Greek stuffed eggplant or Melitzanes papoutsakia as they are called in Greece is a Greek dish that receives its name from the resemblance of its shape with little shoes. The taste and the ingredients used for this ‘Papoutsakia’ recipe are very similar to the popular Greek dish moussaka.

Extra juicy and absolutely delicious, this aubergine-based traditional recipe will certainly amaze you!

• 5 eggplants
• 500g minced beef
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 glass of red wine
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes or tomato juice (passata)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp oregano
• 100g grated kefalotyri or any hard yellow cheese
• olive oil
• salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 2–3 tbsps chopped parsley

For the béchamel sauce

• 100g flour
• 100g butter
• 900ml milk (3 and 3/4 cups)
• 2 egg yolks
• a pinch of nutmeg

For the mashed potatoes

• 4 large potatoes, boiled
• 50g milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 egg yolks

• Cut the eggplants into two pieces and carve them crosswise (the flesh). Season the eggplants and place them in a colander for about half an hour. Wash them with plenty of water and drain them on some kitchen paper.
• Preheat the oven to 200C. Season the eggplants with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Place the eggplants (with the skin facing up) in a baking tray, lined with parchment paper. Bake the eggplants for 40 minutes, until softened.
• In the meantime, prepare the meat sauce for the ‘papoutsakia’. Peel and chop the onions and garlic. Place a large pan on medium heat, add some olive oil and the onions and sauté, until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté. Turn the heat up, add the minced beef breaking it up with your spoon and sauté. Deglaze with the red wine and wait 1-2 minutes to evaporate. Stir in the canned tomatoes, the cinnamon stick, a pinch of sugar, the oregano, and season. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated. In the end, add 1-2 handfuls of grated cheese and chopped parsley and stir.

To read the full recipe, please visit: mygreekdish.com

The redevelopment of central Athens’ Panepistimiou Avenue is part of a general urban redevelopment plan. So far the makeover has included park projects, pedestrian walkways, and major city square overhauls.

After major construction works on the central street of the capital, 19,360 square meters will be redeveloped. Athens will, presumably, have more aesthetically modernized and environmentally valuable public space after the renovation.

To enhance sustainable mobility by expanding existing sidewalks, 4270 square meters will be allocated for pedestrians, according to the makeover project. Another 2260 square meters of Athens green space (large flower beds with shrubs and seasonal plants), will be created.

A total of 87 new large plane trees are to be planted along Panepistimiou Avenue, lining both sides of the street. The Panepistimiou renovation has a budget of €3 million euros and is a plan Athens mayor Kostas Bakoyiannis believes in.

The makeover aims to upgrade the standard of living in the urban center, the municipality says, making it more accessible and friendlier to Athens residents and visitors.

This stage of the project comes after the recent start of renovation work on the lower part of Athens’ Syntagma Square. The makeover renovations are scheduled to begin at the end of the year.

The works will continue for a period of up to 15 months, the Athens municipality announced. The makeover will allegedly follow the example of similar urban plans implemented in Berlin and Paris.

In an effort to clarify a number of issues (and take the pulse of the reactions), the Athens municipality has launched an FAQ series covering questions on the makeover project.

Athens authorities are noting that the disruption will be as little as possible in the capital. They have announced that works will be carried out in segments.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

A new tram service set to initially connect the port of Piraeus with Neo Faliro is scheduled to take off next month, said Deputy Infrastructure and Transport Minister George Karagiannis this week
.

Speaking on SKAI radio, the minister admitted there were problems but went on to say that the government was committed to resolving issues and moving ahead with the tram, which “starts its routes to Piraeus in November. It will run a circular route from Neo Faliro with 12 new stations. Virtually the whole of Piraeus will be served.

Karagiannis said the ministry was implementing a comprehensive transportation and traffic plan, and also announced the creation of a transportation observatory.

Among others, work was proceeding for the completion of the Metro line to Athens International Airport from Piraeus.

“By the summer of 2022, in July, all three remaining stations will be ready – Piraeus, Municipal Theater, and Maniatika [stations]. So, the largest port in the country will be connected to the airport in under 50 minutes,” he said, adding that it will help ease traffic and improve the quality of life.

