Lacandona

While Nassia, Dimitra, Niovi and Eleni were still talking about their plans to add some new products to the store, I took my time looking around their tiny deli-cafe.

"Lacandona" is located close to Syntagma, on the pedestrian precinct of Ippitou street.

Although it is a small space, big ideas are hosted here.

Actually, "Lacandona" supports solidarity trade in cooperation with a network of organizations in Greece and other countries.

All products served and sold come straight from small producers and cooperatives. In this way not only prices are kept at a low level but human rights are supported too. "Lacandona" would never sell products made by child labor or industries that violate labor rights and harm the environment.

On the shelves of the store one can find all different types of Greek handmade pasta, pure olives and olive oil, spices from Sri Lanka and Papua Nea Guinea, organic cocoa- chocolate from Bolivia and Paraguay, green tea from China and India, coffee from Tanzania and the Zapatistas community.

The style of "Lacandona" faithfully represents the style and spirit of the owners and the age as well.

In Athens, less is more now days. If, for example, once girls were struggling to buy a Louis Vuitton handbag, now, due to the fear of bag-snatchers, one thinks twice before holding it.

But none of four owning the place is of that kind. In contrast, I have the feeling that they fit better in the new reality. " We all believe in solidarity. People need to help each other. Solutions need to be collective. All together we can achieve more than each one by himself" says Eleni.

She and Nassia were met a few years ago while working in an non profit organization promoting solidarity trade.

" Even in the thought that "Lacandona" is almost two years old I feel happy. I see so many stores closed or closing and it breaks my heart" tells me Nassia. " It is so difficult for us too but at least we are still open".

"There are people coming just to support us. They even tell us that they'd like to buy more than a cup of coffee but can't afford it."

" I believe that financial crisis is not a punishment but a good lesson for all of us. We've got to think more carefully of what we vote for. I'm afraid that the worse is yet to come but after that it's going to get better. At least I hope so".

"The idea about opening a place like "Lacandona" came long before recession" explains to me Dimitra.

"I was totally aware of the situation when I decided to take the risk but I think that in hard times, resistance is the only way. Economic recession can't stop us from living, dreaming and fighting for our goals"!

During the first three months of 2012 , 10.315 businesses closed in Greece while only 8.361 opened. The size of the damage caused by recession in the Greek market is even more visible in comparison to the years before. In 2009 , 53.819 businesses closed and 61.345 opened.

Athens Delicious!

While many things collapse in Athens , some others still stand up to the financial crisis, constantly reminding us that life can always be delicious!

The "Aegean" pastry shop stands in the heart of Athens, close to Omonia square, since 1926. It is located in the basement of an 1890's building on Panepistimiou street and it's very well-known for its loukoumades.

Despite the time passed, in this pastry shop nothing's changed in the good old family recipe passed from generation to generation .

Loukoumades are Greek- style doughnuts and have a very long history that goes back to ancient Greece. At that time loukoumades were offered to the winners of Olympic Games during a glamorous ceremony.

Today, people from all over the world visit the "Aegean" pastry shop just to take a bite of this little-big-pleasure of life in Athens.

Loukoumades are made using first flour and salt. The mixture is then shaped and put in warm water 'till it gets double-sized. It is then ready to be fried in very hot oil.

As soon as they are ready they get this beautiful golden appearance.

Now, they can be dressed with sugar, cheese or chocolate.

Debby and Henry tried the traditional Greek loukoumades which are dressed with honey, nuts and cinnamon. "It was delicious! I've never tried it before. We wanted to try real Greek food in a local Greek place" Debby told me.

They both come from California, USA and of course they've heard about the Greek economic recession.

"It was on the news but I have no idea what's going on. I wouldn't know if I hadn't heard before about it. We've been having so much fun in Athens. It's so nice" said Henry before he took another bite of his loukouma.

But I guess it's not always what it seems.

"We face so many difficulties. Strikes, demonstrations, violent rioting make each day even harder. People come, take a smell and go or we see four-five people sharing just one plate of loukoumades" says to me George Fillas , the young owner of the "Aegean" pastry shop.

George studied Economics and Business Administration in the Economic University of Athens. He took over the family business after graduating a few years ago. "I never thought to do something else. I remember being here as long as I remember myself. I'm the third generation of the family business. I can't even imagine my life without the "Aegean".

I left having the taste of honey and a big smile on my lips. Though George would never tell me the mystic recipe of his loukoumades, he had just revealed half of it. In this part all it needs is love!

original greek products

Is there anyone who still haven't tried greek olives?

If so, you really don't know what you're missing!
Especially when we talk about the Kalamon olives that Anna and Thania carefully choose and then, using an old greek recipe, turn into a unique aromatic product.

I tried it yesterday, at the 6th Annual Exhibition of Laconic Products that takes place these days in Syntagma Metro Station, and absolutely loved it!

Going against the economic crisis Anna (right) and her sister did exactly the opposite of what most people do: they both left their jobs and started their own business.

"We wanted to deal with something more natural, traditional and authentic" tells me Anna. "We established the "Selesia Green" company a year ago in order to promote laconic products we both love. We taste everything and use only the best olives, olive oil and honey".

Laconia is in Peloponnese and its capital is Sparta that gave birth to the brave 300 of Leonidas. "We borrowed the name of Selesia village which is close to Sparta. We visited this place once and fell in love with people, food and nature. Everything's still so pure" says Thania (below).

www.selesiagreen.gr/en/

" This vase of bulbs costs 10euros. It's very tiring getting them off the ground. My hands always hurt. Ι have to use a hoe. After picking them up, I put the bulbs in balsamic, add water and salt and they are ready. If you pure some oil it's delicious. Ι also sell chamomile, sage, tea and various spices I pick up myself from mountain Parnon". Eleni, Kalithea village, Sparta

Just beyond, Dimitris (in the middle) sells pasteli, a greek delicacy made of sesame and honey. "It's a recipe my family use for over a century. My great-great grand father started serving pasteli in the traditional coffee shop that my father runs today. I decided to introduce it to the market. Everyone loves it".
Dimitris Tritakis, Agios Nicolaos, Sparta
dtritakis@gmail.com

Handmade pasta and lalagia (crispy fried dough strips with cinnamon and cloves)

salt pork and sausages from Mani

handmade diples by Maria Kamarinou from beautiful Monemvasia

Caparis deli (- cious!!!)

To me the best start to the week is a short visit to Caparis deli.

Within these few square meters one can get to know what the meaning of taste and pure food is without having tο look far. Nicholetta and Natassa have already done that for you. And they've chosen only the best for the selves of their deli.

Caparis opened about three years ago. It was right in the beginning of economic recession when both girls decided to quit their jobs and take a big risk. Nicholetta (left) worked as the accounting department responsible in a private company and Natassa right after graduating from the University of Economics in Athens, got a job in an international trade company.

"We just followed our heart" explains Natassa. "We both had a job but it wasn't what we really wanted to do. We've always loved cooking and looking for pure food products all around Greece. So, we said "let's do it" and never regretted ever since".

In this deli one can find all kind of legumes, and handmade pasta...

...high quality cheese, cold cuts, sausages, olives (Kalamata's olives are my favorite ones)...

......spices, honey, marmalade, wine,olive oil, sauces...

...and so many other delicacies that make the Caparis Deli a must-visit if you're in town.
22, Asklipiou street, Athens