrou Av. 107-109, Athens www.sgt.gr

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra – Zubin Mehta 06 Just a year after their delightful performance, The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is back in Athens thanks to the generous support of an anonymous Greek from abroad.

Zubin Mehta will conduct two massive works this time: Bruckner’s 8th Symphony (the last symphony the composer completed), and Mahler’s 2nd Symphony (the ‘Resurrection’).

The IPO was founded in 1936

by Bronislaw Huberman and, since then, annually tours the world’s cutural centres and prestigious festivals.

Tickets: 9,5-70€ Vasilissis Sofias Av. & Kokkali www.megaron.gr

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B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation Constantinos Grammatopoulos: A Retrospective Exhibition of Paintings and Sculpture 07, 08 More than 100 representative works of the great engraver and painter, spanning from 1935 to 2003 go on display at the B.&M. Theocharakis Foundation.

Athenians can also enjoy the much loved ‘Spelling Books’ with their unrivalled illustrations and the artist’s unique woodcuts of Greek landscapes and his oil paintings, which reveal through their peculiar representative capacity the work of a pioneer in contemporary art. Exhibition curator: Takis Mavrotas Tickets: 3-6€ Vasilissis Sofias Av. 9 & Merlin 1, Athens www.thf.gr

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june

Megaron Mousikis Day of Music 09 Musicians and ensembles come together in a festive atmosphere, in the cool surroundings of the Concert Hall’s gardens, to offer the public a fiesta of good music as part of the programme marking the Day of Music. The events will round off in a surprise party with live music. This year’s participants include Athens State Orchestra Academica, Athens Orchestra and Camerata Junior – The Friends of Music Youth Orchestra.

Vasilissis Sofias Av. & Kokkali www.megaron.gr

2328 30 until

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The George Economou Collection Rashid Johnson: Magic Numbers Rashid Johnson’s solo exhibition, ‘Magic Numbers’ inspired from his 2011 film ‘The New Black Yoga’, consists of new paintings and sculptures that promote a series of long-standing morphological and notional quests throughout the artist’s work.

A hall dedicated to ‘The New Black Yoga’ is the exhibition’s main attraction, inspired from Johnson’s personal experience when trying to participate in a foreign language yoga class. The film focuses on his interest in inventing imaginary fraternities and rituals. For information, call 210.809.0595 Kifissias Av. 80, Maroussi www.thegerogeeconomoucollection.com

june

Gennadius Library A Thousand Doors 10 NEON and the Whitechapel Gallery present and exhibition of international public art located in the gardens and interiors of a renowned site in the heart of Athens. The exhibition explores the role of sculpture as a gateway to time travel, scientific and philosophical questions and imaginative worlds and brings together iconic works by an international group of artists like Michael Dean, Susan Hiller, Cristina Iglesias and Giuseppe Penone. Free and open daily, the gardens will be filled with sculptures and sound pieces offering visitors a place for engagement and contemplation.

Tel. 210.721.0536 Souidias 61, Athens www.neon.org.gr

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George Loukos, the charismatic President and Artistic Director of the 57 year-old Athens Festival manages to put on high quality artistic performances on a shoestring budget as he believes, ‘in a period of uncertainty and decadence, culture is the way forward.’ Athens Insider rounds up a few highlights to look forward to this summer.

Debussy String Quartet Opus

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Athens Festival Theatre

The widow and the Man of Letters

1. Liyuan Experimental Opera Theatre (Fujian-China)Zeng Jingping The widow and the Man of Letters by WANG RENJIE-YOU FENGWEI 21-22 June Peiraios 260, Building D Unlike other traditional forms of expression abandoned in Communist China, the Liyuanxi opera, which dates from the 11th century, remains very much alive to charm contemporary audiences. At this year’s Festival, the Liyuan Opera Experimental Troupe of Fujian Province, performs The Widow and the Man of Letters conveying the unique and conflicting emotions we all experience when we are in love: desire and shame, humiliation and reaction, rivalry and love.

Isabella Rossellini Green Porno

2. Isabella Rossellini Green Porno 24 - 26 June Peiraios 260, Building D Isabella Rossellini, Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman’s daughter, became David Lynch’s high priestess and model but, still, she never lost her interest in the animal kingdom. Encouraged by Robert Redford, the famous actor and lover of alternative and experimental cinema, she made a series of shorts entitled Green Porno. Then the experienced Jean-Claude Carrière (who works with Peter Brook and a number of leading film directors) undertook to transform Rossellini’s eco-porn about the sexual lives of animals for the stage!

Luc Bondy The False Secrets

3. Luc Bondy The False Secrets by Pierre De Marivaux 12 - 14 June, 21:00 (14/6 on 14:00) Onassis Cultural Centre This Parisian production is directed by Luc Bondy, a director who has built a successful career in the French and German theatre and currently the artistic director of both the Odéon theatre and the Wiener Festwochen—on giving his actors space to practice their art.

Freed from the stereotypes that plagued older readings, the director pulls the work into the present and reveals the play’s verbal elegance—the celebrated marivaudage—as well as its pauses. The great Isabelle Huppert— a modern Araminte who negotiates the role’s emotional shifts with bravura—returns to the Athens Festival after her unforgettable performance in Heiner Muller’s Quartet directed by Bob Wilson. Dorante is played by Louis Garrel, an actor equally at home on the stage and screen.

Dance

Debussy String Quartet Opus

1.CIRCA – Debussy String Quartet Opus 7-9 June, 21:00 Peiraios 260, Building D Inspired by the music of Dmitri Shostakovich for string quartet, the renowned Australian circus company Circa joins forces with the French Quatuor Debussy ensemble in Opus: an unexpected, hybrid spectacle based on daring feats of acrobatics, supple expressions of movement and music, and poetic performances. Fourteen acrobats and four musicians explore with stunning power, sensitivity and virtuosity the faint boundaries that separate body and soul, individual and group, and the tragic from the comic.

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2.Dada Masilo Swan Lake 7-9 June, 21:00 Peiraios 260, Building H Dada Masilo, a young artist born in Johannesburg, is one of the most renowned dancers in South Africa and a graduate of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s school in Brussels. Essaying an unconventional and daring version of Swan Lake, the most famous romantic ballet of them all, she makes a splash with a reading that smashes the stereotypes of classical ballet along with the homophobic tendencies that dominate the people in South Africa and elsewhere. Fourteen swans, men and women, barefoot and in tutus, appear with their back to the audience making a hip movement reminiscent of African dances.

VISUAL ARTS Dada Masilo Swan Lake

1.ΝΕΟΝ, Organisation for Culture and Development D. Daskalopoulos Art in public space 4 & 24 June, 20:00 Peiraios 260, Building A The Festival will be continuing its successful collaboration with NEON, D. Daskalopoulos’ Culture and Development Organization, for the fifth year running. This year’s theme is public art.

Two discussions on the extension of contemporary art into public space in periods of collapse and public disorder, follow. The lectures are researched and coordinated by the art curator, Theophilos Tramboulis.

2. Stefanos Tsivopoulos History Zero 23 May - 28 September Museum of Cycladic Art The Museum of Cycladic Art presents Stefanos Tsivopoulos’ History Zero, a work that represented Greece at the 55th Venice Biennale in 2013. Curated by: Syrago Tsiara, art historian

MUSIC

Stefanos Tsivopoulos History Zero

1. Charles Lloyd & Maria Farantouri Together once again 20 June Odeon of Herodes Atticus Charles Lloydand Maria Farantouri’s long musical relationship has been fruitful and won them awards both in Greece and abroad. The great singer and the saxophonist join forces once again at the Herodeion to share the unique repertoire and singular atmosphere of their concerts with the Festival audience.

2.Armonia Atenea - George Petrou Siroe by Johann Adolph Hasse 25 - 26 June Megaron, The Athens Concert Hall Productivity, vision, perseverance in adversity, extroversion, thrust, familiarity with the international scene, and a successful recording career are just some of the virtues the Armonia Atenea, on period instruments, and their conductor, George Petrou. Co-produced by the Athens Festival and the Opéra Royale de Versailles, Siroes, King of Persia, written in 1728, is a treasure trove of both music and theatre. i For more informations visit greekfestival.gr

Stefanos Tsivopoulos History Zero

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Since its first exhibition forty eight years ago, Posidonia is today the world’s most prestigious and influential maritime event, a highly valued trade event representing a constellation of shipowners who operate the largest fleet under the control of any one national group.

A long and glorious history The idea to create Posidonia goes all the way back to 1965, when Theodore Vokos, journalist and founder of Naftiliaki–Naftergatiki, together with his friend Richard (Dick) Stubbs, a PR specialist, identified the potential for organizing a shipping exhibition in Greece. They both believed that there was a need to promote the strength of Greek shipping and show the importance of the Greek fleet to the international shipping industry. Aptly named Posidonia, after the Greek God of the sea Poseidon, it took them four years to convince and persuade major shipping nations and companies to participate in a shipping exhibition in Greece and the first exhibition was held at Zappeion in 1969, attended by 80 shipbuilding and shipping companies from 15 maritime nations. As the event grew into one of the largest and most successful shipping exhibitions in Europe, Posidonia moved to Piraeus, in the heart of Greek shipping in 1976 and Piraeus became Posidonia’s natural environment. In 2012, Posidonia moved to the state-of-the-art Metropolitan Expo, where the stands of more than 1.850 exhibitors attracted over 18.500 buyers from 92 countries.

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Now in its 24th edition, Greek shipowners get ready to welcome the international shipping community to Posidonia for five days of business, debate and social gatherings. Held in Greece every two years, few events can match the concentration of international buyers as Posidonia, with a record 1.870 participants, and 18,000 visitors expected this year.

Work hard, play harder 2002 was the first time that the Posidonia Cup sailing regatta, now an integral part of Posidonia, was held with 50 boats competing for the coveted Posidonia Cup in four categories: Performance, Standard, Traditional Boats and IRC. In 2008, another sporting event was inaugurated - the Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament - a 5x5 soccer tournament for shipping executives taking place at the Karaiskaki stadium.

The Posidonia Golf Tournament was added to The Posidonia Games in 2012, which will be repeated in 2014 in an 18-hole Shotgun format and will accommodate 24 teams of 4 players each.

Industry trends On the back of a positive sentiment for the future, 2013 saw Greek shipowners placing a record number of orders estimated at 25% of the global order book, with shipbuilders remaining upbeat as to future

Business

new building investments funded by Greek interests.

According to Newsfront, Greek Shipping Intelligence, last year, Greek shipowners committed upwards of $13bn to newbuilding orders for 275 vessels of more than 24.5m dw and increasing the dwt total on order for Greeks by 364%. This June, Posidonia will play host to the most extensive participation of shipyards, marine equipment manufacturers and exhibitors covering all aspects of the maritime industry in Posidonia’s 48 year-long history. “As the Greek-owned, ocean-going fleet continues to ride the wave of a dramatic expansion spearheaded by a strategic diversification drive, designed to cement its leadership position globally, the world’s top shipbuilding nations are vying for a prominent position under the spotlight at this year’s exhibition,” says Theodore Vokos, Project Director of Posidonia Greek investment dominated the global order book across most vessel categories in 2013 investing $4.5bn on bulkers which topped the shopping list with 134 orders with a further $4bn destined for niche LPG and LNG builders for a combined 51 Greek-ordered vessels. The list

also included 65 tankers worth $3bn and 25 container ships at $1.6bn.

