Peck

I consider Milan to be my second home. And calling Milan your second home means you've picked up one thing or two about the wonderful world of food. I love Italian food - real Italian food - for one simple reason: the focus is made on the freshness of the ingredients. Period. And it makes a world of difference! Just think about a plate of fresh mozzarella di bufala, pomodoro and olio d'oliva extra vergine. Loooove in my mouth.

In the historical center of Milan, there is a gem of a gourmet store called Peck. It is very famous, and probably one of the most expensive food stores around. But well-worth it. It's divided in various sections - Meat, Fish and seafood, cheese, oil, spices, coffee, etc.

Photo cred: casshouse.typepad.com

Photo cred: lthforum.com

Any place where you can browse cheese for a half hour is perfect in my book. And if you get the chance to go, don't overlook the basement: it's a treasure of a wine cellar!

Photo cred: intravino.com