CAG on travel: Eating in Athens

A little delayed for 2014, but I’m finally catching up on some of the blogging I’ve been meaning to do. As usual during my travels in Athens, I have so much Greek food that I love and miss when I’m away. When I was in Athens earlier this year I had a few old favourites and some new culinary experiences.

Cutting the Vasilopita

On arrival, I finally had a chance to take part of the Vasilopita cake cutting. The cake technically is meant for New Years Day to celebrate Saint Vasili. There’s a coin placed in the lemony sponge cake batter, and whoever gets the slice with a coin in it will have a New Year with lots of luck. I had a piece of cake with my family- no coin. I also had another piece at my cousin’s business anniversary party- again no coin. On the positive side, I ate a whole lot of cake symbolising life, liberty, and happiness, so that’s working out.

Cut pieces of cake, neither with the lucky coin

I also restablished my love of late night food after a long Greek night out at my favourite crepe place. Just on Kifissias Avenue and on the way home, savoury crepes might be my very favourite post party food. I really wish there were a few more late night choices in the UK as well.

The lovely Greeks hard at work making my spinach crepe

The best place I ate during my trip was Dionysos, a restaurant directly in view of the Acropolis. Anywhere you eat while looking upon the Acropolis is pretty magical, but this restaurant was very special.

View from the restaurant

It is quite pretty, modern, and formal inside, and the food is absolutely amazing. Probably not the biggest portions of food available in Greece, but everything is really delicious at least. It’s also worth it for the winter sunset alone.

Monkfish, horta, mustard based sauce

Winter sun!

CAG on travel: The best retreats in Marrakech

Getting away from the streets and relaxing in some of the most beautiful rooftops, gardens, and hideaways in Marrakech were some of the most wonderful traveling moments. I’m just going to give my cheat list for some of the really nice places I visited in case anyone is planning a visit and wants to assure some rest and relaxation will be had- even for badgers on a budget!

Kosybar: An amazing little hideaway where you can sit on the rooftop under the shade, look out at the city, and get that all important alcoholic beverage. Oh yeah!

View from Kosybar

Inside the bar it's very cool and air conditioned

Bahia Palace: The 19th Century gardens of Bahia Palace were built by Si Moussa the grand vizier for the sultan- so basically the Jafar character from Aladdin. Lovely and peaceful.

Café Arabe: Another inner Medina venue for some drinks and food. I didn't try the food, but it is such a chilled out space. There are little mist machines during the day to cool you off, and at night it is also a very cool spot.

Jardin Majorelle: The famous gardens of Louis Majorelle were restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge. It's just outside of the old city, but it is very much a feast for the senses. It's actually pretty small though, so maybe bring a book if you need to chill out for a bit.

In front of Jardin Majorelle, ignore ET fingers

Lots of people relaxing

Bamboo graffiti

The Berber Museum is inside the garden

La Mamounia Hotel and gardens: This impressive hotel is just to the west of the Medina, but once you go in there is also a lush garden in the back and a really lovely bar. Definitely not for badgers on a budget, but definitely worth the mention.

Hotel entrance

The inside is pretty impressive too

Terrasse des epices: As a warning no alcohol, but a really lovely roof terrace with nice food for a daytime retreat. It's hidden within the souks, so good luck finding it.

Shaded bungalows on the roof