Best In Travel Thessaloniki 2016 | Page 119

There is not a single local or visitor who hasn’t visited Thermaikos café on Nikis avenue. Reminiscing a classic Viennese café, this hot spot has managed to stand out for its sophisticate style, its ambience –with touches from the 70s–, its exquisite music sounds, as well as its weak spot for art expressed through exhibitions and events that have the city’s art buffs lured in! The café, however, grew bigger... and the regulars felt they needed something to drink and chew, as well. And this is how Kipos tou Thermaikou came into being. Settled into the backdrop of the White Tower, this bohemian dining area on Tsiroyianni square came to life thanks to Sakis Tserventis and Natasha Kalafati, calling up the lovely Sunday lunches at our grandparents’ house! It was her memories from her own childhood that Natasha portrayed in the establishment’s inlay creating a venue that alludes to a mansion, combining retro with vintage… With lots of love and care, she matched china, antiques, old-fashioned buffets, with velvety sofas, flowery wallpapers and brocade pillows, while the almost theatrical setting is wrapped up with songs from the Greek cinema. As far as the dishes served are concerned, we are pleasantly surprised by the lavish portions – an ode to the Gree k traditional cuisine, which has been given a modern twist by chef Panayiotis Kosmides. Fresh farm-to-table ingredients, clean flavors and a fine culinary result that goes beyond any expectations! We stood out fava beans with vetch and caramel pork belly, caramel mushrooms, while the liver, fresh fish and tigania dishes are a must! Excellent wine, or ouzo from a wide list are ideally paired with this family feast! Info: ΘΕΡΜΑΪΚΌΣ, ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑ ΑΠΌ ΤΙΣ 9:30. (ΛΕΩΦ. ΝΙΚΗΣ 21, Τ. 2310 239842 ) / THERMAIKOS, DAILY FROM 09:30 (21 NIKIS AVE.) Ό ΚΗΠΌΣ ΤΌΥ ΘΕΡΜΑΪΚΌΥ, ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΑ 10:00-01:00 (Η ΚΌΥΖΙΝΑ). (ΝΙΚΗΦ. ΦΩΚΑ 2, ΠΛ. ΤΣΙΡΌΓΙΑΝΝΗ, ΛΕΥΚΌΣ ΠΥΡΓΌΣ, Τ. 2310 224073) / KIPOS TOU THERMAIKOU, DAILY 10:00-01:00 (THE KITCHEN). (2 NIKIFOROU FOKA STR., TSIROYIANNI SQ., WHITE TOWER) 117