Table of Contents
- 0.1 Destination: Milan
- 0.2 Mode of Transport: Gnocco
- 0.3 Fashion Industry in Milan
- 0.4 The Fashion Week Calendar
- 0.5 17th Century buildings
- 0.6 Dinner parties and late-night drinks
- 0.7 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- 0.8 Our third partner in life
- 0.9 La scala
- 0.10 Via Montenapoleone
- 0.11 2 Days in Milan
- 0.12 Princi
- 0.13 Torino Bull
- 0.14 Prada
- 0.15 Oldest Mall in the world
- 0.16 Camparino at the Galleria
- 0.17 Roof of the Duomo
- 0.18 A dish mother and daughter absolutely loved in Milan:
- 0.19 Gnoco
- 1 Quick Travel Guide to Milan:
Destination: Milan
Mode of Transport: Gnocco
It’s Fashion Week in New York and my friend is at the shows, posting her whereabouts on Instagram, etc. It’s a not so balmy 4 degrees fahrenheit outside, and long legged gals, with weather having no effect on their dressing decisions, show them off. I don’t think them crazy; actually quite the opposite, I’m proud of them.
Fashion Industry in Milan
Years ago when I first started in the industry of fashion, my “not-so-old” mentor, a beautiful woman, used to tell me that there was no temperature when it came to fashion. She had no problem wearing wools in the dead of summer or skin bearing items in the middle of a cold winter. Whatever the case, she always looked polished; and I eventually found myself doing the same.
The Fashion Week Calendar
The fashion week calendar moves from New York to London , followed by Milan, then Paris . During my time in the industry, it was Milan in which I spent much of my time during that period (which happened twice in the calendar year).
17th Century buildings
The quotidian details would include, hours on end at the buying offices, either selling or buying, depending on my title I held at the time. I have memories of keeping my scarf on in the winter because those 17th-century buildings never really got warm in the winter, and loosening my tie often in the summers, as those Italians feared air conditioning like Superman does kryptonite.
Dinner parties and late-night drinks
I always loved it when the week was done. All the required dinners, parties, late night drinks and looking at beautiful clothing on beautiful models, day in and day out, was hard work. So in the summer, I would always take my vacations following the MilanFashion Week and extend my stay.
[Tweet “It will always be a second city…but for me, Milan was the best.”]
I have a fondness for this Northern Italian Town. It will always be a second city, next to the likes of Rome, Venice and Florence when it comes to being a destination; but for me, Milan was the best. It was more patrician and less about what sights to see next.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
It’s in Milan, at a cafe in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that I had my first cappuccino with Brenda. I had my very first business lunch at Paper Moon on Via Bagutta. My first Negroni at the bar of the Four Seasons on Via Gesu.
I spent a night at a place called Antica Locanda Solferino where I had my first vitello milanese.
I bought my first pair, of many, PRADA shoes there. I can go on; but needless to say, much of what I know about Italy, I learned in Milan.
Our third partner in life
Our daughter Bailey, did not fall too far from the tree as she too has a bit of the fashion bug. She also has a passion for traveling, even at an early age. Most of all, she really enjoys eating good food.
[Tweet “Brenda and I couldn’t have asked for a better third partner in our new life and business of traveling the world, experiencing it’s people and it’s cuisines. “]
Brenda and I couldn’t have asked for a better third partner in our new life and business of traveling the world, experiencing it’s people and it’s cuisines.
Actually, the impetus for our new lives, was the portion of our summer vacation in which Brenda and Bailey, without me, traveled all over Italy together. They started in Milan.
La scala
With me not in tow, Brenda did her best to replicate some of the events that we cherished as a couple, with our child. They passed through La Scala, and with my daughter being a violinist, Brenda thought it important that she saw where the likes of Verdi, Rossini, Puccini had their operas performed.
Via Montenapoleone
They walked through Via Montenapoleone and gazed upon the windows of the boutiques that line the street, paying special attention to the houses in which we worked, Armani, Valentino, Etro, Cavalli, etc.. To our credit or misfortune, Bailey knew as many designer names as she did composers.
2 Days in Milan
Brenda and Bailey only had two days in Milan, and some of the things Brenda and I did would not have been fun for a 10-year-old, so things had to be modified a bit. For example, Brenda didn’t think that a drink at the Four Seasons bar was a good idea.
Princi
So they of course found their own little treasures. One of those little treasures was a place named Princi; a panetteria, which have savory and sweet bread offerings such as pizzette with nutella or a roll with salami. It made for a nice respite after a morning of walking.
Torino Bull
A trip inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was on their itinerary. While there, they made a stop at it’s famous tile floor depicting the Torino Bull, where supposedly, putting your heel on it’s testicles and spinning brought one good luck. So Bailey did her best twirl.
Prada
Also mandatory, was a stop to look at the oldest PRADA boutique in the world. This specific boutique has an old world opulence about it, that is unmatched by any other boutique in Milan.
Oldest Mall in the world
The Galleria is an impressive work of architecture and is the oldest “mall” in the world. It’s positioned between two of Milan’s most famous landmarks, the aforementioned La Scala on one end and the Duomo on the other.
