An Exquisite Dining at the Galaxy Hilton ! - Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece
UNPARALLELED SERVICE, EXQUISITE TASTES –DINING WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Galaxy has opened for winter for the first time this year and it is as always an unbelievably hot spot. Athens looks as beautiful as ever from up here -the 13th floor and the place has a trendy vibe and an unparalleled ambience. Its chic and contemporary decor, plush wooden decking and the glass-top bar makes it distinct. If you come here after dark you will see it transformed into one of the Athens' most fashionable destination. It has glamour and style with different events taking place every now and then making it a popular haunt for local celebrities. It is a steady value among the Signature dining spots of Athens.
The ceiling resembles the bright galaxy: stars, planets, flying-saucers, an "explosion" of colours in a fascinating set. The large mirror placed behind the bar broadens the view, while the dashing lights above add an Italian elegance.
The second night of our stay at the Hilton we dined here and we noticed several changes since our last visit and I have to admit that the winter look adds more to its glamour. Whether the guest comes here for a drink, or to dine, it is as always an “out of this world” experience. The place keeps busy welcoming new and old guests, the view is enchanting and Galaxy has the unique ambience and the tranquil lighting to make guests indulge in the musical choices of the DJ. -instantly be transported by the exhilarating view of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. It is a favourite hangout point of celebrities and citizens of the world. The lights of the city become one with lights in the ceiling and it feels as though you are travelling the capitals of the world.
In summer it prides for its amazing open-air terrace, the outdoor barbeque with the chef’s experienced team is one of the most important advantages of the restaurant.
Bar: The Bar has a unique setting and guests can savour a speciality cocktail, try the amazing Sushi, the delicious finger food and pick something from the rich selection of international beers and spirits. Early evening brings a cool, eclectic clientele who know the place well, being one of the trendiest spots in Athens.
Restaurant: Its authentic Classic Mediterranean Cuisine is fused with an international modern flair. The cuisine prides for its amazing Sushi and Japanese combinations of specialties as well.
In case of dining now that it is still cold and the seating plan is indoors, there is a choice between the sections overlooking the Acropolis, the Sushi bar where you can see the Chefs in action, a table with a view of the lights on the Avenue below and the Athens Tower.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is unique and it is the ideal place to share special moments with your other half. The first glass of champagne was the start to this trip of taste and challenge.
The food and everything we had was divine and after the third dish I felt the need to meet the Executive Chef and personally congratulate him on his cuisine and new post. I lately do this a lot, but only when I truly enjoy the food -I want to know the person behind it. Although Mr. Melemenis is humble as a person, I tried to dig a few things out of him the next day when we met for a cup of coffee so I had the whole picture then. I was impressed but it is a fact that he joined Hilton Athens team with distinct culinary mastery. When somebody admits that he has turned his love for cooking which was his hobby into a career, this is a guarantee for the highest standards.
Well, the catalogue was long and had some tempting choices, but what I really wanted to try most here were some Starters and the Sushi. As a person who is on the go all the time, travelling a lot and writing, visiting countries, mixing with locals, tasting all kinds of different food I want to consider my self a good restaurant critic with much taste and experience. You see, with experience comes confidence. I learnt to appreciate good food and I am very picky, although at home I eat very light and healthy nutrient food.
Being fond of Sushi, having tried it in Asia at first years back, then in the States, in Europe, Qatar and Cyprus, and lately in some of the best ranking signature restaurants of Athens, I grade the new Chef’s Magi/Year of the Dragon with an A+! This without exaggerating! Honestly it was the very best we had ever had. The Chef’s shrimp tempura (14.00 euros) was accompanied with avocado, cucumber, mayonnaise and chilly pepper, and on the side we had the Wakame salad out of the Japanese combinations & specialties list of the menu. (14.00 euros) The Magi came in 8 pieces, it was nicely presented on the platter and it truly exceeded our expectations in taste. –An excellent dish to be considered!
