XpatAthens

XpatAthens

A few years ago, Costas Varotsos’s emblematic glass sculpture “The Runner” had to cover the distance from Omonia Square in central Athens, where it was originally placed, to a tiny square facing the Hilton Athens Hotel, where it stands today.

These days a 3-meter-tall copy of the 12-meter original gazes out over the Aegean Sea from a luxury property on the cosmopolitan Cycladic island of Myconos.

Turkish businessman Ugur Ozkan had stayed at the Hilton Athens in the past and observed the original “Runner” from his room. Finding himself under its spell, he subsequently went in search of the Greek artist and commissioned him to create a smaller version of the work for his Myconos villa.

“Ever since the story broke in the local press a few days ago my phones have been ringing nonstop,” the artist told Kathimerini, adding that he “never expected that something which was created two years ago would become the subject of such publicity today. In fact, I had never been commissioned to create a smaller version of a large-scale public sculpture. ‘The Runner’ has an urban quality about it; it is a work especially conceived for display in the city. It had never crossed my mind that it could grace a private residence. It took me a while to execute, but when I saw the end result and the exact spot that was chosen for its display, I must admit that I liked it. Especially when the wind is blowing and the sea gets rough.”

For more on this story, please visit ekathimerini
Story by Margarita Pournara
Wednesday, 20 April 2016 07:00

Best Places For Dessert In Athens

Chrissy from TravelPassionate put together a guide to her favorite places for dessert. Athens has a delicious food scene and these are just a few places to satisfy your sweet tooth.
 
Nancy’s sweet home a.k.a. Serbetospito
Nancy’s sweet home is an all day café that serves handmade desserts made by Nancy herself. Specialties include the “Love dessert” which is a juicy chocolate cake with praline and chocolate sauce and “Kiounefe” with traditional Kaimaki ice-cream on top. You can find it at Pl. Iroon 1 in Psyrri.

Krinos
Krinos is a traditional sweet shop that serves the best loukoumades in town since 1923. Loukoumades are little yeast risen puffs that are deep-fried until golden brown and then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. You can find it at Aiolou 87.

Karakoy Gulluoglu
If you have traveled to Istanbul you will probably have heard about this shop selling the best baklava in town. Now you can find it in the centre of Athens serving many kinds of delicious baklava totally worth trying. You can find it at Nikis 10 near Syntagma.

Nice Cream
Here you will taste one of the most delicious gelato in the city made from fresh ingredients and without the use of any preservatives. They serve a lot of ice cream flavors and every week there is a new flavor to try. They also have delicious coffee and cake to try. You can find it at Kosta Varnali 19, Nea Erithrea.

To read this article in full, please visit: Travel Passionate.
Tuesday, 05 July 2016 07:00

Top Summer Brunch Spots In Athens

Summer has made its appearance in the cafes and bars of Athens, along with some of the most cherished habits of the weekend. Saturday & Sunday brunch is served at tables outside, in cool courtyards and shady squares. Here are some of the top summer brunch spots in Athens:
 
Dimofontos & Yperionos 1, Ano Petralona
Tel: 210 3423972

In one of the most beautiful courtyards of Petralona, if not in the entire city of Athens, is Kyrios Xou, which has tables which that are loaded with homemade delicacies every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 until 15:00. Successful flavours on the menu include spinach tart, ricotta and bacon, toast with feta cheese, tomato and oregano, Skopelos cheese pie, pancakes with honey, chocolate and maple syrup, New York City cheesecake with cherry jam, croque madame, and Scottish eggs. They serve hearty meals and are not too expensive. It comes out to be about 7€ to 8€ per person.
 
 
Falirou 59, Koukaki
Tel: 210 9247555

One of our favorite spots in Koukaki, Monsieur Barbu, has tables beneath foliage and next to flower beds. The chef serves eggs on brioche bread with sausage and bacon, savory tarts, burgers and tortillas and these are just for starters. For dessert, there's lemon pie with nutella, chocolate cake with peanut butter and fruit jams, carrot cake, and pancakes with chocolate or honey. Brunch is served every Sunday from 12.00 to 16.00 and will not cost you more than 10€ per person.
 
