Stainless Steel Griddle Production for Gastronomos
Behind the Scenes: Capturing the Craftsmanship of Greek Steel Cooking Utensils for Gastronomos Magazine
I recently had the privilege of collaborating with Gastronomos magazine to document the intricate process behind creating one of the most essential tools in traditional Greek cooking—the Stainless Steel Griddle. This classic piece of cookware holds a special place in Greek gastronomy, and my goal was to capture the artistry and craftsmanship that go into its making in Athens.
The photoshoot spanned three historic machinery workshops in Athens, each with its own unique expertise. At Machinery Workshop Pascalidis, I observed master artisans shaping the raw materials with precision and care. Over at Machinery Workshop Kotzamanoglou, the focus shifted to the delicate balance between traditional methods and modern machinery, where every piece is crafted to perfection. Finally, at Machinery Workshop Sfiga, the final touches were added, showcasing the skill and attention to detail that make these steel utensils stand out.
The experience provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of Greek steel cooking utensils, revealing the dedication and craftsmanship behind these everyday kitchen tools. A big thank you to Gastronomos Magazine for the opportunity to be part of this unique project.
"What is the history of the stainless steel griddle and what is its role in Greek life? What pan do we choose for our roasts? copper, ceramic, aluminum, enamel or cast iron? Where will we cook our old copper utensils and where will we order new ones? What is tin and why is it the ideal pie stainless steel griddle? In the September issue, Gastronomos examines the subject of "Tapsi" from all sides, customary, cultural and culinary, and collects 60 incredible recipes for the best baked family and holiday meals.
Each place and its stainless steel griddle
We have collected the best recipes of the stainless steel griddle, from every corner of Greece, from the Caspian lamb of Lemnos and the continental chicken with rice, to the exuberant pasha macarouna, the kleftiko of Roumeli and the Kalamatian pork poula.
Filled, turlou or juvetsi?
Do we bake juveccia with couscous, noodles, macaroni or with classic barley? We learn what juvetsi is, why they call it that and what is its ideal vessel. We stuff peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, flowers and onions and present the most beautiful stuffings of Greek cuisine.
We travel back in time to find out where he got his hat from, what his name means and we recommend incredible turlous with fish, pulses, octopus.
The nicest Sundays need a roasting stainless steel griddle.
Is it Sunday dinner without chicken in the oven with potatoes? Without a honeyed moussaka, pastiche or without a leg of lamb with seared skin? If you think about it, our best Sunday meals are baked in the oven!
Pan Sweets: Dips in Syrup
Doughs and syrupy sheets, honeyed sweet pies and milky desserts, all in the pan and all delicious and aromatic.
And as always: Recipe of the Month – We return refreshed and rested and set the daily table with the best and freshest September products.
The September "Gastronomos" is released on Sunday, September 8, with "Kathimerini".
Boston University College of Fine Arts
The Intersection of Photography and Sculpture: Capturing Sculptor Robert Bodem
Personal Reflection: The Art of Capturing a Sculptor
As a photographer, the opportunity to capture a sculptor like Robert Bodem offers a unique challenge and a beautiful intersection of two art forms. Just as Robert shapes clay to create form, I use light, shadow, and composition to shape an image. The parallels between our crafts were undeniable during the photoshoot. Sculptors and photographers alike work with space, form, and texture, relying on an instinctive understanding of how to turn raw material—whether physical or visual—into something profound.
There’s a delicate dance between the subject and the camera when photographing an artist, especially one whose entire being is rooted in the physical creation of art. With Robert, I sought to emphasize the hands, the expressions, and the pauses between moments—those fleeting gestures that seem to embody his sculptural philosophy.
Robert Bodem’s Philosophy: Drawing in Space
Robert Bodem’s work is deeply rooted in the concept of “drawing in space,” a philosophy that transcends traditional sculpture. As he shared in his interview for the College of Fine Arts magazine, Robert sees sculpture as a way to create dynamic, living forms, often suspended between stillness and movement. His sculptures are not just static objects but explorations of form, designed to engage the viewer from every angle.
In his words, “Sculpture is about the negative space as much as it is about the object itself.” This thoughtful balance is central to his art, where the spaces between forms are just as vital as the material used to create them. The interview explores his journey as an artist, from his rigorous training to his teaching at the Florence Academy of Art, where he helps others discover their potential in capturing the human form in space.
Photographing Robert Bodem for Boston University’s College of Fine Arts magazine was not only a personal artistic journey but also a meaningful collaboration with an institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. The opportunity to work with the College of Fine Arts allowed me to contribute to an environment where creativity is cultivated and celebrated.
Capturing Robert’s portrait and sculpture work was more than just a photoshoot —it was about telling a story that would resonate with young, aspiring artists. Through these images, I hope to inspire students to push their creative boundaries, to see art in the spaces between forms, and to understand that every gesture, like every stroke of the sculptor’s hand, holds the potential for profound expression. I believe these portraits will serve as a reminder that creativity knows no limits and that art, whether through photography or sculpture, has the power to inspire and transform.
