A happy Un-Valentines Day: Top 10 minus 4
February 14th is here again to bring some a whole lot of fabulous and for others a whole lot of nothing. So, I’m here to give you my top ten minus four suggestions (that’s 6 for those who skipped second grade) for what to do with this day regardless of how you feel about it, who your with or not with, and which direction the wind may blow…
1. Ok guys, you’re inviting her to your house for dinner because you want to impress her with your cooking (which your mom made but we want tell). For dessert you should buy something that will spring her into eternal gratefulness and make her come back for more. I suggest Fresh pastry shops (Erithrea, Chalandri, Psychiko, Kolonaki, Nea Smyrni, Glyfada). They have fabulous cakes (champagne & lavender mousse is amazing) or for best results, buy a few smaller tarts and share them all. Just make sure you buy something with chocolate… you can never go wrong with the ganache. It’s divine! Or, if you don’t have a date, grab a box of sweets from this place and I guarantee your mouth will smile with every bite.
2. You just met this new guy and you want to have a casual evening. Nothing too Valentines day-ish and nothing over the top, so Grancaffe di Amada (2 Valaoritou Street, Athens) is the place for you. You can have a lovely coffee or spice things up with a bit of alcohol. They have a dreamy Italian Moscato that’s perfect for the sweet, sparkling femme fatale in you. Or, grab a few girlfriends and order a few bottles!
3. So, you’re feeling a little more sassy than an innocent little café. So, head on over to the Hilton Hotel and take the elevator straight up to the Galaxy Bar. It has an amazing view of the city and the drinks are high class. This is a no-brainer for new date, old date, or no date.
4. In the middle of Athens there is this super bright light that illuminates our beloved Parthenon. And, of course there is the path around this ancient temple that’s for a romantic rendezvous, a little stroll for lovebirds, or a little frolic with friends. Take that path from the Acropolis metro station all the way around to Thiseo. There are plenty of bars, coffee shops and restaurants for any taste. For a great little twist on traditional Greek mezethes (appetizers), try Kuzina (Adrianou 9 . 210.324.0133).
5. My favorite alternative is simply inviting friends over for a little Polyasian take-out from Noodle Bar (Nea Smyrni 210.932.6033, Syntagma, Halandri, Neo Irakleo, Peiraias, Ampelokipi, Alimos, Glyfada, Pagrati). Accompany dinner with some games (Taboo, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Poker) and top it off with sake or wine and don’t forget the fortune cookies…it may tell you what next year will bring.
6. The best Starbucks in town is definitely the one on Metropoleos, one block south of the shopping haven of Ermou. It’s connected with the bookshop, Eleftherouthakis so you can enrich yourself pre or post caffeine high. All Starbucks’ are smoke free so you can bring the kids for an all loving and cozy Valentines experience. Who says the fun stops when the kids come?
Now listen, Valentines Day is just another day. Don’t get all depressed about it if you don’t have a date. Consider this a great excuse for spending the evening doing something fun with friends. Stay away, I repeat, STAY AWAY from sappy love movies and by all means, do not resort to Haagen Dazs or my friends, Ben & Jerry! This is not about feeling sorry for yourself. Embrace love, even if it means that today you just love you and treat you good. Now, go out there and do something you love (take that anyway you want).
