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Wednesday, 17 June 2015 07:00

Greek Spirits & Liqueurs ~ The Ultimate Mediterranean Aperitif

Greek Ouzo
Their flavours are unique. Their essence feels like Greece and summertime. Ouzo, raki, tsipouro and masticha: among the wide selection of Greek products, three famous spirits and a liqueur are eager to reveal their secrets.

Greek Ouzo

Ouzo is considered the national drink of Greece. In technical terms ouzo is either produced by partial distillation or the admixture of plain alcohol with aromatic herbs. The best ouzos are of course the distilled ones with the main flavour being imparted by anise seeds, though other aromatics are often added, such as masticha from Chios, cinnamon, cloves or fennel, depending on the brand. Each location prides itself on its ouzo but the most famous are from the island of Lesvos and from Tyrnavos in Thessaly.

Ouzo is ideally served chilled, with or without ice, though many add water which releases the essential oils from the anise, turning the drink milky and heightening the aromas. You should always add ice or water to already poured ouzo and not the other way around.

Though ouzo is delightful with many kinds of traditional Greek meze, like a good ladotyri from Zakynthos or Mytilini or a kopanisti from Mykonos or Tinos, it is best known for its affinity for strong-flavoured seafood such as the octopus mentioned above or marinated anchovies. Spicy pickled peppers also go well.

Traditional Raki and Tsipouro

Apart from ouzo, Greece is known for another pair of considerably stronger distilled local drinks, often confused with one another, raki and tsipouro. Frequently homemade, production peaks in the autumn after the grape-harvest with celebrations centred around the great distillation cauldrons.

Tsipouro is a traditional product that comes from mainland Greece while raki is from Crete. Both are made from grapes not destined for wine-making yet still capable of producing quality distilled spirits. The main differences among them are the degree of alcoholic content and the addition or not of anise seed, which is often added to tsipouro but never to raki.

Tsipouro with anise has pride of place in the tsipouro bars of Volos where it accompanies traditional delicacies from the region and Thessaly in general. Drink it either chilled or with ice.

Potent raki is enjoyed by Cretans of all ages, usually in shot glasses either chilled or at room temperature. They tend to accompany it with traditional products of Crete like cheese, local preserved meats, roasts or whatever else arrives at table including traditional sweets and pies. No excuse is needed to pour a glass at any hour of the day or night.

To read more, please visit: Discover Greece
Published in Greek Food & Diet
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Monday, 23 November 2015 07:00

The Great Greek Guilt Trip

The Great Greek Guilt Trip
Everybody knows families can be trying at the best of times.  Throw into the mix members of a Greek family, and you'll soon understand exactly why it is that the word 'drama' originates from Greece.

The extended Greek family is very adept at making one feel guilty for something you have, or quite possibly haven't, even done.  And usually the older they get, the better they become at it.

Here, Greek Gateway shares their Top Ten guilt-tripping lines that they can recall their Greek elders having said at least once:

10) “Αυτό θα φορέσεις?”
Literal Translation:          That's what you're wearing?
What they really mean:  This line mostly applies to women, but it can also apply to the occasional male, depending on the situation.  Sometimes the Greek parent will take a quick glimpse at what you're wearing before you dash out of the door for a night on the town with your friends,  and they'll stop you dead in your tracks to let you know that your outfit looks either 1) too provocative...2) too revealing or 3) too trashy.  Don't let it get you down though - they're just used to turtlenecks and knitted stockings.

9) “Δεν θα πας να δείς τη θεία σου?”
Literal Translation:        You're not going to see your aunt?
What they really mean: This one might be a little difficult to understand at first.  Have you ever gone on vacation to Greece and all you want to do is go island hopping and pass out on a beach? Exactly.  But sometimes, before you leave, your parents will guilt you into visiting every last aunt, uncle and cousin that you have back in the homeland, leaving you little time for fun in the sun.

8) “Τη θα κάνεις με αυτή τη δουλιά?”
Literal Translation:         What are you going to do with that job?
What they really mean: Are you currently employed as a Doctor or lawyer? Bravo!  Your Greek parents think the world of you.  But wait...you're not? What's thay you say?  You work in computer science You write for a newspaper? You're a professional photographer?! “Τη θα κανίες μαι αυτή τη δουλιά?!!!”

To read more, please visit: Greek Gateway
Published in Greek Language & Culture
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Tuesday, 06 November 2018 07:00

Top 10 Cocktail Bars In Athens

Top 10 Cocktail Bars In Athens
 
World famous for its buzzing nightlife, the Greek capital is home to some of the best bars in the world. Make your way downtown and get ready to discover some of the trendiest Athenian joints.
 
