Greece marked the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination with a number of events over the weekend, across the country.

Thousands took to the streets this weekend with at least three separate events held in the Greek capital, and many more around the country.

A walk against discrimination in central Athens was organised by the Greek forum for migrants with the participations of many NGOs, civil society groups and migrant communities. The march was well attended, and culminated in the delivery of a letter to the Greek parliament which was co-signed by all the participating groups, laying out their demands on migration policy.

Banners included "Shut down the concentration camps", "Solidarity to refugees",  "Citizenship for all the children". Greece's new government have pledged to close the 'closed hospitality centres' operated by previous governments where migrants were detained for up to 18 months, as well as to grant citizenship to migrants born and brought up in Greece.

To read more please visit: ThePressProject.

The Greek culture ministry has announced that it intends to officially sponsor the traditional villages of Epirus' Zagori district in northwestern Greece as a Greek 'cultural landscape' to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The 'Zagorochoria - North Pindos National Park' area have been on the UNESCO Tentative List for the last two years, which is one of the conditions for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites.

"It is with great joy that the culture and sports ministry announces its decision to finalise its proposal for the inclusion of Zagori in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List," said Culture and Sports Minister Costas Tassoulas at a conference held at the culture ministry on Thursday, attended by ministry general secretary Lina Mendoni and Zagori Mayor Vassilis Spyrou.

The traditional stone built villages of the remote and mountainous Zagori area are among the best preserved traditional settlements in Greece and situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty, which includes features such as the Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis River.

In order for a cultural landscape to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, it must prove exceptional global value and its authenticity and integrity must be protected.

To read more please visit: TheTOC

To read more about the villages of Zagori of Greece, please visit:
http://www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/taste-experience/travel-in-greece/item/655-zagori-villages-hidden-behind-mountains/

Independence Day Celebrations

Throughout the country, both secular and religious celebrations fill the streets, churches and homes. Athens hosts a huge Independence Day parade, as do many cities and towns. Streets are blockaded and military bands, dignitaries and throngs of spectators fill them to capacity. Travel and work in the large cities comes to a standstill on March 25. Marching bands in traditional Greek military uniforms and brightly costumed Greek dancers move through the streets while vendors sell drinks and desserts to the flag-waving crowd. The churches are filled with Annunciation Day worshippers and smaller parades in honor of the Feast of the Annunciation.

People also celebrate privately in their homes. Children are dressed in new clothes, and the house is cleaned and sparkling.Feasts and family gatherings are held in honor of events both secular and religious.

Greek Independence Day is also celebrated in other countries. Every year the President of the United States declares a national day of celebration of Greek and American democracy on March 25. Cities around the world with large Greek populations hold parades in honor of Independence Day and Greek traditions and customs.

A national holiday in Greece wouldn't be complete without traditional food! Read more about it HERE!

Homemade yogurt requires surprisingly little prep and keeps in the fridge for a month.

Ingredients:

While I am more than happy to partake in the Easter festivities of eating lamb and cracking eggs, I typically don’t participate in the 40 days of fasting and repenting. However this year I decided to become a bit more involved in all the processions surrounding Easter. By “involved” I mean that I decided for one day (hey you gotta start somewhere) not to eat meat, eggs or butter.

This also seemed like the perfect opportunity to put myself to a dairy free, egg free baking challenge. The result was this delicious polenta and olive oil cake served with a fruit compote. It was so delicious that it actually has me thinking about going for two days of fasting instead of one next year! Here is the recipe, should any of you need some Lenten baking inspiration.

• 1 ¼ cup cake flour
• ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. yellow cornmeal
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• zest of ½ orange
• zest of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp. rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup orange juice
• Fig and Orange Honey Compote
• 1 pint of fresh figs
• 2 oranges
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. water
• 2–4 tsp. fresh lemon juice, to taste

For the entire recipe please visit: MarisaChurchill.com

I’m sitting on a plane as I type this into my phone (pic included!) – proving to myself once and for all that geography is well and truly irrelevant. Even more so since I am learning about all that Athens has to offer, from 10,000 metres in the sky!

I’m reading ‘2Board’, the quarterly magazine of the Athens Airport. I’ve always liked this magazine – it’s slick, well produced and has a great mix of information about cool and interesting happenings in Athens, Greece and across Europe.

This issue has a special feature called ‘The Athens Food Lovers Guide’, their first annual Best-of list, dedicated to ‘celebrating the city’s most appetizing arrivals and standings of the past year’. That was enough to hook me for a front-to-back read.