“This robust Greek new building order book underlines the shipowners’ forward looking spirit that makes them willing to spread their asset portfolio between the safe bets of traditional shipping sectors and the more investment-intensive sophisticated tonnage such as LNG and LPG carriers,” Vokos elaborates. “These orders reinforced the strong ties between Greek owners and Asian yards as China received 72 percent of bulker orders from Greece, South Korea secured over a third of Greek gas carrier orders with Japan also doing well in most segments.”

Networking holds the key Most exhibitors return to Posidonia to renew friendships, open new opportunities and to network with the Greek and international shipping community. Yet, lobbying and networking with the owners of the world’s largest independent fleet worth in excess of $100bn and accounting for 15 per cent of the global total value of bulk carriers, container ships, gas carriers and tankers, is not the only reason why the world’s shipping community converges en masse to Greece every two years for Posidonia. “Few events offer the opportunity for all players in world shipping to meet and review challenges, opportunities, trends and innovations,” adds Vokos.

This year’s edition will welcome three new national pavilions, from Hong Kong- making a comeback after a ten year absence – Turkey, returning after 2006 and a total newcomer, Georgia, promoting its maritime services. And beyond Posidonia’s regular and traditional ex-

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Business

hibiting sectors, the oil & gas industry is determined to make a major impact with an enhanced presence of oil majors, bunkering specialists and traders and lubricants suppliers such as Saudi Aramco, Emirates National oil Company (ENOC) , Chevron Marine Products, Lukoil Marine Lubricants, Gulf Oil Marine, JX NIPPON Oil and Energy Europe, KPI Bridge Oil, ECO Lubricants, Baluco SA, joined by companies Aegean Marine Petroleum, Avin Oil, Elinoil, ETEKA SA, Cyclon SA, SEKA SA and many more.

Sharing Ideas Some of the hottest and most challenging issues pertaining to the global shipping industry will be tabled and debated during a series of conferences, panel discussions and seminars at this year’s exhibition.

“Ever since we introduced the Posidonia Conferences and Seminars Programme, we have seen appetite for such events grow exponentially.” says Vokos.

Government officials, industry analysts, financiers, shipowners and exhibitors will discuss future trends and projected developments in various shipping sectors as exhibitors and visitors will be mingling on the exhibition floor in search of new business and partnership opportunities.

“While networking and deal-making is a key Posidonia feature, the exchange of knowledge and ideas about the future of our industry is an important pillar of our event, providing a significant added value to some 1,870 exhibitors from an all time record 93 countries, and some 18,000 expected visitors,” says Theodore Vokos.

A wide range of issues from the entry, exit and influence of private

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equity to the buoyancy of public markets, niche lenders and alternative sources of finance, trends and challenges in chartering, newbuilding and second hand activity, the future for Futures, vessel design, life-span and construction and the question of fuel efficiency going forward, will be discussed on the first day. Future trends in vessel design and technology will be in the spotlight and panelists will offer their opinions on whether and when the eco ships of today might become truly high-tech; what the future role of composites and the next leap in bridge technology may be; and no discussion on vessel design would be complete without a fuel/emissions debate and an attempt to identify the main stumbling block to LNG as a fuel.

A second panel will debate the impact of Chinese financing to support Greek new buildings, protection against unreliable charterers, investment risks of dual fuel and of course the big question of tonnage overcapacity.

“We look forward to an exciting few days of debates and deliberations as Posidonia is once again about to set the global agenda for the maritime industry,” Vokos adds. i Programme in brief • Posidonia Cup Yacht Race: 30 May 2014, Faliron Bay • Posidonia Golf Tournament: 1 June 2014, Athens Golf Course • Posidonia Shipsoccer Tournament: 1 June 2014, Karaiskaki Stadium • Posidonia 2014 Opening Ceremony: 2 June 2014 (by invitation only) • Posidonia 2014 Exhibition: 2-6 June 2014, Metropolitan Expo

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Flying high With Turkish Airlines flying to 105 countries and winning several awards along the way, its pulling no stops when it comes to making its growing number of guests happy. The refurbished lounge at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, already a world-class facility, adds another 2400 m2 to its existing 3500 m2.. Connected by a spiral staircase that integrates a global sphere, it represents the worldwide reach of Turkish Airlines. The existing facility, which includes a children’s playground, library, billiards area, prayer room and teleconference section, now includes rest and shower facilities as well as additional massage beds! For those who’d like an adrenaline rush, gear up for a virtual car rally through a miniature model of Istanbul ongoing or hone your putting skills on the golf simulator while waiting for your next flight. Reflecting both Ottoman and Seljuk architectural influences, complete with a beautiful tea-garden, the space combines traditional Turkish hospitality with modern amenities and free Wi-Fi.

A la française Concerts on the lawns The Megaron starts off its summer season by organizing its hugely popular summer concerts on the lush lawns behind the Concert Hall. Nikos Portokaloglou presents a rich repertoire of rebetika, folk and traditional songs, guaranteed to evoke nostalgia and kaimos, on June 6 at 9pm. Visit Athens Insider’s facebook page on June 1 for complimentary tickets.

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Best known for their savoir-vivre and their unique approach to gastronomy, France celebrates its unique culinary traditions bringing the best of French food and wine to the heart of Athens with the 4th French Gastronomy Festival. Get set for a French invasion! Cooking demonstrations, French picnics on the lawns of the Megaron, B2B exhibitions, wine and cheese tastings, French menus at 50 restaurants and 30 bars across the city and so much more until June 21. Sogallika.gr

The sky is the limit!

With seven direct flight between Athens and Dubai per week, Athens is a significant milestone for Emirates passengers travelling either for business or pleasure. Jaber Mohamed, the new Country Manager for Emirates in Greece and Albania says, “After 18 years of uninterrupted operations in Greece, our main priority is to maintain momentum in our domestic market in order to serve even more destinations to our global network to Dubai and other destinations in Asia, Australasia, Far East and Africa. With our modern fleet and increased load carrying capacity of freight to our extensive network of destinations, including Japan, India, South Africa and Australasia we support passenger connectivity and trade between Greece and rest of the world.”

Look who’s cooking?

The Hilton Athens has a new man at the helm of its kitchens – executive chef Costas Athanasiou. With 20 years of experience in 5-star hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Thessaloniki, the Athenaeum Intercontinental and Casino Loutraki, Athanassiou has attended seminars at Ecole Ritz Escoffier with legendary chef Alain Ducasse and his team. As Executive Chef of Hilton Athens, the talented Kostas Athanasiou hopes to further enhance the Hilton Athens’ image as a gastronomic destination while putting his own stamp.

New restaurant worth trying!

When Efi Cotsapa decided to give up her day job and pursue her passion for cooking and set up Chefi’s, little did she realise that it would end up being the best decision of her life. Housed in an old Halandri residence in a quiet, leafy street, Chefi’s is a beautifully restored restaurant done up in shades of grey with pops of orange that opens onto a verdant courtyard. The cuisine reflects Efi’s passion for food and travel - so expect an eclectic cross between Italian, Asian and South-American flavours that blend seamlessly to conceive dishes that are at once, surprising and creative. The plating is sublime and the service, personable and friendly. Chefi’s, Perikleous 31, Halandri. Tel: 210 681 5774

Raise a toast!

Cellier Wine Club recently organized a fabulous wine dinner at Avenue Bistrot, at the Metropolitan Hotel to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the 200 year anniversary of J. Moreau & Fils. Alkmini Karacosta of Cellier Wine Club introduced Lucy Depuydt, the vinicultrice of J.Moreau & Fils. During a magnificent five-course dinner, Cellier’s connoisseurs matched the dishes - based on Chef Michel Roux’s ideas - with a combination of Greek and French wines. A sparkling wine from Tselepos Estate’s Amalia Brut was a robust sparkling starter and the dinner continued with three different J. Moreau & Fils Chablis’ including Premier Cru Vaillons 2011 and Grand Cru Clos 2012 and ended with a naturally-sweet Greek wine from Montofoli Estate that left a delicious vanilla-caramel aftertaste.

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Cupcakes Unlimited Zoe Vidalis’ The Sweet Spot in Halandri, is a mother-daughter venture to re-create memories of sweet memories shared in their peripatetic lives. “We lived as a family for many years in various countries, always searching for new culinary delights.” With quirky, colourful cupcakes for all occasions from birthdays, christenings, weddings, baby showers and corporate events, The Sweet Spot is a great stop to indulge in those sugar-filled desires.

Setting sail in Spetses After three successful editions, the 4th Spetses Classic Yacht Race sets sail between 19 and 22 June with the support of the Yacht Club of Greece and the Poseidonion Grand Hotel, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Vessels participating in the Spetses Classic Yacht Race are divided into four categories: Classic boats, depending on the year of construction, Vintage (until 1947), Classic (1948 - 1975), Spirit of Tradition (1976 onwards), Traditional boats (kaikis), Latina boats and for the first time, Dragon boats.

Nondas Lambadarios, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the race and Vice Chairman of the Naval Club of Greece declares, “The Spetses Classic Yacht Race has now become an international institution and has established itself as one of the most popular classic vessels race in the Mediterranean.” Chivas Regal, Gold Sponsor of the event for another year will award the Spirit of Chivalry Award to the crew that demonstrates high skills and teamwork during the races. Other sponsors include Julius Baer and Amanzoe.

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Magical Pleasures Magic Algida celebrates its 25th birthday with a delightful icecream shop that promises to be a paradise for chocolate and icecream lovers. The Magic Pleasure Store also lets you create your own ice-cream: Start with a vanilla ice cream base; choose 3 toppings to garnish the ice cream; then choose trimmings created by chef-pâtissier Dinos Foteinakis and for a finishing touch pick from a choice of 3 Magic chocolate flavours - classic, white or black to create your own unique ice cream stick! Magic Pleasure Store, Athens: 3-5 Kolokotronis House , Athens

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Photos by Kostas BEKAS

Beyond the carnival and samba stereotypes, Brazil is the world’s sixth largest economy with a growing middle-class. As organizers race against the clock to get ready to host the tournament, Ambassador Edgard A. Casciano speaks to Sudha Nair-Iliades on the eve of the World Cup, on Brazilian ties to Greece and the prospects of coach Scolari’s team lifting a sixth title.

You were posted here in the early 90s and you now find yourself in Greece at a challenging time as it negotiates its way out of a long recession. What are the most striking changes you have noticed in the past 15 years?

All new postings are a challenge but Greece does not seem like such a big test considering that I came here from Syria a year ago. We spent three years in Damascus and the last year in Beirut.

This is my second time in Greece. I was here in the 90s when our embassy was at Filikis Etairias in Kolonaki square well before the Olympic Games.

Athens has changed dramatically since. There are a lot of things that are totally new. The infrastructure is better, there is less traffic, the airport is modern and the new museums are really world-class. Of course, we had the crisis but there are definite signs of it being behind us.

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Diplomacy Greece and Brazil share a long history of diplomatic relations.

Indeed. We share diplomatic ties, dating back to 1912, before WWI, with a mission in Athens, headed by a minister. Since then, we have had a permanent diplomatic presence in Greece. In 1958, the diplomatic mission was raised to the level of an embassy.

In April 2011, President Dilma Rousseff paid an official visit to Greece and met the then Prime Minister George Papandreou. The most recent visit was of a Brazilian parliamentary delegation, last March, which took part at the EUROLAT meeting, organized as part of the Greek Presidency of the EU. (Eurolat consists of 150 members from 50 countries of the EU and Latin America, 75 Members of the European Parliament and 75 of the Latin American Parliament.)

There is a large Greek community in Brazil. How has it enriched ties between these two countries?