 
Iraklidon 8, Thisio
Tel: 213 0365393

The most hip, industrial and urban café of Thissio is located in the most beautiful pedestrian area. It has many levels and in the small backyard, it serves  brunch from 11.00 until 17.00 on weekends. The menu includes salads (quinoa or lentils), eggs (fried, scrambled, benedict), sandwiches (Croque Madame, open with bresaola and burgers beef or chicken) and delicious pancakes (with honey or hazelnut praline). Dish prices range between  5€ to 8€.
 
 
Thoukididou 10, Halandri
Tel: 210 6800217

In the captivating backyard that has finally been uncovered for the summer, Penny Lane serves delicious brunch not only on weekends, but every day from 10:00 till 18:00 in the afternoon. Croque Madame serves pancakes, pizzas, eggs benedict with fried bacon, salads superfoods (try it with the quinoa), and burgers. Prices range from 5€ to 6€.
 

Aghias Eirinis Square 10
Tel: 210 3243331

Do you fancy visiting one of the busiest squares of Athens? Why not pay a visit to Osterman? Osterman has a luxurious industrial backdrop and prepares brunch cocktails (from 7€) like the French 75 with Prosecco, gin, lemon and sugar or homemade Bloody Mary. You can also find amazing coffee (3,50€ a freddo), homemade lemonades, and other beverages that will accompany the brunch served until 17.00. The menu includes fried eggs with spicy sauce and smoked bacon, eggs and sauteed mushrooms with cream and truffle oil, Croque Madame and Monsieur, sandwiches with Black Angys, chilli sauce and french fries, or with pastrami, sauerkraut and Emmental. Dishes range between 6,50 and 10€.

Originally posted on: In2life.gr
Translated by XpatAthens
The GB Roof Garden Restaurant for the fourth year in a row has received a very important distinction from ‘Wine Spectator’, one of the most popular wine magazines, and is among the winners of the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award.  

Last year the restaurant was included in the list of distinguished wine lists receiving the 'Best of Award of Excellence 2015'. Once more this year, the GB Roof Garden Restaurant of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, has been awarded with the 'Best of Award of Excellence 2016', a distinction that honors and establishes the destination for true wine lovers, showing a deep commitment to wine, both in its cellar and through its service team.

The Sommelier of the restaurant, Evangelos Psofidis, with a significant knowledge, distinctions and passion for wines and spirits, aims to display the largest wine-producing regions of the world through the restaurant’s wine list. Thus, he chooses to incorporate into the awarded list, wines that accurately represent the characteristics of these areas.

Wine Spectator
’ is a lifestyle magazine and since 1976 focuses on the culture of wine. It publishes 15 issues per year and includes news, articles, and many comments and evaluations on wines. It was ranked by the Luxury Institute as the #1 among several business and consumer publications. Its purpose is to recognize restaurants worldwide with interesting wine lists representing a vast variety to satisfy wine lovers and the appropriate choices in regards to their cuisine.


 
The restaurant GB Roof Garden follows the philosophy of 'food pairing wine' and believes that the ultimate taste experience can be achieved with Mediterranean dishes that are perfectly matched with fine wines.

The GB Roof Garden Restaurant of the Hotel Grande Bretagne and the Tudor Hall Restaurant of the King George hotel are the only restaurants in Athens that were included in the Wine Spectator’s list for having one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world.
In his message to Americans encouraging them to travel to Greece, US Ambassador Pyatt reflects on his travels and shares his favorite places to go, what to experience, and to explore the lesser-known parts of the country.

"Over the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure to explore Greece, from its cities to its islands, from its mountains to its archaeological sites and cultural gems."

"Reflecting on my travels in Greece, here’s my advice to Americans: dive deep into Greece and let yourself be amazed by the options available. We learn from a young age that Greece is the birthplace of democracy, the cradle of western civilization, and so many people plan their whole lives to go to the Acropolis and the various monuments in Athens that record the birth of democracy. Do not miss them, but I would encourage you to venture further, to visit ancient Dodoni or ancient Olympia, just a couple of the dozens of UNESCO world heritage sites in Greece that are still largely undiscovered by American tourists."

"I also advise Americans to expand their horizons beyond the customary island stops like Mykonos and Santorini. They are incredible places for a holiday, but many of Greece’s lesser-known islands, like Syros, Naxos, Andros or Chios, will also take your breath away."

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek News Online
Tuesday, 05 February 2019 07:00

Exquisite Pan-Asian Cuisine At E&O Athens

E&O Athens first opened its doors in October and has already managed to become a favorite among the city’s most discerning foodies.
 