Where to begin! Here are a few interesting selections – most of them have websites or at least Facebook pages to check out some photos and menus:

1.    Best New Opening: Cokoovaya (modern Greek cuisine) – 2A Mexi Chatzigianni (+30 210 723 5005)

2.    Best Bar Restaurant: Cinco (Japanese/Peruvian/Spanish fusion) – 50 Skoufa St. (+30 210 364 3603)

3.    Best Brunch: New Taste (New Hotel) – 16 Fillelinon St. (+30 210 327 3000)

4.    Best Street Food: Falafellas (ethnic/falafel) –51 Aiolou St. (+30 210 323 9809)

5.    Best Atmosphere: City Bistro – City Link/Stoa Spyromiliou

6.    Best Bio Restaurant: Nice N Easy – Kolonaki/Kifissia (+30 210 361 7201)

7.    Best Value for Money: Thio Tragi (‘punk bistro’) – 36 Kidatidon St (+30 210 341 0296)

8.    Best Cocktail Bar: 42 – 3 Kolokotroni St. (+30 694 824 2455)

And the list goes on… Best Cocktail List, Best Cigar Lounge, etc. 

Now, granted, these are all ‘the best’ of Athens – and I’m sure we all have our own list to compare, depending on neighbourhood, mood and price point. But for a great start with some global standard options, check out the list or click through the 2Board’s online version below.

Until next week,

Jack

2Board (January-March 2015)

https://www.aia.gr/company-and-business/the-company/Corporate-Publications/2board

Google released interesting date with regard to the way travelers worldwide research their trips.

During an event that was organized by Google to announce the expansion of its innovative “Grow Greek Tourism Online” program, the powerful company released interesting data with regard to the way travelers worldwide research their trips.

According to the data presented by Google, most travelers that search Greek destinations online come from UK, Germany and USA.

Moreover, the 20 most googled regions in Greece include the country’s two biggest cities, namely Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as popular islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Paros and Crete.

See the full list below:

1. Athens

2. Thessaloniki

3. Thessaly

4. Peloponnese

5. Corfu

6. Lefkada

7. Zakynthos

8. Skiathos

9. Lesbos

10. Chios

11. Andros

12. Mykonos

13. Paros

14. Naxos

15. Patmos

16. Kos

17. Santorini

18 Rodos

19. Karpathos

20. Crete

To read more please visit: Protothema

Zoe Konstantopoulou, Speaker of the Greek parliament, on Tuesday announced the establishment of an Audit Committee of Public Debt to be headed by SYRIZA MEP Sofia Sakorafa and Eric Toussaint, the well known Belgian expert on odious debt. They will begin work in early April, presenting their findings in an international conference on public debt in June.

The committee will examine what proportion of Greece's public debt can be considered 'odious' and therefore illegitimate, looking not just at debts incurred during the 'crisis years' but also prior to 2010 and the public contracts for the Olympic Games, arms, transport, Siemens and the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE S.A.) in particular. The committee will, Konstantopoulou explained, work in the interests of both Greece and the wider European community to ensure justice. 

For many visitors Athens is defined by its old city quarters, flea markets, spice markets, ancient wonders and fabulous museums. Sounds like a pretty great menu… Almost spoilt for choice, but once the Plaka has been checked off the list then what? Well, I have discovered something about Athens too…..the ‘undiscovered’ side of her and by that I mean the local way of life that is not openly shared with tourists and visitors alike. While this city promotes her cultural delights and unique heritage I ponder on why they don’t do the same for her culinary delights, electric nightlife and superb coast line.

Not to say it’s a totally closed notion that people aren’t aware of the beaches and restaurants but it’s not a city known for its ‘modern flavours’. So let’s open that book and take people through it chapter by chapter. Chapter 1: Off the Beaten Path.

Here's the Athens restaurant scene, but maybe not as you know it! These places will certainly leave your tastebuds pleasantly surprised!

Kifissia

A pretty, leafy suburb located in North Athens offers more than just a stroll down it’s charming streets. Don’t forget to take the horse and carriage ride…..

• Tzitzikas Kai O Mermingas – Modern Greek cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you obsessed with the ‘honey & cheese’ food combination.
  
  
• Il Salumaio d'Atene  – One of my favorites in Athens! Beautiful outdoor seating area with sublime dishes ranging from eggs benedict to homemade pizza!
  
  
• Πbox [pronounced P-BOX] – Pan Asian concoction of modern delights. Πbox is also located in the Periscope Hotel in Kolonaki.
  
  
• The Dalliance House – Neo-Classic style house with an elegant English pub feel serving delicious meat, seafood and salads.
  
  
• New Dash – For those who want to eat something yummy but are also prepared for the prices to eat their wallet.
  
  

Nea Erythraia

Cool, hip and trendy neighbourhood mostly known for its ‘Little Mykonos’ night vibe. Just behind the high street is a playground full of bars offering an array of nightly haunts. Low Bar is always a great starting point. Check it out!

