Paradosiako

παραδοThis is a place for great local street food and more, in various locations.  It started in the village of Panorama over 20 years ago as a relaxed coffee place. It quickly became a hit destination for all ages mainly because it offered the chance to have good quality coffee and eat something for breakfast or dessert. A few years later it opened a few more shops with the one in Aristotelous square being the most central and famous one.

If you need a nice breakfast to start the day or if you are wandering in the city and want to eat sth fast this is one of the best options. Everything is top quality and you can have big variety from super healthy salads to pizza made on the spot and delicious desserts.

There is minimal place to sit and mainly outside so this is suggested mainly as a to go option. There is another one in Kouskoura Street with a bigger sitting area if you prefer.

Where : Aristotelous & Tsimiski, + more

 

Servitora

serSpring & sunny weekends are here, so it’s time for me to suggest my favourite tavern by the sea. The name is quite strange as the place itself. “The waitress vanishes behind the curtain” in short “Waitress” in greek “Servitora”. You got confused ? No need.  All you need to know is how to get there. You take the road to the airport and then continue to N.Epivates. Go right from the main road and when you get to the sea just walk a bit or ask around for the place. It is best to go by car, but a bus will also take you there eventually… Starting next month the boats from the Port to Peraia will probably also stop there so you can combine a swim with some great food & drink.

The food is really fresh and delicious, and the prices are very good. The earlier you get there the better chances for a nice table in front of the sea. Enjoy !

Where : Kountouriotou, N. Epivates

Brothers In Law

brothersAnother cool burger place in town ! Yummy !

It took me a while to discover this one, as it is a bit far from my lunch break area, but the visit was totally worth it.

My chicken burger was delicious, the fried potatoes are hand made, the service fast and friendly, what more do you need ?  A stylish atmosphere? You have that also ! I dream of going back there very soon !  Just a short walk from White Tower.

Where: Pavlou Mela 30,

Friderikos

φρειδερικοWhat can I say for this place… It is the ultimate urban retro mix coffee drinks place.  Although, in the city centre, this is a relatively quiet location with trees around setting up a beautiful atmosphere.

It is located just off the Ancient Roman Forum so it is a great stop for a coffee or drink. Pay attention to every detail inside and you will fall in love with this place.

Tip: It is named after the owners’ dog that you might spot there sitting next to you. Take a good look at the photo because the name in the sign is written in greek.

Where: Olympou 87

Roots

roootsAt last a vegetarian restaurant in town ! It is located in an area full with meat taverns but the style and atmosphere make a big difference.

It is really small inside so it is better to go there at off hours.  The menu is quite small but whatever you decide to eat  is simply delicious.

Food and drinks are top quality. This is the kind of place that if you go once, you can’t wait to go back soon.

My suggestion – don’t miss the mushroom risotto – it is the best !

Where: Balanou 4-6, Pl. Athonos

Hozeva

hozevaYou will be really glad to find this place very close to the city market.  It just opened in a renovated old building. It is very small but with 3 seating levels + outside if weather permits, you will find your place for some tsipouro + meze or greek coffee made the traditional way.

It is named after an orthodox monastery in the island of Amorgos a favourite destination of the owners Alex and Maria.

Where: Spandoni 5, Kapani

FoodPorn

food pornA cool new burger place just opened in town called FoodPorn !

It is powered by the Ergon team so we expected good taste in a stylish environment and we were not dissapointed ! Cool and modern environment, great burgers and amazing salads !

It is located in the heart of the city centre close to cafes and bars so it is ideal for a quick bite before or after drinks and shopping.

Location: 11 Proxenou Koromila Street

Athos Photo Exhibition

2014-10-22 18.19.29The Cultural Centre of National Bank of Greece is hosting for a few more days the amazing photo exhibition of Stratos Kalafatis – ATHOS.

This photo exhibition presents a unique inside view of Mount Athos, that especially if you are a woman, you will never have a chance to see in this lifetime.  The exhibition is hosted in a magnificent old mansion with great history, known as Villa Kapantzi.

In case you don’t know anything about Mt Athos, let me tell you that Mt. Athos is a self-governed Greek Monastic State which constitutes the center of Eastern Orthodox Monasticism.  For more than 1,000 years, males (and only males) have arrived  to the mountain, changed their names and lived in isolation, devoting themselves to prayer.

2014-10-22 18.17.45Stratos Kalafatis devoted many years and numerous trips there, to complete this demanding project. The result can be seen in this exhibition and also in the photography book that was just published.

I have to tell you that I was very privileged to see this work a year ago, since mr Kalafatis was my photography teacher.

Don’t miss the chance to visit this unique photo exhibition till October 24th.  After that it will travel to other greek cities, Berlin, Germany and various other locations all over the world.

www.stratoskalafatis.com

Giant Koulouri this Sunday only !

koIf you feel like you had too much activity over the weekend – I have something fun and relaxing for you on Sunday 19th. The world’s biggest koulouri bread will be made tomorrow noon at the White Tower.

This Sunday you will see something you will probably never see again; a giant “koulouri” made from 700kg flour and sesame seeds will be baked around the White Tower!

The koulouri, which is the city’s traditional bread delicacy ( something similar to a pretzel ), will most probably be the largest ever being baked. In the morning the bakers will also hand out normal sized koulouri to visitors, but in the end of the day the giant koulouri will be cut and anyone who wants to can have a taste.

How exciting !

3rd Night Marathon

mThis weekend it is all about sports in the city.

Besides the World Rowing Costal Championships we also have the 3rd International Half Marathon this Suturday 18th of October.

Someone could say this city is very athletic ! We do lots of sports, that is why we spend the rest of the time drinking coffee by the sea !

In fact this year’s attendance has grown from last year’s 12,000 runners, making this event another big athletic event for the city. But what is a half-Marathon and why is it half ? It is an endurance race and the little “brother” of the Marathon. As its name suggests, it is a race of the half distance of a marathon (42.195 m) that is 21.095 m.  The smaller distance and the fat that it uses city centre roads makes it very popular and easy for most people to participate.

Enjoy the sports weekend !

More details about the event on the website.