Around 40,000 Brazilians of Greek descent have been living and working in Sao Paolo and Rio since the beginning of the 20th century.

When Brasilia was under construction in the ‘50s, several of the pioneers in business and politics were Greeks. The first restaurant was run by a Greek; several of the major department stores were owned

by Greeks. In politics, Joao Pandia Calogeras whose grandfather was Greek was the Minister of Finance and he was the first civilian to be the Minister of Defence. And the Governor of Santa Catarina (one of 27 states that make up the Brazilian Federation and a destination for Greek immigration since the 1880s), Jorge Lacerda (Lakerdis) was also a Greek from Kastellorizo.

In Greece, we have 2000 Brazilians, most of whom are doctors, professors, and teachers who are settled here. Brazilian arts such as capoiera and products such as cachaca and havaianas are quite popular.

Any highlights in the cultural calendar to look forward to in 2014?

At the annual Latin American Literary Festival, LEA, Brazil will be represented by a Brazilian of Greek descent, Vassiliki Constantinidou, who has published a bi-lingual book on Greek immigration to Brazil.

What are the numbers of Brazilian tourists visiting Greece and Greek tourists visiting Brazil?

There are an increasing number of Brazilian tourists visiting Greece despite the fact that there are no direct flights to Brazil. Most tourists either come in through Italy or Turkey. I remember being in Santorini last summer and there were four Brazilian families staying at the same hotel – so there is definitely an interest in Greece as a destination.

How do you hope to capitalize on Brazil’s competitive advantages as one of the world’s most promising economies to further trade ties and investments with Greece?

While this is our main focus, it has not been easy to increase trade during the crisis. Brazil is a huge market with 200 million consumers and a new middle class that numbers around 40 million. Our trade to Greece is concentrated on coffee, sugar and airplanes. The Greek Defence Ministry has acquired a few Embraer planes and the Greek Presidential plane is an Embraer Legacy!

Greek exports include naphta – an oil by-product and few food items such as olive oil and wine but we can do much more. What is interesting is that China is Brazil’s largest trading partner but a lot of the supply of trade is controlled by Greek shipowners!

We are very optimistic that the current Mercosur-EU negotiations will have positive outcomes that will boost trade.

What has been a major eye-opener for you as regards the Greek way of life?

I think that it is the easiness of contact with the Greeks and the fact that we have much in common. We are very open-minded – and we are also beach-goers and coffee-drinkers! Though Greeks consume more coffee per capita than Brazilians! As a people, we both enjoy the outdoors and we attach a lot of value to family ties.

Your favourite haunts in Athens and places you’d like to visit in Greece?

In Athens, I like browsing around the flea market in Monastiraki every weekend to buy trinkets. And I love to walk up the Kessariani mountains – they have now renovated the little monastery perched up on the mountain, which was in a state of ruin when I was last here. The view of the city and of the Lycabettus from there is simply breathtaking.

I’ve never been to Thessaloniki, so I’m quite looking forward to it. But I’ve been to Mount Athos – I stayed at a monastery for three nights and it was a very rich, personal experience.

With the World Cup, all eyes will be on Brazil for an action-packed month when the beautiful game once again re-unites us all. What do you think of the Greek and Brazilian teams?

Brazilians are of course very fond of football – but we’re perhaps not as attached to football as Europeans are. That said, we’re the only country to have won the World Cup 5 times. This World Cup is special because it won’t be played in just one city but will be spread across 12 different cities. We’re very happy that Greece has qualified. Greece plays Japan, Cote d’Ivoire and Colombia but they do not travel a lot, which is a good thing in their favour. We expect a lot of Greek fans to fly to Brazil to cheer on their team.

Brazil doesn’t have a team filled with stars this time, but we expect the team Scolari announces in a few days to combine talent and competitiveness making Brazil a clear favourite to win a sixth world title. i

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All eyes will be on Brazil as the 20th FIFA World Cup takes place in the ‘cradle of football’ from 12 June to 13 July. Will coach Scolari’s team lift the title for a record sixth time for the hosts? Will we see the rise of a new Pele? And will the Greek team, consistently among the top 20 teams for the past 15 years, move into the top 10?

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Sports

Thirty two national teams. A total of 64 matches to be played in twelve cities across Brazil in either new or redeveloped stadiums and for the first time at a World Cup Finals, the use of goal-line technology.

With the host country, Brazil, all world champion teams since the first World Cup in 1930 (Uruguay, Italy, Germany, England, Argentina, France and Spain) have qualified for this competition. Spain is the defending champion, having defeated the Netherlands 1–0 in the 2010 World Cup final to win its first World title in South Africa. The previous four World Cups staged in South America were all won by South American teams.

Some History A group of visionary French football administrators, led in the 1920s by the innovative Jules Rimet, are credited with the original idea of bringing the world’s strongest national football teams together to compete for the title of World Champions.

The original gold trophy bore Jules Rimet’s name and was contested

three times in the 1930s, before the Second World War put a 12-year stop to the competition.

When it resumed, the FIFA World Cup rapidly advanced to its undisputed status as the greatest single sporting event of the modern world.

Held since 1958 alternately in Europe and the Americas, the World Cup broke new ground with the Executive Committee’s decision in May 1996 to select Korea and Japan as co-hosts for the 2002 edition.

Since 1930, the 16 tournaments have seen only seven different winners. However, the FIFA World Cup has also been punctuated by dramatic upsets that have helped create footballing history - the United States defeating England in 1950, North Korea’s defeat of Italy in 1966, Cameroon’s emergence in the 1980s and their opening match defeat of the Argentinean cup-holders in 1990....

Today, the FIFA World Cup holds the entire global public under its spell. An accumulated audience of over 42 billion people are expected to watch the 64 matches with another 3 million to visit the stadia across Brazil’s 12 venues.

The official 2014 Brazuca Top Glider Ball The new ball for this year’s World Cup is called the Brazuca and has a double meaning: It is used as a term for Brazilians living abroad - including its many footballers - but also as slang used to describe national pride or anything “Brazilian.”

Manufacturer Adidas said the ball offers “breakthrough innovation” featuring what it calls a “revolutionary six-panel design.”

The ball is decorated with a ribbon design in shades of blue, gold and green, which Adidas said symbolizes the traditional “wish bracelets” worn in Brazil. The vibrant colors on the ball reflect those of the Brazilian flag as well as the official logo of the FIFA World Cup. The stars in the design harks back to the national flag but also reflects their status as World Cup winners.

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s e Teamsplit into 8 h T – 4 t, top spo fa 201

Fi

r the s vie fo ach.

32 team on 14 teams e 4 f o s p olumbia C s grou e c voire C, fa Côte d’I Group d n in a e e c n Gree 19 Ju apan on June, J une. on 24 J

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Brazil

Spain

Colombia

Uruguay

Croatia Mexico Cameroon

Netherlands Chile Australia

Greece Côte d’Ivoire Japan

Costa Rica England Italy

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Switzerland

Argentina

Germany

Belgium

Ecuador France Honduras

Bosnia Iran Nigeria

Portugal Ghana USA

Algeria Russia Korea

All about Fuleco, the mascot The official mascot for the 2014 FIFA world cup is Fuleco. Born on 1 January 2000, Fuleco is the very first Brazilian three-banded armadillo to be born in the new millennium.

Why the blue shell?

The shell represents the natural beauty of Brazil and the commitment to preserve it.

The blue tones represent the sky and clear waters in and around Brazil, which are full

of life. The colours also contrast with the green tones of a football pitch, Brazil’s favourite sport!

About armadillos Armadillos once populated the entire country. Fuleco is a true Brazilian who enjoys spending time in open savannahs and dry woodlands, the Amazon rainforest or on any beach on the Brazilian coast, as long as there is a football pitch nearby!

The Greek team – the odds Greece’s head coach Fernando Santos is expected to announce the national squad sometime soon but the underdogs have a fighting chance to be in the last eight. Greece has been one of the most successful national teams in European football, being one of only nine national teams to have won the European Championship. They hadn’t produced any big successes in major tournaments, having participated only twice in the final tournaments of the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, in 1994 and 1980 respectively, until UEFA Euro 2004, when they became European champions in only their second participation in the tournament.

The Greeks, dismissed as rank outsiders before the tournament with bookmakers giving odds of between 80–1 to 150–1 for them to win, defeated some of the favourites in the competition including defending champions France and hosts Portugal, who Greece beat in both the opening game of the tournament and again in the final. Since that victory, Greece have qualified for the finals of all, but one major competition (European Championships and World Cups), reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Moreover, they have occupied a place in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings for all but four months since their 2004 triumph, and reached a high of eighth in 2008 and in 2011. i

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The Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni combines its naturally beautiful setting of turquoise blue waters and long sandy stretches of beach with world-class water-sports facilities, a fitness centre run by Holmes Place and a summer cinema complimentary to all guests, an indulgent massage and treatment area managed by Orloff Spa, snacking at TGI Friday’s, and for those who want to stay connected, free wi-fi access!

Spring is upon us and what better way to indulge in long weekends than spend it by the most beautiful beach in the Athenian Riviera. Open from 8 in the morning to midnight, the Astir Beach offers a plethora of experiences. For year-long admission to Astir Beach’s facilities, the Platinum Card offers unlimited access to the beach, free parking, access to the Platinum Lounge and to private area with sun beds and towels, Concierge Services and free admittance to the Astir Palace Resort’s facilities from Monday to Friday.

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Escape Priced at 2,750€ for an individual Platinum card, and at 4,750`€ for a family (2 adults and up to 2 children) for an annual membership, here is a facility that combines the discretion, service and amenities of a private club with leisure and fitness, in a natural setting. Ideal for expats who want to make most of their time here in a clean and family-friendly environment or for tourists who want to enjoy a hassle-free day at the beach at an affordable 15€ a day or 25€ for the weekend (children under 5 do not pay, 5 to 12 year-olds pay 8€ on weekdays & 13€ on weekends!)

The Astir Beach has always been a great venue for water sports – so if you’re into water-skiing, or just want to ride the waves on fancy water toys, the Astir Ski Club is well-equipped to relive your wet adventures. Whether you’d like to hone your Beach Volleyball skills at the 2 Olympic-specified courts or indulge in the all-time favourite Greek sport of beach raquette, the Astir Beach’s golden sands are the best place to give it a shot. If instead, you’d just like to go for a swim or get your sore muscles in shape at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, Holmes Place offers guests free personal training lessons (by appointment),yoga and pilates classes, baby swimming lessons for children from 6 months-3 years and a Children’s Swimming Academy for children from 4-13 years.

If you’d rather unwind and soak in the goodness of a detoxing massage, Orloff Spa (book ahead as treatments here are hugely popular), makes a languorous beach experience even more indulgent. Facials, massages and beauty treatments get you beach-ready to deal with the unenviable stress of lounging on a sun-deck.

And why not shop, while reclining at the beach? Salt Water’s cheerful boutique sells everything from Greek-themed hats and bags, rhinestone sandals, beachwear and bikinis. Accessorise at Blue Jewels, try on trendy eyewear at Anastasiadis Opticals or buy suntan lotions, handmade raquets and towels at the kiosk or bestsellers at Psychogios Books & Press.

After endless rounds of frappe, take the kids for a bite at TGI Friday’s and for an ice-cream treat at Dodoni’s, enjoy a tantalizing cocktail or if you’re too lazy to abandon the deep recesses of your sun-deck, simply order for a delivery by your side-table by pressing the service button.

Astir Beach pumps up the action every summer with complimentary cinema screenings every Friday and this year, it has raised the ante for the World Cup with giant screens airing matches from June 12 through to the finals on July 13.

