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XpatAthens

Friday, 20 February 2015 21:02

Corfiot Sofrito With Potato-Carrot Puree

Sofrito is a well known and unique dish of Corfu. It is made with beef, which is cooked in a wine sauce with garlic and parsley. It is served with rice or mashed potatoes.

Sofrito Preparation

Dredge the fillets with salt and fresh ground pepper. Coat them with flour and fry slightly on both sides. Scrape any excess flour from the bottom of the pan and remove them.
Add olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the onion.
Add rosemary, marjoram, garlic and white wine.
Cut the stems of both the parsley bunches, tie them and add them in the saucepan.
Add meat fillets and simmer until the sauce thickens and meat is tender. If needed you should add more water.
Remove parsley stems from the saucepan.
Serve meat in a platter and pour the sauce over them.
Serve fillets with mashed potatoes and carrots.

Potato and Carrot Mash Preparation

Boil the cubed potatoes and carrots in water.
Add plenty of salt and pepper and the mashed garlic.
When the vegetables are tender remove from the sauce pan and drain.
Preserve half glass of the water.
Melt butter on the saucepan.
Add on a a blender the vegetables and blend. Gradually add the milk and the water that you preserved. Blend until the texture is soft and creamy.
Add the melted butter and mix again.
Empty the puree on a saucepan.


Sofrito Ingredients

1kg boneless beef fillets (leg part preferred)
1 onion, finely cut
2 garlic cloves, mashed
1 glass of white wine
Rosemary
Marjoram
2 bunches of parsley
Salt
Pepper
Flour for coating the fillets
Olive oil for frying


Mash potato and Carrot Ingredients
5 medium potatoes, cut in cubes
1 mashed garlic
Mix of pepper and salt
6 medium carrots, cut in thin slices
1 glass of milk
2 spoons of fresh butter

www.greek-recipe.com

Wednesday, 20 December 2023 07:00

Greek Traditions To Welcome The New Year

Greeks ring in the new year with as much celebration as everyone else, except that New Year's Day in Greece is a big day for another reason too.
 
January 1st is the name day of Saint Basil or Agios Vasilios, one of the forefathers of the Greek Orthodox Church, making this holiday one with many traditions to enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites:
 

Exchanging Gifts 
Although Christmas has recently brought Santa Claus and the giving of gifts, traditional Greek homes celebrate gift-giving on the name day of Agios Vasilios - presents are left under the tree on the morning of New Year's Day.

Playing Cards
Luck plays a big part in the new year celebration in Greece. A win at cards could signal a whole year of good luck, so playing card games, rolling dice, and other games of chance play a big part in Greek celebrations at this time of year. Games are often played in tavernas, kafenion, and homes across the country. Even the state lottery is played with much enthusiasm at this time of year.

The "Podariko" Tradition
On New Year's Day, a common tradition called 'kalo podariko' or first footing, is that the first person to enter a Greek house on New Year's Day will bring luck in with them. Typically before midnight, the 'first footer' is chosen to step through the doorway and back into the house in an attempt to bring good luck to the home. It is said that luck is only brought by someone with a kind, loving, and honest heart, so children are commonly chosen to usher in the new year in this way.

Vasilopita
New Years Day also brings the traditional 'Vasilopita' cake, a round sweet cake that is ceremonially cut with a slice for each member of the family and additional special slices for the home, Agios Vasilios, and any other religious figures the family wishes to cut for. Slices are handed out to each family member from oldest to youngest - whoever receives the lucky slice, the piece containing a hidden coin, is said to receive good luck for the whole year.

Gouri - New Year's Charms
Good luck charms, or 'gouria' in Greek, are also very popular at this time of year. The Gouri is a traditional Greek New Year’s gift that you give to loved ones in order to bring them luck for the year to come. Designs and materials may vary, just like their prices, but a gouri is a very popular symbol of love and protection for the new year.

Other New Years' Traditions Around Greece
In the Cyclades, villagers believe a north wind on New Year's Day to be a very good omen for the year. Also, if a dove should land in the yard that day, the family will have an extra lucky year, but if a crow flies over the house, then all luck will be lost.

In Crete, the tradition of hanging wild sea onions, or 'squill' is still practiced in some homes. The Cretan wild onion is actually poisonous and may cause a skin rash, but when uprooted, it flowers and grows new leaves. Cretans consider this rare quality a very good omen and hang the wild onions in their homes on New Year's Day in a tradition that goes back to the 6th century BC.



Tuesday, 21 March 2023 07:00

4 Of The Best Wine Bars In Athens

With about a whopping 61,500 hectares of vineyards, Greece is no stranger to wine, as it has one of the world's oldest wine cultures.