Camparino at the Galleria
Before exiting the mall, Brenda stopped in at our cafe and reminisced with an espresso as Bailey enjoyed a panna gelato. She was mindful of the time when she ordered her cafe as she respects the unsaid protocol of not having a cappuccino after a certain time (espresso only in the morning). While sitting, the girls couldn’t help but be overcome by the beautiful and imposing Duomo before them.
Roof of the Duomo
I spent many a morning at the Duomo in Milan, lighting a candle, mostly for my own success. I was young then… One of my fondest memories was a cold, yet sunny day in Milan, when I took Brenda up to the roof of the Duomo to take photos of the beautiful spires and the city below it.
Those photos are stashed in some archive file somewhere, so it was time for Brenda to take new ones; this time of she and her daughter. It was just after having taken these pictures that they called me back in the States to tell me of the day they have been having.
I don’t think I have ever missed them the way I did that day, nor missed a town so much. I have my memories, and they were making theirs, and for that I was happy.
A dish mother and daughter absolutely loved in Milan:
If there is a dish that bests transports Brenda and me to Milan, it would be Vitello Milanese (or cotoletta). But for the mother-daughter combination, it would have to be Gnocco Frito with a selection of salumi.
Gnocco, is a light fried dough, usually made of semolina. It’s usually presented in triangular shapes, and it’s distinguishing characteristic is the hollow middle.
Gnoco
This bread is traditionally served with a selection of Italian aged meats and cheeses. It was their staple starter to every meal and their “go to” order when they were in a bit of a rush.
Most of the better know salumi and cheeses are not from the Lombardy region, and gnocco is technically from it’s neighboring Emiglia-Romagna region, but for them, the offering reminds them of Milan more than anywhere else.
[Tweet “Imagine having for the first time, those warm little fried delights accompanied by fatty cold cuts, and a glass of wine.”]
Imagine having for the first time, those warm little fried delights accompanied by fatty cold cuts, and a glass of wine. A taste memory like that will forever be linked to where you had it first, no matter it’s origin.
Until this day, whenever we order a meat plate at our favorite Italian Restaurants, one or the other will bring up gnocco in a conversation and their time in Milan together.
Last night, I turned up the heat in the house. While getting ready for bed, my daughter (also having viewed the same posts my friend made on Instagram about fashion week) asked me if she could go and see the shows one day.
I said yes, and maybe I’d even try to call on my old contacts and see a show in Milan, but only if she promised me that she would dress appropriately.
There are so many great places to see in Milan, I think you and your family will truly enjoy this great city as much as we have.
Did you enjoy this Dish? Then, please share it with your friends, we’d be so grateful. Remember: Let’s travel the world, One Dish at a time.
Quick Travel Guide to Milan:
Getting to Milan from U.S.:
We took SAS from NYC to Milan’s Malpensa Airport with a stopover at Copenhagen.
The best way to get into Milan’s city center is by the airport shuttle for 10 Euros, Children were only 5 euro. It’s the most convenient and most inexpensive. Here’s a picture of it, very nice and cozy:
Hotel Stays in Milan:
Hotel Gran Duka di York: This was a recommendation by Rick Steves. Bailey and I were very comfortable there in July 2014. It was the best hotel for us. It was walking distance to the Duomo, Galleria and many other sites. We were also taken such good care of by the concierge. The rate included breakfast for us, which was about $225 a night.
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Via Moneta 1 Milano, 20123, Italy
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+3902874863
Antica Locando Solferino – Andrew and I stayed here often during our stint at the House of Valentino. A bit older but very comfortable and cozy with a restaurant around the corner. Not as convenient as the Hotel above but has a great neighborhood as well called Brera.
For a luxury stay:
Hotel Principe di Savoia – During our time in Valentino, Andrew stayed here numerous times during market. It’s quite luxurious and convenient in location. I had a chance to stay there once as well and It was surely decadent.
Piazza della Repubblica 17
20124 Milan
Italy
Tel: +39 02 6230 1
Fax: +39 02 65958 38
Eats in Milan:
Hostaria Borromei – this is where we had Cotolleta and Gnocco Frito with salami. We also had a good Ragu.
Via Borromei 4 20123 Milano
Tel. 0286453760
Fax. 02.86452178
Cel. 334.3617235
Closed Sundays.
Princi Bakery – Great place to stop for quick lunch or snack.
Milano
Piazza XXV Aprile, 5 tel. +39 (02) 29060832
Via Ponte Vetero, 10 tel. +39 (02) 72016067
Via Speronari, 6 tel. +39 (02) 874797
Largo la Foppa, 2 tel. +39 (02) 6599013
Corso Venezia, 21 tel. +39 (02) 76008210
Travel books for Milan:
For our other travel story on Milan please click here>Milan’s Dish – Always in Fashion
Some links are affiliates but as always, price remains the same for you.
