BUSINESS CENTRE
XpatAthens
Friday, 20 February 2015 15:48
Delicious Cheese Pie (Tiropita)
Cheese Pies - Tiropita - are delicious little parcels of filo pastry, with a tasty filling of feta cheese. They are almost always included on a meze platter and are such a versatile food. You can have them as a daytime snack, with a salad for a light meal, they even go with drinks. This Greek food recipe is so easy and quick to make, they can be whipped up in no time and served for your very happy guests.
I have used two methods here, one with fillo pastry, the other with puff pastry. Try either method, they both taste fantastic!
Ingredients
8 - 10 sheets filo pastry
70 - 90 gms butter, melted
200g feta cheese, crumbled
200g fresh ricotta cheese
2 eggs lightly beaten
ground black pepper
pinch of ground nutmeg
Preparation
With the cheese, you need at least 200g of feta, you can have more feta and less ricotta if you like, especially if the feta is quite mild.
Combine all the filling ingredients in a Mixing Bowl and mix well.
On a board, stack the fillo sheets on top of each other and cut into 3 strips, lengthwise.
Prepare and grease a large baking tray.
Take one strip of filo at a time, using a Pastry Brush carefully brush the melted butter over the pastry, then place 1 or 2 teaspoons of filling on the pastry at one end.
Taking one corner, fold it over diagonally to create a triangle shape. Keep folding it back and forth, diagonally along the strip. You will find the filling has become enclosed in a triangle shaped envelope.
Place the cheese pie on the baking tray with the loose end underneath. Repeat for all other pies.
Brush the tops of the pies with the melted butter.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until light golden - 180 C, 350 F, gas 4.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Serve as part of a meze with a drink!
Another very simple method is to use puff pastry. (I often use the shop bought frozen sheets of pastry as it is much easier, but you can make your own puff pastry.)
You will need 5 -6 sheets of pastry.
Cut each sheet into 6 portions, place 1 or 2 teaspoons of cheese filling on each piece.
Brush with water around the edges of the pastry, then fold the pastry over the filling to create a bit of a square.
Pinch the sides together and then place on a baking tray.
Brush the pastry with milk and bake as above.
Both versions are delicious and are great to serve as party food.
Bon Appetit - Kali Orexi
Published in
Greek Food & Diet
Tagged under
Friday, 06 March 2015 13:03
Athens To London / London To Athens By Train
No problem! You can travel from St Pancras station to mainland Greece in just 48 hours, with a bed at night in a sleeper on the train and a cabin on the ship, a restaurant for your meals, and great scenery. Sailing across blue seas under even bluer skies past the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia is a wonderful way to reach Greece. A far more rewarding experience than 3 hours strapped to a seat on a plane, and affordable, too. Or you can travel overland by train all the way, a 3-day rail adventure via Paris, Vienna, Budapest & Bucharest.
You can reach Greece from London either by train to Italy for the ferry to Patras, or by train all the way to Athens across eastern Europe via Vienna and Budapest. Here are the main options:
Option 1, by train to Italy then cruise ferry to Greece...
This is the quickest, cheapest and most comfortable way from London to Greece without flying. It's shown in red on the route map below. It's a wonderful trip and a great alternative to a flight, taking just 48 hours from St Pancras station to stepping ashore in Greece. Take Eurostar from London to Paris, the overnight sleeper from Paris to Bologna, then an air-conditioned train to Bari in southern Italy. Modern cruise ferries sail overnight from Bari to Patras in Greece, for the train to Athens. Why not stop off to see a little of Italy on the way?
Option 2, by train all the way to Athens...
The overland route from London to Greece takes you via Paris, Munich, Vienna, Budapest & Bucharest to Thessaloniki, Larissa & Athens. This route is shown in dark blue on the route map below. Alternatively, you can travel via Brussels & Cologne, and/or via Belgrade - these alternative routes are shown in light blue on the map below. The complete journey from London to Athens takes 3 nights, with safe & comfortable sleeping-cars available for each of the overnight sections. It's an exciting journey with some wonderful scenery on the way, via Transylvania and the mountains of Greece. Feel free to stop off if you like, too.
Option 3, by train to Venice then by cruise ferry...
This is a simpler but longer variation of option 1. You can take the train from London to Venice and a cruise ferry from Venice to Patras in Greece for the train to Athens. This shows you Venice on the way, and it's a simpler train journey as there's a direct sleeper train from Paris to Venice. Ships from Venice to Patras sail either daily or several times each week, depending on the season.