A great way to enjoy the action with friends and family. Keep your eyes peeled as Astir Beach also offers complimentary beers on certain evenings when the Greek national team competes with the world’s finest.

Savour these precious experiences that make Greece truly special. Avail of a 5 % discount on the Platinum card membership until June 5, open to all Insider readers. Book now and enjoy the Athenian Riviera in style for a year.

Very distinct gastronomic experiences at the Astir Palace Resort catering to different moods, tastes and budgets – but with the promise of creative cuisine in an exquisite setting.

Taverna 37: The ultimate Greek summer experience: a table laden with simple, wholesome Greek fare from mezes, ‘mageirefta’ dishes, grilled meats and fish, with your feet dangling just above the water. Reliving the magic and simplicity of a Greek isle, Taverna 37 is just perfect for a post-swim bite or for hot, lazy afternoons that end up being a happy, fuzzy, blur of friends, wine, conversations, food and sea-spray.

Matsuhisa Nobu: Nobuyuki’s Matsuhisa restaurant, nestled among the sprawling pine trees and breathtaking panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf in all its splendour, is still the trendsetter and innovator for sleek, foodie havens in Athens.

Their seasonal menu is a dazzling kaleidoscope of cultures - Greek, South American and Japanese to be exact, flavours and colours that will awaken your taste buds. Early June’s Posidonia event on the 2nd-6th marks the return of the Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred Nobu London, Mark Edwards, just in time for the Summer Omakase menu. Elegant, refreshing and immaculate - not to be missed!

Gastronomy

Galazia Hytra / Galazia Taverna: The young, Michelin-starred chef Nikos Karathanos (who won his first star at 28), brings his own culinary philosophy to the table every summer at Galazia Hytra. Adopting a classical style with an artisanal approach, Karathanos’s interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine is new and different with an interplay of different structures and aromas. The vine-leaf mousse is a masterpiece as are the New Age mousaka with tomato ice cream and the sea bass spiced with Cretan fennel and bottarga. Instinctive cuisine at its best. For those who’d like to savour simpler, wholesome Greek fare at the same venue at more modest budgets, Galazia Taverna is the answer.

Il Tramonto In terms of setting, no other Italian restaurant in the city comes close.

And in terms of cuisine, Il Tramonto is a living textbook of authentic Italian food and hospitality. Chef Stratos Kalathakis takes a back-tobasics approach and creates a menu that is devoid of any frills. With a cellar that boasts some of the finest labels, here is a restaurant that is easy on the pocket and an absolute must to treat first-time visitors to.

Astir Palace Resort, 40 Apollonos St, Vouliagmeni. Tel : 210 8902000

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Are 30 hours deemed too short to qualify as a vacation? It’s amazing how much you can pack into a few hours – without getting the feeling that it’s squeezed every ounce of your energy with it. A family holiday account by two kids in the throes of tweendom, an over-worked mummy and a golf-rusty Dad at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.

Saturday, 4 April 11am: The trip

After rude awakenings at 6 am during a regular school-week, the one thing sleep-deprived parents seek on a Saturday morning is a bit more snooze time. So by the time we clambered onto the car with our overnighters it was around 11.

We were just happy to have finally pulled off the trip at all: here was a weekend free of conflicting travel schedules and ubiquitous kiddie birthday parties!

The drive is such a significant part of the experience: its mid-April and the route to Kalamata, and through the picture-perfect hamlets around Pylos, make it a jaw-droppingly beautiful one with wild poppies and irises in full bloom and the fragrance of orange blossoms permeating the air. But nothing beats the visual impact of a string of jacaranda trees in full flower. Bursts of mauve mingle with the lush green of the Peloponnese and pops of wild yellow flora.

Saturday, 4 April 1.40 pm: Check-in

The rambling resort soon comes into view. The first thing you notice are the gleaming white golf-carts and the impeccably landscaped property. It’s hard to believe that the resort is less than 3 hours away from Athens. We’re quickly escorted into the reception area – complete with stone floors, vaulted ceilings, beautiful hand-crafted wrought-iron chandeliers and a view of the coast. A quick check-in and we’re armed with a map and an activities schedule for the weekend – it’s the first of several reminders that this is not a destination for the lethargic.

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Travel

Saturday, 4 April 1.55 pm: The room

The kids figure out their way through what seemed like a ‘maze of identical-looking structures’ long before I do! We are in a family suite with two bathrooms, overlooking the tennis courts and right next to the fitness centre and the Natura Hall. Decorated in neutral colors with blue and green accents, the suites have clean lines, contemporary furniture and local art. The master-suite had an open plan with a large, gleaming bath-tub serving as a partition to the wash area. (A separate enquiry needs to be run on the appeal of hotel bath-tubs that give you a sense of a private spa unlike old shower-tub combos left back home. Nothing screams ‘I got away from it all’ quite like slipping into a bubble bath.)

Saturday, 4 April 2.15 pm: Snack

We aren’t dreadfully hungry and we did want to make the most of our stay so we had a quick bite at the 1827 bar: warm crispy cheese and ham sandwiches with a refreshingly fresh basil-lettuce salad. A fleeting coffee followed with the crunchiest pistachio cookies (Resort-made Navarino Icons cookies, available at the store in the Resort Agora and at Hellenic Duty Free stores at the airport).

Saturday, 4 April 3 pm: Exploration

We venture on a mini-exploration of the resort, past the restaurants, down to the village square and the colourful boutiques that stock designer wear and beach accessories, past the amphitheatrical theatre and back towards the beach. The beach: It has the look and feel of the Atlantic coast. My daughter felt it reminded her of the Hamptons and, in some ways, it does. Unlike most of the Greek coastline, where rock reliefs and islets spring into vision, the ocean here recedes into a horizon far, far away, with Italy lying just beyond. A heady cocktail of golden sands, mystical orange rock, white-tipped foamy waves and deep blue skies, - perfect for surfing, walking or watching sunsets or dramatic storms late at night.

STEPHANE’S POSTCARD: You cannot spend time at Costa Navarino without enjoying its beautiful golf facilities. Though I had not touched my clubs for the last fifteen years I decided to give it a try and went to hit some balls at the driving range. It has motivated me to want to play golf again and I’ll definitely come back to enjoy the two courses you can play at the resort.

All in all, this weekend felt like a real and longer holiday and we had a relaxing time, the whole family enjoying a well deserved break.

4.30 Activities

The kids go off for a round of tennis with their Dad while I stretch my reluctant body into lithe yoga poses at the Hatha yoga class. The fitness room is equipped with treadmills and there are regular yoga and pilates sessions. After their tennis, the rest of the family head to the pool, while I go off to indulge in some serious me-time.

6.00 Massage

The Anazoe spa’s reputation had preceded my visit but it was wonderful experiencing it first-hand. Once through the door, past the gurgling waterfall, the spa’s soothing décor sets the scene for transformation, while I’m proffered a herbal elixir. Inspired by ancient Hippocratic practices, Anazoe’s signature packages encourage a different way to experience bodywork. Before long the deep-tissue massage sends me off into a deep slumber - always the sign of a good therapist!

8.30 Dinner

We have arranged to meet for dinner at the Flame restaurant, which is based on a farm-to-table philosophy. Despite the health vibes the resort oozes, the kids predictably, opt for burgers (very succulent!), my husband settles for sea-bass with asparagus while I tuck into an absolutely divine orzo with veal cheeks, followed by a round of sinful desserts. A healthy, organic alternative to child-friendly menus.

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MAYA’S POSTCARD:

t like we had the holiday- it almost fel It was an amazing waterslides were rselves. I wish the whole place to ou ess that’ll be our like a lot of fun. I gu open – they looked ck to try it! excuse to come ba

Sunday 9 Breakfast:

A good night’s sleep and we’re off to the restaurant for a leisurely breakfast. An endless array of fruits, farm-fresh eggs in every imaginable creation, home-made marmalades, goat and cow milk sourced locally, cheese and fresh Messinian orange juice await us.

9.45 am Visit of Navarino Dunes Luxury Villas

I ride on a golf cart to visit one of the uber-lavish villas complete with private beach, swimming pool and tastefully done up rooms. A terrific getaway for those who can afford it, the villas come equipped with every conceivable opulent fitting and even have accommodation for personal staff. Ideal for families who want a hassle-free holiday in the lap of luxury.

6.30 Parting notes

It’s finally time to leave and while the paeans to the resort are many and the refrain remains the same: ‘a great family holiday destination’, it is easy to see why this place appeals across the board: there’s a beach on one side, a lagoon on the other, cafes and upmarket dining.

There are paddle boats, bike hire and pine trails for the active and a seemingly infinite stretch of sand for those who want nothing more than to sunbathe. Half fantasy tropical rainforest, half stunning coast with a dramatic mix of suspension bridges and golfing greens, it is clearly an experience to savour as a family! i P.S. Give in to your instincts and stop by at local vegetable vendors on the route back home to stock up on tomatoes, eggs and sackfuls of oranges. Cheaper and infinitely tastier!

10.15 am Cycling

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino just lends itself to cycling. The path meanders along bridges and gurgling streams – and all along the golf course, and for those brave enough - to the picturesque beach of Voidokilia, just five kms away. We rented a tandem bike but stayed within the confines of the resort.

11.15 am Natura Hall

A great way to imbue a sense of eco-consciousness and awareness of local flora and fauna in young kids, the Natura Hall has videos, installations and films on Messinian bio-diversity in a child-friendly environment.

Noon: Massage

After the absolutely wonderful treatment the evening before, I give in to the temptation to go back to the spa for a neck rub. Wise choice!

2 pm More activities

A quick snack, and my husband and I take off to the driving range to hit a few golf balls. After an hour of shooting balls, with some degree of success, we head back to the Fitness centre for a brief workout and follow it up with a yoga class.

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IASON’S POSTCARD:

I loved the tandem bike the most. It was fun pedaling together – first with my Mom and then my Dad. I jumped into the pool too – it wasn’t war m but it felt good!

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Sun-bathe, Swim and Snorkel: When it comes to the vote for the best beaches in the country, Skiathos usually ranks as a runaway winner. With over 60 postcard-perfect powdery beaches that line its south coast - from Koukounaries, the island’s most popular beach, where lush pine trees provide the backdrop for a dramatic golden sweep, to Megali Ammos – to the savage Mandraki and Elias beaches, just a half-hour’s walk from Koukounaries through a scented pine-forest, or the Megalos Aselinos beach further east – the choice is versatile.

Home to Greece’s foremost prose-writer Alexandros Papadiamantis (whose home now houses a museum and is well-worth a visit), Skiathos provides the backdrop for most of his gripping novels. And its perhaps in the craggy beaches of Agistros and Kryfi Ammos or the more secluded Kechria, that one finds the microcosm of the tight-knit society of a Greek village that Papadiamtis so expertly describes in his books: a combination of village magic, vestiges of myth, ancient lore and dour superstitions.

Ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving fans, Tsougria beach or Tzaneria beach are popular spots as are several of the tiny islets just southeast of Skiathos.

See and do: • An absolute must-see: the 18-century Evangelistrias monastery is a treasure-trove of historical archives including documents and photographs from the Balkan Wars, and a whole wing centred around a communal bread oven.