If you need inspiration, look no further, our list of top cocktail bars in Athens has you covered!
 
 
 
 
Located near Syntagma Square, Noel is one of our favorite bars because of its positive energy and year-round Christmas theme. Beautiful decor and excellent drinks and cocktails!
 
 
The Gin Joint is an award-winning bar that serves awesome cocktails. As its name implies, the Gin Joint is focused on gin and serves its drinks and cocktails in vintage crystal glassware.
 
 
This lively, fun bar near Syntagma Square, is a great after work meeting place. Don’t leave without trying the ‘Drunk Sinatra’, the bar’s signature cocktail!
 
 
This award-winning bar is the ideal place to taste quality cocktails blended with hand selected spirits from all over the world.
 
 
The Athens Hilton’s iconic rooftop bar is a great place to watch the Athenian sunset while sipping on an expertly prepared cocktail!
 
 
Tiki Bar is an exotic themed bar located in Athens’ historical center. It’s the place to go if you want to enjoy delicious cocktails prepared with seasonal fruits and imaginative Polynesian recipes!
 
 
The Speakeasy isn’t marked at all from the outside; it’s located at 12 Lekka street, even though you won’t see a ‘12’ written anywhere. Once you’ve figured it out, press the door bell and enter a world of 20’s charm, superb music, and exceptional cocktails.
 
 
Kolokotroni 9 a tiny bar that could easily go unnoticed. Don’t let the simple exterior put you off, because inside you’ll get the chance to taste a variety of artful cocktails prepared by attentive barmen!
 
 
MoMix is definitely one of the most creative bars in Athens. The bar’s imaginative team plays around with foams, jellies, and powders to create some of the most original cocktails in town.
 
 
Located on Praxitelous Street in central Athens, The Clumsies is an award-winning bar that serves everything from coffee and excellent food to cutting-edge cocktails.
Published in Pubs, Bars & Cafes
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Thursday, 25 May 2017 07:00

Greek Panorama 2017 - Greece Glowed In The Heart Of Manhattan

Greek Panorama 2017 - Greece Glowed In The Heart Of Manhattan
Great success of the 1st exhibition about Greek tourism in the iconic Grand Central Terminal! Tens of thousands of New Yorkers saw and photographed the brand "Greece"!

The first Greek Panorama exhibition in New York was completed with great success and impressive impact on the American public and tourism professionals, opening a new chapter in the history of Greece's exposure to the US market.

Vanderbilt Hall, at the eastern side of the iconic Grand Central Terminal, in the “heart” of Manhattan, was filled with colors, images, traditional music and flavors of Greece, surprising and exciting the transit passengers and visitors.

Tens of thousands of New Yorkers and tourists from other countries saw and photographed the brand "Greece" these two days (May 12-13, 2017), creating a sweeping “wave” of posts and “selfies” in social media.

Greek melodies from two bouzoukis, as well as the traditional dance groups of the Academy of Hellenic Paideia, the Chian Federation of America and the Cypriot Federation excited visitors creating a unique atmosphere.

It should be highlighted that during the exhibition huge quantities of informative material, both of the organization and of the exhibitors who participated in Greek Panorama, were distributed. Among them, more than 20,000 issues of the “Hellas Blu” and “Greece Is” magazines were distributed. It was the first release and distribution for Hellas Blu at the exhibition, which will be published three times a year and distributed exclusively in the US market.

The inauguration of Greek Panorama was attended by significant members of the Greek-American Community of New York, such as His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, MP Carolyn Maloney, Permanent Representatives of Greece and Cyprus to the UN, ambassadors Aikaterini Boura and Kornelios Korneliou respectively, The Consul General of Greece, Dr. Konstantinos Koutras, Consul Manos Koumparakis, Press Office Director of the Greece to the United Nations Athanasia Papatriadafyllou, Director of Greek National Tourism Organization in USA and Canada Grigoria Kamaterou, President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of the Greater New York Petros Galatoulas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Atlantic Bank Nancy Papaioannou, tourist businessman Peter Vlitas of the Travel Leaders Group, as well as celebrities and famous friends of Greece.

The Greek Food Corner, which was operating in the exhibition area, was offered by the Kellari restaurant.

The great success of Greek Panorama is also of particular importance due to the difficulty of the whole project, as the technical and functional specifications of such an exhibition at Grand Central Terminal are extremely complex and rigorous.

Greek Panorama B2B Sessions: More than 380 business meetings!