For further information and details please visit: Seat61.com
Published in
Travel Greece
Tagged under
Thursday, 09 July 2015 07:00
In Athens, Austerity Makes Contemporary Art Palatable
Austerity measures have been bad for Greeks, but good for tourism, which shot up 28.8 percent in the first three months of this year compared with the same period in 2014. Another beneficiary? Artists. Rent for studio space is significantly cheaper than in other European capitals, and the political and economic turmoil have provided plenty of artistic fodder — not to mention a frustrated, attentive audience. In the wake of these woes, artists, curators, critics and nonprofits are finding that contemporary art is having its moment in a city best known as the epicenter of the ancient world.
Iliana Fokianaki, an Athens-based curator and art critic, was considering a move to Paris in 2011 when businesses were shuttering, friends were losing their jobs and thousands took to the streets in protest. But rather than motivate her to head out of the country, this had the opposite effect. She stayed.
“I realized it would be much more useful to have an artistic platform in a city like Athens than another European city,” said Ms. Fokianaki, who in 2013 inaugurated State of Concept, a Greek nonprofit gallery that has a twofold mission to showcase artists through solo exhibitions and provide young graduates with free consultations. “The crisis kind of boosted our energy to do more things, rather than flee the country.”
To read more, please visit: New York Times
Published in
Greek Language & Culture
Tagged under
Monday, 20 June 2016 07:00
PWC Study Says Athens Is A City Of Opportunity
Price Waterhouse Coopers has analyzed the trajectory of 30 cities, all of which are capitals of finance, commerce, and culture. This study has ranked the cities based on performance and what makes the cities function best. Among the 30 cities that were studied, Athens was ranked 23.
The study examines and identifies the factors that contribute to a successful city and a resilient urban community, evaluating the selected cities on the basis of 10 indicators, organized into 3 families:
- Tools for a changing world: Education, technology, and global access
- Quality of life: Attaining the good life is anything but a walk in the park
- Economics: Paying the way for progress
In total, the study uses 10 indicators to map a city’s performance:
Intellectual capital and innovation, Technology readiness, City Gateway, Health, safety, and security, Sustainability and the natural environment, Demographics and livability, Transportation and infrastructure, Economic clout, Ease of doing business and Cost.
The indicators that were strong points for Athens were health, safety, security, sustainability and the natural environment, cost, and city getaway.
Mayor of Athens, Yorgos Kaminis commented, "This study is a very useful tool in the hands of the Municipal Authority and we will use it to implement both immediate and long-term priorities for the city. The city of Athens proposes a new model of development and social cohesion, with emphasis on openness, innovation and the creation of new jobs to stimulate the Greek capital city as an exclusive tourist destination.”
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda
To view the PWC study, please click HERE.
The indicators that were strong points for Athens were health, safety, security, sustainability and the natural environment, cost, and city getaway.
Mayor of Athens, Yorgos Kaminis commented, "This study is a very useful tool in the hands of the Municipal Authority and we will use it to implement both immediate and long-term priorities for the city. The city of Athens proposes a new model of development and social cohesion, with emphasis on openness, innovation and the creation of new jobs to stimulate the Greek capital city as an exclusive tourist destination.”
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Agenda
To view the PWC study, please click HERE.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 07 September 2017 05:55
UNWTO Features Greece As A 365-Day Destination In Video Competition
Greece’s four seasons have been featured in a promotional video of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) titled “Greece – A 365-day Destination” that will be included in the 2nd Tourism Video Competition organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The competition will be held from September 11th through the 16th in Chengdu, China and will award outstanding country promotional videos.
This video aims to promote Greece as a year round destination, as part of the Tourism Ministry’s strategy to extend the tourism season.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Published in
Videos
Tagged under
Tuesday, 21 November 2017 07:00
Plastic Recycling In Athens - Plastikourgeio
After a holiday in Serifos and not being able to drink the tap water, Daphne and her husband Fran were shocked to see how many plastic water bottles had piled up during their stay. When they returned to Athens, they were determined to do something about plastic waste.
After discovering Precious Plastic, an initiative started by Dave Hakkens who shows how easy it is to set up your own plastic recycling space, Daphne and Fran decided to set up one of their own in Athens called Plastikourgeio.
Daphne says, "Our mission is to show how plastic CAN be recycled but to also stress the point that although the recycling process can be very creative, it requires a lot effort so our over arching goal as a society should be to reduce the use and production of plastic. Recycling is our last best option."
To read this article in full, please visit: Plastic Free Greece
Please click HERE for more information on Plastic Free Greece.