• Visit Papadiamantis’s old house in Skiathos Town

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Long before the Mamma Mia stars trudged on Skiathos’ golden sands and became an A-list destination for celebrity honeymooners, this Sporadic island still attracted the intrepid traveller willing to snorkel into its turquoise depths. An Insider’s guide into what to do, see and enjoy while on Skiathos

Travel

• Take in a re-run of a winter block-buster at one of the open-air cinemas • On the most northern point of the island high up on a hill lays the ruins of the 14th century city of Kastro. Well worth the steep 45 minute clamber • Take a boat trip to the neighbouring Islands of Alonissos and Skopelos or hop on one of the several round-the-island boat cruises from the old port at 10am, via sea-caves and Lalaria beach – both inaccessible by land – before continuing to Kastro

Eat, Drink and Be Merry: • Up for dancing through sunset in a nightclub? Or perhaps you prefer a refreshing sunset cocktail with soothing lounge music playing in the background? Skiathos’ wide variety of nightlife and music—from pop, electronic, rock, Greek folk ‘bouzoukia’, and jazz—ensures something for everyone.

• For those party animals looking for the liveliest areas the coined ‘Bar Street’ area on the eastern side of the harbour or the area near Papadiamantis Street and the Trion Ierarchon Square in the Old Town.

• For those looking for a more relaxed approach you can enjoy a fruity cocktail sitting on the Moroccan-esque colourful, fluffy pillows situated on the ground at the Rock n Roll bar in the old port.

• Final Step in Skiathos Town: This award winning restaurant on the waterfront has a friendly atmosphere and elegant food at a reasonable price.

• Platanias Taverna and Bar in Agia Paraskevi: A local family owned restaurant with al fresco dining under vine leaves. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist. i

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©TCFTD

NEW SERIES

24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY

MIXOLOGY

PREMIERE: TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 @ 07.15 & May 6, @ 22.20

PREMIERE: FRIDAY, MAY 2 @ 21.00

Who ever said Jack Bauer was finished? The upcoming limited run event series, 24: LIVE ANOTHER DAY, restarts the ticking clock on the high octane saga that reunites executive producer Howard Gordon, protagonist Kiefer Sutherland and director Jon Cassar. Set and shot in London, the series retains the real-time, pulse pounding format with split screens and interweaving storylines and follows the exploits of Jack Bauer, now an exile. Searching for Jack are CIA head Steve Navarro (Benjamin Bratt), CIA Agent Kate Morgan, Jordan Reed a smart and sophisticated CIA computer tech, and Erik Ritter, an arrogant field operative.

Following the first season’s premiere on November 6, 2001, ‘24’ has been nominated for a total of 73 Emmy Awards. 24: Live Another Day airs at the same time as the original transmission of FOX on the US West Coast with a two episode season premiere on May 6, 2014.

One bar. One night. Ten single people.

Welcome to Union, a high-end bar in Manhattan’s trendy meat packing district. Recently dumped by his fiancée, Tom’s (Blake Lee) best friends, handsome, confident Cal and fast-talking Bruce throw Tom back into the dating pool. Tom’s first encounter is with Maya, an attorney who’s as beautiful as she is brutal, before long, Tom is in tears. As the night unfolds, some people may get lucky while others are destined to spend the night alone.

ACCORDING TO JIM 5 PREMIERE: THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2014 and weekdays @ 20.40 with two back to back episodes Both a family man and a man’s man, Jim (Jim Belushi) is the all-American guy devoted to his beautiful wife, Cheryl and his five kids but continues to test his wife’s patience with his stubborn antics. Jim also sometimes takes for granted his brother-inlaw and best friend, Andy, who doggedly covers for Jim’s constant scheming and continues his own search for the perfect woman.

©ABC Studios Irresistible TV

©ABC Studios Irresistible TV

NEW SEASON

COUGAR TOWN 5 PREMIERE: FRIDAY, MAY 2 @ 21.25 In Season 5, Courtney Cox stars as Jules Cobb, a recently divorced mom in her forties facing the often humorous challenges of life’s next chapter. Along for the journey are her teenage son, her ex-husband and friends, who together make up her dysfunctional yet caring extended family. In Season 5, Matthew Perry guest stars as Sam, a wealthy man who takes Jules on a date. After Lisa Kudrow and Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry is the third FRIENDS star to do a cameo on Cougar Town.

BURN NOTICE 3 PREMIERE: MONDAY, MAY 12, 2014 and weekdays @ 19.00 Written and created by Matt Nix, BURN NOTICE is a sexy, action-packed series starring Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Weston, a blacklisted spy. While Michael holes up in Miami, he is reunited with his ex-girlfriend Fiona Glenanne (Gabrielle Anwar), a former IRA operative who finds herself caught up in Michael’s life yet again. The two try to get to the bottom of who is responsible for the fact that Michael has been burned.

©ABC Studios Irresistible TV

FOX HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2014

NEW SEASON

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©ABC Studios Irresistible TV

NEW SEASON

NEW SERIES

THE KILLING 3

ONCE UPON A TIME IN WONDERLAND

PREMIERE: MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 @ 21.30 ‘ The Killing’ is a crime drama series based on the popular Danish TV series ‘Forbrydelsen’. The American version was developed and produced by Veena Sud and has been an international success in over 20 countries.

Season three of this chilling and addictive crime series begins one year after the close of the “Rosie Larsen” case, with Sarah Linden no longer working as a detective. But when her expartner Stephen Holder’s search for a runaway girl leads him to discover a gruesome string of murders that connects to a previous murder investigation by Linden, she is drawn back into the life she thought she’d left behind.

PREMIERE: MONDAY, JUNE 9 @ 21.50 ‘Once Upon a Time in Wonderland’ is FOX Life’s brand new fantasy drama series based on Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. Beyond the magical protagonists, the series features the voices and likes of some of the biggest names in show business, from Iggy Pop (Caterpillar) and Whoopi Goldberg (Mrs. Rabbit) to Keith David (Cheshire Cat) and Naveen Andrews (Jafar). In the series premiere episode, Alice returns home to her father telling her that everyone thought she was dead. Her imaginative stories about a talking White Rabbit and a mystical place called Wonderland end up getting her admitted into an asylum.

THE GLADES 4

NEW SEASON

PREMIERE: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2014 @ 21.30

GIRLS 2

‘The Glades’ is based on the story of Chicago detective Jim Longworth (Matt Passmore), who took a South Florida job with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), after being falsely accused of sleeping with his captain’s wife. Jim assumes it will afford him ©TCFTD a more relaxing lifestyle, but finds out that things are more complicated than he had imagined. The Season 3 finale ended on a cliffhanger note with Jim proposing to Callie and fans of the show being forced to wait till the Season 4 premiere to see what her answer would be.

PREMIERE: SATURDAY, JUNE 7 @ 23.00 As Lena Dunham’s groundbreaking comedy series returns to FOX Life, the girls of ‘Girls’ find themselves making strides in love, work and friendship with Hannah forging ahead with her dream of being a bestselling author and seeing someone new.

Let down by work and still lonely after calling things off with Charlie, Marnie needs her best friend and former roommate but lingering awkwardness only drive a wedge further between them. Meanwhile, still-married Jessa returns from her honeymoon, supplying Hannah with surprising new ideas. Shoshanna takes charge of her new identity as a sexually active woman.

WATCH AGAIN

DA VINCI’S DEMONS 2 PREMIERE: SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014 @ 23.30 with two back to back episodes.

‘Da Vinci’s Demons’ fans get to relive the epic tale of Leonardo Da Vinci’s early adult life as an artist, idealist, and intellectual genius. In season 2, Florence is thrown into chaos in the wake of the Pazzi conspiracy and Leonardo Da Vinci (Tom Riley) must push the limits of his mind and body to defend the city against the forces of Rome. When the dust settles, friends are buried and rivalries enflamed, Da Vinci realizes that he has new enemies who may be even worse than the forces of Pope Sixtus

©HBO

WATCH AGAIN

Jamie’s Fish Suppers PREMIERE: MONDAY, JUNE 30 @ 20.10 In this one-hour special episode, Jamie Oliver cooks 10 different and unique fish recipes as a part of his Big Fish Fight campaign. Delicious and easy new recipes to inspire fish-lovers who are willing to try different, more plentiful types of seafood.

©BBC WORLDWIDE

©Fremantle Media

FOX HIGHLIGHTS JUNE 2014

©TCFTD

©TCFTD

Jack Bauer fans have reason to celebrate. 24 is back on Fox with 12 new nailbiting episodes shot extensively in London. An exclusive interview with Jon Cassar, Executive Producer of 24: Live another day Die-hard 24 fans are delighted that Jack Bauer is back. Why do you think this is a good time to bring him back?

I just think it’s a great idea to bring him back. I think nowadays when a show goes off the air, it lives in the world of streaming. It lives in Netflix and obviously in DVD’s but streaming has totally changed the game. And our show was absolutely no exception to that. It’s a builtin audience that are dying to see these characters again.

You changed the structure for this so it’s not 24 episodes but it’s still in real time …

Well not quite. Basically it’s a special event series. The episodes still run in real time and by the end from the very first minute to the last minute will be a 24 hour day. The writers have given themselves permission to skip time if they want to. So you can skip a whole hour, you can skip 10 hours, whatever you want to skip - but by the end of it, it’s still day.

42 insider athens

| May & June 2014

Does that help or hinder the story telling?

The writers have said that “they really get to give the audience the meat of the story.” I think it’s fair to say that you’re going to get 12 really great tight hours.

How much do you make of London as a setting?

I think the only time we really made an effort to make place a big part of the show was when we did Washington DC. And even though we shot the majority of that season in LA we did do three weeks in Washington where we shot in front of the Capitol, in front of the White House, in front of all the iconic sort or things. In London, we’ve already shot on the tube we’re shooting in front of government buildings. We are obviously going to take advantage of being here. And the fact that your drive-bys are on the wrong side of the road that’s going to tell you something right away.

Jack is in some ways a morally complex character but we still love

Entertainment

©TCFTD

him. Why is that, despite some of the terrible things he does?

That’s a good question. One of the reasons is because you can forgive Jack for as violent and ruthless as he is sometimes, and 90% of the time you agree with what he’s doing. And it’s tough decisions, but that’s 24. If two people on a couch argue about that we’ve done our job.

You mentioned earlier sort of seeing previous episodes and series.

What’s your reaction to those episodes?

They’re good! When you’re working on an episode, you watch it at least 30 times. So to go all the way back and watch it now is interesting because you start to forget all the ugly stuff, how hard it was to shoot, how cold it was it was in the desert. It’s been really pleasurable to watch again. Great performances, that’s for sure.

What’s it like working with a British crew?

Well that’s actually a really good question. We wanted it to look and feel exactly like 24 but didn’t want to bring a plane load of Americans over. So basically it’s me and my director of photography. The whole crew is from Britain minus a few American actors that were already connected to the show.

How does this show relate to all the rumours of a 24 movie?

The movie world and the movie people are completely different than the television and television people. That’s been part of sort of the hesitation in getting it out. If they just gave all us television people a pile of money we can make them a movie in a second but it’s a whole different department.

Your lead actor is getting older and 24, as we know, began 10 or 15 years ago - and Jack Bauer wasn’t that young even then. Has it created any challenges? Are there things that Kiefer can’t do anymore or doesn’t want to?

Not yet. I mean we’re all getting older and these are long days so it’s obviously a little taxing. Even when he was younger it was hard, he works a lot on this show. He’s in almost every day. As for playing Jack Bauer, Kiefer is still running around, he’s doing all the same kind of stuff he was doing before. I’ve hired a stuntman double that we’ve barely used yet. That’s exactly like when we shot it last time.

You mentioned that the fact that there will be so many eyes on this does scare you a bit.