In this direction, the minister went on to refer to other transport infrastructure projects including the completion of the Western Egaleo ring-road, the extension of the suburban railway (proastiakos), the extension of the Metro towards western Athens suburb Ilion, the upgrade of the Athens-Corinth roadway as well as the extension of the Attiki Odos motorway towards Kymis Avenue.

Referring to Athens Metro Line 4 budgeted at 1.2 billion euros and funded by EU resources to cover the transportation needs of some 340,000 people daily, the minister said it will change the commuting habits in Attica.

Lastly, Karagiannis said a strategy was being drawn up to address traffic congestion in the center of Athens. Under the odd/even traffic regulation system dubbed the “green daktylios”, cars will be allowed entry into the city center based on plate number with the exception of electric vehicles.

Originally published on: news.gtp.gr

Most people tend to think of Greece mainly as a summer destination, thanks to its countless beautiful islands and sun-drenched beaches. And while summer in Greece is truly unforgettable, the country is a year-round destination that shines especially during the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn.

With summer almost officially over, September is an ideal time to visit Greece. The weather is still wonderfully warm, the sea remains perfect for swimming, and the crowds begin to thin, making it a more relaxed and authentic experience.

Here’s a list of our favorite Greek islands to visit this September!

Hydra 


@georgeeptr

The cosmopolitan island of Hydra is the perfect weekend getaway, thanks to its close proximity to Athens. Upon visiting the island, it's like taking a journey back in time because there are no cars there, and people get around by donkeys! Among others, you will certainly admire nature, the neoclassical architecture, and the island's sincere authenticity. Hydra is also considered an ideal hiking destination, with a network of trails expanding over 80kms all around the island. 

Corfu 


@veronicasblondediary

Corfu may be a very popular summer destination (and rightly so!), however, it's much more atmospheric in early autumn. Imagine strolling around the Old Town, admiring the fortress, marveling at the charming Venetian and Italianate buildings, and sipping cappuccino while you are people-watching in the Spiniada square. Of course, don't forget to visit the Archaeological Museum! 

Syros 


@donzsy

Famed for its neo-classical architecture, Syros, the capital of the Greek Cyclades islands is a very charming place and it can be quite intriguing in September. With a lively student population, you can find bars and tavernas, live music venues, and gatherings that have more of a local touch at this time of the year. You can also combine your trip to Syros with a visit to the nearby cosmopolitan island of Mykonos! 

Rhodes


@libby1315

If you are interested in history and culture, then Rhodes is definitely the place to be! Spend the day wandering around the old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO-protected site and the oldest continually inhabited town in Europe! Make sure to visit the Acropolis of Lindos as well as the Anthony Quinn Bay for a breath of wondrous natural beauty. 

Athens is one of the world’s great cultural capitals. But even mythology-mad kids can tire of all the marble monuments. When it’s too hot for exploring the antiquities, or your kids are crying out for some 21st-century entertainment, check out these family-friendly museums in Athens. From child-pleasing activities to educational trails, here’s where to keep boredom at bay for kids of all ages and interests.

The brilliantly curated and conceived Acropolis Museum knows that the best way to hold a child’s attention is to make learning fun. Everyday life in ancient Greece is brought alive for children here in exciting ways. The freestanding statues of the Archaic Period are far more gripping for young minds than two-dimensional paintings. They can explore all sides of these marble gods and goddesses, lions and snakes. Grab hold of one of the family backpacks (available at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis) and follow the educational activities geared at kids aged between six and 12 years old (even younger children will enjoy getting involved, with a little help from you). Families work together to solve challenges, aided by colorful children’s exhibit labels in the museum galleries. The backpacks have games with cards, stickers or magnets, puzzles, memory games, and more. Smaller kids are better suited to do one of the less intensive Family Trails: theme-based activities based on specific exhibits. Hit the museum shop on your way out for a great selection of activity books, games, and children’s titles, many of them inspired by ancient Greek mythology, archaeology, and culture.