The organizers’ initiative for the Professionals Day at Greek Panorama on Thursday, May 11, at Kellari restaurant, left excellent impressions and noted a great success. About 30 tour operators, tourist business executives, professionals and journalists from New York City and neighboring large urban centers had the opportunity to meet representatives of destinations and tourist companies from the Greek market, to get informed about their products and services and explore new collaborations.

From morning to late at night, it is estimated that more than 380 meetings were held, while the American professionals’ feedback on the event, the participants and the venue was enthusiastic. Most, in fact, already requested to ensure their participation in the next event.

Greek Panorama B2B Sessions participations from Greece included Sani Resort, Aqua Vista Hotels, Maris Hotels, Hilton Athens, Grace Santorini, Afea Travel & Congress, Luxury Greece DMC & Travel, Instayacht, ChrisCrossing VIP Travel Services, Travel Smart, Timothy's Travel - Dreams Give Wings Travel, Big Blue Travel, Argo Travel, TravelWay, Variety Cruises, Sky Express and Cyprus Tourism Organization.

Official Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Official hashtag: #greekpanorama
 
Photo: Greek Panorama exhibition in the iconic Grand Central Terminal, in New York
Published in Greece In The News
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Thursday, 19 July 2018 07:00

New E-Ticketing System At Greek Sites And Museums

New E-Ticketing System At Greek Sites And Museums
The culture ministry recently announced that a new e-ticketing and access control system has been installed at a few selected archaeological sites and museums in Greece.

The museums selected were part of a pilot program, and include the Acropolis, the archaeological sites of Athens' historic center, Knossos archaeoglical site, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the archaeological area and museum of Ancient Messini.

As part of the new e-ticketing system, which helps handle traffic at peak times, an online service will be available to purchase e-tickets.

Published in Greece In The News
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Tuesday, 25 September 2018 14:33

September 25 - For The Love Of Greece

September 25 - For The Love Of Greece
Greece is known for many things and its rich history and culture is definitely one of them! So discover which spot the Acropolis Museum holds in the Top-25 list of the best museums globally, a fascinating video by National Geographic on Ancient Greece and Crete's extraordinary beauty by ''Discover Greece''.

Please click HERE to view this issue of our newsletter!
Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!
 
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Tuesday, 08 January 2019 05:00

Several Schools In Attica Will Remain Closed Due To Heavy Snowfall

Several Schools In Attica Will Remain Closed Due To Heavy Snowfall
Schools in several Attica district municipalities will remain closed on Tuesday due to heavy snowfall that has been forecast for the coming days, according to a letter Attica Regional director Rena Dourou sent to mayors on Monday.


 
Students were expected to return to school today following the Christmas, New Year and Epiphany holidays. However, due to the weather forecast, schools in 46 out of 66 municipalities of the Attica Region will remain closed for at least another day.

Please click here for a detailed list (Greek only) of the schools that will remain closed on January 8 due to the bad weather conditions in the Attica Region.

Source: ANA-MPA
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Tuesday, 26 March 2019 07:00

The New Goulandris Art Museum In Athens Is Expected To Open On October 1, 2019

The New Goulandris Art Museum In Athens Is Expected To Open On October 1, 2019
As announced in a recent press conference that the Goulandris Art Museum will open in just a few months, on October 1st, with a series of celebratory events.

Ship-owner Basil Goulandris and his wife Elise were active members of the art scene in Athens and Paris. Through their dedication to the arts and their travels, they accumulated an amazing collection of contemporary art that includes masterpieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Vincent Van Gogh, and Claude Monet, as well as many prominent Greek artists.
 
The first plans for the museum of contemporary art of the B&E Goulandris Foundation were announced in 1992. Now, years after their death, the opening day of October 1st has been announced and it seems the museum will fulfil their dream.
 
Kyriakos Koutsomallis, the couple’s nephew said: “The goal is to create a museum that’s open to all – young and old, rich and poor, connoisseurs and amateurs.”
 
Many of these priceless works of art that previously hung in the couple’s private homes will find their new home in a large space on Eratosthenous street in Pangrati. Spread over 11 floors and more 7,000 square meters, the museum is built around an early 20th century building to which new stories have been added. It consists of beautiful exhibition spaces, a workshop space, an art library, a cafe, and an auditorium.
 
This incredible museum aims to become a visitor attraction in Athens – equivalent to some of the leading contemporary art museums in Europe!


To read this article in full, please visit: Greece-Is
Image Credit: B&E Goulandris Foundation
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Friday, 06 September 2019 16:10

Rio Olympic Champions At Santorini Experience 2019

Rio Olympic Champions At Santorini Experience 2019

Discounts and offers for the participants!

“Santorini Experience” is approaching, as, in October 4-6, the unique running and swimming races will take place for the 5th consecutive year in Santorini, the world-famous tourist destination of unparalleled beauty.

