Milano

July 31, 2010

Milano. It is a fabulous city that has integrated its past with a firm footing in its present. It is a city known for its business savvy armed with an unsurpassed sense of fashion. Milano is of course home to the powerhouse players in ultimate luxury labels, such as Dolce & Gabanna, Prada, Missoni, and the list goes on and on and on. Paris and Milano are in constant competition for who “wears” the title for fashion capital. This city parades its decadent taste without pretention-which I love. My guidebook states that the piazzas are not as full of warm inviting people in Milano as in other parts of the country- however I would state that has not been my experience. Since being here I have received a ride on a scooter from the train station to downtown, was offered to use a bike to get back to where I was staying (because my feet were hurting- I took off my shoes on a park bench and rested my head on the wall and closed my eyes- and it immediately was concerning to people around me wondering if I was ok – even a doctor that just happened to be close by asked if I was ok!), and was given a free macaroon by this splendid ultra chic French bakery. So to say that the Milanese are not as friendly is not true. Its like this, you will find the people in Woodland more inviting than say the people in Portland at first encounter, but that is because of a pace of life that dictates the level and cadence of engagement. Here it is no different. A warm smile and openness to culture is your ticket to doors being opened for you-true of all places and all things.

There are a million suits running around this well-groomed city. Washington D.C. has a million suits running around but there is a clear difference in these city’s opinion of what constitutes as business attire. These suits I am speaking of are tailored- you know the kind that the models wear in the magazines, the ones that people from our corner of the world seem to think are completely frivolous and unnecessary? Well, tailored fine suits are a must here- and thank God for it.

I found myself in heaven at Peck Deli. Think Whole Foods but with white gloves and bow ties and they say “Vegan, what?” Every purchase is wrapped up in super fine packaging and topped with a bow- no matter how little the purchase! Most importantly Peck is home to the best gelato in all of the world- a prize bestowed by the ultimate connoisseur- Me! The gelato has no neon colors, is not displayed in heaps but rather behind glass and kept fresh in stainless bins with elegant copper lids. The flavors are numerous and made of exceptional ingredients. I consumed with incredible satisfaction, orange chocolate with real candied orange and fine chocolate you could taste through the cream and sugar, white chocolate hazelnut, and my all time stand-by straciatella (vanilla base with hard chocolate swirls). Anyone that knows me- knows I am certainly willing to pay top $ for fine things, but am willing at excruciating lengths to hunt for a deal. Well here at Pecks I had to do neither. All of the attendants graciously accepted my request for small orders of everything- due to my wanting to consume my items per oggi (that day) and as they also say here I am traveling “solo”. ** Typically at places in Italy where you purchase meats and cheeses they make you order a minimum order of so many kg’s. For the size of gelato that I purchased its only about 1 euro more than other typical shops and you get to try three flavors rather than the usual 2- heck of a deal by my book..and so much better..hard to go back to any other gelato- but I will suffer through anyhow! **Gelato is a staple in my diet- consuming at least once a day- yesterday was a double dip day- I refused to resist!

Yesterday evening I was tired and not really in the mood to continue anything by foot (good thing no one was traveling with me- the only one I could be cranky with was myself!), but I continued anyway knowing that it would be better if I did and it was Friday night and I knew something would be happening more than any other night. So I ventured down to an area that had been recommended to me by a local called Porta Genova. I am so glad I went (the movie “Yes Man” has imparted more wisdom than one would think). I was welcomed by a vibrant display of youth, art, food and water. The Porta Genova area has a small system of canals connected by small walking bridges. On either side of these canals is a plethora of bars all offering the ultimate happy hour (again I love a deal!)- outstanding ambiance- the bars bring all their chairs and tables out into the street so you are sitting right next to the water, buy one drink and get a buffet of appetizers for about 8-9 euros- ultra fab for this regazza. Not only are spirits and antipasto on display but also are the works of local artists that fan their masterpieces along the waters edge. Shops stay open late taking advantage of this area of town’s insomnia. Live music filtered through the air and was a perfect topper to my magical evening.