- Food & Wine
When food meets fashion
Prêt à ... manger. When food meets fashion
What happens when the sophisticated, gourmet cuisine of chefs encounters Milan's fashion world? A match made in heaven, resulting in the opening of très chic restaurants, well worth trying. So here are the most famous culinary boutiques.
Elegance is the stylistic cipher not only of Maison Trussardi's outfits, but also of the gastronomic delights and interiors of their Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala. The kitchen is directed, as a maestro conducts an orchestra, by chef Luigi Taglienti, who focuses entirely on quality and on bringing out the best of each individual ingredient. The result - a menu that is almost a symphony, based on seasonal recipes of Italian and French culinary tradition, without sacrificing innovation and creativity. And just if you were wondering, there is a Greyhound boutique only a stone's throw from here, in Piazza della Scala 5.
Never was union more fruitful. The king of haute couture, Giorgio Armani, met one of the greatest shokunin (masters of sushi) in the world, Nobu Matsuhisa. Together they created Armani Nobu, a very glamorous restaurant in oriental style, serving fusion cuisine. Amberjack tartare, lobster ceviche or salmon sashimi? Tempura or tacos? Chilean sea bass with rice sauce or scallops in pepper sauce with wasabi? A difficult decision for gourmets! Those, however, who prefer a more strictly Italian culinary tradition can choose another gourmet address, Armani/Ristorante. Both are located in the Armani Hotel, in Via Manzoni, where you will also find a boutique – Armani/Manzoni 31.
Food and fashion are bound together at Ceresio 7, restaurant opened by stylists Dean and Dan Caten on the rooftop of the Dsquared2 building, headquarters to the fashion house. In addition to a breathtaking view of the city, the restaurant offers an absolutely 360° gourmet experience. In the morning enjoy brunch by the poolside, lunch and dinner can be taken on the splendid terrace, while after dinner you can choose between a cocktail at the American bar and a prize cigar and excellent glass of spirits served in the Cigar Room. Heading up the kitchen? Chef Eliso Sironi, who rediscovers traditional dishes and gives them a modern twist, keeping faith with his trademark: "rigorous simplicity".
Latest arrival at Dolce & Gabbana is the Martini Bistrot, a restaurant in total Fifties style located within the Milan boutique in Corso Venezia 15. Here, the most discerning palates are tempted by the flavours of Sicilian cooking, revisited with panache by chef Alessandro Chiesa. Cannoli and Cassata with sheep's milk ricotta and chocolate flakes are two musts that absolutely had to be on the dessert menu… An even more exclusive, glamorous corner of Sicily – if that were possible – is to be found at Gold, the historic gourmet address of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in Piazza Risorgimento, managed by expert chef Claudio Arciglione.
The last address of high fashion dining not to be missed in Milan is in the Bulgari Hotel, in Via Fratelli Gabba 7. The search for beauty pursued throughout its luxury interiors continues into the Bulgari's kitchen, where chef Andrea Ferrero presents his sophisticated creations, accompanied by a wide, carefully selected wine list. The menu is mouth-watering - goose liver, radicchio and grape jelly terrine, spaghetti with Piennolo tomatoes, goat's cheese and lemon rind, Cinta Senese suckling pig with vintage balsamic vinegar… so much to tempt you, so if in doubt, go for the taster menu, for true gourmets!