Rita Wilson famously described Greek Easter with the words, “We don’t do bunnies. We don’t do chocolate. We don’t do pastels. We do lamb, sweet cookies, and deep red.” The lamb is roasted and is not chocolate, the sweet cookies are called Koulorakia and are twisted like a braid, and our Easter eggs are dyed one colour only: blood red. Ins...
Read moreIn another life, until a few weeks ago, he used to cruise the high seas and notch up frequent flier miles as the Director of Hotel Operations for Global Maritime Cruises. Quarantined at home, Elian Clauss now hosts his virtual apéro soirées concocting corona cocktails! All it takes to craft cutting-edge cocktails is some imagi...
Read moreWe know Greeks were one of the first cultures to produce wine, but just how early did beer come on the scene. In her series on Food and Drink in Greek Archeology, Holley Martlew investigates. This has been one of the riddles of early Greek civilization -- until recently when state of the art scientific analyses were applied to...
Read moreWith so many Lenten treats on offer, the 40-day pre-Easter abstinence feels more like indulgence than penance. Here’s Athens Insider’s guide to navigating Lenten dos and don’ts! For Greeks, even fasting is all about food! In fact, it reflects the rich culinary repertoire of the country, relying heavily on seasonal ve...
Read moreElena Panayides rounds up the coolest watering holes where the city's hipster set hang out. Couleur Locale As the name suggests, this is where the locals go and many of them still aren’t in the know! Located in the Normanou alleyway off Ermou Street, you’ll hesitatingly enter an antique furniture shop. Past the dusty tables and...
Read more“Kerasma”. You either have it … or you don’t. Athens Insider’s John Carr explores the very Greek phenomenon of the free pudding! It happens all the time, even through the big bad Greek Crisis. You drain the last of your erythro house wine to wash down the last of the fish, squid, dolmades, bifteki or what-have-you, and raise y...
Read moreIf you haven’t found time yet to road-test Simul at Kolonaki … we have just this to say: Make Time. Simul's minimal, chic and beautifully-lit space, combined with the venue’s ample natural light, all adds up to a chill, relaxed mood. What feels really fresh about this likeable venture from chef Nikos Thomas though is his “Mix ...
Read moreInsider shares five top tables where you can enjoy sumptuous seafood feasts with a clean conscience. Varoulko After thirty years in the business, one would have expected Chef Lefteris Lazarou to hang his apron and let his reputation do the talking. Lazarou continues to surprise by producing a succession of visually st...
Read moreWith so many Ash Monday dishes to try, this Lenten holiday feels more like indulgence than penance. But what exactly is Ash Monday, or Clean Monday as it is also known? What are you supposed to spend the day doing? And, most importantly, where can you go for delicious meatless food? We’re here to answer all your questions. SOME ...
Read moreWho remembers that great scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding when Aunt Voula reacts, shocked, to the news that her niece’s non-Greek date doesn’t eat meat? ("Oh, that’s okay. I make lamb.”) The Greek culinary scene may have evolved since then, but meat still dominates the dinner table in the lead-up to Lent. Insider recommends 7 super-sty...
Read moreWHAT: Alpha Bank has successfully organized the premier culinary week of Athens for the last four years under the heading "Dine Athens", inviting the Athenian public to taste specially designed menus at affordable prices. As part of the 4th “Dine Athens Restaurant Week”, from January 28th to February 13th 2020, more than 30,000 Athenians took advan...
Read moreBy now, you’ve probably heard the term “Vasilopita”. Maybe you’ve been to a few celebrations involving the legendary New Year’s bread. Perhaps you’ve even been present as one lucky guest discovered the hidden gold coin inside their slice. But why such big deal over some sweet bread and a coin? Why does this tradition seem to be part of ev...
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