Here are some of the top wine bars in Athens, where travelers and residents alike can sample the greatest wines Greece has to offer!




Heteroclito

Heteroclito
@heteroclitoathens


Set in the historical center of Athens, Heteroclito, a wine bistro with a charming vintage flair provides customers with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate outstanding Greek wines, as well as discover the greatest varieties from a diverse range of local production. A year-round destination offering outdoor seats along the pedestrian way to enjoy alfresco living to the fullest!

Address: Fokionos 2 & Petraka, Monastiraki
Telephone: 210 323 9406

Vintage Wine Bar and Bistro

Vintage Wine Bar
@vintagewinebistro_athens


This wine bar is conveniently located near the intersection of Plaka and Monastiraki. Classy and elegant it offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. There's a 200-label wine collection on hand, as well as a full dining menu, promising to take you on an exciting culinary adventure!

Address: Mitropoleos 66
Telephone: 213 029 6570

Oinoscent

Oinoscent
@oinoscent


Just 200m from Syntagma square, this is the first wine bar that opened in Athens, in 2008. More than 1000 labels rest in the well-designed cellar area, that can be perfectly combined with the bar's comfort yet gourmet menu. The wine list also includes 50 glass labels that are updated every week!

Address: Voulis 45-47
Telephone: 210 322 9374

By The Glass

By The Glass
@bytheglass.gr

A beautifully refurbished 19th-century mansion near the National Gardens hosts this lovely wine bar! There, you will find a selection of 500+ wines, both Greek and international, rare Old Greek Vintages, premium imported Fine Wines, a large variety of Champagnes and Sparkling Wines, as well as Distillates and Dessert Wines.

Address: 3 G. Souris Str. & Philellinon
Telephone: 210 323 2560
 
More than a million different apps are available both on the Android and Apple app stores so sorting the good from the not so good can be a bit frustrating. The same applies to travel apps too. While some of them can really improve your vacation, many others aren't even worth the time they take to download!
 
Tripsavvy has put together a list of the most useful free travel apps that should definitely find a place on your smartphone or tablet before your next vacation.
 
1. Google Translate
When traveling to a foreign country, you’ll find Google’s free translation app very useful. Simply type the words you want to translate, pick a target language, and there you go. You can also download a language pack ahead of time so that you don’t even need to be connected to the Internet to translate your phrases and words!
 
2. WiFi Map
By scanning your surroundings WiFi Map lets you know the location of the nearest wireless connection. The free version shows any networks within a little over a mile of your current or a searched location, while the paid version lets you download entire city Wi-fi maps ahead of time to use while offline.
 
3. Sit or Squat
Sometimes when you’re traveling, knowing where to find the nearest public toilet is vitally important. The aptly-named Sit or Squat app does exactly that, scanning a database of over 100,000 restrooms that have been rated “sit” (good) or “squat” (bad) by users to show those close to you.

4. Tripadvisor
There’s no doubt TripAdvisor is the biggest game in town when it comes to user reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The app provides almost all of the information available on the site, including access to the forums, and syncing of bookmarked pages between the web and app versions.

5. Tripit
Tripit is one of the most popular travel apps out there. With Tripit, you can track complex itineraries without having to manually type in the specifics of every flight, hotel, and transfer. For online bookings, all you need to do is forward the confirmation email, and, in most cases, Tripit will automatically recognize it and update your itinerary. Once you've dowloaded the latest updates of your itinerary, you can access it without an Internet connection.

To read this list in full, please visit: Tripsavvy.com
Monday, 21 October 2019 13:38

More Than 10,000 Visitors In Navarinia Fest

The 192nd anniversary from the Battle of Navarino in the presence of President of the Hellenic Republic

Pylos has been at the forefront of the world for yet another year, honoring and reviving one of the most historic events in modern Greek history. Pylos- Nestor Municipality celebrated the 192nd anniversary of the historic Navarino Naval Battle, in a three-day commemoration event from October 18-20, 2019.

This year’s festivities were attended by more than 10,000 visitors and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Former Prime Minister, Mr. Antonis Samaras, Messinia MP and representative of the Hellenic Parliament, Mr. Giannis Lampropoulos, Messinia MPs, Mr. Periklis Mantas and Mr. Miltos Chryssomalis, Peloponnese Regional Governor, Mr. Panagiotis Nikas and Pylos-Nestor Mayor Mr. Panagiotis Karvelas all attended the event.

