Buongiorno!
If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Italian cuisine sets your taste buds tingling and your imagination running wild. On our recent trip to Milan Design Week, we had the opportunity to be inspired not only by the show stopping products on display at Salone, but also by the foodie scene – where every bite tells a story and every meal is a celebration!
Today I’m sharing our unforgettable culinary experience through Milan—from cocktails to gelato and everything in between, prepare to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses in the culinary capital of Italy. (And maybe start looking at suitcases while you’re at it!)
First Stop: Cocktails on the Patio at Four Seasons Milan
We started our adventure with cocktails at the elegant Four Seasons in Montenapoleone. Picture yourself sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while soaking in the opulent ambiance of this historic hotel – It was the perfect way to kick off our trip in style!
image source: Four Seasons
Next up, we ventured to Bergamo for a Michelin-starred luncheon with Hestan Culinary at La Braseria. Prepare to be dazzled by the innovative creations of renowned chefs, served against the backdrop of Bergamo’s charming streetscapes.
With a personal dining guide from Hestan Culinary, we tried bone marrow with caviar, homemade bread stuffed with ricotta and topped with cured meats, beef sliders, potatoes and ox dipped in Maldon salt and olive oil. Since there wasn’t a green to be found, we washed it all down with a beautiful red wine!
Back in Milan, Vinny and I found comfort amidst the hustle and bustle of Design Week at Armani’s cafe. Nestled in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, this iconic establishment seamlessly blended haute couture with haute cuisine.
Every dish that passed our table was a work of art, reflecting the impeccable taste of the mastermind himself, Giorgio Armani. I have to say, this was the best Chicken Caesar salad I have ever had—Vinny and I may have arm wrestled for the last bite…
image source: Armani
Our Tried-and-True Tradition: Gatto Rosso
No culinary tour of Milan would be complete without a taste of traditional Italian fare, and Gatto Rosso near the Duomo delivered just that.
The best dining experiences make you feel something – like savoring authentic lasagna that tastes like it was made with love and generations of culinary craftsmanship. We credit our friends at Cosentino for treating us to this treasure ten years ago!
Wine and Pescare at Solferino:
For dinner, we dine at Solferino, a well-known restaurant on the corner of Milan’s vibrant culinary scene. Here, innovative flavors and impeccable presentation take center stage, leaving guests craving more with each bite. Vinny’s honorable mention was for the Wine list – full of blends sourced locally with rich flavor.
The Must-Visit Ralph Lauren, Milano
One of the highlights of our journey is an iconic yet intimate dinner at Ralph Lauren Milan. Stepping into this oh-so Ralph Lauren patio space is like stepping into a world of timeless elegance and understated luxury. It’s the perfect setting for a culinary experience that’s as refined as it is unforgettable. If you ask us, a prawn cocktail and a cheeseburger never tasted so good!
No Italian adventure would be complete without gelato. We stopped by La Marianna, where stracciatella gelato was first made in 1953. If Gelato Heaven was a real place, one spoonful of these creamy, decadent flavors is a one way ticket!
Design & Dining at Gloria Osteria
As our trip came to a close, my husband surprised me with a luncheon at Gloria Osteria in Milan – a bucket list experience for me! Not only was the food delicious, but the interior design was everything a designer dreams of – talk about a feast for the senses.
Every corner is meticulously curated, making it the perfect setting for a memorable meal shared with loved ones. And just look at those chandeliers! We had the most incredible garden salad (that I am now trying to duplicate at home!), Cacio Pepe, Branzino and a delicious dessert trio, all paired with an amazing tabletop collection.
Ending the Evening: Bar Basso
And what better way to end our evening than with Aperol Spritzes at the iconic Bar Basso?
Sipping on this classic Italian cocktail while soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of Milan’s most beloved bars. It’s the perfect way to toast to the end of an unforgettable culinary adventure.
As the sun sets on our Milano adventure, I’m left reflecting on the rich tapestry of flavors, sights, and sounds that have marked each day. Milan has proven itself as a city where design and cuisine intertwine in the most magical ways. Each meal was not just food on a plate; it was a story, a piece of art, a moment of connection.
I hope this culinary journey inspires you as much as it has inspired me. Whether you’re a food lover, a design aficionado, or simply in search of your next travel adventure, Milan offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
So, pack your bags, bring your appetite, and prepare to be amazed by the endless delights of this Italian gem.
Alla prossima!
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An avid traveler, Kerrie finds inspiration for lifestyle and design in the places she visits.
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