For chicago ice cream at Xara
Sinful Chicago, famous Ekmek and spectacular Ice Cream Soda have been holding Xara since 1969, at the top high number in the list of traditional Athenian pastry shops.
It’s been many years since 1969, when “Xara” brought its ice cream to Patission Street, but, with the exception of some modern touches, little has changed. The recipe is the same: tables on the sidewalk, salmon walls and coconut mirrors, stopped time sometime near the 70s.
The pastry shop, strangely enough, was not named after one of the owners, but by the block of flats next door.
Nicoletta, or the “little boss”, as we have heard her say, holds the joys of Hara in recent years with her father, who took over the pastry shop from his father.
While making orders that had to go away by the delivery boy straightaway and putting ribbons on ice-cream gift cake boxes, she shared the story of the store with us.
“My grandmother, Aristea, came from Smyrna to Athens after the persecution of 1922 and carried the recipes for mackerel and ice cream in her shoes. Our pastry shop is considered classic. When you want something traditional you come here. They even come from Thessaloniki for our ice cream. Although it is an old habit to sit in an ice cream parlor, there is also a part of youth who start learning about the shop. My goal is to expand it and make people even more aware of it.”
We ordered the three must-haves of “Xara”: Chicago, ice cream and ice-cream soda. All portions are brave and for ice cream players. Chicago is a real chocolate volcano. Garnish with whipped cream, grated almonds, the classic biscuit on top and always on a metal plate.
Ekmek, dip in syrup. But the ice cream is offset by the refreshing ice cream balls that accompany it. You will most likely want to share it with a friend, as the quantity should be declared illegal.
Ice – cream soda, on the other hand, is spectacular, but it loses its flavor.
However, rumors say that with this dessert you can make an impression on your first date. Pour the soda into the glass with the ice cream and foam. The long teaspoon that accompanies it, is indicated for mouthwash and comes and hangs with the surrounding romantic atmosphere on the sidewalk of the pastry shop.
Cold atmosphere, strong flavors and friendly people: one afternoon at the “Xara” was all we needed to escape the summer laurel in the city.
Xara, Ano Patissia, 339 Patission Ave.
