I spend a lot of time in Greece, especially in Athens, where I have friends and family. My familial roots (on my mother's side, hence the last name of Churchill and not Paraskevopoulos) always seem to draw me back. But I'd like to think that even if I didn't have a blood connection to Greece, as a chef, I would still be drawn to the culinary roots of the country. There is so much to see and experience in Athens, let alone Greece. The city of Athens is full of shops where they still roll paper-thin sheets of phyllo by hand, and bars that serve spectacular Greek wines. Needless to say, I think I know the city quite well. It wasn't until I spent some time with my friend (and fellow chef) Vasilis Kallidis that I began to realize that I haven't even scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the exciting city of Athens! Over the past few years Vasili has become a well-known celebrity chef in Greece. He hosts a show calledNostimi Gi (Tasty Earthy) in which he travels around Greece, eating and exploring. He also recently wrote a book titled "Athens Special," which lays out all of the best spots to eat, drink, and shop, in the city of Athens. So when he tells you "honey you haven't seen anything yet," I'm inclined to listen. Of course, I'm also inclined to seize the opportunity! So I had Vasili take me around and show me his some of his favorite "Athens Special" spots. Here are several of those not to be missed secret (well not so secret any more) places.
