Sunday Gold (Athens, Greece)

Plaka

I've grown very fond of our sunday strolls around the old town of Athens and thoroughly enjoyed capturing the mood for you all. So I'm a bit sad to say today's has been the last of the Sunday series for now, as I'm leaving Athens for a while. I hope you've enjoyed them as much as we have!  

Christmas Sunday (Athens, Greece)

Merry christmas to our friends who are celebrating today!

Sunday Rakomelo (Athens, Greece)

Enjoying some hot rakomelo on this grey Sunday Afternoon

This grey rainy afternoon we decided to head to our favorite hidden cafe in the neighborhood of Thisseo. This down-to-earth place doesn't have a name or anything else to give away it's here, you just push open the blue door on Amfiktionos 33 to find a rustic cafe in a beautiful neoclassical house. If you're in Athens in winter, do check out their home-made furniture and warm up with a cup of coffee or a glass of warm rakomelo. 

Sunday Brunch (Athens, Greece)

Tasty American-style brunch at Athens' newest addition Mama Roux

Sunday Barbecue (Athens, Greece)

Barbecue with a view at our friends' roof terrace. Yay!

Sunday at Monasteraki Square (Athens, Greece)

getting ready for the Christmas season..

Sunday Souvlaki (Athens, Greece)

veggie souvlaki with tzatziki, fries, tomatoes, red onions & herbs: yum!

Sunday at Panepistimiou Street (Athens, Greece)

Athena overlooking her city

Last Sunday Swim of the Season (Athens, Greece)

Varkiza (suburb in Athens)

I took this Sunday edition's photo yesterday just to hold on to that very last straw of summer. If I look out of the window, it seems like rain and storms from now on. Hello fall! 

My Favorite Neighborhood Coffee Shop (Athens, Greece)

A few days before, sipping my coffee, I was thinking I really need to share my love for our local coffee shop with you. So here is my homage to Makriyianni 3. 

I love it because they serve the best coffee by far in this area, because of its location (close to my home: essential for a neighborhood cafe. Hehe. But seriously, it's close to the Acropolis and its metro station and so perfect for some people watching), because of their delicious home-made lemonade, sandwiches and snacks not found anywhere else in central Athens, because of their friendliness and because despite all of this goodness their prices are still more reasonable than all the touristy places next door. 

So whenever you're in the neighborhood, check it out. Good chance you'll find us there reading our Sunday newspapers. Don't forget to say hi!  

Sunday Blues (Athens, Greece)

A painter next to the new Acropolis Museum

Sunday Cooking (Athens, Greece)

Baked Eggplants from Vefa's Kitchen

I've had Vefa's Kitchen Greek cookbook in my book case for over a year and have hardly touched it. Perhaps I listened too intently to my Greek friends who laughed at me for having bought it, telling me Vefa has turned into quite the cult figure over here in Greece. Shame on me. 

I love the book's minimal and clear design, plus its beautiful photographs. And isn't that reason enough to buy it in the first place? I also found it very handy that all measurements are given in metric and imperial, as well as temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius.

And so this Sunday afternoon I finally decided to try out one of her recipes: baked aubergines (or Καπακωτή in Greek). The dish was, although a bit time-consuming, very easy to make. I did add some more chile pepper as most Greek dishes are a bit bland to my taste. The result: a tasty and healthy early fall vegetable dish!

Do you love eggplants as much as we do? Check here for another delicious eggplant recipe by our very own hungry nomad.  

Sunday at Zante (Zakynthos, Greece)

Zante Town

Sunday Wine (Zakynthos, Greece)

Yup, that's red wine from the tap. Genius.

Dinner at the Port (Zakynthos, Greece)

Last time we visited our favorite island Zakynthos, we decided to eat at the main port of the island. I've passed by this place each and every time I set foot on the island, but had never considered a tavern at this busy transport hub to be a good choice for a nice dinner out. So boy, was I surprised when I noticed the lovely nautical decor, including some amazing vintage pieces I was ready to take home then and there (the radio! the fan!). All this prettiness nicely hidden from the travelers coming and going from the ferries. Our food was well prepared, the wine local and the sunset very agreeable. My favorites: the grilled veggies and the stuffed sardines.

Komis Fish Tavern is not the cheapest option in town, but it's well worth the experience. Supposedly their bathrooms are a sight in and of itself. I have to admit though that not every guest was as big a fan of two of Ratatouille's friends checking out the grounds once darkness had set...

Sunday at the Boat (Ionian Sea, Greece)

On our way to Zakynthos!

Sunday at Philoppapou (Athens, Greece)

High up on the Philoppapou Hill (here looking at the Acropolis)
is my favorite spot to do a little thinking.. 

The Cicada & The Ant (Athens, Greece)

The Cicada & The Ant (or Ο τζίτζικας κι ο μέρμηγκας in Greek)is a restaurant chain in Athens, with a few in the suburbs and one restaurant smack in the middle of the city centre. If you're hungry, want a bit of good Greek food and don't feel like straying too far from Athens' constitution square, just turn the corner and you'll find this cozy little place tucked inside a small street (12, Mitropoleos). 


You'll instantly feel welcome, being offered a glass of raki, some olives and fresh bread. Most of the food on the menu are Greek classics like meatballs and a Greek salad, all of good quality. It includes some surprises as well, like spicy cheeses out of the oven and my personal favorite: a veggie burger made of two thick slices of Mastelo cheese from Chios filled with grilled vegetables. Delicious! 


Prices are very reasonable, albeit a bit pricier than your regular taverna in town. Atmosphere warm and service impeccable. 

Cool Sunday (Athens, Greece)

Sunday at the Sea (Athens, Greece)