Streetcar Beauty

I miss travelling around a city by tram, like I did in Milan. The old-school feeling of it, imagining that, back in the 1930's, the Milanese used the same tram I am currently riding. It gives a certain cachet to the city to see them zooming down the main arteries, under the complicated network of electrical wire. The original wooden interiors, the narrow-yet-surprisingly-comfortable seats, the glass light fixtures on the ceiling. *sigh* (I'm not going to talk about this year's 50% ticket price increase though, and instead will choose to keep this post dreamy and on a positive note. Ha.)

Photos via ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR. Edited by Dee & Duke.

Milan Guide – Aperitivo

The most famous Milanese tradition is definitely the happy hour, or aperitivo. Milanese young and old meet in the bars of the city to have a drink, a snack and a laugh with friends, any day of the week. Be it low-key casual university students, or sharply-dressed business men and women, everybody can find a spot suitable to their mood. Here are my favorites:

1.      Noon

Noon gives you a good idea of how Milanese of all ages take part in daily aperitivo after class or after work. Located close to the Cadorna commuting train station, businessmen and students alike make a pit stop to savour a delicious Negroni, Campari con vino bianco, or even a Bloody Mary (which is my usual pick). The buffet includes some finger food and the decor gives a fashionable, yet relax touch to your day. Located on Via Boccacio, close to the Cadorna train station.

2.    Da Giacomo

This has become a household name in Milano, especially with the fashion crowd. But the famous restaurant opened a sister wine bar/bistro next door which is very pleasant in late afternoon.  Classic Italian-bar decor and subtly chic crowd. Love! Located on Via Pasquale Sottocorno, a short walk from Piazza Cinque Giornate.

Da Giacomo   /   Noon           

3.      Spritz

Located right on the Naviglio Grande canal, in the Navigli district, this little bar is a prime spot to witness the young aperitivo culture amongst Milanese. The interior is decorated in warm shades of orange, complete with leopard-print couches. The concept remains traditional: pay €8 for a drink and have access to the extensive buffet, which includes cheese, salumi, pizzas, pasta, and pomodorino and mozzarella salad.

4.       La Vineria

Located on Via Casale, a few steps away from Porta Genova metro station, la Vineria offers wine and olive oil on tap, as well as accessories for wine-making. You pay a very minimal price to fill up a bottle of your favourite white or red amongst their delicious selection, and you get a discount if you come back with your bottle for a refill. But la Vineria is also a great aperitivo spot, obviously wine-centered. A few taglieri of salumi and cheese can be brought to the outdoors sidewalk tables to complete the experience.

Spritz   /   La Vineria 

5.       Blanco

This bar was built with the idea of a chiringuito (Spanish-style kiosk) in mind. It draws its inspiration from the beautiful Balearic island of Ibiza, where having a drink at sunset to the sounds of top-quality minimal electro music is a way of life. The bar offers the traditional formula on Thursdays, where a 7€ cocktail grants you access to the finger-food buffet. Specializing in mojitos, they also offer fresh-squeezed juices, as well as traditional Milanese cocktails. Located in Piazzale Lavater, in the Porta Venezia neighbourhood. 

Blanco

Photos from ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE. Edited by Dee & Duke. 

Giallo Milano

“Milan yellow”. This is an actual shade of yellow that has become Milan’s official colour. It is widely used for buildings around the city: commercial, housing projects, and even the finest residences. It sets Milan’s architecture apart from other Italian and European cities and adds an always-welcome pop of color to the urban surroundings. I think it’s absolutely genius!

They say that if you walk into any colorificio, paint shop, and ask for giallo Milano, they will direct you towards a standard color, which makes it easy for property owners to freshen up their building.

I wonder if other cities in the world are associated with a color... 

All photos from: info2015expo.it

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