The Weekly Collection #5
What's happening in town? What will happen in restaurants, bars, theatre & music scenes that you want to be there?
What does "happy new year" mean? There are many times we have all wondered. A good year has few to few visits to the doctor. Even more definitely, a happy new year is the one that fills most of our moments with our loved ones. Happy new year is the two previous ones plus the experiences, the discoveries, and the critical events we will experience and share.
2022 was a challenging year for many. A year of fatigue, losses, and fear. But for all of us - as happens every year for a different reason - it was instructive. It taught us to value freedom more and to love simple things. It taught us to allow ourselves to be unwell. But so be it.
Just before the year that managed to compete with 2020 says goodbye for good, we have gathered ideas for the places you can visit and feel good.
The most old-time classic pizza in town: Flower
Where: Δορυλαίου 2, Πλατεία Μαβίλη
When: Κάθε μέρα από τις 8.30 μέχρι τις 00.30
Why: This square would be different if this fantastic "flower" weren't there. Because every time we pass by this cute - and marginally very romantic - spot next to the fountain with the tables, the lights, and the line waiting patiently to be seated, the smell breaks our noses so much that we might not have been there to eat pizza but guess what, we ate. A meeting point for many artists, especially in the morning hours, and a hangout for groups of all ages, Flower raises generations of pizza lovers in the city.
What do I order? Flower is one of those cases where all pizzas have something to say to you-even the Margherita (which breaks them). If you like truffles, you have to order the Tartufata with the smoked cheese and the thin dough that makes you able to eat all the pieces in just 5 minutes, and your stomach wants to eat more. You should also try one of the deep-dish pizzas with aged dough baked in a pan with olive oil. Di Stefano is a strong choice for this genre. From salads, salmon is one of my favourites (mainly for its intense lemon), but a Caprese is always a good choice.
Extra tip: Save room for dessert, specifically for the Biscotino pizza or the supreme Nutella calzone.
At Antonis Selekos, you will eat the most unsurpassed Panettone in the city, myPanetoni
Where: Erifulis 2, Pagrati
When: Every day from 16.00 - 19.00 (sweets can be ordered online or by phone at 2107248888)
Why: First of all, I bet your taste buds have never met this dough that melts in your mouth. Secondly, Antonis has on his resume: "pastry chef at Funky Gourmet. So naturally, this means that his sweets belong - and rightfully so - to haute cuisine.
So for a change, and after writing that at the moment we speak, the orders for this year's panettone are closed (however, take a walk there or give a phone call; you never know), I'll let Antonis himself talk to us about the creation of Antonis Selekos Conceptual Desserts: "We started with panettone completely by accident in Astypalaia. A friend threw out the idea, so I gave it a try. We were in quarantine. I tried one, I tried a second, and I took the third to Georgianna Chiliadakis. Her reaction was, "wow, this is so delicious" she had yet to open Instagram, so she uploaded it to her social media - it was a disaster. I was then in a workshop in Sepolia, and I said if I make 100, I will be happy. Finally, I made 700. It was a mess. We went out into the world ourselves and gave the panettone, thus breaking the stereotype that the chef is alone in a kitchen, twisted and irritated. In the end, all this was chasing me." She was chasing him. He chased him until he found him in Antiparos, where Pericles Koskinas from "Cookouvaya" suggested the shop where he is now. "So we came here with our partner Anna Dionysiadou, and we liked it and decided to make a place that would prepare sweets at that moment, that is, as we speak, we could prepare a tiramisu or a panettone (all year round) and eat it fresh. We don't have storefronts. So far, we have experienced many successes and many failures." But the failures ended up in a kitchen that cooks for the homeless. "It's when you say, 'I failed', but I can play somewhere else." In this beautiful way, they throw nothing away.
But tell us about the panettone: "It's 100% sourdough, and you have about three days to eat it." If they pass (which you can't bear to eat), then the toaster is also a good solution. In any case: "We cut it in half with a serrated knife and then portion it out. Then it must be put in a box or closed in a nylon bag to last just fine. Let's play with it a bit until we find it."
