All photos by Voula Monoholias
In a weekly series, photographer Voula Monoholias goes behind the curtain to see where and how creatives live.
This week, restaurateur Dimitri Fotopoulos invited Monoholias into his Athens apartment near Syntagma square.
You haven’t always lived in Athens.
Dimitri: Why Athens? Athens is a magical city that is very alive with culture, food, nightlife, and gorgeous hidden architectural treasures. It is a crossroad and easy access to all European countries and cities that are a hop away. Lets not forget how close the Greek isles are too.
Describe your neighbourhood.
Dimitri: My neighbourhood is one of the last neighbourhoods in Athens that still has spaces with parks, water fountains, tiny local cafes, restaurants and the corner fruit markets, salons and art galleries are supported by the locals in the neighbourhood. It is located near the posh Kolonaki shopping district and a few minutes away from the heart of the city, Syntagma square. One of its biggest advantages is the distance to the Panathinaic Stadium and Royal Gardens are only a few steps away for a revitalizing jog or walk taking you instantly out of the busy traffic jammed streets.
What were the inspirations for your home?
Dimitri: Inspiration for my home was architecture the old classic buildings of Athens with high ceilings, crown moldings, herring bone floors. I wanted to revive the life of the apartment and the sophisticated glam it once possessed. I have combined influences from Parisian apartments and uber chic London flats. My taste has evolved into classic mixed with modern ie a high tech white gloss kitchen has been married with an antique brass and crystal chandelier and hand woven silk Persian rugs.
Tell us about Aneton and why it’s such a special place.
Dimitri: Aneton Restaurant opened its doors in 2005. A small hidden gem in the northern suburbs of Athens, offering deconstructed modern Greek cuisine with a touch of Western style service and a friendly smile along with value for money prices. The recipe was an instant success. Today seven years later award winning Aneton is still a gastronomical destination for not only Athenians but for travelers visiting the city. Aneton for the past three years offers recipes, cooking tips and lessons through television, on a mid-day talk show and our first cookbook was just published in March of 2012. You can find information about the restaurant through the Michelin Guide, the Wallpaper Guide to Athens and is a regular topic in Monocle Magazine when referring to Athens and its food. www.aneton.gr
Where do you love to eat when you aren’t eating at your restaurants?
Dimitri: I love eating a good old Greek classic, the kebab, at Thanasis Kebab in Monastiraki. It has been there since the ‘40s and makes the most delicious, moist, tasty lamb kebab you will ever taste.
Furin Kazan is another favorite, Japanese sushi, in Athens near Plaka, the old city of Athens, under the Acropolis. The fish is so fresh, the texture of the sushi rice and the detailed cooking technique used by the owner (a Japanese family who has been living in Athens for over 20 years) is spectacular and an art form in itself! Last but not least, when abroad, I die-and-visit-heaven when eating at The Burger’s Priest in Toronto for the most heavenly burgers ever….
Do you have a favorite Greek dish?
Dimitri: A favorite Greek dish for me would be grilled baby lamb chops with fresh thyme, lemon and coarse sea salt accompanied by hand cut Naxos island fried potatoes. I believe the Greek Gods must have eaten the same thing….
Favorite bar or night spot in Athens?
Dimitri: Fave night spot would be S.I.X. D.O.G.S. an all day bar/cafe with underground bohemian fashionista mixed patrons. The decks spin anything from electronic to ambient and international music. Entrance to SIX DOGS is off a dark alley, hidden and unknown to the passer-by. It is located in a back yard of tall cement buildings and provides and oasis in the heart of a busy city district filled with butcher shops, spice markets and clothing stores.
What do you miss about Athens when you’re travelling?
Dimitri: The hours that people eat (dinner reservations start at 10pm usually) and how vibrant, busy and alive Athens is with shops, cafes, bars and clubs. You can find anything at any time of the day. The city never really sleeps. That is what I miss most when I am travelling.
Any advice for young restaurateurs?
Dimitri: Love what you do. Embrace it. If you offer great food at a great price and with a huge smile, there is no way you can go wrong. The foodies will find you. It’s not always about location location location as they used to say. It’s not always about how big, or how much it cost to put a restaurant together. Sometimes the best perfumes come in the smallest bottles. Source out the best LOCAL produce, meats and wines, and stay true to the recipes and philosophy or style of the cuisine you have chosen to represent. Do not forget that food and cooking is art, enjoyment, therapy and probably the next best thing you can do to please all your five senses. If you ask me what the first thing would be, that is another type of photo shoot and interview…
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Voula Monoholias is a contributing photographer for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter @voulavous.
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