Quite honestly, we put so much pressure on ourselves starting from

the writers right down to the new crew. We really strive for a quality show that’s what we do. It’s one of the reasons 24 was able to look and feel like it did consistently for all those years.

Didn’t you have any hesitations at all about jumping on board again?

Well it’s actually interesting because there was a little bit of a hole in my heart for not finishing the series quite honestly. I’m not a regret kind of guy but it was one of those things that I spent so much of my career and life on this show that the fact that I wasn’t there in season 8 to get the very lasts shot of Jack Bauer looking up in the sky always was a little bit of a soft spot for me.

There was the idea of a movie but none of us thought we’d be involved in the movie because like I said, it’s a complete different world.

So when it came back, it was a gift from the sky for me. And it was a great time in my career. I was actually making a feature film with Kiefer when it all started going down and I happened to be at Fox working with Howard Gordon when the idea came around. So it was just kind of a karma thing. And then I got a call from Kiefer that said “I’ll do it if you do it” and I went “okay I’ll do it if you do it” so it was one of those school boy things.

We were in the middle of the street and Kiefer’s manager came up and said, “Its England”. I think that it’s a good thing that Fox wanted it to be an event. They just didn’t want it to be season 9. That’s why they didn’t call it season 9 and gave it its own title so that its got a minievent kind of feel to it.

In watching back through all the original seasons have you seen anything where you’ve thought, ‘Oh yeah that thing we did has really changed TV’?

Nothing that really jumps out - though it feels that way. I mean the stories; to think that we started that kind of storytelling that far back.

It’s a very dark, dark show. And even today, there’re hardly shows that go that dark. Actually one of the things I realise was how smart the writers were in creating these characters that you loved and then killing them off. I actually think we forced a lot of people’s hands. ‘Lost’ was running virtually the same time we were and they’d bring people to the edge of death every week. And at some point, the audience goes ‘well that’s great but you should watch what’s happening on 24 cause they’re actually killing people over there’ [laughter]. It really kind of changed the way people looked at TV! i

insider athens | May & June 2014 43

Let’s face it, a plethora of the current trends out there are only flattering on catwalk-thin models. A lot of these cutting-edge styles are not even applicable to real-life women’s silhouettes or how we dress on a daily basis (hello, culottes, crop tops and sheer blouses!). Here are nine tried and tested Spring trends suggested by Christina Michele RiosKoukotsi that can be worn by real women!

1. Colour Theory These three vibrant and vivid colour palettes are chic, classic and compliment any complexion. Colour blocking has shown to have true staying power; an architectural yet fundamental way to accentuate fit and immaculate cuts in a sharp way.

Poppy Red, Lilac and Berry

Camel, Navy and Cobalt Blue

Mint Green, Steel Blue and Sea Blue

2. Navy is the New Black Black and White Collar Neckalace available at Accessorize.

Rules are made to be broken, the old “never wear navy with black” myth is so passé. Designers are popping up left and right with Navy & Black colour combos and we couldn’t be happier with this polished, modernised trend! Pair this McQ by Alexander McQueen Dress with an Accessorize collar necklace and flat motorcycle ankle boots for a stylish downtown look.

Layered Fitted Dress from McQ by Alexander McQueen, available at attica.

3. Keep it Minimal A breath of fresh air this Spring. The entire ‘monochromatic’ dressing trend, i.e. wearing one colour or a similar palette from head to toe, is very clean and polished.

This ‘less is more’ minimal aesthetic is inspired by the 1990’s trend but updated and a bit more sophisticated this time around. Pair this understated look from Helmut Lang with a subtle pop of colour in your accessories, such as these earrings from Accessorize combining elements of transparency with hues of mint and neon.

Hers.

Blazer and Blouse from Helmut Lang, SS14 Collection, all available at attica.

Earrings available at Accessorize.

44 insider athens | May & June 2014

Fashion 4. World Adventurer Ethnic Accessories: one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story. Take a cue from the “Muzungu Sisters,” a company founded by two friends who explore the world together collecting treasures they find in various corners of the globe, collaborating with local artisans to create something truly unique and inspiring for wanderlust fanatics like us. The Mirror Coin XVIII bag from India is the ideal carry-all for traveling, day time...or well, anytime!

The Sandra Bolero is a great versatile statement piece for your wardrobe; it can be dressed up or down and even worn into Autumn/ Winter. The Bolero is made by artisans in Peru, each intricate detail is hand-stitched.

Bag and Bolero, from Muzungu Sisters, available at www.muzungusisters.com/shop

For men, the combination of black and white is crisp, powerful and minimal. A sleek white blazer and trousers combined with a black shirt, like this one from HUGO by HUGO BOSS, is a foolproof balance of yin-and-yang this Spring and Summer. Combine this look with contrasting trainers to keep it looking modern and effortlessly cool.

His. Suit, Shirt and Trainers, from HUGO SS14 Collection, all available at HUGO BOSS.

5. Revenge of the Fringe

Bag (orange suede) from Gucci, available at www.gucci.com.

Fringe is back and better than ever, this boho-chic style awakens the free spirit in us all! Pair your fringe bag with leopard flats or heels. Gucci’s Nouveau Fringe Shoulder Bag in Orange Suede is the ultimate investment piece; it features rose gold hardware, lacquered bamboo ornaments, signature maxi stitching and a dry-stoned embossed trademark, which are all part of the two day process that artisans in Italy spend completing each bag by hand. For a more affordable alternative, ASOS offers several highly-coveted options including the Suede Fringe Clutch Bag in Cobalt Blue or the Leather Duffle Bag with Fringing in Chartreuse.

Clutch (chartreuse) and Duffle Bag (cobalt blue) from ASOS, both available at www.asos.com.

6. Lacy Racy Feminine, sexy and refined. Lace is a staple for any woman’s wardrobe. This season we are seriously lusting over flirty lace dresses and skirts, perfect for cocktail parties and weddings!

Dress ‘Robe Rayane Deluxe’ in Noir from Zadig & Voltaire and ‘Martines’ Skirt from Guess, both available at attica.

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Fashion 7. To a T The easiest, go-to, ‘throw on’ piece there is. For days when you wake up indecisive about what to wear or want to look put together but feel comfortable, the T-shirt dress is your ultimate ally. For a daytime look, pair it with a chunky, jewelled necklace and flat sandals. For nighttime, pair it with strappy open-toed heels and statement earrings.

Jersey T-Shirt Dress from T by Alexander Wang, available at attica.

Earrings and Flat Sandals (Black), both available at Accessorize.

8. May Flowers Bright and colourful florals are everywhere this season. The contrasting pops of colours paired over a monochromatic minimal look are the flawless formula for harmonious balance and style this Spring.

Moncler’s Giasone lightweight jacket is the perfect balance of feminine and sporty, making it effortlessly versatile from running errands, heading to the gym, or out at night.

Floral heels from Steve Madden, available at NAK in attica.

Take a walk on the wild side in Steve Madden’s Marlenee Floral Print Heels. The 4.5” heel makes them perfect for elongating the leg, an essential for date night! This colourful textile makes them incredibly versatile as they go with virtually any hue in the rainbow.

Jacket from Moncler, available at attica.

9. Prints ‘N Things Bold Patterns and Edgy Graphics that take us on a visual journey.

These designs are infused with hints of art and pops of design while still flattering to a woman’s shape--it’s all about aesthetics.

M Missoni hit the nail on the head this season with their colours, prints and cuts inspired by Sub-Saharan Africa. We’re lusting over all of them! Complete this look with this beautiful Parrot clutch from Accessorize; the absolute summer accessory.

Dresses from M Missoni, both available at attica.

Parrot Clutch available at Accessorize.

Accessorize: Ermou 42, Tel. 210.3317780, uk.accessorize.com attica: Panepistimiou Street 9, Syntagma Square, Tel. 211.180.2600 Gucci: Ttsakalov Street 27, Athens, Tel. 210.360.2519, www.gucci.com Hugo Boss: Amerikis 19, Kolonaki, Tel. 210.338.9180, www.hugoboss.com Muzungu Sisters, Showroom: 25 Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road, London, W10 5JJ U.K, Tel. +44.203.176.7990, www.muzungusisters.com/shop

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Goodbye winter and the dull beauty ruts that accompany it! It is finally time to switch up our monotonous beauty routines and infuse them with some Spring vibrance and colour! Here are a few go-to, ‘secret weapon’ beauty buys to help you put your best, fresh face forward! Trust us, you won’t know how you lived without them.

1. Return of the Brow This year marks the return of the bold ‘brow. A full ‘brow frames the face, takes years off our appearance and enhances our bone structure. MAC’s upcoming launch in mid-May of the “Waterproof Brow Collection” could not come at a better time! Their “Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set” and “Fluidline Brow Gelcreme” are the answer to your brow woes in the humid heat! The entire range naturally shades, grooms, and defines eyebrows into shape. Dirty Blonde?

Fiery Redhead? Toasty Brunette? Don’t fret, the collection has a colour for everyone with its seven new hues (including one “Clear Clear” shade)! The formulas are guaranteed to stay put as they are sweat-proof, smudge-free and humidityresistant. Available from mid-May onwards at MAC stores.

2. MAC Heroine Lipstick This year’s Pantone shade of Radiant Orchid is apparent in our cult-favourite lipstick hue! MAC’s “Heroine” lipstick packs a powerful punch of purple in a matte finish! Once part of their Limited Edition collection and highly coveted (even selling for as much as $125 USD for one tube on Ebay) is now part of their permanent collection. Phew. Insider’s tip: This shade is perfectly versatile for day or night! Apply one coat for relaxed daytime coverage or wear with lipliner and apply 2-3 coats for a more dramatic nighttime look. Available at MAC stores.

3. MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD High Definition, Microfinish Powder Fight the shine, sweat and oil in the balmy Spring and Summer months with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD High Definition, Microfinish Powder! A three time award-winning translucent finishing powder that can be worn over makeup to ‘set’ a look or absorb any oil or shine. This product is a key staple on all fashion shoots, runway shows, and is indeed a card up your sleeve in the beauty game! Insider’s tip: apply using a dense, dome shaped powder brush and gently pat (do not rub) a little bit of powder all over your face, focusing on the T-Zone areas! Available at Sephora stores.

48 insider athens | May & June 2014

Beauty

4. Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray For instant lift-off, texture, volume and thickness Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray is the answer! This light, anti-clogging spray spins hair into an impeccable, airy silhouette. The perfect ally for fine or flat hair. Insider’s tip: Apply on dry hair. Spray at least 20cm away from head and directly on your roots for lasting volume! Available at Sephora stores.

5. Benefit’s the PORE fessional Benefit’s the PORE fessional--the ‘Secret Weapon!’ An oil-free, translucent primer that reduces pore size (temporarily) and the appearance of fine lines while helping makeup stay put--even on the warmest Spring and Summer days! Leaves skin feeling matte and silky smooth.

Wear underneath your powder or foundation. Bonus: Contains a protective form of Vitamin E! Insider’s tip: A little goes a long way, this product will last you eons, if used sparingly! Apply anywhere you have visibly apparent pores or fine lines, such as the nose or forehead.

Available at Sephora stores.

6. Essie’s New Spring 2014 Nail Polish Collection has 2 specific hues that have us lusting after them!

Spin the Bottle, a buttery smooth, flirty, semi-nude sheer colour that reminds us of the beach with its warm undertones! Think 90’s minimalism meets island getaway. Perfect for the office!

Style Hunter, this colour packs a punch! A bright pop of pink blended with crimson, this shade compliments any skin tone and is sure to mentally transport you to summer!