• Ergon – Modern and sublime dishes masterfully created bringing you the very best of Greek cuisine with a twist. They also sell homemade produce such as jams, condiments, bon bons and much more. They have a sister restaurant in London, UK.
  
  
• Manaviko – Traditional Greek cuisine offering fresh ingredients. Think traditional Greek food but with more flare.
  
  
• Bar-Que – American style restaurant with an array of meat and fish dishes. The menu sometimes samples Pan Asian tidbits.
  
  
• Χρώματα Βυθού (Chromata Vythou) – Fish and seafood delights…..summer is the best time to visit; surrounded by the warm, tones of the pink bougainvillea’s dotted around the garden.
  
  

Psychiko

Hidden little gem of an area dominated by foreign embassies and some true culinary master pieces. A neigbourhood that needs exploring.

• The Albion – Think fairy’s playground lit up with warm lights snuggled with trees. The food is delectable and the outdoor bar a must for the ‘trendy’.
  
  
• Fish Co. Platters  – Fresh fish with organic ingredients
  
  
• Κρίθαμος [Krythamos] – Wonderful taverna serving delicious Greek produce that will leave you wanting more!!
  
  
• Xoxladaki [Chochladaki] - Delicious Seafood restaurant with scrumptious apperizers and a fantastic ouzo selection.....time to drink....Greek style! 
  
  

Hilton District

Conveniently located close to the Hilton Hotel and within close proximity of central Athens.

• Vezene – Local’s favorite - serving wagyu beef and a marvelous view of the Hilton Hotel.  Tip: The truffle fries are to die for!
  
  

Kolonaki

In the heart of the city is the chic neighbourhood of Kolonaki, not only does Kolonaki boast prime location but also an array of great restaurants and bars. Not a foodie? Perfect! You will be in a shopper’s paradise with boutique shops and high street brands galore! It’s easy to get lost here and why not? You’ll be doing it in style!

• Inbi – The best sushi in town! The ambience is warm and inviting and you will be sure to find the trendy Athenians here. The cocktails are also worth a try!
  
  
• Malconi’s– Italian food at its finest serving up fresh produce such as meats, fish and pizzas. Make sure you request a table in their secret garden at the back of the restaurant.
  
  
• Scala Vinoteca  – Tapas style bar in an attractive modern setting.
  
  
• Capanna – Pizza restaurant with colorful toppings and exciting flavours.
  
  

Glyfada

Los Angeles’ European replica, Glyfada is a buzzing neighbourhood with endless dining, shopping and entertainment options. From independent boutique shops to a concoction of dining madness. Something for everyone in Glyfada!  [Popular with British Expats]

• Mutfak – A taste of Istanbul in Athens! Delicious Turkish cuisine in a cozy modern atmosphere. Well worth the visit to Glyfada.
  
  
• Peccati di Gola – Italian dream! This is a must when in Athens!
  
  
• Molly’s Irish Pub – fun local pub that serves up some great grub!
  
  
• Food Mafia – American style restaurant proving to be very popular with the locals.
  
  

Vouliagmeni

Often compared to the South of France this beautiful neighbourhood not only boasts sublime restaurants and luxury hotels but the best beaches in town.

• Ithaki – fancy eating seafood overlooking the Saronic Gulf? Wedged between a mountain and Astir Beach diners get a real treat with both the beautiful view and yummy morsels on your plate both vying for your attention.
  
  
• Astir Beach – it might cost 15 EUR to enter but with service at a press of a button and sun lounges one can sink into it’s worth your time and money. Other beaches I suggest: Kavouri Beach, Yabanaki Beach, Varkiza Beach & South Coast. [All located  South Athens]. 
  
  
• Lake Vouliagmeni – Remember the natural lake I mentioned? Well prepare to be spellbound as you immerse yourself into the clean and pristine turquoise water of this hidden gem. Garra Rufa [Doctor Fish] will greet your feet as you enter the cool lake offering you a free pedicure and a sense of enlivenment. A must when in Athens! 

To read this article in full, please visit: Table Salt

A big thanks to Costas Psarros from Table Salt for sharing this with us!

Do you have a recommendation or recipe to share? Send it to us at ideas@xpatathens.com!

The first part of a government plan to increase the minimum salary is expected to be implemented in October, taking the level up to 654 euros per month for all private sector workers. The government’s election pledge to raise the minimum monthly salary to 751 euros will not be fulfilled before the second half of 2016.

The Labor Ministry is currently planning for two regulations, which will bring the salaries paid to young workers up to the same level as those received by older workers, as well as the minimum salary of menial workers to that of office employees. That way, if Parliament clears both measures, no worker should get less than 654 euros per month.

To read more please visit: ekathimerini.com
By Roula Salourou