Page 53 - MYCONIAN COLLECTION MAG 2017

hidden Myconos

THE OLd

WOrLd

The Bagoyas coffee shop, painted by the American
Carol Wells, known as Carolina, a legendary naïve
painter who has been living in Mykonos since she
was 23. Yora’s wood-fired oven in action! Bagkogia’s kafeneio in Gialos is the only authentic coffee
shop on Mykonos and one of the last of its kind in the
Cyclades. Located in Gialos, with a view towards the
small harbour and the sea, this traditional hang-out serves
coffees and authentic island delicacies. Prepared by
Dimitris Bagkogia’s wife Vassiliki, his daughter Asimina
and his granddaughter Vasso, these delicacies served
from 7am until late at night all year round are strictly
local - starting with mostra (a traditional Myconian
dish consisting of crispbread, local kopanisti cheese,
tomato, olive oil and sometimes oregano, capers and
olives), homemade sausage, omelette, seafood and,
depending on the day, small fish!
Tel. +30 22890- 23552.

Giora’s wood stove bakery is the oldest bakery in
Mykonos (said to date back to the 17th Century!),
and has belonged to the Vamvakouri family for more GIALOs
than two centuries. It is situated in the Lakka area, on
Ignatios Basoulas lane. Although it is difficult to spot For Myconians and those in the know, this is the name of the sandy beach located
from the outside, follow your nose and trust the sweet within the old harbour of Chora Mykonos. It is a favourite place to take one’s morning walk, to breathe in the
scent of the bread to lead you to the right door. Every fresh sea air and to buy one’s groceries. Local farmers bring in their produce straight from their vegetable gardens
morning, in this stone building with high ceiling, Nikos each morning, and fishermen display the freshest catch of the day on marble counters. It is here that Myconians
Vamvakouris and his son Giannis bake loaves which exchange their “kalimera” over a morning coffee. Years ago, it was lined with traditional ‘kafeneia’, traditional
truly tastes like country bread made from fermented Photo: Giannis Dimotsis coffee shops such as Kioukas’, Paola’s, Nikitas’ and Kontarinis’; however, over time it became a tourist promenade,
yeast, traditional Myconian crisp breads, pies and sweets. and though most of them have been converted into contemporary coffee shops or stylish restaurants, Manto
Open daily from 8am-3pm, closed on Sundays. Mavrogenous’ bust keeps a watchful eye on all the happenings from the square bearing her name.

52 MYkONIAN COLLECTION MYkONIAN COLLECTION 53