For a deeper dive into Robert’s journey and the photoshoot, you can view the full interview and images in the latest issue of the Boston University College of Fine Arts magazine cover.
Spiri Coffee Campaign
In today's fast-paced world, finding a moment of tranquility and indulgence can be a rare treat. That's where Spiri coffee comes in. Through the delightful roasting, coffee is not just your average cup of joy—it's an experience. From the first sip to the last drop, Spiri coffee takes you on a journey of flavor and aroma like no other. In Spiri Coffee, after researching the roasting needs of each coffee and in order to create unique profiles that highlight its characteristics to the maximum, we have chosen a roasting machine whose innovative stainless steel construction and hot air roasting process ensure pure tasting results and stable roasting profiles.
Delta Restaurant Team
The creative team of Michelin Stars Delta Restaurant, Thanos Feskos, Giorgos Papazaxarias and Jana Cechova was featured in the November issue of "Gastronomos" magazine "100 favorite suggestions for 24 hours". This post is not about food photography. Is a creative portraiture process dedicated to the people that give the best of their shelves every day to explore, to experiment, to satisfy their creative nature and their guests, tasting new gastronomic experiences. Special thanks to the three members of the team and gastronomos magazine, for giving us the chance to share our time creatively through the medium of portrait photography.
Winter Cocktails in Line Athens
In this food photography for Oinochoos magazine, the guests star Christos Klouvatos welcomes us to Line Athens bar and makes some wonderful cocktails with cognac, the spirit that is making a comeback as a base in classic and signature cocktails.
Christos is a bartender and connoisseur of good coffee, with numerous awards at international events. He recently placed fourth in the Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, a global competition focused on liquor and coffee, representing the Taf company, and is also a finalist in the World Class 2023. This season we find him behind the bar of Line, No 12 at World's Best Bars. He also oversees the cocktails and coffee at the Makris restaurant and, as a member of the Line team, also collaborates with the Delta Restaurant.
Text by Georgia Papastamou
tails
Cover for Oinoxoos Magazine
The photography for December cover of Oinochoos magazine is dedicated to the variety of Xinomavro and the tasting from the 40 years old greek labels to the new ones.
What does a 50-year-old Xinomavro taste like? Oinochoos magazine December 2023, travel to Naoussa. Meets the 22 winemakers of the zone and learn everything about Xinomavro in the place where it was born. Dedicates 40 pages to the top greek red variety, with reports and tests on labels of each style. The two Masters of Wine and the Master Sommelier guide a tasting that has never been done before with labels since 1974 until today.
What are the ten best Greek whites wines you should try at least once in your life? Oenologists, sommeliers and journalists test, compare and recommend 160 labels for festive tables and in winter, from whites and reds up to 20 euros, to the most Value For Money on the market. We set the festive table with French and Spanish. Young oenologists taste the new natural wines, while our partners recommend everything from Limnio to Pinot Noir, oranges, whites and rosés that love the cold.
The December Issue comes this with "Kathimerini", more enjoyable than ever with 208 pages dedicated to wine and spirits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bte_3Hfg3M
Gastronomos November 2023 Cover
in the November issue of "Gastronomos" 100 favorite suggestions for all 24 hours. A city guide full of suggestions and food photography that glorifies Athens and its haunts!
What do we eat for breakfast? Where can we find the best cheesecake? Is it worth traveling all the way to Nea Ionia just to taste a penirli?
Which tavern has the best cabbage rolls? Which chic restaurants do we like to go out to and where would we give our stars?
What are our bar-shelters? And where will we find to eat in the first morning hours?
In this issue we celebrate Athens and its beautiful corners. The timeless and favorite haunts. We say a "well done" and a "thank you" to the people of the restaurant who do their work with passion and consistency and outline the physiognomy of our city. The dna of her taste.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLVaut4LjYg
Dimitris Papadimitriou
With the title "Cooking is inner prayer", Gastronomos magazine, host the interview of the composer Dimitris Papadimitriou for the August issue. His portrait photography took place at his home accompanied with the great taste of his recipes and an interesting conversation about his music experiences.
Music for cinema, theater and television, symphonic works, pioneering actions and vision. The composer Dimitris Papadimitriou It is still thirsty, after forty years of creation, and quenches the thirst of its recipients. With its prestige and consistent attitude, it brings together artists and people with similar concerns, at the same time giving a step to younger people to show their talents. He is steeped in our popular wealth, he owns its secrets and peculiarities, he knows deeply the ways and places of his libation. His folk songs have his "academic" aura, but they are not ossified, that is why they were sung, loved, they were even danced by the crowd, and most importantly, they stayed!