Published in
Local Environment
Tagged under
Tuesday, 27 February 2018 07:00
Aphrodite Statue Discovered In Thessaloniki
As the construction for the subway in Thessaloniki, Greece continues, as it has been for the last 10 years, a recent discovery has caught the attention of news outlets, including Greek City Times. A headless Aphroditi, as well as beautiful floor mosaics, were found and excavated near Thessaloniki's Hagia Sophia, an ancient church dating back to the Byzantine era.
The discovery was announced on social media by the chairman of Attiko Metro, Yannis Mylopoulos, who posted the picture of the statue. According to Mylopoulos 300,000 antiquities have been unearthed during archaeological excavations so far at the metro site.
Apart from the floors, the wall ruins and part of a bath that was in the complex, have been saved. From the excavations that are still in progress, it turns out there was also a tank that supplied the bath with water. Glass fragments at the site likely belong to bottles with aromatic oils applied by the bathers.
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek City Times
Published in
Greece In The News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 15 January 2019 17:41
January 15 - Knowledge & Culture
Are you a book eater? Great! Then you'll be delighted to know that the National Library of Greece has officialy opened at SNFCC and that we've also put together a list with the most important libraries in Athens!
Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Published in
Newsletters
Tagged under
Friday, 27 September 2019 12:35
The First Regus Business Center Opened In Thessaloniki
The largest provider of ready-made workplaces came to Thessaloniki offering flexible solutions for every professional.
Regus, with presence in over 110 countries and 1000 cities around the world, opened its first offices in Thessaloniki this early July.
In a 1,934-square-foot space that spans 5 floors, Regus has created 66 offices, two meeting rooms and 211 individual workspaces for anybody who wants to save on office costs, start their business quickly and hassle free, for those in need of a flexible contract for their headquarters or for companies that want to be active in the city without spending time on looking for a conventional space.
Regus's offices in Thessaloniki are located in the city center, on Karolou Del Street, very close to the port and across from Otton Square, with easy access to the bus stop and the main train station. Main buildings such as the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki are only a few steps away.
Katerina Manou, Regus General Manager for Greece said in a statement: “We are excited about the expansion of our offices in Thessaloniki, a city with strong entrepreneurship and significant growth in recent years. We believe our offices will be of great help to anyone looking for a modern and easily accessible workplace in the heart of the city, providing all the modern services and networking opportunities in our well-designed spaces. "
Regus is reaching out to any freelance professional or company of any size looking for a professional and enjoyable workspace enhanced with state-of-the-art equipment, high speed internet infrastructure, administrative support and an ergonomically designed environment that stimulates employee profitability.
About Regus
First established in 1989, Regus is one of the original pioneers of flexible workspace, helping businesses choose a way of working that’s best for their people.
Now spanning the world with over 3,000 locations, Regus’ global network of bright, inspiring workspaces allows modern businesses to work where, when and how they want, in a more agile way. Regus provides businesses with the flexibility to grow without risk or commitment, and attracts a diverse network of 2.5 million people, from entrepreneurs and SMEs to multi-national blue-chip companies.
Regus is an operating brand of IWG plc: the holding group for a number of leading workspace providers. Other brands in the IWG portfolio include Spaces, HQ, No18 and Signature by Regus.
Check out Regus' flexible workspace locations to find a base for your international team!
This content has been sponsored by IWG - an XpatAthens Brand Partner.
Published in
Business News
Tagged under
Monday, 27 January 2020 03:14
Athina Luxury Suites - Santorini Island
Situated at the most privileged location of Fira, on the cliffs of the caldera with unlimited views of the famous volcano, the sunset and the whole island, only a few steps away from the center of Fira, but still, with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, Athina Luxury Suites is the place to stay in Santorini.
Fully renovated in 2019 with exclusive materials, minimal design, upgraded services and rich amenities for those who want to enjoy privacy, high-class services, comfort, and luxury, always with the majestic scenery of Santorini’s caldera from every spot of the hotel.
Athina Luxury Suites consists of three Junior Suites for 2 people each, two Master Loft Suites, loft-style for up to 3 people, four Deluxe Suites with separate bedroom and living room up to 4 people, two Honeymoon Suites, strictly for couples with heated jacuzzis on their balconies and steam baths inside the room, two Superior Suites with outdoor jacuzzis on their private balconies for 2 people, two Junior Cave Suites with their private balconies and amazing views, one Petit Cave Suite with the large outdoor jacuzzi, ideal for couples, one Cave Suite for up to 4 people with a very large outdoor jacuzzi pool and finally the Grand Cave Suite with the big loft, indoor and outdoor heated jacuzzis for up to 4 people, ideal for families, friends, and couples. Finally, the unique and exclusive Royal Suite is actually a 140 square meters private villa in the hotel, with a large heated jacuzzi pool on the private balcony, rare and precious pieces of art and furniture for up to 6 people.
