Christmas is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a tapestry woven with moments shared with loved ones, a time for reflection and celebration. For many, it’s about embracing positive energy, festive cheer, and the warmth of togetherness. And for those seeking an elevated yet comforting holiday experience, the NJV Athens Plaza stands ready to deliver.
A Festive Symphony of Flavors at NJV Athens Plaza
With its signature sophisticated ambiance and a familial warmth that embraces guests from the moment they step into the lobby, the NJV Athens Plaza, under the expert guidance of chefs Panagiotis Anastasiou and Nikos Tsolis, is set to captivate the festive spirit of Athens. This year, the hotel unveils a series of gastronomic journeys designed to make the holiday season truly special.
Christmas Eve at Explorer’s Bar Bistro: A Gala of Tastes
On Christmas Eve, the Explorer’s Bar Bistro, located on the hotel’s first floor, transforms into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and a gala dinner. The culinary adventure begins with a savory choux featuring cheese cream, Gravlax tuna, and black caviar – a delightful prelude to the exquisite courses that follow. Guests will savor a mini baby zucchini roll with shrimp, kefir-lime emulsion, onion tuile, and salmon roe. Cappelletti stuffed with prosciutto, burnt shallot petals, roasted pumpkin, pecorino cheese, and champagne sauce will further tantalize the palate. The highlight of the evening is a venison Wellington fillet, accompanied by King Oyster mushrooms, vanilla-scented celeriac cream, and rosemary sauce, concluding with a delicate Charlotte with vanilla and berries. A Yuzu lemon parfait serves as a refreshing interlude, while carefully selected wines complement each dish and conversation. Live music, intertwined with a DJ’s selections, will create the perfect soundtrack for a memorable Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day Lunch at The Parliament: A Grand Feast
For those who prefer to celebrate the main holiday during the day, NJV Athens Plaza offers a magnificent Christmas Lunch at its architecturally stunning restaurant, The Parliament. From 13:00 to 17:00, guests will be welcomed into a specially decorated space, where music at just the right volume sets the stage for creating cherished memories. A sprawling buffet, boasting over twenty cold and hot dishes, promises a true feast for all ages. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional European holiday fare, highlights include beef fillet mignon with red wine sauce and grouper wrapped in prosciutto with champagne sauce. The sweet finale features an array of traditional Greek Christmas treats like kourabiedes and melomakarona, alongside chocolate logs.
New Year’s Eve Gala: A Culinary Masterpiece
As the countdown to the New Year begins, the hotel’s Ballroom will host a one-of-a-kind gala dinner. This exquisite dining experience promises high aesthetics and culinary creations that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. The amuse-bouche features Wagyu beef and caviar on brioche bread with sautéed mushrooms. Appetizers include scallop carpaccio with black truffle, red berries, and grapefruit-olive oil dressing, as well as poached lobster tail with smoked cauliflower cream, morels, peas, and wine sauce. The comforting main course is a Rossini beef fillet with foie gras and sweet potato puree. Nikos Tsolis, the acclaimed pastry chef, will craft the evening’s desserts. The night’s surprises include the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita for good luck, a champagne toast, and coffee with mignardises, all enjoyed with a breathtaking view of Syntagma Square as it transforms to welcome the new year.
New Year’s Day Brunch: A Fresh Start
Embracing the first morning of the new year as a ritual, NJV Athens Plaza has prepared a lavish New Year’s Day brunch in Family Style with A La Carte options at Explorer’s Bar Bistro. Starting at 11:30, a DJ will set the tone for the new year in a relaxed and organized environment. Classic Sunday brunch favorites, including various egg preparations, will be complemented by homemade savory and sweet croissants, perfect with coffee or the first drink of 2026, creating a warm family-style meal to kick off the year.
Bringing the NJV Athens Plaza Experience Home: Catering Services
Recognizing that the holiday season is a continuous celebration, the historic hotel also offers its exquisite catering services, allowing guests to enjoy the fine creations of the Executive and Pastry Chefs in the comfort of their own homes. Festive menu options are prepared just hours before delivery, carefully packaged, and served with love to your guests. The extensive catering menu includes:
Starters:
- Leek, Bacon & Potato Soup (40€)
- Pumpkin Soup with Chili Oil, Fresh Coriander & Sour Cream (32€)
Appetizers & Salads:
- Pumpkin & Gorgonzola Tart with Caramelized Pecans (36€)
- Quiche Lorraine Tart (44€)
- Cheese & Cured Meats Platter (48€)
- Green Salad with Poached Pear, Walnuts, Roquefort & Honey Mustard Dressing (52€)
- Nicoise Salad (50€)
- Waldorf Salad (48€)
Main Courses:
- Traditional Turkey with Chestnut, Minced Meat, Sage, Wild Rice Stuffing & Currant Sauce (200€)
- Porchetta with Sweet Potato Puree, Brussels Sprouts & Rosemary Sauce (140€)
- Chateaubriand Black Angus Fillet with Green Pepper Sauce, Baby Vegetables with Butter & Celeriac Dauphinoise (340€)
- Lamb Shank with Baby Roasted Potatoes & Truffle Aroma (160€)
Desserts:
- Crispy Lemon Pie (32€)
- Nocciola Log with Hazelnut Praline, Gianduja & Bitter Chocolate Mousse (43€/kg)
- Mont Blanc Log with Orange Jam, Chestnut & Rum (45€/1.2kg)
- Pistachio Tiramisu in a Bowl (55€, for 8 people)
- Panettone 72-hour maturation with Milk Chocolate & Bitter Chocolate (45€ / 800g)
- Kourabiedes (24€/kg)
- Melomakarona (23€/kg)
- Vasilopita (40€/1.2kg)
Throughout December, the renewed Plaza Cafe also offers the 72-hour matured Panettone with milk and bitter chocolate, and the Nocciola log with hazelnut praline, gianduja, and bitter chocolate mousse.
If Christmas and New Year’s acquire the flavor we choose to give them, then the NJV Athens Plaza offers an exceptional choice, a hotel that year after year raises the bar even higher. Happy Holidays!
Info: Vasileos Georgiou A’ 2, Syntagma Square, 10564, Athens, Greece. T. +30 2103352400, [email protected]
Source: https://www.harpersbazaar.gr/living/lifestyle-homes/2014088/christmas-chic-apolaustika-xristougenna-kai-protoxronia-me-tin-upografi-tou-njv-athens-plaza
