Taverna Kalokerinos
Kekropos 10, Athens 10558
Tel: +3 (210) 3232054
Fax: +3 (210) 3232054
E-mail: info@kalokerinos.gr
For their website: http://www.kalokerinos.gr/
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The power of nature at the man’s service… Aidipsos is probably the most famous spa-town in Greece! This cute little town is situated in Northern Evia and is connected to the mainland by ferry from Arkitsa, in Fthiotida. Evia can be reached easily also by car, bus or train from Attica through the Cable Bridge. The healing properties of Aidipsos thermal springs have been known since ancient times and are actually mentioned in the scripts of Plutarch, Strabo and Aristotle.
According to mythology, the precious water flowed for the very first time when Hephaestus beat the land with his hammer. It was a favour to goddess Athena, who believed that the thermal springs would keep Hercules healthy and powerful! During the Roman times, emperors and commanders frequented the place while centuries later the springs attracted important personalities, such as Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo and Maria Kallas.
A plethora of neoclassical mansions, lush plane trees and picturesque traditional cafes and restaurants envelop the town with a unique nostalgic atmosphere. In the hydrotherapy centre of the Greek National Tourism Organisation the visitor has the opportunity to gaze at an archaeological collection comprising finds from the excavations that took place in the area. Other archaeological sites around Aidipsos, such as the Sylla Cave, have re-opened inviting the public to discover them.
A geological miracle
The springs of Aidipsos are more than 80. The composition of the waters in combination with their high temperature is particularly beneficial for the human body. Archaeological finds indicate that the point from which the waters flow had been first spotted during Prehistoric times. The centuries-old geological and paleontological history of the area is also proved by a spot found where a mammal fossil is drawn. The springs are known anyway for 20.000 years now.
The temperature of the waters ranges from 28οC to 86οC. The waters are rich in magnesium, calcium and iron while their properties are extremely healing. The springs are scattered in various points of the city and through canals supply with water all hydrotherapy centres of the area.
To read more, please go to visitgreece.gr
Stuffed vegetables are a staple of the summer season and this version of Kolokithia Yemista (koh-loh-KEETH-yah yeh-mee-STAH) or Stuffed Zucchini is a great way to enjoy the bounty.The zucchini are hollowed and stuffed with a savory meat filling and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce that bakes up to a nice golden crust.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
• about 4 – 5 large zucchini (yellow or green)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1kilo ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp. dried mint
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced (canned if necessary)
• 1 cup grated Kefalotyri cheese (substitute Pecorino Romano), divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the béchamel:
• 1/4 cup butter (4 tbsp.)
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
• pinch of nutmeg
To read more, please visit greekfood.about.com
By Lynn Livanos Athan
In response to Athens' increasing number of homeless and refugee population, a group of volunteers has created the first mobile laundry van, called the 'mobile street laundrette.' By washing clothes, the mobile laundry's goal is to improve the life conditions and self-esteem of about 20,000 homeless people living in Athens. The mobile street laundrette goes out 5 days a week and so far, has washed 42 tons of clothes!
Our goal is to help homeless people to find their Ithaca. We aim at increasing the level of social integration of the homeless population, whose number has increased significantly in the last few years due to the socio-economic crisis. Given the lack of adequate hygiene services for the homeless, we decided to create a mobile laundry. Through our free provision of services, we intend to improve the hygiene conditions of homeless people, as well as to restore their dignity and self-esteem.
Since April 2016 we have been providing social services with dedication in order to ensure proper hygiene conditions for people in need. The main goal of our work is the social reintegration of individuals from vulnerable population groups. Through the operation of the mobile laundry at different but stable spots in Athens and Piraeus we are able to provide hygiene services to the homeless, so as to restore their dignity and self-esteem. Alongside, since January 2017 we have created part-time jobs for people from vulnerable social groups. By employing them for a specific time period and providing them with certain skills, such as work, counseling and guidance, we aim at their reintegration in both work and social life.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, please click here.
