FASHION CITY - Where Milan

Dining
Risotto as an Art Form
The invention of “yellow risotto”, the famous saffron
infused rice dish, is associated with Milan and its
symbol: the Duomo. According to legend, in 1574
a young apprentice, in charge of staining the
decorated glass for the windows of the cathedral,
had the idea of using saffron, known as a glasscolouring
pigment, to give the rice dish, to be
served at the banquet held in honour of the
master glazer, Valerio di Fiandra, an amazing gold
colour. The rice turned out so well that the idea
spread throughout the city to become the popular
dish that we know today. Oh, and as an aside,
when visiting the cathedral don’t forget to admire
the absolutely magnificent colours of its stainedglass
windows. The experience of savouring yellow
rice is a “not-to-be-missed” experience.
Though seemingly simple, real yellow risotto,
cooked to perfection in terms both of achieving
the right taste and consistency is an absolute
art. Several of the best places in town to eat risotto
are: Taverna del Sacripante (p 52), Savini (p. 47),
Trussardi alla Scala (p 47) and Il Marchesino (p. 46).
For more detailed listings, please see
www.wheretraveler.com
Haute Cuisine
Acanto Principe di Savoia – A fabulously
elegant ambiance awaits you at the famous
Hotel Principe di Savoia. The tables are set
just the right distance apart, the service is
impeccable and the atmosphere exudes
charm. The restaurant offers superior quality
food prepared by renowned chefs with dishes
that stylishly update the classics of Milanese
cuisine, with risotto taking centre stage. The
chef’s creativity is also expressed in the pasta,
meat and fish dishes. Always open. €€€€.
www.hotelprincipedisavoia.com. Piazza della
Repubblica, 17. T: 02 62302026. M2 Repubblica.
Map G2
AIMO E NADIA (IL LUOGO DI) – Aimo and Nadia
Moroni are the most famous team of great chefs
in the city. Sheer, unadulterated haute cuisine.
Among the many fabulous dishes on offer,
the specialities for which they are renowned
worldwide include: spaghetti with spring onions
(a dish copied by dozens of other chefs, but
never with the same results) and their veal en
croute, cooked to perfection. Closed on Sat at
lunch and on Sun. Wonderful wine list. €€€€.
www.aimoenadia.com. Via Montecuccoli, 6.
T: 02 416886. M1 Primaticcio. off map
ALICE – Wonderful flavours, colours and creativity
by the young, talented chef, Viviana Varese. Haute
cuisine featuring simple ingredients: roast peppers
and marinated anchovies, cod fish with red onions
and capers, orecchiette with broccoli rabe, mussels
and crisp sea bream. Premium quality meat and
superb desserts. Closed on Sun and Mon at lunch.
€€€. www.aliceristorante.it. Via Adige, 9. T: 02
5462930. M3 Porta Romana. off map
ARMANI NOBU – An ultra-trendy ambiance
patronized by the fashion crowd. It goes
without saying that this fab restaurant, owned
by the legendary “Giorgio”, is located in Milan’s
“Quadrilatero della”. Contemporary luxury,
impeccable service and creative cuisine with a
touch of Japanese, signed by the internationally
renowned chef, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Closed Sat
lunch and Sun. €€€€. www.armaninobu.it.
Via G. Pisoni, 1 corner of via A. Manzoni.
T: 02 62312645. M3 Montenapoleone. Map F4
BULGARI – An oasis of tranquillity, carrying the Bulgari
trademark, in the heart of Milan. The famous
chef, Elio Sironi, offers elegant presentations and
small, though satisfying, portions. Try the Italian
specialities, from fish to polenta. €€€€. Open daily.
www.bulgarihotels.com. Via privata Fratelli Gabba,
7b.T: 02 805805. M2 Lanza. Map F4
CRACCO – Just a short distance from the Duomo,
you will find an elegant atmosphere, tables set
just the right distance apart and good service. But,
Not only one but numerous types of Italian cuisine exist. Discover the specialities of each region at traditional restaurants!
above all, the superb food by Carlo Cracco, a chef
of worldwide renown. Superior quality ingredients
combined in original ways. Excellent wine list.
Closed on Sat lunch and on Sun. €€€€.
www.ristorantecracco.it. Via V. Hugo, 4. T: 02 876774.
M1-M3 Duomo. Map F5
Four seasonS – The wonderful cuisine prepared
by Sergio Mei, one of Italy’s foremost chefs, can
be experienced at this ultra-luxurious restaurant
located inside one of Italy’s most glamorous hotels.
His unique Mediterranean style of cooking, with
particular emphasis on the cuisine of Sardinia, the
chef’s native birthplace, brings to life an array of
unforgettable flavours and ingredients. Closed on
Sun at dinner. €€€€. www.fourseasons.com.
Via Gesù, 8. T: 02 77081435. M3 Montenapoleone.
Map G4
JOIA – Pietro Leemann is considered the guru of
vegetarian food or, according to his own definition,
of “natural haute cuisine”. Several of his finest
creations include his “uovo apparente” (“Fake Egg”),
his “tonno e la sua ombra” (“Tuna and its Shadow”),
his “elogio della Sicilia” (“A Tribute to Sicily”) and his
“dolcezza a strati” (“Sweet Layers”). The wine list
is just as classy as the restaurant. Closed on Sat at
lunch and on Sun. €€€€. www.joia.it. Via P. Castaldi,
18. T: 02 29522124. M1 Porta Venezia; M3 Repubblica.
Map H2
Marchesino (Il) – Gualtiero Marchesi, the “Maestro”
of Italian cuisine, is the mind behind this fabulous
photo by matteo carcano
46 W H E R E M I L A N I NO VEMBER 2010