NikolettaG

I checked the leaflet I had from the museum, and it does state apparently firmly that the ‘Repatriated Masterpieces’ exhibition runs from 24th Sept- 31st Dec. But, hey – you never know! The museum is due to open ‘early in 2009’, but I doubt if that will be by Jan10th! The website is www.newacropolismuseum.gr Well worth looking at, especially the slide shows in the ‘photos’ section. But if you click on ‘events’, then ‘forthcoming events’ it just says rather sadly ‘there are no news’!
I did learn that there is an exhibition called ‘The New Acropolis Museum: a destination in the making’ in the main terminal building of the Airport (Departures Level, Entrance 3) This is open 24 hrs and will run until the end of February 2009. So if you’ve got time on your hands at the very end of your trip ….!
I forgot that you’d mentioned moussaka! The one at Psaras is great! I had it there just the other day - I like my bechamel ‘floppy’, so I asked the waiter if it was freshly made. I was surprised when he said it was ‘the day before yesterday’s’, and declined, but it turned out he was joking, as they make it freshly ‘365 days a year’! And it WAS excellent! They also have ‘bourekakia’ – delicious little crisp aubergine croquettes with a soft centre.

travelerjan

NickolettaG -- In June, I'll order the aubergine, you get the moussaka and we'll share. A bientot!

chepar

I'll chime in on the suggestion of the Benaki museum. The jewelry displays were really amazing.

NikolettaG

Hi Janet! I'm up for that!!

JustRhonda78

Happy Thanksgiving.

We just got back from a OctoberSeptember trip to Athens and it's delightful to re-think some of our memorable moments. We were on a private tour with local guide and we had a really great time.

My input would be to roam around the Ancient Agora at the bottom of the Acropolis.. Not only does it just feel incredibly historic, there are columns laying everywhere one can touch, there is a museum (wonderful) in the rebuilt Stoa of Appalos (built by Rockerfeller foundation and Greek authorities to look like it did in 500 BC).. Save at least 2 maybe even 3 hours.

We ate ourselves silly during the day trying to taste a little of everything. The outdoor veggie and fruit stands are great!. The slovaki meat or chicken sticks are a traditiion ...and cheap. The cute little taveras in the Plaka area have like a buffet. My favorite was the egglant dishes..

Also right in Sytagma Square if you go down into the subway entrance, there is now a little museum of what the construction crew found while digging and imroving the things for the Olympics. FREE.

Hope this helps a bit.

Chania

Also, consider a visit to the Kolonaki area within easy walking distance of the Plaka for a drink, coffee or lunch. This is where the lunch time Greeks go, not the tourists. There is a closed to traffic street near the main sq. that is filled with great restaurants, superior to the Plaka.

Brahmama

Thanks again for all the suggestions. We leave tomorrow night for our trip, but won't be in Athens until the 2nd week January.

JustRhonda78,
A particular thanks for posting the recent review of your November trip! I am copying your info and taking it with us. I loved what you did!
I do need to decide firmly on a restaurant as 6 or 8 of us will converge there for that long leisurely lunch and we're trying to decide between O Pasarus and Scholorium (not spelled just right I know) We don't want large entrees, but want small plates to share (of course have to have that eggplant cookied any way at all!) and not an expensive place. The Euros have gone up and our pocketbook has gone down.... Ah well, at least we stll get to travel!

Thanks for anymore info at this late date.

NikolettaG

I think you mean the Scholeio restaurant: if you’re walking towards Psaras along the street called Odos Tripodon, you’ll pass Scholeio, so you can see for yourself. For me, it’s no contest –I’ve been to Scholeio several times with a friend who really likes it, but it’s usually too crowded for me – though that shows how popular it is – and I find that the way they bring the mezedes around on trays for you to choose means that the food can get a bit cool before it gets to you. (I liked the flaming sausages, though – don’t know if they still have those.) Personally, I find the whole ambience of Psaras more relaxed – and you can have as many ‘appetisers’ as you like - you don't have to have entrees. At this time of the year there’s usually an open fire, which is welcoming. (But this might not be an item if you’re eating at lunch time.) Just my point of view – I’m sure you’ll enjoy your meal at either. (More aubergine dishes at Psaras, though!)

travelerjan

I second Nickoletta on the feeling about cooled-off food at Scholario, and didn't find any appealing eggplant dishes when I was there 2 times...

Brahmama

Thanks again for the replies! Maybe we'll get to try them both out. It all sounds wonderful.