Location: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Acropolis

Telephone: 210 900 0900

Turn your world upside down at this quirky museum where nothing is what it seems. Calling it a “museum” might be a bit of a stretch, but your kids will love getting hands-on at this well-located attraction that has a range of optical illusions to make them (and you!) think twice about how they perceive the world around them. They can swap noses, put each other’s heads on a platter, experience the absence of gravity, and reflect on infinity in the hall of mirrors. They can also put themselves against brain teasers designed to stimulate and challenge young minds in the Playroom (many of them are on sale at the museum’s Smart Shop, if you’re looking for educational souvenirs). The Museum of Illusions is just by Monastiraki Flea Market and the Ancient Agora, so you can combine shopping and sightseeing with a little mind-bending fun.

Location: 119 Ermou, Monastiraki

Telephone: 210 323 8065

Are your kids into dinosaurs? Underwater life? Insects? Fossils? You’ll find them all at this peaceful private museum in the suburb of Kifissia. There are lots of life-size animal replicas (including a triceratops and a giraffe), thousands of botanical specimens, and all kinds of shells, rocks, and minerals from all over Greece. The museum provides educational games for children aged between 4 and 8 related to the permanent and temporary exhibitions — from real live reptiles to storytelling events. The Gaia Centre for environmental research and education, housed in the same premises, educates young visitors about humanity’s impact on our planet, using interactive displays such as touchscreens and video walls. After exploring the exhibits, have an ice cream or juice in the garden café, where young kids can usually be found tearing around on their scooters or playing hide and seek among the trees.

Location: 13 Levidou, Kifisia

Telephone: 210 801 5870

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

The Greek word Philoxenia, literally translated as a “friend to a stranger,” is widely perceived to be synonymous with hospitality.

For Greeks, it is much deeper than that. It is an unspoken cultural law that shows generosity and courtesy to strangers.

Greeks are enormously generous when inviting others to their home, or being invited themselves. In villages, it is not uncommon for villagers to show up at the door of a resident foreigner (or even a temporary visitor renting a room) with a sack full of fresh tomatoes, or even a bottle of local olive oil.

Philoxenia today can be as simple as a smile, helping a stranded motorist, buying a meal for a homeless person, or opening your home to friends and family.

This cultural law has its origins in Ancient Greece. The ancient Greek god Zeus is sometimes called Zeus Xenios — as he was also a protector of travelers. He thus embodied the religious obligation to be hospitable to travelers.

The beautiful story written by the Roman poet Ovid in 8 A.D of Zeus and Hermes disguised as poor travelers, narrates the sacred relation between host and guest, embodying the ancient Greek tradition.

The two ancient Greek Gods, the story goes, visited many villages in search of refuge for the night. A poor elderly couple — Baucis and Philemon welcomed them as guests in their home and generously served them food and wine.

After refilling her guests’ cups many times over, Baucis noticed that the wine jug was still full. Philemon then realized the visitors were actually gods and she offered to kill their only goose to feed them. Touched by this gesture, Zeus rewarded their generosity by transforming the humble cottage into a beautiful stone temple.

Zeus also granted the couple their ultimate wish: to be the guardians of the temple, die at the same time, and stay together for eternity as they were turned into trees, guarding each side of the temple’s door.

According to legend, even an event as momentous as the Trojan War began because of a guest’s violation of xenia. The Trojan prince Paris was a guest of King Menelaus of Sparta when he abducted Menelaus’ wife, Helen.

Both the Odyssey and the Iliad are filled with episodes in which xenia is either honored or ignored and the subsequent consequences are notable. For instance, when Odysseus sails to the island of the cyclops, the monster’s treatment of Odysseus and his sailors is a violation of the custom of xenia. The cyclops are punished for the transgression. Odysseus blinds his “host” and escapes. The cyclops episode depicts an abuse of xenia.

In another story, Odysseus’ wife Penelope is forced by custom to entertain an entire household of suitors. The guests not only make unreasonable, burdensome requests that were impolite for guests but they do so with the assumption the host himself is no longer alive. The conclusion of the poem involves Odysseus’s slaughter of the suitors. This violent ending can be seen as retribution for egregious abuse of xenia, or conversely, a violation of its very precepts.



To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix Go Greek!

