Half Italian, half Greek. Chef Dorotea Mercuri has lived in Athens for the last ten years with one foot firmly planted in Italy. She also lived in New York, so she feels like a citizen of three worlds. During the lockdown, she uploaded videos to Instagram in which she cooked dishes from Calabria, the region of southern Italy where she lived until she was 13 years old. Those videos led to the creation of Cucina con Doro, a television show that was released in Greece in the spring of this year.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local" , a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to find out why her own territory should be your next destination.
Dorothea Mercury
What are your favorite corners of Athens?
The historic center and beach which are unbelievably pretty. There are beaches with their umbrellas and sun loungers, but there are also (and I prefer) wild ones, the kind where you jump from the rocks into the sea.
If we only have 24 hours in the city, what do we eat?
Coffee in Athens is good everywhere. When I want a cappuccino, I usually go to Le Greche , an Italian cafe. To have a typical Greek coffee, I go to Athéné. To eat, go to Saita Tavern , in Plaka. I love pastizio, a typical baked pasta from Greece, similar to lasagna but with a layer of tubular pasta. I also love the grilled sardines and the Saita salad with anchovies.
**And what do we buy**
Everyone should buy Greek sandals! I usually buy mine at melissinosm near the Acropolis. They have dozens of styles, so there's something for everyone. kores It has excellent skin products. If you come during the summer, buy their yogurt after sun. If not, opt for the rose serum.
Athens is famous for its gold, so there are many jewelries . The one founded by the late goldsmith, Ilias Lalaounis, is one of the best. For lovers of good food, you can buy pistachios from the island of Aegina – they have their own denomination of origin and are considered the best in the world – anywhere. And we have a wonderful extra virgin olive oil, so pack as many bottles as fit in your suitcase.
Where do you recommend we stay?
In the Syntagma district, close to the historical interior. The Electra Metropolis Hotel it has five stars and its terrace has a swimming pool with stunning views of the Parthenon. New Hotel it's also five-star and a member of a Greek chain of boutique hotels with several very modern properties. The Perianth Hotel he's cute and has personality. If you want to be close to the beach, go to Vouliagmeni.
Why should we travel to Athens right now?
Athens has the best of Europe and the best of middle East immersing locals and visitors in thousands of years of history. It's a giant temple of the past that remains standing. Less than half an hour from the city you can swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea... and the light of Athens, is exceptional: you have to see it to believe it.