The historic Navarino Naval Battle, revived for another year, on Saturday, October 19, 2019, in the old port of Pylos, through the reenactment organized by Pylos-Nestor Municipality. The sky shone, and the historic naval battle resurrected 192 years later, with the participation of 5 rare traditional sailing boats, of the Traditional Boat Association (one dating back to 1900) and the assistance of special audiovisual media and fireworks. It is worth mentioning the leading role of the Association for the Preservation and Conservation of Traditional Shipbuilding and Nautical Art and Heritage “Proteas” and its Vice President, Mr. Nikolaos Vlavianos, who designed and manufactured a ship model of that era with tackle for the reenactment of the Turkish flagship. A spectacular live storytelling scene awaited the visitors, with a canvas of fireworks at the event closing. Navarinia is a celebration that commemorates the history of all nations involved, as well as people who have passed to immortality by putting their stamp on the founding of the modern Greek State.

Citizens’ safety and facilitation was achieved thanks to the full support of Messinia Police Department, Pylos Police Department, Pylos Port Authority, Pylos Fire Department, National Emergency Aid Centre, Pylos Health Center, Red Cross (Kalamata Department), the staff of Pylos-Nestor Municipality, as well as all residents of the region who volunteered and respected the safety regulations.

Program of events began on Friday, October 18, 2019, with the organization of the traditional and modern boat race, in the Navarino Bay under the auspices of Maritime 2 Athletic Pylos Association “NESTOR” and the Traditional Boat Association, continued with national traditional dances by Ladies Association in Pylos and Pylos Cultural Association while ended with the inauguration of the periodical ship model exhibition of George Bouzounis, and the artwork by Denis Gaille. A roundtable discussion on the topic “Aris of Tsamadou” followed. The event was curated by Vassilis Vrettakos and Dionysis Karalis (Navarinia Committee), in collaboration with Nikolaos Vlavianos (Proteas Association), George Vozikis (member of the Institute of Shipbuilding Art), Aris Arvanitakis (Phoenix Register of Shipping Chief Executive Officer) and Maria Galoufa (archaeologist). Official guests were European Maritime Heritage President, David Morgan and board members Tomas Hoppe, Nice Edvine List Peterson and Jian Matias Vesterman.

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, an honorary event was held in favor of the French who lost their lives from Thermes during the period 1828-1832 while the events culminated in the evening with the Reenactment of the Battle at the Old Port of Pylos. On Sunday, October 20, 2019, His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia praised at the Holy Church of Virgin Mary Dormition in Pylos. During the three-day celebrations, those visited Pylos were able to visit “Psara” frigate and the Russian patrol vessel “Vasily Bykov”.

Protocol Organization: Region of Peloponnese
Events Organization - Naval Battle Reenactment: Pylos-Nestor Municipality

Grand Sponsor: Costa Navarino Sponsors: Maragkakis A.P. Erga Prasinou S.A., Aigaias ΑΜΚΕ, KATASKEVI Α.Τ.Ε., Panagiotopoulos Aristeides Ε.D.Ε., Super Market Afoi Panagiotopouloi, Α.Β. Vassilopoulos, Katritsis, Consortium Vioefarmoges Eleftheriou & SIA ΕΕ, Chondroleos Center, Europa Security, Local Companies from Pylos, Gialova, Methoni, Finikounda Communities, Tzikakis Efstathios-Rizas Aristomenis O.E.

Hashtags: #navarinia #navarinonavalbattle

Website
Facebook 
Instagram 
Twitter
YouTube Channel 

Thursday, 23 December 2021 07:00

Christopsomo: Where Bread Meets Fine Art

Christopsomo, or “Christ’s bread,” has been an indispensable part of the Christmas Day table in every Greek household throughout the centuries.

If you are ever fortunate enough to spend a Christmas in Greece, you will be certain to become enchanted by the enticing aromas of baked bread, pastries, cookies, and other foods during the holiday season.

Greek Christopsomo

Some Greek holiday goodies are steeped in ancient regional traditions, while others you will find throughout the entire country, but perhaps with a local twist.

The bread is traditionally baked on Christmas Eve and served on Christmas Day at the table when the whole family gathers to eat together. It is believed that this sweet bread brings blessings to the family during this holy season.

The dough for Christopsomo is divided into two pieces. The first portion, the largest, forms the main base. The somewhat smaller portion is made into a large cross with curled and split ends and several other symbolic shapes.

In the past, symbols represented aspects of the family’s life and professions as well. For example, if the family were fishmongers, images of fish would be shaped and added to the loaf.

In more agriculturally-based times, the surface of the bread would often be covered with flowers, leaves, or fruits, indicating the family’s hopes for a good harvest and healthy herds of animals.

