It's the Economy, Stupid.

We're no strangers to transitions. In the last 34 years (that the Kira Thira has been a part of the neighborhood) we've seen some big changes. And then again, some things seem to stay the same.

While the economy yo-yo's all around the world, we're all hanging onto our wallets a little tighter and trying to navigate the trickle-down of job losses, changes, big business crashing, stock market roller coasters. But at the end of the day, we can all seem to find our quiet places, a glimmer of a sunset, a glass of beautiful wine, the laughter of an old friend, the smell of fresh herbs.

It's these small things that remain; these are the things we value in life and cherish together. So as the world seems to be turning upside-down and inside-out, remember to find the people and places that will always stay the same. Come join your friends at the Kira Thira again, enjoy the music and slow down for a few minutes.

In the spirit of reuniting old friends, we've adopted a new extension to our online community (yes, we've joined Facebook) in an effort to hear more from YOU. Take a few minutes to "Like" us and tell us a little bit about your time with us. Post fan pictures or just say hello.

Whether online or inches away at the bar, we hope to see you soon.

Some Tunes

Jazz seems to do a little something different to each of us. And it really does have the power to transport us to new places.



Stop rushing around and slow down. Close your eyes. Breathe. And enjoy the music.
Here's a couple of great videos for you:

Benny Golson and a 1972 video of Dave Bruebeck performing Take Five - a Kira Thira favorite.

Good Food, Good Friends.

Well, it’s been a while since we’ve said hello. I think that’s usually a good sign that we’re busy, just like you, working hard and playing hard and enjoying the fruits of the island, here in Santorini.

Whether you live here, or are merely passing through, there are a couple of things that are constant about this place: delicious fish, glorious wines.

Most of you have met or heard of Dimitri. He's the guy often standing in the corner, quietly keeping an eye on the Kira Thira. He's also the heart and soul behind the magical little place and has owned and managed it for over 30 years.

Something you may not know about him, however, is his love for fresh fish. One of his very favorite places to visit is his friend Panos, down by the water. There, one can find lovely local meals; the fresh fish caught by Panos (the "Captain"), prepared by his mother, wife or beautiful daughters and served to you by the sea.

You can ask Dimitri how to find this special little taverna.

You won't want to miss a single bite.




And let us not forget the perfect companion to fish - white wine. Here is a starter course in some Santorini wines.

Do you have a favorite Santorini wine or winery? We'd love for you to tell us about it. In the meantime, you'll probably find us at Panos, munching on the psaria [fish].

Επέτειος του «'Οχι»

Interested in a little Greek history lesson? You may or may not know this, but today is widely celebrated in Greece as the "Anniversary of the 'No'."

Celebrated throughout Greece on October 28 each year, Oxi Day commemorates Greek dictator Ionnas Metaxas' (in power from August 1936 until January 1941) refusal of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Mussiolini on October 28, 1940.

This ultimatum, which was presented to Metaxas by the Italian ambassador in Greece, Emanuele Grazzi, on October 28, 1940, at dawn (04:00 AM), after a party in the German embassy in Athens, demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy certain unspecified "strategic locations" or otherwise face war.

It was allegedly answered with a single word: όχι or no. Most scholars dismiss the use of the word 'Okhi' as an urban legend, claiming that the actual reply was the French phrase "Alors, c'est la guerre" ("Then it is war"). In response to Metaxas's refusal, Italian troops stationed in Albania, then an Italian protectorate, attacked the Greek border at 05:30 AM. Metaxas's reply marked the beginning of Greece's participation in World War II (see Greco-Italian War and Battle of Greece).

On the morning of October 28th the Greek population took to the streets, irrespective of political affiliation, shouting 'okhi'.

From 1942, it was celebrated as Okhi (or "Oxi") Day. And today, we still celebrate, proudly.

Some compliments? Why, thank you.

A long time ago (well, over 30 years ago, to be exact) we made a commitment to create a warm environment with quality drinks and compelling music for people to meet with old friends and new acquaintances.

In the last 30 years, a lot of things have changed, but our commitment stays the same. We hope you enjoy what you'll find as you walk through our doors. And we hope you'll come back for another sangria with us.

The Kira Thira hears wonderful things all the time about our cozy atmosphere and yummy drinks. We don't even know what to say, except, "Efharisto!" (Thanks!) We love hearing from you, so please tell us about your experiences with us at the Kira Thira Jazz Bar by leaving a comment below.

Here are a few that have already been published about us:


The Lonely Planet says, "The oldest bar in Fira has entrances on the streets to either side. Locals always use one entrance. Guess which one and you'll feel even more at home in this candle-lit bar with its smooth jazz, ethnic sounds and occasional live music."

"Kira Thira, well what can we say about it? Great place, jazz music, well known sangria. The only bar in Santorini that didn't change the last 10 years or more... "

"Kira Thira is the oldest bar in town, with one door for locals and another for tourists. Big pluses are the frequent live music and the atmospheric candlelight."

"Kira Thira - Live jazz nightly at this cozy watering hole open year round. Fira (Tel: 22860-22770)"

"If you're into jazz and blues, this laid back venue is for you. It's also famous for its sangria."

Kira Thira DJ Mixes....Fava.

Of course, santorini is host to the famous sangria at the kira thira. we also like to mix something other than groovy jazz music from time to time.

Santorini Fava.

INGREDIENTS.
- 1 cup of fava to 2 - 2 1/2 cups water approx
- 1 1/2 small onion
- extra olive oil,
- 1/2 a lemon, salt

PREPARE.
- wash the fava lentils well
- set to boil in a large non-stick cooking pot, (medium
heat) adding enough water to create a thick paste.
- keep checking in case the fava has dried out
- half way though cooking time add a roughly chopped
small onion & 2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional)
- salt to taste
- when the fava is cooked, remove from fire & allow to cool
- blend or mash the mixture well
- scoop the amount you want into a serving dish & place
the remainder of the mix in the fridge to use later
- SERVE with an extra lashing of olive oil, half a squeezed lemon and some onions on top.

And. Make it how you like it best: Fava dip can be served warm or cold.

(yum.)

Mark Your Calendars!

So, the other day, some of us were sitting together (listening to some Coltrane and drinking a sangria, of course) wondering how we at the Kira Thira might make a difference in the world. We thought, perhaps, since we like to celebrate special days together, we'd go ahead and just make a holiday just for celebration's sake.

Kira Thira is pleased to announce the release of a new holiday, beginning in 2007.

October 10 will be designated as a non-newspaper-reading day. This will be a day to boycott the purchase and consumption of newspapers to make a statement for the environment and defend frivolous waste. We encourage you to talk to your friends and neighbors about what is happening in the world instead of relying on the printed pages of your local newspaper.

Do tell your friends, families and loved ones and we might make a difference and could preserve the life of nearly ten billion trees in one day.

(operative word here is "could.")

10.10.2007, please join us. We'll all be at the bar, not reading our newspapers.