Inspired Dishes, Excellent Tastes, Impeccable Service!


Only a few days before Christmas and Galaxy is at its top . With its trendy vibe, the chic and contemporary décor, the plush wooden decking and the glass-top bar it miraculously transforms into one of Athens trendiest destination. With all its glamour and style it has become a popular haunt for local celebrities and retains for good its steady value among dining spots of Athens. Out here the city lights become one with the impressive roof lighting, referring to the stars and galaxies and create an amazing scenery that travels anyone present. You might easily get the feeling that you are dining in one of the greatest metropolis of the world. I consider it the # 1 Signature Spot of the city.Situated on the 13th floor of the Hilton Athens, it arguably offers the "widest" view of the city: from Lycabettus and the Acropolis to Mount Hymettus to the sea at Piraeus. With its cosmopolitan atmosphere known for and the revitalized minimal and elegant décor, it continues to "raise the bar", with atmospheric music, unique cocktails and interesting encounters.

THE NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF OF THE HILTON: Konstantinos Athanasiou, shares his expertize skills and secrets for nearly the last 20 years . I am here to meet him and comment on a few of the most outstanding dishes on his menu.

I have the opportunity to have him at the table for a while, and with the first glimpse I have on some of his dishes, I notice a Cosmopolitan Air in the menu.

I find him extremely charismatic and talented with a great sense of humor… but what is Konstantinos really like as a person? This is exactly what I want to take out of him over our friendly chat.

A true gentleman, ambitious and a food enthusiast himself, ready to bring something innovative to the menu. He plays with products and tastes until the desired result is achieved but until then he will never stop experimenting combinations until the taste reaches perfection. A person who speaks with passion and excitement about his creations, with a good word to say for his team in his cuisine.

As for his desserts, he takes it easy he says . One ingredient at a time and this brings him inspiration until the final presentation comes to the table. He fights for the most delicious versions.
 

A TRIP OF TASTES:

My trip of Tastes always starts with a good wine of an elegant taste. The very passionate sommelier George Arvanitis proves a great help.

WELCOMING STARTERS: A glass of sparkling champagne of excellent taste and homemade baked bread rolls and extra virgin olive oil to make the most out of every bite. What a brilliant way to start a promising meal!

STARTERS CHOICE:

SOUP: The Ginger flavored Pumpkin Soup here was out of this world. Creamy and rich in flavor, the soup was spiced up with chili pepper, fresh coriander and of course the exquisite taste of ginger. A soup that cannot easily be ignored. €16.00

BEVERAGE: We paired the soup with Sauvignon Blanc Roditis (Samaropetra) Delicate taste displaying aromas of white peaches with mango and melon background . The bottle costs €51.00. Glass €15.00.

Another nice appetizer I asked to taste, was the Roasted Beetroot with fresh blackberries. This is served on top of the tastiest Stilton cheese mousse I have ever had. The presentation was great, the taste light and extremely refreshing. €17.00.

The 3^rd appetizer was another savory dish that will leave your mouth watering. Excellent presentation and exquisite taste. The cumin added an extra flavor to the Atlantic Shrimp and Scallop, both of which were tender and juicy, cooked to perfection. The shells were flavored with orange mashed carrot and almond puree. A super yummy taste, so light that will delight you. €22.00.

We paired the above starters with a Sauvignon Blanc from Paggeo. Powerful aromas of exotic fruit, peach and citrus. Bottle at €55.00. Glass €17.00. (Vivlia Chora)

PASTA: Out of 3 on the list dishes I picked the 1^st one . I cannot resist mushrooms and this tells it all. The Wild Mushroom Risotto with aged rice, sprinkled with Parmesan flakes and cooked in truffle oil is another dish not easily be ignored. Extremely creamy texture and luscious with a fragrant flavor of wild mushrooms –a heavenly taste!

We had a very nice and unexpected gesture from the sommelier. A refreshing appetizer to step from seafood to meat, (green rocket with smashed lemon juice cubes …something like that). It helped so much. Thanks George! 

 

MAIN COURSE: I tried Iberico Pork Chop and although I had second thoughts before asking to taste it, the flavor of this was a surprise not to be missed. Marinated in wild oak tree honey and black truffle with Jerusalem artichokes puree. Every bite leaves an exquisite taste of satisfaction. €45.00.

We paired the above dish with an Agioritiko wine from the Palivos winery in Nemea . Dense aroma of black cherries and vanilla with hints of milk, chocolate and burnt wood. Bottle costs €47.00. Glass €13.00.

 
DESSERT: Out of the three desserts I tried, I found the Chocolate Soufflé quite dry and flat for my taste. I would expected it to be flavorsome and spongy and it was not. €14.00.

I loved though the presentation and delicate taste of the Pear Tart with the caramel sauce topping. The dessert was accompanied by Green tea ice cream. A light and very aromatic dessert worth trying. €11.00.

The last temptation the Hazel-nut Praline tube of chocolate was just as good. Nicely presented on the dish with varied and excellent taste. It comes with a praline macaron, cinnamon ice cream and berries, and it costs €12.00.


 

THE OVERALL IMPRESSION: From the style and ambience, the glamorous interior and dedication to detail, every dinner experience at the Galaxy is one to be cherished. In all, it was an exquisite dinner. 

I would recommend it to anyone with a Taste for the Good Life!