Wow! I want to go! The on,y fashion capital I have not visited yet! <3
Andrea: It may be the king of all fashion capitals, hope you do make it soon and indulge in fashion and food. Thank you for following our journey. Best, Andrew
I loved my trip to Milan. The architecture is amazing and the food fantastic. I actually prefer it over Rome!
Vern: Happy to meet a fan of this great city. Thanks for reading along and hope you join us again soon. Best, Andrew
I love Milan, too. The architecture is stunning, and I cherish the cashmere sweater and matching scarf I bought 10 minutes before my husband and I were supposed to be catching the train. If fashion known no temperature, it doesn’t know time either. (Did not know that was the oldest Prada in the world.)
Carol: Thanks for the read. Like your sweater set, Brenda has a cashmere knit cap she still has from our first visit years ago. Hope you join us again soon. Best, Andrew
I like Milan but Rome is my favorite city in Italy. I love the history there.
Jennifer: Rome is a great city as well. Hope you join us again; I think I will have to write something on Rome soon, now that you’ve inspired me. Thanks, Andrew
Gorgeous! The pictures and back story are beautiful! Ohhh and Milan…
Anne: Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the read, hopefully you’ll take a journey with us again soon. Best, Andrew
I have absolutely no interest in fashion but I would definitely love to visit Milan!
Sky: Even with no interest in fashion, the town is so stylish that it is infectious to some degree. Hope you visit it soon. Thanks for reading our journey. Best, Andrew
I absolutely loved Italy and hope to go back one day to visit Milan. It’s so great that you can share those special memories with your daughter too. 🙂
It is great to have these memories shared with our daughter. I’m grateful to be able to share them with you through our stories. Thank you so much for reading along. All the best with your journeys and hope you continue to join ours. All the Best, Andrew
I loved reading the memories and comparison of old and new trips! I love sharing my favorite places with family and friends! Milan is now on my list of places to go!
Michele: Nothing like sharing and creating travel memories with family and friends. Thank you for reading and hope you continue to follow us on our journeys. All the Best, Andrew
Looks like you had an amazing time!!
Esther: Always amazing. Hope you get out there, if you haven’t already. Best, Andrew
lovely. i have always been interested in fashion week (and i fulfilled a lifelong dream a year and a half ago to be in paris during that time). milan is one of my favorite cities, and i am fortunate to have family that live nearby – makes it even more special.
April: Lucky you, with family out there. I’d love to hear your impressions on the town one day soon. Thank you again for reading along our journey. Best, Andrew
That is so beautiful that you have a 3rd partner to share with and discover new things with. Very touching actually
Paula: We have a great third partner in our kid and the fourth partner are our readers. With that said, thank you so much for reading along our journeys. All the Best, Andrew
Really cool photos. I don’t know anything about fashion but since I missed Milan last time I was in Italy I definitely want to head back and check it out soon!
Mary: Milan is more than just the fashion for sure and I’m glad that the photos inspired you somewhat to give this town a look next time you’re in Italy. Thank you for reading along and hope you continue to join us in our journeys. Best, Andrew
Gnocco looks delicious! Milan looks beautiful, and being there during fashion week would be so much fun!
Heather: Next time you’re roaming around those parts, definitely stop in and enjoy this fun Northern Italian Town. Thank you so much for reading and hope you join us again soon. Best, Andrew
You know I really haven’t spent enough time in Milan – only been there on business. Now I really want to visit again
Fiona: With Milan, it usually is business, and people should definitely stay a while and enjoy this under appreciated town. Thank you for reading and hope you join us again. All the Best, Andrew
You may or may not realize it, but the impact of you sharing what was a very important part of your career in the place in which your milestones happened with your daughter will be lifelong. I had to chuckle about wearing seasonally-inappropriate things. Long ago in the 70’s when I was in the business we routinely wore open-toe high heels in below freezing temperatures, tottering through the snowbanks. I ruined many a pair of Charles Jourdans in this way. Thanks for conjuring up a long-lost memory!
Betsy: Thank you. Your responses always makes me realize that people are actually reading what I am writing. I’m glad I conjured up some memories of fashion for you as well. Hope to meet formally one day to share stories of inappropriate dressing (weatherize, I mean). Best, Andrew
It seems worth the trip to stop at that bread shop!! Your pictures are amazing – So glad you got to experience it together!
It is worth the trip, not too far from Duomo. Thanks for the read, hope you join us again soon. Best, Andrew
Milan+Fashion Week + Food = My #SomedayList! I love this story. It was so many details that have me totally dreaming of that trip! I love how you were able to share your love of Milan with your daughter and experience it all over again with her. Fantastic read! Cheers!
Thank you for the read, Christina. Hope you get to get there during a fashion week some day soon. Hope you join us again on our journeys. Best, Andrew
That platter of cold cuts has me drooling! Great stories and adventures, as always, Brenda! 🙂
Doesn’t it look scrumptious? It was a real indulgence that my daughter and I absolutely loved. Thank you for joining our adventures Lily!
I’m totally drooling too! There could be nothing better than a beautiful board of charcuterie with a glass of wine in beautiful Milan!
Agreed!