Christos Lentzos, the man behind Greece’s most famous frappe, passed away at 93. His death on December 19, 2023, marks the end of a legendary chapter in the country’s coffee culture.
Lentzos was the mastermind behind the iconic frappe served at his namesake café in Pagrati, Athens—a venue that, from 1964 onward, became a cultural institution. What began as a luxury pastry shop quickly evolved into a coffee haven, thanks to his experimentation with various coffee and sugar combinations. The result? A rich, frothy, and unforgettable frappe that drew crowds for decades.
Though the recipe was the subject of endless speculation—with rumors of egg, sour cream, baking powder, and even meringue—the secret, according to those in the know, was far simpler: a generous amount of coffee and sugar, expertly blended in a glass mixer (never plastic). The meticulous preparation gave the drink its creamy texture and bold flavor.
The Lentzos café opened its doors at 5:00 AM and remained bustling well into the early morning hours. It served a diverse clientele that ranged from police officers and EMS drivers to students and locals of all ages. For many, the frappe wasn’t just a drink—it was a daily ritual and a symbol of the neighborhood’s identity.
Lentzos eventually became even more famous than Dimitris Vakondios, the man credited with inventing the frappe in 1957. His version elevated the drink into a phenomenon, a staple of Athenian life.
Despite the café’s closure in February 2013—brought on by changing coffee trends, financial strain, and the rise of espresso culture—its legacy lives on in the memories of its loyal patrons. It was even immortalized in a 1982 song by Manos Rasoulis and Christos Nikolopoulos, sung by Dimitris Kontogiannis, telling a story of love and longing that unfolded inside the walls of the legendary shop.
Christos Lentzos may be gone, but the impact of his simple yet brilliant frappe will remain an indelible part of Greek coffee heritage.
Hear the song:
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