And so, to close: "I'm sure you've eaten some delicious panettone; I care that when you eat this panettone, you understand that it's mine." I confirm you get it from the first bite.
Η παράσταση που δε βλέπουμε συχνά (έως και καθόλου): Pomona των Θωμά Μοσχόπουλου και Sigurdur F3
Where: At Porta Theatre
When: Thursday to Saturday, 21:00 and Sunday, 19:00 – additional performances: Monday, 26 and Tuesday, 27 December (21:00)
Why: Let's start with the fact that Thomas Moschopoulos, who co-edits the direction with the Icelandic conceptual artist and active member of the RPG culture Sigurdur F3, is one of the directors who, from the glorious days of the legendary Amore Theater to today, has not has ceased to make known to the public texts that deserve their attention. However, Alistair McDowall's Pomona is different from the text that will hold you. The surrealism of the thing combined with the excellent performances of all the actors is. A cinematic show that wants to blow you away from everything you've seen so far.
Where do I book? POMONA | Εισιτήρια online! | Viva.gr
The musical that - rightfully so - goes from overtime to overtime: Spirtokouto, the Musical by Yannis Niarros and Alexandros Livitsanos
Where: Stegi of the Onassis Foundation
When: Wednesday-Sunday (until 22/01)
Why: We finally need to know, "What are you going to do with Linda Vangelis". Because Yiannis Niarros (in lyrics and direction) and Alexandros Livitsanos (in music) took the once legendary "Spirtokouto" by Yiannis Economides and developed it as correctly and imaginatively as they could. Because within 120 minutes or so, you find yourself laughing effortlessly and singing arias without understanding what and how with everyday sayings. Because this is a masterpiece of war in four walls that scorches and comments on reality so correctly that it deserves applause.
Tip: Before you see the film, it is freely available on YouTube
Tip no2: Warm properly; take your drink before entering the room. Be allowed.
Where do I book? Show Event Info (onassis.org)
The performance is only allowed to adults.
The bar that is so pop that it doesn't stop: Babushka
Where: Byzantiou 7, Koukaki
When: From 19.00 until late
Why; The fans of the now legendary 7 Jokers will do it to see the iconic figure of Filios Koroglou again, thus supporting her new venture with Joakim Sidiropoulos. Believers of the right bar - in every sense of the word - will love Koukaki's recent acquisition and make it their home until you say: Babushka. Then, all the rest (not many left) will enjoy their drink in a pop and new space that has opened and is waiting to see how and how to see its patrons are having a good time.
Extra tip: If you want to tone things down and get into a Babushka mood, scroll through the fantastic sketches they upload on Facebook.
The exhibition that opened and awaits us: Modern Love
Where: ΕΜΣΤ
When: Tuesday-Friday 11.00-19.00 & Saturday 11.00-15.00
Until When: 28/05/23
Why: 24 artists. 14 countries. Modern Love, or otherwise "Love in the years of cold intimacy", is the next extensive group exhibition of EMST, and it comes to talk to us about digital technology and the internet, about their influence on modern societies but also about their relationship with work, body and speech. Curated by Katerina Gregou, artistic director of EMST, Modern Love wants to express Love and close human ties in the age of late capitalism, globalization, digital interconnection and social media. Social networks, communication, emotions. How the intertwining of reality, virtual and fantasy creates complex psychological and interpersonal situations and entanglements. Modern Love is an exhibition about the disembodied experience of the digital and the disembodied experience of proximity in today's post-pandemic era, in the years of cold intimacies.
Where to book: You can get your ticket at the museum box office (Regular access: €8 and reduced €4)
The movie we've been waiting for: Avatar: The Way of Water
In the cinemas of the city
When: All week
Why: The first Avatar was the highest-grossing film of all time. If we do a tour along his path, then not without reason, we would say that James Cameron probably has the Midas touch since everything he touches practically turns to gold. In this case, a dark blue gold that returns to make Christmas as fanciful as possible. Spectacular and technically sound, Avatar comes 13 years later to redeem itself. I will make it;
Till next time: Pay attention to what you want to remember in the years to come.
Happy New Year!