When I asked Yianni the sommelier to recommend a wine with a crisp and refreshing taste he suggested the Moschofilero Mantinia. When I am out in a restaurant and try different dishes I always love to have a matching wine with the specific dish. So, we had this for 13.00 euros the glass. It is a wine with surprising freshness with a wild floral intensity creating unexpected pleasure on the nose and palate.
Out of the Starters list we had the Jamon Iberico and assorted green salad for 21.00 euros and the first on the list with the Starters –the Roasted red beets for 14.00. I can totally live on salads and I loved the combination of this one. It is totally a nutrient dish of baby rocket, dried cranberries, Ricotta, and pickled pearl onions in red wine vinaigrette. Both were luscious salads. (Galaxy offers interesting choice of Vegetarian food as well).
Well, our next starter was a marvel. It was so tempting and I kept looking at it for seconds as if it was a piece of art -so colourful! It is a dish I highly recommend to everyone who appreciates good food. I even expect comments on this specific dish if you ever try it. So ask for the Smoked Salmon “Mezzaluna”, it only costs 19.00 because it is a starter but I could have it as my main dish and buy it for more! (vodka and black pepper infused with salmon reduction, black caviar and salmon roe)
We had two glasses of 'Biblia Chora’ wine. It is an aromatic and fruity wine with rich flavour, and I come across it in most restaurants in Greece and Cyprus lately.
The last delectable starter we had was the Roasted grouper fillet, flavoured with lobster - spinach béchamel, lobster glaze and foam for 24.00. It was fresh, tender as it should be and juicy.
We accompanied the above two starters with a wine I am really fond of and we have it in our home wine collection as well. We were positive when the sommelier suggested it even if we had to pay 14.00 euro the glass. It was ‘Samarometra’ –a wine that on the palate offers a rich mouthful, with refreshing acidity and floral finish. It has an intense fruity character displaying aromas of tropical fruit and grapefruit. Indeed this was another successful match.
Now, for the end to sweeten our tooth, the Chef suggested that we try the 1st and 3rd on the list desserts. I could not believe my eyes when the Crème patissiere was brought to us. Presented in a clay flower little pot (see the photo) although a bit too sweet for my own tastes though people who have a sweet tooth will adore this dainty morsel.
I had the Whipped goat cheese, rhubarb, strawberries, with cocoa nibs.
What a heavenly desert, light and simple just like I expected it to be! If you see the picture you will totally agree with my choice! Along with dessert we had each a Greek Mastic Liquer. (12.00) If you have never tried tasting mastic before I urge you to do it and probably buy some from the duty free shops before returning to your country if you are a tourist. It is an excellent gift.
The Main Courses list include several interesting dishes ranking between 26.00 euros the cheapest – Mediterranean braised lamb shank, the Grilled chicken breast “Pot au Feu” for 28.00, Black Angus beef burger for 38.00, the Grilled Scottish wild salmon for 30.00….and this is probably what I want to try when I ever return. The most expensive dish is the Chef’s Cut Omaha Nebraska grain fed T-bone steak 600g for 58.00.
A guest can buy Cigars as well, starting from 11.50 the Montecristo #5 the same but #2 for 24.50 and the most expensive one is at 39.50 –the Trinidad Robustos.
Out of the list of Cognacs and Brandies the cheapest is Metaxa 12* Dry at 16.50, Martell Cordon Bleu at 36.00 with the most expensive one being the Louis XIII, Metaxa AEN at 107.00.
In all it was an exquisite dinner. From the style and ambience of the elegant dining room to the delivery of unparalleled service, the dedication to detail, makes dining at the Galaxy an experience to be cherished. The same passion is applied to sourcing fine quality ingredients and in the design of exciting new twists to contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Congratulations to the new Chef and the people involved in the cuisine and restaurant.
If you are after good food, the highest quality and taste, this is the right spot for you. Enjoy every bite and let the menu and music travel you as we did !