Available at select Hair & Beauty Salons as well as online.

7. MAC Mineralise Blush “Azalea in the Afternoon” Spice up your winter complexion and dive into Spring with MAC’s Mineralise Blush in “Azalea in the Afternoon.” This blush gives skin a radiant glow, reflecting light off cheekbones while giving a natural flush to the cheeks! Colour builds lightly and gradually, layer upon layer. Insider’s tip: Blend under eye on upper cheekbone towards temple for a photo-ready, luminous ‘highlighter’ effect finish! Can also be applied lightly to browbones. Available at MAC stores. i

Addresses MAC: Ermou 44, Syntagma, Tel. 210.325.8260, www.maccosmetics.gr Sephora: Ermou 24, Syntagma, Tel. 210.331.3167, www.sephora.gr Essie: Available at select Hair and Beauty Salons, as well as http://www.essienail.gr/

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Varoulko, Chef Lefteris Lazarou’s ode to seafood finds a new home on the water, on Akti Koumoundourou in Mikrolimano. And Lazarou continues to surprise by producing a succession of visually stunning, technically astute dishes that reveal a complex spectrum of tastes within a single ingredient. Sudha Nair-Iliades reports.

H

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

After thirty years in the business, one would have expected Lazarou to hang his apron and let his reputation do the talking. Instead, Lazarou has never been busier – mainly because he loves doing what he does. From its original location on a side street in Piraeus, the port-city that Lazarou holds so dear, to its premises on the gentrified Pireos street, Varoulko moves back to the sea to Mikrolimano.

I have always maintained that a meal at Varoulko should be on everyone’s bucket list of things to do in Greece. More affordable and diverse than ever, for a sheer succession of visually stunning, technically astute dishes that unlock a complex spectrum of tastes within a single ingredient, there is no better place to spend an evening.

Varoulko, Akti Koumoundourou 52, Mikrolimano. Tel: 210 5228400

Gastronomy

Mykonos has long been known as a hedonistic capital where only the most creative survive. With a galaxy of fabulous eating options, the White Star stands out as the go-to place this summer. Chef Lefteris Lazarou promises his signature seafood fare but goes one step further and adds meat to the mix. A minimalist setting, terrific music and some visually stunning cocktails make it a compelling alternative

L

ocated on Lakka, in the heart of Hora, White Star combines the whitewashed cubic elegance of the Cyclades with contemporary aesthetics to leave room for the food to do all the talking. And that it does, in whispers and in thunderclaps. Lazarou weaves his poetry through textures and flavours so improbable that even the most trained palates are tweaked into the suspense of what-might-be.

At White Sar, the Michelin-starred Chef Lazarou astutely takes a traditional recipe, deconstructs it, breathes new life into it, giving it a whole new identity – so that even when you read a menu that suggests Moussaka with minced shrimp or Grilled squid with black-eyed peas and marjoram – the final outcome presented on your plate is so surprisingly sublime, that moussaka takes on a new reference; squid acquires a new association.

Again, thrusting comfortable expectations away, Lazarou surprises by presenting a menu that also includes some delectable meat dishes such as wafer-thin beef carpaccio served with baby arugula and a rack of lamb with a devastatingly good, pungent Aioli sauce.

There’s wine with all of this, too - and what wine. The White Star scours Europe’s best tiny vineyards for its wine list, and the result is an experience as extraordinary as the food. There are whites, pinks and reds of every kind, often organic and unfiltered.

Adding his own unique touch to offer a complete gastronomic experience, is pastry chef Dimitris Chronopoulos, who has had a long collaboration with Lazarou, and whose creations deserve as much credit as the calories it very likely embraces. But worth every indulgent mouthful and the punishing exercise regimen to follow.

With terrific music, inspired cocktails and a magical setting, The White Star promises to be a destination for the discerning foodie seeking his next culinary high.

Photos: V. Paterakis

White Star, Lakka, Mykonos.Tel:.2289077347, www.whitestar.gr

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Enjoy Responsibly

52 insider athens | May & June 2014

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 Apsendi Halandri BACARO Omonia BALTHAZAR Mavili Sq BARAONDA Mavili Sq Café Zoe Syngrou CASH Kifissia CINCO Kolonaki Dirty Ginger Gazi En Plo Vouliagmeni Bar Explorer’s Lounge Syntagma Gazarte Gazi GINGER Mavili Sq ISLAND Vouliagmeni KITCHEN BAR Faliro & Halandri MAMACAS Gazi NIXON Kerameikos OSTERMAN Syntagma PARKO ELEFTHERIAS Mavili Sq SEMIRAMIS RESTAURANT Kifissia SHOWROOM Kolonaki Sofa Bar Vouliagmeni Step by step Halandri

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 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

54 insider athens | May & June 2014

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 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 & Halandri Meatropoleos 3 Syntagma Telemachos Barbeque Club Kifissia

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

INTERNATIONAL Ache Glyfada 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 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 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 BYZANTINO Hilton CAFE AVYSSINIAS Monastiraki Common Secret Kifissia DAPHNE’S RESTAURANT Plaka FATSIO Pangrati GB CORNER Syntagma HYTRA Plaka IDEAL RESTAURANT Omonia KOUZINA CINE-PSIRRI Psyrri MALABAR Vouliagmeni Mimaya Glyfada Mushroom Glyfada OCHRE & BROWN Psyrri PARLIAMENT Syntagma PRYTANEION Kolonaki RATKA Kolonaki Route Nationale 7 Glyfada STOU MEIDANI Monastiraki TO KOUTI Monastiraki 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 Quona Qai Neos Kosmos

PUB RESTAURANTS MOLLY MALONE’S Glyfada

RETRO Aneton Maroussi

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

RUSSIAN Barin Glyfada

SOUVLAKIA AND KEBAB BAIRAKTARIS Monastiraki BUTCHER’S SHOP Gazi DREAM GRILL Voula Gourounakia Kifissias Kifissia KALAMAKI KOLONAKI Kolonaki NAIADES Voula SAVVAS Monastiraki SCHARA Vouliagmeni Souvlaki Bar Thissio THANASSIS Monastiraki

SCANDINAVIAN SAFKA Kerameikos

SPANISH JAMON PINTXOS BAR Glyfada SALERO Exarhia

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

THAI ROYAL THAI Kifissia TAMARIND Metaxurgeio

TURKISH Mutfak Glyfada

VEGETARIAN Avocado Syntagma Giouvetsakia Glyfada NICE N EASY Kolonaki Rosebud Kolonaki

WINE BARS FABRICA DE VINO Exarhia HETEROCLITO Syntagma L’Enoteca Halandri OINOSCENT Syntagma Vinifera Kifissia Whispers of wine Maroussi VINARTE Glyfada

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Marie Chantal Boutique

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

Lacoste

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

Luisa

Deux Hommes

Marc by Marc Jacobs

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

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

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

Patriarchou Ioakim 35, Tel: 210.722.9697

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

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

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

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

Gifts 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

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 | May & June 2014 55

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

56 insider athens | May & June 2014

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

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

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

Food & Wine Provence Posidonos 80, Tel: 210.898.1435 Gourmet French delicatessen

20%

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 Dimitrios Square 13, Tel: 210.808.2191 Excellent European delicatessen

Varsos Kassaveti 5, Tel: 210.801.2472 Milk products & patisserie

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

The Mall Athens Andrea Papandreou 35 Tel: 210.630.0000 Shops, cinemas and food

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

Enjoy a cocktail or a coffee in a retro pop atmosphere

All day bar with freestyle music and interesting guest-nights

EAT

Vox

Plastiko

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

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

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

Gazi EAT

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

Villa Mercedes

Mani Mani

Bollywood Gazi

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

Falirou 10 Tel: 210.921.8180 Peloponnesian specialities with Mediterranean touches

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

Hilton

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.

Butcher’s Shop

EAT

Athiri

Alatsi

Kohenoor

Vrassida 13, Tel: 210.721.0501 Exquisite Cretan specialties

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

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

DRINK

Circus Bar

Bars, Clubs & Lounges

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

Ginger Ale Themistokleous 74, Tel: 210.330.1246

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

Dirty Ginger

Byzantino

Funky GourmetVoted one of top

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

Safka

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

Guaranteed value for money

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

Vlassis

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

Regular w ine

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

Kolonaki EAT

Cake Irodotou 15, Tel: 210.721.2253 For real American homemade cheesecake, brownies and more Kriezotou 12, Tel: 210.364.2948/ Loukianou 21, Tel: 210.729.3453 Desserts and cakes

Restaurants Altamira

Gazarte

EAT

Gargittion 23Α, Tel: 210.346.9396

in

Fresh

DRINK

Kerameikos

Gasoline

Paramythias 13 10 restaura nts and Salaminos, Europe Tel: 210 524 2727 Haute cuisine in art deco interior

Bakeries & Patisseries

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

Triptolemou 46, Tel: 210.342.3809 Excellent cocktails, meat dishes and “hot” finger food Boutadon 32-34, Tel: 210.346.0347 Lounge bar with excellent views of the Acropolis, ethnic music and live events

58 insider athens | May & June 2014

Mani Mani

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

Aleria

Tsakalof 36A, Tel: 210.361.4695 Flavours of multiethnic cuisine

Boschetto

Awarded Toqu e d’Or in 2013

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

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

Eat & Drink Capanna

Orizontes Lycavyttou

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

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

Cinco

Ouzadiko

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

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

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

Inbi Iraklitou 21, Tel: 210.339.2090 Sushi fusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr 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

DRINK

Da Capo

Balthazar

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

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

TGI Friday’s

Tea

Kolokotroni 35, Kefalari sq.

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

To Tsai

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

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

Briki

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

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 | May & June 2014 59

Insider guide Eat & Drink Metaxurgeio EAT Archeon Gefsis Kodratou 22, Tel: 210.523.9661 Ancient Greek cuisine makes a unique comeback after 25 centuries

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

New hot spot for the trendy

Tamarind Thai Kitchen, Kerameikou 51, Tel: 210.522.5945

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

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

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

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

Souvlaki Bar 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

360 Cocktail Bar

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

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

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

Omonia EAT Athinaikon Themistokleous 2, Tel: 210.383.8485 A traditional Greek ouzeri

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

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

Pangrati EAT Cucina Povera

To Kouti

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

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

Efroniou 5, Tel: 210.721.7421 Greek food & political gossip

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

Fatsio

Spondi

DRINK 360 Cocktail Bar Ifestou 2, Tel: 210.321.0006

60 insider athens | May & June 2014

2 Michelin

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

Fuga

Trata o Stelios

Electra

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

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

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

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

Mono Wine Restaurant Venizelou Paleologou 4, Tel: 210.322.6711 Unpretentious gourmet cuisine

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

Ydria Adrianou 68 & Eolou, Tel: 210.325.1619 Taditional Greek cuisine

Plaka

Psyrri

EAT

EAT

2 Mazi

Diporto

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

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

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”

Eat & Drink

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr

Kouzina Cine-Psirri

Dosirak

O Tzitzikas ki o Mermigas

Sari 44, Tel: 210.321.5534 Mediterranean fare & eclectic music

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

Ochre & Brown

Furin Kazan

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

Leokoriou 7, Tel: 210.331.2950 Mediterranean/French cuisine

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

GB Corner

DRINK Bars, Clubs & Lounges Cantina Social

Try the Polish beers

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

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

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

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

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

Noodle Bar

Nikis 30, Tel: 210.323.7878 Vegetarian restaurant

Panepistiomiou 10, Tel: 210.722.4824 A true French patisserie

Plaza Lounges

Ioannis

Avocado

Paul

Apollonos 6, Tel: 210.323.7720

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

EAT

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

Indian Kitchen

Dude

Syntagma

Osterman

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

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 Bars, Clubs & Lounges Boutique Filellinon 15, Tel: 210.323.1315 Popular Athenian night spot

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

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

Drink

Eat

Heteroclito New: Suba, Kolonaki, Athens Classic: Filippou, Kolonaki, Athens

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

Alternative: Vezene, Ilissia, Athens

Kalua

New: CV, Kerameikos, Athens

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

Alternative: Minnie the Moocher, Kolonaki, Athens

Syngrou EAT AiNikolas 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

Michelin star chef

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

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

Peacock 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

Quona Qai Athen Ledra Hotel, Syngrou 115, Neos Kosmos Tel: 210.930.0000 Polynesian - Tepanyiaki Restaurant

EAT Indian Masala

New: Onassis Cultural Centre, Tavros, Athens

Do

Tel: 210.322.9374 Trendy winebar

Thissio

Classic: Oinoscent, Syntagma, Athens

Classic: Museum of Cycladic Art, Kolonaki, Athens Alternative: Herakleidon Museum, Thissio, Athens

Frequent wine tastings Voulis 44A Syntagma.