Located on the panoramic rooftop of the Athens Marriott hotel, E&O serves top-quality, delicious pan-Asian food in a stylish but casual setting with breath taking views.
 
At E&O Athens only the best local produce is used to create an enticing fusion of flavors from Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The food here is innovative, fresh, and beautifully presented. Some of our favorite dishes are the succulent Thai Beef Salad, the delicious Kimchi Butter Edamame, the Pork San Choi Bao, and the cooked-to-perfection Crispy Duck & Pancakes.
 
There is also a bar that serves expertly crafted drinks and cocktails, an outdoor plunge pool, and The Playroom – a party area which is ideal for private parties and events.
 
In addition to its à la carte menu, the restaurant also offers set menus for early evening dinner and business lunches.

Address: 385 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64, Athens
Telephone: 210 9471234
 
This content has been sourced and prepared by Codico Lab
 
The Greek-born, London-based fashion designer Mary Katrantzou made history this week when she became the first to stage a fashion show at the Temple of Poseidon, in Sounion near Athens. It was the first time that the Greek authorities gave permission for a private event to take place at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To honor the majestic backdrop of her fashion show, the designer created something suitably momentous.
 
“The collection was based on the ideas birthed in Greece in the 5th century BC, when the temple was built,” the 36-year-old designer tells Vogue. “From trigonometry to physics, biology to theology and philosophy; I wanted to show how these ideas dating back two-and-a-half thousand years are as modern today as they were then.” “This was the first time I had done something in Greece since I left [for London] and it’s the first time I have done something so connected to the country’s heritage. My emotional barometer has just exploded.”

The proceeds from the ticketed event are going to children’s cancer charity, ELPIDA.


To read this article in, please visit: vogue.com.au
Athens has been declared the 2nd Best European Destination for 2020 by travelers in the European Best Destinations (EBD) online competition. European Best Destinations (EBD) is a Brussels-based organization that promotes culture and tourism in Europe.

According to EBD, the 11th edition of the competition attracted more than 600,000 votes from 179 countries–breaking all previous records.
 
The town of Colmar in France came first and was proclaimed Best European Destination for 2020 with a record-breaking 179,723 votes!
 
Athens was voted by a total of 104,639 voters and ranked 2nd on the list, 10 places up from 12th place last year!
 
To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages
Tuesday, 07 July 2020 17:42

Amorgos Island To Star In A New Film

On June 22, the Cycladic island of Amorgos welcomed the cast and crew of a new German-Greek-Italian production, who will spend 3 weeks shooting a film adaptation of the best-selling German novel, Daughters by Lucy Fricke. The German press has described the book as a "road movie in book form, so comic and touching that you burst at once into laughter and tears."

Until the end of the 1980s, the Cycladic island of Amorgos was a pretty much unknown destination that mostly attracted alternative travelers. But then in 1988, Luc Besson's mesmerizing film The Big Blue put Amorgos on the map, and travelers began to seek out the beautiful places they had seen in the movie.

Despite its sudden rise to fame, Amorgos did not succumb to mass tourism, managed to maintain its identity, and still attracts alternative and bohemian crowds.

The film of the book Daughters is "the first international production to begin shooting in Europe after the pandemic, with a film crew traveling across borders," said Greek co-producer Giorgos Karnavas. "Our cast and crew were among the island's first, if not its first, visitors this summer and the locals were very excited to see us. Amorgos was, in fact, one of the first film-friendly locations in Greece, though admittedly Greek local communities are generally more than happy to host film crews and always eager to help."
 
The film which will be released under a different title recounts the story of 2 childhood friends, Martha and Betty, who set off from Germany to a Swiss assisted suicide clinic. Traveling with them in the back seat is the terminally ill father of one of the women who wished to end his life. However, the trip will take some surprising turns, leading them to explore Greece and their own families and sense of identity.

On July 13, a French-Greek co-production called On Sourit Pour La Photo will begin filming on the island of Aegina and the Athenian Riviera. Finally, in early September, Swedish Palm d'Or winner Ruben Östlund has also picked Greece to shoot a large part of his new film Triangle of Sadness.

To read this article in full, please visit: greece-is.com

If you're a non Greek citizen currently living in Greece, you may not need to return to your home country to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Whether you are a Greek citizen or not, this guide will help you to check your eligibility (based on the current phase of vaccinations in Greece) and plan your appointment.


