I ate Athens

Let me start simply by saying that Athens is a great city. The acropolis alone is worth the trip. Let alone the daily activities of walking amongst millennia old ruins, visiting the other lesser known and overshadowed ancient sites.

Amphitheatre one of many.

If the walking among the ruins and a leisurely pace all day gets too much, as these things always do on holiday, there is a reasonable cafe culture there. Though nothing compared to Vienna or Paris it must be said, but far better than the norm.

But I am digressing, this blog is about eating, and if you ever go to dinner in Athens this is what you need to know. Platters. Its all about the platters.

I am platter hear me munched.

You may think them tacky but I truly recommend them.  Especially in Athens. Athens is a city, based around the Acropolis. The further away you get from it the more into the deadzone you get. The only places worth eating for the evening meal are on the road that surrounds the Thiseio Park, Adrianou, and the 'shopping/ tourist trap area' that it leads onto in the city.

Adrianou at night, note all the identical cafe/restaurant fronts. So many meals, so little time...

They all sell nearly identical menus, at identical prices. There are always a few tourist based option such as burger and chips. The rest is all individual components of greek food such as dolmades and tzatziki's. However they sell them all together as platters. This is the best value meal as its comprises nearly all of the menus dishes in smaller portions on one HUGE plate. So you get to try a bit of everything at one time. Its not the fanciest of foods I know but its all tasty and you aren't going to be getting anything of great quality anywhere else. Its all about the view of from the restaurant eating nice food in pleasant company with wine and stunning scenery.

Wandering around Athens late night with a bottle of wine in hand you'll find all sorts of stunning views and well presented architecture.

You'll probably notice the waiters in Athens are all men in from their late 20's to 50's. This is a classic Cypriot thing. The men serve and the women cook. Its quite a family affair. Its all very pleasant and amiable service so laid back its untrue, but definitely not bad. The waiters seem to know they dont need to do much, everyone is there for the view not to make small talk with them. That and they constantly seem to have a cigarette each placed on their waiting station ready for them. I have never seen someone smoke so much while serving.

I think it has been one of my best eating experiences in Athens, just sitting there with a bottle of wine, plenty of good food, great company and the view below. What more could you want?

The Acropolis

Hope you get the chance to experience it too.

Happy eatings.

Hello.

Well I thought I should probably tell you a little about myself in this introductory post. My name is Pete, I live in East London, Dalston to be exact. And I make my living as a chef.

Hard at work?

I have done so for the past 4 years in various restaurants across London, michelin starred or otherwise.

Orange sponge, with lemon sorbet, a lemon tuille and orange caramel sauce.

I am strange in the fact that I have worked as both a Chef and a Pastry Chef. Most people seem to choose just one discipline and stick to it. I just cant seem to, I like to challenge myself in both fields.

I am hoping that through this blog people who read it will learn a few things, though I should point out this wont be a purely food/ recipe blog it will hopefully contain restaurant reviews. Along with the cuisine of places that I travel to. I might even throw in a bit of food history if the mood takes me. This is my first blog so have patience with me as I should get better as I go on.

Well I hope you enjoy it.

Happy eatings.