Quiet strength. It has a "plan", earthly, but also transcendental at the same time. Global, cosmopolitan, that is to say "Greek". He becomes a heretic to forge new paths, he becomes a "wrecker" to flatten swampy stereotypes and build new bridges. He loves cooking and has even received professional offers for his performance. So, my invitation for a culinary interview in a meal at his house. Dimitris Papadimitriou is a hospitable host. The space is similar to his work, flooded with unique art objects, some of which have family roots.
Text by Kostas Balachoutis
Dimitris Papadimitriou has written symphonic works, pieces for solo instruments and combinations of instruments, music for theater and for Greek cinema (Electric Angel, Revenge, Archangel of Passion, The Tree We Hurt, Victory of Samothrace, Lovers in the Time Machine, The Life One and a Half Thousand, The Light Going Out etc.), for Greek television and for television series in Sweden, France, Germany and elsewhere. The general public discovered him because of television.
Known from the beginning of the 1980s until today for his fine compositions, several of which dressed up well-known television hits (such as Anastasia by Giorgos Kordellas in a script by Mirela Papaikonomou, Don't Be Afraid of Fire, Due to Honor, Life which I did not live, Leni and the Witches of Smyrna), Dimitris Papadimitriou has also collaborated with Eleftheria Arvanitaki in a cycle of songs with the general title Songs for the Months, where he set well-known Greek poets to music.
In 2003 he took over as director of the Third Program and in September 2010 general director of Hellenic Radio[5]. Busy but versatile, after his long-term presence in the administration of ERT radio, he founded the Greek Project, a non-profit organization for the promotion of Greek and not only music[6]. In 2006 he gave a concert in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Organization on the occasion of the organization's 60th birthday. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1958.
Georgios Xenos
“We don’t know after all who is really imprisoned. The one outside or the one inside? And what kind of prison is this? Many people out there remain voluntarily incarcerated. So, I would tell you that many times being inside also involves a kind of asceticism. It has a loneliness characterized by greater freedom. So it always depends on the reason for which you are imprisoned”.
Interview to Giannis Padazopoulos
Georgios Xenos was born in Athens in 1953. He studied at the Ecole nationale superieure des Beaux Arts- Section des Arts Plastiques in Paris, during the years 1976 – 1982.
From 1983 to 1986 he lived and worked in Athens. In 1987 he lived and worked in Mönchengladbach, Germany.
From 1988 to 1992 he lived and worked in Berlin, where he experienced the historical events of the Fall of Berlin’s Wall. During this period, he exhibited his work in Winckelmann Museum, Stendal (June – October 1991) and in Pergamon Museum, Berlin (January – November 1992).
Since 1993 he has been living and working in Athens.
MeToo - Violence Awareness
It is with great pleasure that we announce and invite you to the 1st "Gendered Violence - Violence Against Women" Awareness Exhibition.
Baumstrasse, Servion 8 (2nd Floor) Botanikos, Athens, 104 41
June 10-11, 2023
1.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.
Specifically, the European Network Against Violence (ENV) is organizing a two-day event on June 10-11, 2023, with the aim of raising public awareness about domestic violence against women, sexual violence and the relationship them with our patriarchally structured society. The action is implemented within the framework of the #MeNow_MeToo initiative (www.menowmetoo.gr) in collaboration with the Olympian Sofia Bekatorou.
Through works of art, speeches, theatrical events and workshops, the goal of the E.D.k.B. is to raise concerns and tell stories of women or artists who want to present them through art and visual creation.
More than 20 artists participate in the exhibition with works of art (paintings, photographs, theatrical performances, etc.). In the area of the exhibition, there will also be a bazaar with handmade items of female survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual violence as well as volunteers of the E.D.k.B.
The exhibition will be open to the public 13.30 – 21.30. The entrance is free. On Saturday and Sunday evening there will be events (speeches, theatrical events, discussion).
Artists: Efmorfia Vallas, Dimitris Vlaikos, Stavroula Geriki, Ioanna Georgopoulou, Anastasia Giannoulaki, Kosmas Dalaklis, Electra Etaridou, Angelina Zoumbouli, Tzortzia Kosmatopoulou, Konstantinos Kalfountzos, Dora Kotsi-Felicsi, Mary Kyraki, Emmanuel La pidakis, Aikaterini Mavroudi, Panagiotis Xoulogis, Christina Papatoli, Chrysoula Skepetzi, Vicky Skotida, Maria Tsouknakis, Ariadni Phytopoulou, Georgia Handzi, Alexandra Christakopoulou, the theater group "She and They" (Elene Alifragki, Spyros Anastasinis, Tasos Chalas, Andreas Psyllias)
Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/761715388965422/?ref=newsfeed
See the detailed Program here
The proceeds will be allocated for the purposes of the E.D.k.B. and covering the costs of legal support for abused women and/or children.