Important note --> a Greek Social Security Number known as AMKA is required to get vaccinated. Greek authorities advise individuals who don't already have an AMKA number to apply for one immediately. Learn more about how to obtain this social security number here.

How To Check Your Vaccination Eligibility
There are 3 ways to check if you are eligible to be vaccinated during the current phase of vaccinations in Greece.

1.Visit The Online Platform
Visit emvolio.gov.gr and fill in the form using your AMKA number and your Last Name or Greek VAT Number, click submit to instantly check your eligibility. The platform is currently only available in Greek, so we recommend that you download the Google Chrome browser which offers real time translation for web pages. Alternatively, have a friend who speaks Greek help you out with using the website; thankfully the process is straightforward.

2. Send An SMS To 13034
Check if you belong to a priority group by sending a text message to 13034. The body of the message should read as follows: AMKA <space> Surname. You will immediately receive a text message informing you whether you are eligible to be vaccinated based on the prioritization system of the national vaccination program. If you are eligible you can schedule your appointment by visiting emvolio.gov.gr

3. Receive An Automated SMS
If you are already registered to the paperless medical prescription platform you will automatically receive an SMS message on your mobile phone from 13034 to notify you about your eligibility and a pre-booked vaccination appointment. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the recommended vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on your postal code.

How To Schedule Your Vaccination Appointment
If by using the process described above you find that you're eligible for vaccination, you can schedule your appointment in one of the following ways:

1. Online Using Your TAXISnet Credentials
TAXISnet credentials are needed for accessing several Greek Government electronic services. If you are registered on TAXISnet you can use your credentials on the appointment page and log in using your username and password. Keep in mind that you may need to confirm your details (mobile phone number, e-mail, postcode) before accessing the booking system, where you'll be able to schedule both doses of the vaccine. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details for dose 1 and dose 2. Please note that you will need your appointment number or QR code on the day of your vaccination, so keep the information safe.

2. At A Local Pharmacy Or KEP
If you are unable to use the online platform emvolio.gov.gr you can book your vaccination appointment at a local pharmacy or KEP (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon - Central Services for Citizens). People with mobility problems can also book their appointment through a representative holding the required documents, namely AMKA, mobile phone number, and a photocopy of the applicant's ID card. Once the booking is complete you will receive an appointment number and QR Code along with all the appointment details.

3. Auto-Scheduled Appointment For Paperless Prescription Users
If you have already registered to the paperles prescription platform (website in Greek only), then you will receive an SMS from 13034, notifying you that your priority/age group is currently being vaccinated along with a pre-booked appointment for your vaccination. The text message will include your appointment number, the date and time of vaccination, and the suggested vaccination center. Vaccination centers are selected based on the postal code you stated on ehealth.gov.gr. For more informtion about paperless prescriptions click here.

How To Confirm Your Appointment
You have the opportunity to confirm your pre-booked appointment within 120 hours. To confirm the pre-booked, you can do one of the following:

a. Send the appointment number via text message (SMS) to 13034.
b. Go to the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform and use your TAXISnet credentials to log in and confirm your appointment.

Note: If you do not confirm your appointment within 120 hours, the pre-booking will be released and you will have to schedule a new appointment later through the emvolio.gov.gr/app platform.


Important Additional Information

1. You will not be able to choose which vaccine you receive.

2. To get information about your scheduled appointment (date and time, vaccination center) you can send an SMS to 13034 with the appointment code or your AMKA and surname (AMKA <space> Surname).

3. In any case, you will receive 3 additional three automated SMS reminders of your appointment – 3 days before your appointment, 1 day before your appointment, and at 7 am on the day of your appointment.

4. Three days before your appointment you will receive an SMS and email with the exact hour and date and a link with information about preparation and guidelines before the vaccination.

5. You can change your appointment once up to 72 hours before your scheduled appointment.

6. Vaccinations are carried out at 1018 centers and designated hospitals around the country.

7. Have your appointment number or QR code and your ID card or passport with you at the vaccination center. Before your vaccination, you have to answer a questionnaire.

8. You will be given a digital vaccination certificate which is intended for personal use.

9. The vaccine is optional, but necessary to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings.

10. Continue to wear a mask and keep a safe distance for as long as necessary.


Sourced and translated from the official Greek website: emvolio.gov.gr


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