Oinoscent

Explorer’s Lounge

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

insider athens | May & June 2014 61

Insider guide Eat & Drink Zefyros

Apostoplou Pavlou 31 Tel: 210.346.6960 Ideal for a lunch break

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

Kuzina

Zorbas

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

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

Southern Athens

Kirki

Piraeus

DRINK

EAT

Istioploikos

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

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

Degustation Varoulko menu at just 40 Ak. Koumoundourou 52, € 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 Varoulko

Al Dente Lazaraki 63 & Pandoras 10, Tel: 210.968.0280 Italian food with no fanfare

Amigos Kyprou 65A, Tel: 210.898.3167 Mexican flavours in a friendly setting New Address!

Kyprou 30-32, Tel: 210.963.8770

Matsuhisa

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

Aperitivo

Katafigio

Barin

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

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

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

Beirut

Mutfak

Panagouli 52 & Faidras Tel: 210.894.3169 Lebanese cuisine & entertainment

Laodikis 38, Tel: 210.894.9060 Authentic flavours from the Bosphorous

Domates

Route Nationale 7

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

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

Kitchen Bar Poseidonos 3, Tel: 210.981.2004 Comfort food overlooking the sea

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

DRINK

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

new

Russian

Food Mafia 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

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

Jamon Pintxos Bar

Zinc “Flisvos” Marina, Tel: 210.985.3183 Cocktails whith music Eleftherias 45, Tel: 210.985.0478 Reminiscent of an Irish pub with several beers to choose from

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

cuisine

Xenofontos 20, Tel: 210.960.6801 Fresh, unpretentious cuisine in a quiet Glyfada street.

Big Apple South

Zythos

62 insider athens | May & June 2014

Restaurants

Markou Botsari 13, Tel: 210.894.8397 Minimal décor, elegant Italian fare Laodikis 33-35, Tel: 210.894.6089 Basque “pinchos” in a cozy, cheerful atmosphere

Keep Woking Dimitriou Gounari 70, Tel:211.012.2801 Create-your-own Asian cuisine, fast and funky

La Casa Di Giorgino Kyprou 30-32, Tel: 210.963.8770 Authentic Italian pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven

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

Molly Malone's Zannitsopoulou 8, Tel: 210.894.4247

Irish pub serving probably the best Irish Stew in Athens

Mushroom

new

A. Lazaraki 61, Tel: 210.894.0711 Mediterranean cuisine with a French approach and wine bar

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

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 Posidonos 58, Tel: 210.898.3577 Waterfront lounging

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

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

Eat & Drink

To advertise, contact ads@insider-magazine.gr Grills with frills in a friendly setting at reasonable prices

Bo Botrini’s

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

En Plo Posidonos 4, Tel: 210.967.1770 Cocktails overlooking Vouliagmeni Bay

Mikro

Il Tramonto

Island

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

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

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

Ithaki

Cafes

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

Chocolat

Louizidis

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

Voula EAT

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

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

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

Dulcis in Fundo

Matsuhisa Athens

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

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

Dream Grill

Elias Koukoutsi

Live music Vasileos Pavlou 99,Thursday-S aturday Tel: 210.899.5480 A modern “rakadiko” serving Greek dishes.

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

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

Northern Athens

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

Posidonos 15, Tel: 210.896.2432 Il Τramonto

Vasileos Georgiou B 24b, Halandri, Tel: 210.685.7323 Athens' best table by far, winner of Golden Hats 2014

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

Saipan

DRINK

Vinarte

cocktails in stylish urban atmosphere

Bo Botrini’s

Ag. Paraskevi

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

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

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

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

Step by step

new

EAT

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

Da Vinci

Wine Not

new

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

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

Nanninela

Psychico

Peloponnissou 13 Tel: 210.600.5622 Authentic Italian cuisine in traditional decor

EAT 310 Street

Halandri EAT 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

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

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

China’s Fantasy

Apsendi

Dioskouroi

Kifissias 250-254 & Serres Tel: 210.671.7890 Refined cuisine and

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

Kambouroglou 32, Tel: 210.674.9889 Chinese cuisine

insider athens | May & June 2014 63

5

Insider guide Eat & Drink 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

Krithamos

Kifissias 222, Tel: 210.808.8318 Indian cuisine and fine wines

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

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

Common Secret

Jaipur Palace

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

Kifissias 317, Tel: 210.800.1402 Divine food from all over the world

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

64 insider athens | May & June 2014

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

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

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

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

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

O Tzitzikas Ki O Mermigas

Prytaneion

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

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, 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

Ag. Asomaton 17 & Melidoni 1 Tel: 210.323.1073

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

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

Hiltonia Health & Wellness Club

Hammam baths

Aneton

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

Hilton

Thissio

Perikleous 28, Tel: 210.612.8841 Multiethnic cuisine in funky environment

Mauzac

Kolokotroni 37, Tel: 210.808.9160 Generous portions of Mediterranean fare

Gefsis Me Onomasia Proelefsis

Dyo 48

El Taco Bueno

Kyriazi 24, Tel: 210.808.7906 Excellent Mexican food & super margaritas Dexamenis & Olimpionikon 4, Tel: 210.62.00.005 The authenticity of Greek cuisine with stunning views of the city

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

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

Dos Hermanos

Elaias Gi

Chateau

Nargile

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

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

DRINK

Central Athens

Gourounakia Kifissias

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

Southern 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 | May & June 2014 65

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, Quona Qai 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

66 insider athens | May & June 2014

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 | May & June 2014 67

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

68 insider athens | May & June 2014

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

Mitseon 3, Acropolis.

Tel: 210.922.3611-4

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

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

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70 insider athens | May & June 2014

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

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useful information

Road Assistance ELPA: 104 Public Power Corporation (DEI) In case of power failure: Tel: 210, 523 9939 www.dei.gr

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

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

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

ALBA Graduate Business School Athinas Ave. & Areos 2A, Vouliagmeni Tel: 210.896.4531 American University of Athens Kifisias & Sochou 4, Neo Psichiko, Tel: 210.725.9301 Business College of Athens Tatoiou 2 & Othonos 77, Kifissia Tel: 210.808.8008

International Kindergartens

International Schools

St Catherine's British Embassy School Sofoklis Venizelou 77, Lykovrissi Tel: 210.282.9750 St. Lawrence College Anemon St, Koropi Tel: 210.891.7000 American Community Schools of Athens Aghias Paraskevis Ave. 129, Halandri, Tel: 210.639.3200 Campion School Aghias Ioulianis, Pallini Tel: 210.607.1700 Byron College Filolaou 7, Gerakas Tel: 210.604.7722 International School of Athens Xenias and Artemidos, Kifissia, Tel: 210.623.3888 Lycée Franco-Hellénique Eugène Delacroix Chlois & Trikalon, Ag. Paraskevi Tel: 211.300.9121 Scuola Statale Italiana Odos Mitsaki 18, Ano Patissia Tel: 210.228.2720 German School in Athens Homatianou & Ziridi, Maroussi Tel: 210.619.9261 Greek German School 25 Martiou & Vernardou, Vrylissia Tel: 210.682.0566

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

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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

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

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

Au petit bonheur 50 Iraklitou, Glyfada, Tel: 210 9658 207 Les Alouettes Spartis 36 & Harilaou Trikoupi, Kifissia Tel: 210 80 11 570 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

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

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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

INTERCITY BUSES Terminal 1: Buses for Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Kavala, Loutraki, Patra, the Peloponese, and Thessaloniki. Kifissou 100Tel: 210.512.4910-1, www.ktel.org Terminal 2: Buses for Delphi, Evia, Galaxidi, Karpenisi, Katerini, Lamia, Livadia, Thiva and Volos. Liosion 260.

For KTEL itineraries all over Greece call 14505

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

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

Sea ports & Ferries

getting around Ferries Ferries run year-round. For information on seasonal schedules contact a travel agent or call the Port Police on 210.422.6000 From the Port of Piraeus Northern and Eastern Aegean Islands: Gates A & B Chios, Ikaria, Lesvos, Samos, Dodecanese Islands: Gate E Kalymnos, Kos Leros, Patmos, Rhodes, Saronic Gulf Islands:

Gates G & E

Aegina, Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Crete: Gate A Aghios Nikolaos, Chania, Iraklio, Kastelli (Kissamos), Rethymno, Cycladic Islands:

Gates B, G & D

Astipalea, Folegandros, Kimolos, Kithnos, Milos, Serifos, Sifnos: Gate B Amorgos, Donoussa, Ios, Iraklia, Koufonissi, Mykonos, Santorini, Schinoussa, Syros, Tinos: Gates G&D Naxos, Paros: Gate G

Superfast Ferries Daily departures, Greece - Italy: from Patras and Igoumenitsa to Ancona and Bari Head office: 23-125 Syngrou Avenue & 3 Torva Street 11745 Athens.

Tel:210.891.9000 Reservations: Athens: 210.891.9130 Thessaloniki: 2310.560.700, www.superfast.com Hellenic Seaways 210 41 99 000 www.hellenicseaways.gr, Anek Lines www.anek.gr Domestic lines: 210 41 97 420 International lines: 210 41 97 430 Minoan Lines www.minoan.gr Tel: 801 11 75 000

YACHT CHARTERS A1 Yacht Trade Consortium Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus. Tel: 210.458.7100 Ghiolman Yachts Filellinon 7, Syntagma. Tel: 210.323.3696 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

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K A L E I DOSCOP E

Cinema under the stars Nothing defines the beginning of Greek summer as open-air cinemas do. Every neighbourhood has one – some as old as the history of cinema, perched on a rooftop with a view of the Acropolis; others, more recent entrants, right on the water set to the music of sailboat masts swaying in the summer breeze; still others surrounded by perfumed gardens that fill the sultry evening with the quintessential Greek fragrance of orange blossoms and jasmine. With over 60 open-air cinemas to choose from in Attica alone, it is a Greek summer tradition that is truly alive and well. Most families visit en masse – grandmothers with a few mezedakia wrapped for ever-hungry grandkids, babies in strollers, pets on leash, young parents who can keep their children distracted enough to sneak in most of the movie, teens in large pareas – the open-air cinema is a truly democratic space, open to all. But for most cinephiles, its appeal lies in the possibility of catching reruns of blockbusters in two evening shows.

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