In a city where casual restaurants come plenty, it’s nice to find solace to dining rooms that work perfectly when you’re up for some intimate, eclectic dining. The Art Lounge at the rooftop of NEW Hotel is exactly that, a perfect setting for such an occasion!
It’s a couple of weeks before Christmas, finally the mercury starts dropping and the city is alit! A dear partner has invited us for trying out the night version of the Art Lounge that serves a fine combination of some classic international dishes with some Greece-inspired notes. Although I’ve been lucky enough to have enjoyed the delicious brunch of NEW hotel at the rooftop quite a few times, visiting for a more refined dinner was never on the agenda. So I’m quite excited to try something new!
The elegant yet comfortable rooftop designed by Fernando & Humberto Campana, who transformed the hotel retaining some of its old, authentic allure, emanates a warm welcome. Very attentive staff are on standby as we take our table next to the window with a view that spans across central Athens. The menu, we later find out, has recently been redesigned by the Michelin star-awarded chef Babis Kountouris who is known for his robust blend of Greek cuisine and international modern cooking.
And as soon as the first starter arrives it’s evident that his technique is really working. A delicious ospriada salad, which is a classic, traditional dish around the islands of the Aegean sea, has been upgraded with some dried figs and xigalo cheese from Sitia. A dish that sounds rather dull on the menu turns out to be a frontrunner! Alongside it we also indulge in a classic raw seabass carpaccio that has been executed just fine and served with a touch of bottarga from Messolonghi.
It’s time for our main courses and we’ve opted for some surf n turf so that we can enjoy the best sides of both worlds. First comes a rich lobster giouvetsi with roasted tomato and a touch of boukovo chilli only to be followed by a finely sautéed black pepper beef fillet steak, on top of a Courvoisier cognac pepper sauce and served with a side of potato ecrasé with truffle that is basically the best form of potatoes puree only smashed with a fork and topped with some chive – an absolute delight!
As we’re enjoying a nice conversation, occasionally glancing towards the Christmas-lit terraces around, the impeccable waiting staff ask us whether we’re gonna follow on with a dessert. I’ve overheard they serve a classic tiramisu so I’m almost sold, when on the very last minute while perusing the dessert menu we decide to opt for something different. Moments later we’re served a poached pear sunk in Syrah wine and cinnamon, on top of a Valrhona chocolate tart crumble. A combo that doesn’t read as exciting and delicious as it actually tastes! Wow, what a treat!
With the festive season on, we’re bound to come back and enjoy some of their brunch too – think classic Bloody Mary cocktails, basket of baked goodies and French toast with berries – and meanwhile we’re gonna linger with that sweet aftertaste of this delicious pear – well done team Art Lounge!
