At the Sea Front (+ Understanding Various Eating Establishments)

Just enjoy these pics of the picturesque waterfront of Thessaloniki.

It is pretty awesome...even if there wasn't a lot of sunshine.

see the rowers?

when it is hot, I'm sure the little ones (and those young at heart) must love to run
through the fountains

this is a very cool piece of art incorporating umbrellas - love it!

you can see the port in the distance

yes, those gentlemen are fishing

some of these are hotels, but most are apartments
on the street level, however, there is cafe after cafe with lots of outdoor seating

Since I mentioned cafes, I'll take a minute to explain the important differences between eating establishments here in Greece:

Bakery or Sweet Shop - offering sweets only seen in your dreams, most larger bakeries also offer coffee or other beverages and may have a small seating area (mostly outside).

Stand - this can be a gyro stand, a hot dog or burger stand, or a crepe stand; most times they have a small seating area and offer drinks such as soft drinks and water. These are often your cheapest choice for incredible food. (The best hot dog I have ever had was one we had in Thessaloniki! Amazing!) A lot of times these small places will deliver, too - which is pretty awesome.

Fast Food Joint - not many of these, but we liked Goody's. Serving typical fast food Greek-style for cheap, we only had 'filter' coffee (which they consider American). However, with our coffees we got two cheese pies for free - wow! There is a McD's just off Syntagma, but mostly I've seen people having coffee and smoking (just like everywhere else!) - their prices are American prices, too...not too appealing to Athenians.

Cafe (or kaf-en-eo) - a small (or sometimes bigger) restaurant that serves coffee drinks and snacks (or small plates) like cheese pie, cookies or pastries, yogurt and honey, or sometimes small sandwiches.

Bar - coffee, beer, wine, and hard alcohol are available at bars. Sometimes snacks, but not usually. Although, there is always a snacky-type of thing offered, such as peanuts. Interestingly, ouzo is such a strong drink, there is always the option of ouzo + snack because anyone who drinks ouzo on an empty  stomach is in trouble before they even know it. (Drunkenness is highly discouraged and frowned upon in Greece where self-control in all things is highly prized.)

Taverna - a type of restaurant that serves food 'family style' with portions intended to share. You can get everything from a coffee and snack (see cafe) to a full family meal at a taverna. The only hitch is that most of them, especially in small towns, open quite late (some 7 or later) for the Greek-style later dinner 'hour' (unless you are in a high tourist area, then they are open for lunch). Typically it is expected that you will spend a substantial amount of time there not just eating but socializing, as well. They oftentimes will offer a dessert or 'digestive' aperitif gratis for your patronage. Tavernas often have similar menus offering souvlaki and gyros (of course), and mousaka, sausage kebabs, different types of salads along with Greek salad (obviously), burgers and meatballs, spaghetti, and specialty dishes cooked in 'pots' (like casseroles or stews). Fish and seafood is always on the menu, as well as desserts/sweets. Beverages, besides coffee, include beer, wine, ouzo, and sometimes other hard liquors.

Restaurant - sit down type of eating establishment of which Americans are well accustomed, usually more expensive. Many still do serve 'family style' though, for sharing. This seems to be a rather new addition to Greek culture, in my observation.

jellies!

This walk along the sea front has been my most relaxing and enjoyable time in Greece. It was pretty cold, and I was in a heavy coat, but so very worth it. The promenade goes for miles along the water and you can even rent bikes to ride in the marked bike path. It must be heavenly in the warmer temperatures.