Their RV hits the beautiful Greek islands and historical city of Athens, for a big fat Greek adventure, together again behind the wheel on an epic odyssey like no other.

The guys begin their adventure in Crete, Greece’s largest island, before navigating their way to stunning Santorini, making their way to the party island of Mykonos and finishing their trip in the Greek capital Athens and the monasteries of Meteora. 

One of the series' highlights is when Yiayia Catrina from Santorini, renowned for her legendary Moussaka tastes Gordon’s Salsa Verde and criticizes how much salt Gordon has added.

Gino says: “Today there is one thing that we all learned, even god can make mistakes. If he can make mistakes like that - we all have a chance in life!”



Originally posted on itv.com

Our world is filled with magic!

Since the 19th century the art of magic has been entertaining people making it famous and popular all over the world. Houdini and other famous magicians of the time laid the foundations of the so called today "Magic Shows", which they retained their popularity during the television era, where magicians such as David Copperfield and David Blaine managed to modernize its art form.

For the past two years, the Christmas Theater has been hosting the "Las Vegas Magic Festival", a show that presents renowned award-winning magicians every year, with impressive performance.

So it's now time for another unique experience as  "The Las Vegas Magic Festival" is returning to Athens! 

Reserve your seats and get the chance to see five of the best modern alchemists of our time, in a unique show filled breathtaking momments that defy logic and the laws of physics!

The Meet Market, the vibrant platform for meeting the creative Athens of today, welcomes the autumn season this October 16 & 17 at Technopolis City of Athens!  Well-crafted clothes and accessories with the signature of new fashion designers, useful and decorative art objects with a twist, uniquely handmade jewelry with perfect imperfections, traditional Greek food products from small producers and eco living goods.. and a whole lot more… will fill the “Central Courtyard, the “Machine-works Courtyard and the Machine-works building of our favorite venue Technopolis.

Expect to find more than 90 Greek brands of independent small-scale businesses, of which 25 will join for the first time. All of them will be presenting their fresh ideas in a market that is constantly evolving in a mission to discover creative stories, products, personalities, and support the scene of living local.

Our usual suspects aka our DJs will take care of the weeknd’s soundscaping with non stop dj sets, along side plenty of free fun & educational activities for kids, street food delicacies and cocktails. And make sure you pass by the Meet Market Central Cashier/Info where you can take part in our grand-prize raffle consisting of two huge baskets filled with Meet Market goodies from each participating vendor, for 2 lucky winners to take home.
So head on over to The Meet Market this October 16 & 17 to meet, mingle, shop, stroll, eat, drink and come together again under the iconic red chimneys of Technopolis, Gazi!

109 years later, one more Gold Olympic Medal in Pylos.

Gold Paralympic medalist Nasos Ghavelas will be honored in Navarino Challenge 2021

The schedule of this year’s event

The top sports tourism fest of Navarino Challenge is approaching and will unite people of all ages and abilities for the 9th year, at Costa Navarino and Pylos, Messinia, on October 15-17, 2021.

Navarino Challenge honors each year role-model athletes for their contribution to sports and society. This year, the Gold Paralympic medalist in 100m. Nasos Ghavelas and his guide Sotiris Garaganis will be honored. They both offered emotional moments and pride for Greece at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, while they also set a world record (with a time of 10:82) in the final. This is the second gold medal coming from Pylos, Ghavelas’ place of origin, after that of Kostis Tsiklitiras.

As part of this year’s event, Navarino Challenge will also honor the top international basketball player of all time, Olympian & Eurobasket MVP Evina Maltsi. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to meet her at the 4on4 tournament, while children will learn the sport’s basic principles by the great athlete, together with the Euroleague Legend, Joe Arlaukas.

With its message “sport unites people”, the event promotes again this year the benefits of exercise, the Olympic values ​​and fair play with more than 30 sports activities and 15 Olympic sports. You may find the event’s detailed schedule here.

With the experience and dynamics of Navarino Outdoors, participants will have the opportunity to make their favorite bike ride to the beautiful Voidokilia and enjoy the unique Messinian landscape. For more information & participation outdoors(at)costanavarino.com

Respectively, another activity full of adrenaline awaits the whole family. At the Navarino Rocks indoor climbing wall, people of all ages will be able to take climbing lessons.