A walnut is placed in the middle of the cross, symbolizing life as well as fertility. The walnut shell can also be interpreted as representing the cave in which the Christ Child was born.

Baking the most elaborate possible Christopsomo is an unspoken challenge for bread makers in Greece. In many parts of the country, “Christ’s bread” has truly become a piece of timeless art, with incredibly beautiful, intricate decorations.



To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com
The sports tourism and wellness event Navarino Challenge updates its schedule annually with new activities for people of all ages and abilities. With the message “sports unites people” Navarino Challenge will be held for the 12th year on October 18-20, 2024, at Costa Navarino and Pylos. More than 55 activities will be hosted at two of the destination’s four hotels, W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.


The North Face Athletes to Run the Scenic Routes of Navarino Challenge

This year, the team of athletes from The North Face is expected to have a dynamic presence, competing in the top Half Marathon powered by The North Face with athletes Giorgos Dimoulas, Alexandros Tzoumakas, and Nikoletta Tzavara, discovering the exciting route that crosses Voidokilia and combines dirt, sand, and asphalt with the message “Never Stop Exploring”.

Register for the Running Activities

Participants can join the 21.1km route powered by The North Face, 10km, 5km powered by Miele, and 1km races right away. The children’s race is free of charge. Register through the special form available at the following link

2 Navarino Challenge Running by Elias Lefas

High-Intensity Training & CrossFit with Dimitris Moros

In collaboration with the top physical education professor Dimitris Moros and FitnessArt, Navarino Challenge will also conduct CrossFit activities powered by Squatwolf and high-intensity training powered by Squatwolf, ensuring the muscular strengthening of the participants. Squatwolf, the Premium Gymwear Brand from DUBAI, which came to Greece exclusively by SportAdore is participating for the first time in a Greek sports event, presenting technical gym clothes that elevate training to another level.

Water Activities with Moraitis Watersports

The beloved water sports that made a dynamic debut last year will once again feature the name and signature of Moraitis Watersports. Sea and adrenaline lovers can choose from a wide variety of activities in the historic Bay of Navarino through three different vouchers. The “Watersports Voucher 1” includes Windsurf and Kayak Tour. The “Watersports Voucher 2” includes Wakeboard, Waterski, Wakesurf, and Wingfoil, with 10% of the proceeds going to the charity action “Sharing Is Caring” and to 12 NGOs. Finally, the “Watersports Voucher 3” includes e-Foil, Kitesurf, and Catamaran activities. Participation in the activities requires booking accommodation at Costa Navarino through Navarino Challenge. Register through the special form available at the following link.

5 Navarino Challenge Water Sports by Elias Lefas

Beach Volleyball with Michalis Triantafyllidis

In collaboration with the former international volleyball player and record- holder for national team appearances, Michalis Triantafyllidis, and Triantafyllidis Beach Arena, the King of the Court Beach Volleyball Tournaments powered by Bacardi will be held again this year. In anticipation of the NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court event, which will be held at the Dunes Beach at Costa Navarino, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena is organizing a series of tournaments this summer: the BEACH ARENA CHALLENGE King of the Court. The top 2 champions from the entire series, will win free participation in the exciting NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court and complimentary accommodation in Pylos, while there will be a draw for 5 free entries in the NAVARINO CHALLENGE King of the Court. For more information: www.beacharena.gr

6 Navarino Challenge Beach Volleyball by Dimitris Andritsos Photography

Book your accommodation package now

Enjoy a weekend full of outdoor sports activities for all ages. Book now the complete sports activities package and experience a unique sports and cultural event. For more information on accommodation packages at W Costa Navarino and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino please email booking(at)navarinochallenge.com or call Vita N Travel at +30 210 3249070. Check the accommodation packages here.

Miele is the Platinum Sponsor.
MOTODYNAMICS Group
is the Gold Sponsor.
Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino, and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino
are the Official Hospitality Sponsors.
Knorr, and The North Face
are the Silver Sponsors.
Vikos Natural Mineral Water
is the Official Water.
Luanvi
is the Official Sports Supplier.
KORRES, Trace ‘n Chase, and Pilia Express
are the Bronze Sponsors.
SIXT, a member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group
is the event’s Premium Mobility Partner.
Navarino Icons
is the event’s Authentic Flavor Partner.
Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos-Nestor, Bacardi, Poseidonia Restaurant, Karalis Beach Hotel, and Karalis City Hotel & Spa
are the event’s Partners.
Kois Optics
are the Official Optics Partner.
Vlaha, Phee, Messinian Spa, and Zoe Resort
are the Supporters.
SKAI
is the Premium TV Partner. Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner.
Athens Medical Group
is the Medical Partner.
p³ = Plastic Pollution Prevention
is the Sustainability Partner.
Athens University of Economics and Business
is the event’s Educational Partner.
Angelic Yoga Arts, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Gymnastics Stars, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Navarino Outdoors, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’ Clock, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena
are the Athletic Partners.
The event is Assisted by Vita N Travel, and Pylos Association of Enterprises for Tourism Development.

