Philippe Roux-Dessarps takes on the helm of the iconic Four Seasons Astir as General Manager, crowning a 25-year career in over ten countries, across three continents. He brings his brand of people-focused hospitality to the hotel, promising exciting new activities to breathe new life into this legendary destination. On the da...
Read moreA cross between a hallowed landmark and an edgy, intimate, no-frills joint, The Half Note Jazz Club has had a roster of bonafide musical titans, avant-garde boppers and bands-in-residence to claim its rightful place among the most influential jazz venues in the world. As it celebrates its four decades in show business in style, a grateful...
Read moreIt goes without saying that as a guest at Athens’ Four Seasons Astir Palace, you’re set to have a wonderful time. But to really help you enjoy it, let us take you on a journey through the hotel via the eyes of an insider. Katie Silcox asks Elia Kentrota, Director of Public Relations, how she would spend her perfect day at the hotel. After...
Read moreWHAT: Get ready for a re-run of last year's rip-roaringly funny Irish Stand Up Comedy with two of Ireland’s biggest-named, London-based comedians Rory O'Hanlon and Peter Flanagan performing. As last year, Niamh Marron will return to MC and perform some of her new material. For two nights only. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. WHEN: November 2...
Read moreEleni Kefalopoulou raises a glass to Greece’s indigenous whites. The glorious Greek summer is here! A beautiful orange sun warming my back in Byzantine Monemvasia, a walk through Lefkes in Paros, the dry salty wind mixing with the aroma of indigenous flowers, a plunge into the tropical waters of Halkidiki, a coffee in the shad...
Read moreGreeks do not need much encouragement to eat meat. And neither do we! The tradition of "tsiknopempti" - literally Thursday Grill - is very much alive in Greece in 2019. Here's everything you need to know about this special day. When does it take place? On the Thursday of the second week of Carnival. In 2019, tsiknopempti falls ...
Read moreA peek under the 400-pleated fustanellas and elaborate uniforms worn by the elite Evzones, a real labour of love, embroidered and hand-crafted by the 10-member tailoring department of the Presidential Palace. A photo essay on a unique tailoring tradition by Angelos Giotopoulos. Often the most-photographed subjects of tourists,...
Read moreWhat would a city taste like? Would such a terroir be an amalgam of those of the more definable neighbourhoods that surround it? So would Exarcheia taste different from Kifissia or Kolonaki, and the taste of Athens be a sum of its parts? Or might it have a distinctive quality that—for different reasons—represents a break from expectations? ...
Read moreWHAT: Dr. Nissim Levis lived during a unique moment in history: the last years of the Ottoman Empire and the following years of turmoil and transition as the world changed forever; including the small Greek town of Ioannina, where Levis lived and photographed his society evolving around him. His photographs and family heirlooms reveal an equal part...
Read moreWhy is it that vacays have a knack of making us less-neurotic, more adventurous versions of ourselves while the return back to work with cold Tupperware lunches while insta-spying others with toned bodies tanning on the beach makes us grumpier, un-fun creatures? Athens Insider rounds up 5 fool-proof ways to keep that magical holiday feeli...
Read moreAthens’ giddy food revolution is in overdrive. From grill-houses where meat rules the roost to retro meze mansions and gourmet enclaves, Athens Insider breaks it down to the coolest 6 most eligible new dining addresses for you to discover. Parla Captained by Thodoris Papanikolaou - the gastro-genius who brought us such sophisti...
Read moreJohn Zervos pays tribute to Philip Kerr, a master of historical detective fiction, and the creator of Bernie Gunther, one of the most endearing, wisecracking detectives in crime writing. In his last book, Greeks Bearing Gifts, published a week after his death in March this year, Kerr leaves behind a compelling spy novel that moves swiftly...
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