Run in one of the top Greek Half Marathons of 21.1km, together with the Greek-American ultramarathon runner Dean (Konstantine) Karnazes, in the 10km route or the fun 5km route by Samsung. Runners can participate by completing the available form through the following link. Moreover, the 1km children’s route will be held in two groups, for children 10-14 years old and kids up to 9 years of age. The children’s race is held for free. 

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor wellness activities for all ages. Book now the event’s accommodation package which is full of sports activities and includes half board. Live the unique sports and cultural experience that is offered to you. For more information on accommodation packages at The Westin Resort Costa Navarino you may send your email to booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here.

The event continues to innovate by having Samsung Electronics Hellas as its Official Technology Partner for another year. Following the successful contribution of the leading technology company, in achieving zero paper use for the purposes of the 2019 event, Samsung returns to the Navarino Challenge. The top technology company this year brings the third generation of folding premium smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G as well as the completely redesigned Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic to provide the best functions for managing fitness. The Samsung wearables series is complemented by the Galaxy Buds2, the wireless headphones with premium, top sound and comfortable application. Samsung’s experience at the Navarino Challenge is completed with the Neo QLED TVs that offer an absolutely exciting, cinematic, viewing experience and the revolutionary MicroLED The Wall™ that can cover surfaces of any size and shape, offering vibrant and natural colors for an unsurpassed visual experience. 

Vikos company supports the event as an Official Sponsor with the Vikos Natural Mineral Water and the Vikos Natural Mineral soft drinks spreading the message of the sports ideal and sportsmanship, while offering the necessary hydration and revitalization to all participants. Vikos Natural Mineral Water pushes with its flow the athletes to continue their effort and complete their exercise by providing them with the necessary balance, wellness and energy.  

The favorite breakfast cereal bars FITNESS®, as the Official Breakfast Partner of Navarino Challenge, will be by the side of the participants at the high intensity training and pilates lessons, giving them the energy they need to meet the challenges they will encounter during this unique event! With their B-complex vitamins that helps release energy from food, they form the ideal choice for a delicious and balanced breakfast. 

You may find the Discount Partners’ offers, which are valid throughout the 2021 Navarino Challenge for all participants here.

Samsung is the Official Technology Partner. 

Vikos Natural Mineral Water is the event’s Official Sponsor.

Luanvi is the Official Sports Supplier.

Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.

Poseidonia and Karalis Beach Hotel are Navarino Challenge’s Official Supporters.

Messinian Spa is the Official Beauty Partner. 

Nestlé FITNESS® is the Official Breakfast Partner.

The North Face is the Outdoor Partner.

Target Security, Fysiotek Sports Lab are the event’s Partners.

Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.

π3 (pi3) is the Sustainability Partner. 

SKAI is the Premium TV Partner.

National Geographic is the Strategic Partner. 

Deree - The American College of Greece is the Educational Partner.

Explore Messinia, FitnessArt, F45 Barrio Salamanca, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Navarino Racquet Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim Academy, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, Vizantinos target sport club, Marathon Team Greece are Navarino Challenge’s Athletic Partners.

A Little Shelter, All For Blue, ANIMA, Diaforozo, Karkinaki, The Other Human, Pet Partners of Hellas are the event’s nonprofit organizations CSR partners.

Navarino Challenge is assisted by Vita N Travel, Karalis City Hotel & Spa, Lifeguard Patrol, Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development, Maritime Athletic Pylos Association “Nestor”, Pilia Express, Kayak.  

Anazoe Spa, Attica Selections, Kessaris, Nargile, Panellinios Agora Games are the Discount Partners.

Navarino Challenge will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the General Secretariat of Sport of the Ministry of Culture & Sport, the International Olympic Academy and the Greek National Tourism Organization. 

The event has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2021 programme of the European Commission and is held under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production. All running races are co-organized with Messiniakos Gymnastic Club and EAS SEGAS Peloponnese Region.

Hashtags: #navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitepeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Photo by Elias Lefas / Navarino Challenge