Another week is coming to an end that hopefully featured some salted cod and skordalia for all locals and Greek-lovers. Here are a few recommendations to implement into your Athenian weekend plans for a change of pace (and a change in culinary palette).
Something to see: The Green Post-It Exhibit At The Municipal Market Kypseli
If you’re unfamiliar with the modern cultural importance of the Greek ‘Green Post-it’, it’s something like the ‘Guy Holding Sign’ meme from a few years ago. These small sticky notes with a few choice words are representative of the inner thoughts of the average person traipsing through the city.
Even if you’re not fluent or do not read Greek, I recommend you go regardless and use the magic of Google Translate to give you an idea of the fun Greek lingo and slang. Perhaps if you’re brave and extroverted like me, you’ll make a local friend to guide you through the exhibit and share the magic of Green Post-it.
Calle Malaga At Cinobo Opera
As the weather continues on a rather moody streak, I couldn’t imagine a better time to hole up in a theatre with popcorn and a good movie. The Spanish movie “Calle Malaga” is a drama/romance film about an older woman refusing to sell her home. Despite her daughter’s pleas, she reclaims her belongings and rediscovers her passion for love and life.
For those of you reading who may be bigger cinephiles than myself, the film directed by Maryam Touzani (also known for “The Blue Kaftan”) has received several awards as its journeyed through festivals. From Malaga itself all the way to Denver and Venice, it is a highly acclaimed piece of work. I myself look forward to seeing it, as both family and friends have been extremely adamant I do so.
Something to do: 1st International Literature Festival in Athens
Starting today all through this Sunday, March 29th, the first ever International Literature Festival in Athens is taking place! With a packed program, several novelists, panels, screenings and discussions, AILF will be dominating Technopolis in Gazi all weekend long. Bring a friend and a notepad, or perhaps your favorite book if you see a beloved novelist you’d like to meet!
Certain guided tours through Athens are also on the agenda, like the “Reading Athens” guided tour by Alexandra Tranta through novelist Manos Koumantareas’ work.
Somewhere to eat: Fuga Restaurant & Bar At Megaro Mousikis
Japanese-italian fusion, elegant tableware, and a good glass of wine is how I would go about describing Fuga. Housed right behind the Megaron in Athens, a cobblestone path leads you through bushels and trees into the restaurant and bar area. The menu changes often, and while I have yet to try the current delicacies offered I have no doubt the experience remains top-tier. The wine list is extensive, the cocktails spectacular and the dishes haute couture.
Kantina Mavilli At Mavilli Square
Mavilli Square features a variety of timeless bars that are beloved by all Athenians who love a good drink. One fact, however, stands true: no bar outing could be complete without a stop by a food truck at the end of the night. The food cantine at Mavilli has been around for decades and is always packed late at night. Nothing like a hot dog jam packed with anything you can imagine as the night sluggishly transforms to dawn.
Something extra: Jacky. O. At Michalakopoulou
Behind what used to be the Hilton hotel, a short walk away from the National Gallery, is a disco. Yes, a historic, proper disco with a dancefloor and everything as well as 80s/90s hits. This Saturday, March 28th, there is a full Disco 70s/80s/90s Special with DJ George Anastasiadis.