Navarino Challenge will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese.
The event is organized by ActiveMedia Group, which is also responsible for the event’s Sports Production.

More information about this year’s activities and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

#navarinochallenge #costanavarino #sportsunitespeople #eatwell #runwell #livewell

Website: www.navarinochallenge.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Navarinochallenge
Instagram: http://instagram.com/navarinochallenge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NavarinoC
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NavarinoChallenge
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@navarino_challenge
Thursday, 05 February 2015 14:07

My Week In Athens… Feb 21

With this week’s grey skies, rainy days and cold nights – and let’s not even mention crisis – I think I can speak on behalf of many of us when I say that last weekend’s party at the GB was just what the doctor ordered. A few hours of welcome escape from the winter rut…

This ‘Night to Remember’, which has become a highlight annual event for the expat community, went off in great style. A beautiful venue, yummy buffet and great music (ok, sure, and the open bar…) made for an evening of fun! I actually had a really good time, met some new people and, with a room full of people dancing and ‘whooping’ in a conga line, I couldn’t help but forget my day-to-day and really smile in the moment.

But I remain eternally awestruck at how many people know all the words to ‘It’s Raining Men’. And all the moves to match ;) Must check YouTube…

Also great to see our friends from the Greek-Irish Society out in full force!

Smile in the moment – must remember to do this more often…

Check out some pics from the night HERE!

Until next week,

Jack

In this weekly space, keep up with ‘Jack’ as he navigates daily life in Athens… Anecdotes, stories, hits & misses, the good, the bad and, well, the rest…

Monday, 16 February 2015 11:42

Kiku Seaside

Kiku means chrysanthemum in Japanese, the restaurant's trademark, however, it is a blooming cherry twig, ever so surreal, but always characteristic of the Japanese’s great love for flowers. Kiku has a sleek and modern exotic aura that is brought out by white and blue striped fabric sofas and armchairs and charming wood everywhere.

Kiku seaside offers a lounge atmosphere, cocktails and Japanese cuisine, a combination that seems to resonate with the crowd and fills the restaurant daily. Here you can enjoy Japanese cuisine with an excellent sea view and lots of greenery before you as well.

Address: Orfeos 2, Vouliagmeni - 2109671866, 6945416674

Original text by Dimitris Antonopoulos  - Translated by Eleni Georgiou

For more information, please visit athinorama.gr

 

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

Friday, 20 February 2015 21:02

Eggplant Dolmades With Herbs And Cheese

Stuffed eggplants come in many shapes and sizes in the repertoire of traditional Greek recipes. This is a favorite.

For the sauce

4 cups canned chopped tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
Salt and sugar to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the eggplants

1 - 2 cups all purpose flour
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
3 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
2 2/3 cups grated Kefalotyri cheese (about 220 g)
2 medium-large eggplants, cut lengthwise into 18 slices, each about 1 cm thick
350 g kasseri cheese, or any semi-hard, mild yellow sheep's milk cheese, coarsely grated
1 1/4 cups anthotyro or ricotta, drained
3/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup chopped fresh oregano leaves
Pepper to taste

Instructions

1 In a medium saucapan, simmer the tomatoes, garlic, salt, sugar and olive oil together until thickened and reduced by about 1 cup. Remove from heat and set aside.
2 Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Oil 3 baking sheets and one glass baking dish large enough to hold the eggplant rolls (about 13 X 9 X 2 inches).
3 Place flour in a wide shallow bowl, eggs in second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup kefalotyri cheese in another.
4 Season each eggplant slice with salt and pepper. Press each slice, one at a time, into the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumb-cheese mixture.
5 Arrange eggplant slices in single layer on prepared sheets. Bake eggplant in batches until coating is golden, turning after 15 minutes, about 30 minutes total. Cool on sheets.
6 Mix the kasseri, anthotyro, herbs, and 1 cup of kefalotyri in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
7 Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling over the surface of each eggplant slice. Starting at the narrow end, roll up eggplant slices. Arrange rolls, seam side down, in prepared baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with remaining kefalotyri.
8 Bake uncovered until the eggplant dolmades are heated through and the kasseri melts, about 30 minutes.

greek food - greek cooking - greek recipes by diane kochilas http://www.dianekochilas.com/

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