In one of Herman Hesse¨s books there is a magic store. One day fantastic things happen there, the next he passes and it has disappeared. Philosophy aside, I often think of that passage. Most tourists in Athens visit Syndagma square, our centre of the modern Athenian Universe. You can see Parliament and the famous evzones do the changing of the guard. (Quite entertaining.) But then it is lunch time. Sure, this is tourist trap central, the choices are infinite. From souvlaki to indian, from one of the few surviving McDonald¨s in Greece to ultra expensive fish places.
And then there is my secret place.
You have to walk into a non-descript block of flats, right opposite the Public superstore. (A Fnac rip off but beautiful old building). Say “hi” to the concierge, he is never doing much or interested. Take the elevator as high as it will take you and …taraaaah!..well, it doesn’t seem like much at first. As if someone dropped some old tables and ran off. And then you see the little kitchen. And something smells good.
You can only order a couple of things. Meatball (keftedakia) , tomato salad and fries. You dont need anything else. Trust me. (Vegetarians, just do the salad and fries, still worth it). The view is absolutely stunning of, well, everything. Bustling square, Parliament, the Acropolis, this is modern Athens at its best, airy and optimistic. The food is awesome, the atmosphere original and the price ludicrously low.
So should I put it on Google Maps? Will not more people ruin it? I struggled hard with the ethical conundrum but decided to add it. I havent regretted it. Yes, there are more people up there but I always find a table soon enough. The view is fine entertainment while you wait and service is so fast afterwards. They have even hired help. Prices are still low. Herman Hesse was right. The magic is within us and mapping it only helps more people live their own magic stores.