Santorini Experience will attract once again the global interest, where both professional and amateur athletes will participate in running and open water swimming races. The running races will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2019, and the open water swimming on Sunday, October 6, 2019 against the backdrop of the iconic Cycladic Island. In particular, on Saturday 05/10, the races of 15 km by Samsung and 10 km will start at 08:15 am, while the 5 km “Aristides Alafouzos” race will start at 11:00 am. All races have as a starting point the Desalination Plant located in Oia.

On Sunday 06/10, swimming will take place with the eruptive atmosphere of the volcano. Participants will swim the 1.5 miles (2.4 km) route from the volcano to the old port of Fira with the imposing view of the island in front of them at the Open Water Swimming by Vikos. The race will start at 10:00 am from the volcano. Swimming is held under the technical direction of federal coach and director, Nikos Gemelos, with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation, following the FINA regulations and the safety provided by Boatmen Union Santorini, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center and Santorini Nautical Club.

This year’s event will feature the silver Olympic medalist in open water swimming Spyros Gianniotis, Japanese Olympic champion in Rio, Yasunari Hirai and the dynamic presence of the elite of the Greek National Open Water Swimming Team such as world champion Kelly Araouzou, European champion George Arniakos and Greek champions Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti, Dimitris Manios, the twin Greek expatriates racing with the colors of the national team of Netherlands, George and Timos Skotadis, as well as Andreas Georgakopoulos, Irene Diakoumakou, Maria Filopoulou, Konstantinos Konstantineskou, Panagiotis Alogakos, Maria Kirykou, Triantafyllia Diakoumakou and Melina Trochalaki.

Check out the video with swimming tips from Spyros Gianniotis and Kelly Araouzou on the exciting swimming race HERE!

More information about this year’s detailed program can be found HERE! 

Special offer & participation kit pick up at Alafouzos Sport
Swimming and running registrations continue now as well at the store of the official sponsor Alafouzos Sport in Fira.

A 25% special discount on registration costs per activity will apply to all participants for purchases over 15 euros at the sponsor’s store.

From Thursday 3/10 to Saturday 5/10, participants can receive their participation kits from Alafouzos Sport store (open hours: 09:00 – 21:00). Otherwise, runners and swimmers can receive their registration numbers one hour before the start of their race from the starting point of their races, on Saturday 5/10 and on Sunday 6/10 respectively. Meanwhile, participants may register in the event according to the final wave of registrations which lasts until the start of the event.


Register now for Santorini Experience!

Transportation offer to participants
DNA Travel, as the official transport partner of the event, in order to facilitate the transportation of all athletes, running participants to Oia and swimming participants to the old port of Fira, will implement the routes below: On Saturday, October 5, two itineraries will take place. The boarding point of the first itinerary will be the Church of Timios Stavros, in Perissa, at 05:30 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 05:50 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 06:10 am and final destination the Desalination Plant in Oia. The second itinerary will start at 07:50 from Perissa (Church of Timios Stavros), with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, next stop in Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) at 08:30 am and the same final destination. When it comes to the participants return, another itinerary has been scheduled at 12:30 pm from the Desalination Plant in Oia to Fira, Kamari and Perissa. In addition, on Sunday, October 6, the participants of the open water swimming race will be transferred from the Church of Timios Stavros, Perissa at 07:50 am with one stop in Kamari (opposite the Soccer Field) at 08:10 am, to the starting point of the race in the Old Port of Fira. The transportation of swimmers from the Old Port of Fira to the volcano will start at 09:30 am. DNA Travel has arranged another itinerary at 14:00 pm from Fira (opposite to the old Health Center) to Athinios port (the main port of Thira).

2019 Santorini Experience offers
Take advantage of the offers available on ferry tickets, car rentals and accommodation for “Santorini Experience” by clicking HERE!

Attend Real Madrid Foundation Clinics in Santorini!
In the framework of “Santorini Experience”, and in cooperation with MGC Soccer Central, head coaches from the academies of Real Madrid will visit Santorini for the first time and specifically the facilities of the athletic center Playland, from October 3-6, 2019 and teach football to children aged between 6 and 16, using the coaching methodologies of Los Merengues! Register now. For more information click HERE!

XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Santorini Experience
 

Samsung is the event’s official technology partner for one more year.
Official sponsors of the event include Ford Motor Hellas, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, “Vikos” Natural Mineral Water, Blue Star Ferries and Alafouzos Sport.
For another year, Luanvi is the event’s official sports supplier.
Official supporters of the event are: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts and Boatmen Union Santorini.
Avance Rent A Car is the official rental partner.
On is the event’s official shoe partner for the first time. National Geographic is the strategic partner of the event and 24MEDIA its premium media partner.
DNA Travel is the official transport partner. “Santorini Experience” is assisted by West East Suites, Lifeguard Patrol, Voluntary Lifeguards of Santorini, Atlantis Dive Center, Santorini Nautical Club, Santorini Yacht Cruises, Caldera Yachting and Erotokritos.
Until now, this year’s effort is supported with special offers and prices by the following hospitality sponsors: Santorini Hoteliers Association, Meltemi Hotels & Resorts, Athina Luxury Suites, Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa, Canaves Oia, West East Suites, Andronis Arcadia, Vedema a Luxury Collection Resort, Mystique a Luxury Collection Hotel, Sienna Resort, Santo Houses, Desiterra Luxury Suites & Villas, 270 Oia’s View, Fanouris Condo, Monolithia, Casa Iphigenia, La Mer Suites & Spa, Antinea Suites & Spa, Beach Boutique Hotel, Bloom Travel, Loizos Stylish Residencies, Iokasti Villa, Olive Cave Houses, Panorama Studios & Suites, Esperas Santorini, Mesana Stone House and White Pearl Villas, while participation continues.
VitaNTravel is the event’s official travel agent. “Santorini Experience” has joined the Greek actions of the #BeactiveHellas 2019 program of the European Commission and is under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Sports. “Santorini Experience” is a co-organization of Municipality of Santorini, Municipal Sports Cultural Environmental Organization of Santorini (DAPPOS) and Active Media Group.
The event is held under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization with the approval of the Hellenic Swimming Federation.

More info www.santorini-experience.com
Official Hashtag: #SantoriniExperience
Photo credit: Elias Lefas

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Sunday, 08 December 2019 23:59

Navarino Challenge 2019: Love Auction

Navarino Challenge 2019: Love Auction
Jerseys, balls and artwork for a good cause!

The award-winning sports tourism event Navarino Challenge returns for a good cause, organizing an auction of love to support three nonprofit organizations. Favorite items of beloved and renowned athletes and ambassadors of Navarino Challenge will be available through an online auction from December 11th to December 20th, 2019.


You can take part in the auction and acquire the items by clicking HERE!

In the auction you will find, among other things, the official jersey of Greece at the 1987 European Championship and a hall-of-fame ball signed by basketball legend Nick Galis, the signed jersey of NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from his first appearance in the NBA All Star Game and his first appearance with the Greek Men’s National Team, his signed front page cover at the Sports Illustrated magazine, item of the gold Olympic medalist and world champion in still rings Eleftherios Petrounias, as well as the jersey of Greece from the 1996 Olympic Games with the signature of Panagiotis Giannakis. In the auction you will also find signed memorabilia from athletes such as: Grigoris Polychronidis (gold Paralympic athlete and world champion in boccia), Alexandros Nikolaidis (two times silver Olympic medalist in taekwondo), Spyros Gianniotis (silver Olympic medalist and world champion in open water swimming), Periklis Iakovakis (Olympic and world champion in 400m. with hurdles), Kelly Araouzou (world champion in open water swimming), Eleni Chatziliadou (world champion in karate), Vasiliki Millousi (world champion in balance beam), Joe Arlauckas (legend of Real Madrid), Dimitris Diamantidis (Greek basketball legend), Kostas Papanikolaou (international basketball player with NBA appearances), Kosta Koufos (international basketball player with NBA appearances), David Rivers (basketball legend of Olympiacos), Dean Karnazes (Greek-American ultramarathon), Michalis Triantafyllidis (participations record holder of the Greek national volleyball team), Christos Gatsis (boxing champion), Alexandros Nikolaidis (kickboxing champion), Dimitris Moros (personal trainer), Giorgos Masouras (international footballer of Olympiacos), Nikos Karelis (international footballer of Brentford). In the auction you will also find the exceptional artwork (6x2m.) of the artist Nathan Makris, that depicts top athletes, Nick Galis, Spiros Gianniotis, Alexandros Nikolaidis, Grigoris Polychronidis, Periklis Iakovakis and Dean Karnazes.

All items are donated by the athletes or the event’s friends themselves.

The money from the auction will be equally donated to:

a) the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis with a program on Food Aid 2 and Promotion of Healthy Nutrition, DIATROFI, and through Captain Vasilis and Carmen Konstantakopoulos Foundation
b) WWF Greece
c) Karkinaki. Navarino Challenge is co-organized by Costa Navarino , The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Active Media Group.


XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Navarino Challenge


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