Fully renovated in 2019 with exclusive materials, minimal design, upgraded services and rich amenities for those who want to enjoy privacy, high-class services, comfort, and luxury, always with the majestic scenery of Santorini’s caldera from every spot of the hotel.
Athina Luxury Suites consists of three Junior Suites for 2 people each, two Master Loft Suites, loft-style for up to 3 people, four Deluxe Suites with separate bedroom and living room up to 4 people, two Honeymoon Suites, strictly for couples with heated jacuzzis on their balconies and steam baths inside the room, two Superior Suites with outdoor jacuzzis on their private balconies for 2 people, two Junior Cave Suites with their private balconies and amazing views, one Petit Cave Suite with the large outdoor jacuzzi, ideal for couples, one Cave Suite for up to 4 people with a very large outdoor jacuzzi pool and finally the Grand Cave Suite with the big loft, indoor and outdoor heated jacuzzis for up to 4 people, ideal for families, friends, and couples. Finally, the unique and exclusive Royal Suite is actually a 140 square meters private villa in the hotel, with a large heated jacuzzi pool on the private balcony, rare and precious pieces of art and furniture for up to 6 people.
All our suites are equipped with LCD Sat TVs 32” and 42” (or wider), desk, Bluetooth speakers, tablet PCs, free wifi connection, telephone, laptop-size safe box, mini-bar, ironing facilities, hairdryers, scales, beauty mirrors, fine Guy Laroche linens, towels and bathrobes for every guest, slippers, luxury Hermes or Guerlain cosmetics, pool towels and much more.
The large infinity heated swimming pool on the cliff offers a unique experience swimming and enjoying all the view from Oia to Akrotiri, a pool to infinity with a bar in the water open all day until the sunset hours. The room service offers an extended menu with a wide list of drinks and food. Drinks are available 24 hours and our kitchen is open from 11:30 ‘till midnight.
The Esperisma Bar-Restaurant which is located in the hotel’s upper balcony is open all day offering the most refreshing signature cocktails, serving some carefully selected dishes combined with a list of fine wines and champagnes especially during the sunset 'till the late hours. Private candlelight dinner options are available on request for special occasions. Just ask for our special menus.
The Aphrodite SPA in the hotel offers relaxation massages, treatments, body and face therapies, with a cave aesthetics and relaxed atmosphere. Athina Luxury Suites is the ideal location to have your dream wedding ceremony and venue facing amazingly romantic scenery or just to enjoy your honeymoon in our special Honeymoon Suites with outdoor jacuzzis.
Our joy is to offer leisure and delight and to make the accommodation of every guest personalized, exclusive and unforgettable, emphasizing individuality and privacy.
Our concierge and front desks are 24-hours open, to every demand and request, arranging VIP excursions, transfers, car rentals, yacht rentals, helicopter rides, private dinners and every other need or request for our loyal guests.
The large infinity heated swimming pool on the cliff offers a unique experience swimming and enjoying all the view from Oia to Akrotiri, a pool to infinity with a bar in the water open all day until the sunset hours. The room service offers an extended menu with a wide list of drinks and food. Drinks are available 24 hours and our kitchen is open from 11:30 ‘till midnight.
The Esperisma Bar-Restaurant which is located in the hotel’s upper balcony is open all day offering the most refreshing signature cocktails, serving some carefully selected dishes combined with a list of fine wines and champagnes especially during the sunset 'till the late hours. Private candlelight dinner options are available on request for special occasions. Just ask for our special menus.
The Aphrodite SPA in the hotel offers relaxation massages, treatments, body and face therapies, with a cave aesthetics and relaxed atmosphere. Athina Luxury Suites is the ideal location to have your dream wedding ceremony and venue facing amazingly romantic scenery or just to enjoy your honeymoon in our special Honeymoon Suites with outdoor jacuzzis.
Our joy is to offer leisure and delight and to make the accommodation of every guest personalized, exclusive and unforgettable, emphasizing individuality and privacy.
Our concierge and front desks are 24-hours open, to every demand and request, arranging VIP excursions, transfers, car rentals, yacht rentals, helicopter rides, private dinners and every other need or request for our loyal guests.
Published in
Hotels
Tagged under