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The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Milan

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The Ultimate Foodie Guide to Milan

As the second most populous city in Italy, Milan is often dubbed as the fashion capital. It is also well known for its fine cuisine and world-class restaurants. As of 2014, it has 157 Michelin-starred restaurants. Therefore, Milan can really be described as the city of decadence where shopping and eating never ends. We are going to introduce to you some of the Milanese food that you can't miss out when you are in the city.

1. Risotto Alla Milanese

Milanese cuisine features less pasta and more rice. Usually served as the first course, the use of the precious spice saffron gives the rice a rich golden color while it is cooked with other ingredients like white wine and onions. As simple as it seems, this dish is the true embodiment of Milanese cuisine: simplicity and elegance. Try this dish with our host Barbara, who serves up classic Milanese delicacies like this one!

[MILAN-BEST-RISOTTO https://www.bonappetour.com/barbara-bs/classical-milanese-evening-in-a-peaceful-home-in-navigli]​

2. Cotoletta Alla Milanese

 

Every city has their version of meat chops. Milan is no exception. The meat of choice, usually pork, fish or veal, is thinly sliced and dipped in a beaten egg It is then coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. The bread crumbs give it a crispy texture while the meat inside is tender and juicy. Squeeze some lemon or lime juice to top it all off with a refreshing citrus taste. Simple, but certainly not short of anything amazing, this dish is not one to be missed out on. So why not try it with our host Susanna, who offers a homey Italian Meal in the beautiful province of Pavia, just 20 minutes from Milan's City Center!

3. Cazzoeula

This pork and cabbage casserole is a distinctly Northern dish. If you are looking for comfort food or something that will surely warm you up during the cold winters in Europe, this casserole is the dish for you. The unique taste of this dish goes perfectly in winter with a polenta and strong red wine.

4. Ossobuco

Ossobuco consists of veal shanks braised with vegetables and white wine broth. This hearty dish is an excellent selection if you are looking for a flavourful meal. The veal shanks are soft and fall apart easily. Cooked with white wine and broth, the vegetables in the stew soak up all that taste. This can be eaten with Risotto Alla Milanese or polenta and mashed potatoes. Do not miss out on this dish delectable delicacy with our host Susanna, who offers an extensive Italian menu with a welcoming atmosphere that will certainly make you feel right at home. 

5. Panettone

This pastry is normally served during Christmas. It is extremely fluffy and has raisins, citrons and lemon zests which give it a tangy flavor. If you are hungry on an afternoon in Milan, hop into the nearest cafe and order a panettone with a cup of hot chocolate. It will give you an instant boost and satisfy your sweet cravings.

6. Mondeghili

Ground beef is the main component of this dish, though pork or salami may be added to it. The meat is seasoned and dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk and breadcrumbs before being fried until it turns a lovely golden brown. Traditionally a poor man's dish, leftover meat was used to make this dish back in the day, but it is now the perfect snack on the go while you are touring Milan.

Are you tempted by these Milanese delicacies? Why not join our hosts at BonAppetour for an authentic Milanese dining experience. You can get to taste all the traditional Lombardy dishes prepared by our hosts and some even offers a tour of the city at night. What are you waiting for? Discover your next meal with one of our hosts today!

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Eat Like A Local In Venice: 5 Places Without Tourist Traps

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One of most common things that will happen when you are travelling is that you end up in a ridiculously expensive restaurant after being ushered in by an overly enthusiastic waiter. Experienced travelers will tell you to avoid such tourist traps with menus that are in more than 3 languages and with blatant picture displays. But where do you find best non touristy places to eat like a true Venice local?

While some of the Venetian restaurants might have accumulated a bad reputation for themselves as having exorbitant prices, we want to introduce to you some of the places where locals eat to get a taste of good, authentic local food without burning a hole in your pocket (or falling into a tourist trap!).

1. Trattoria Alla Rampa

Castello, 1135, 30122 Venezia VE, Italy (Via Garibaldi)

Telephone: +39 041 528 5365

Lunch only, closed on Sunday

Located in a working-class neighbourhood, Trattoria Alla Rampa is a popular lunch spot for the residents who live in this neighborhood. Their wallet-friendly “worker’s menu”, which consists of pasta, main course, wine and coffee, is excellent value for €13. And it probably explains why they are always packed with locals for lunch. At 1pm, the menu switches to offering home-styled Venetian dishes. Dishes can include veal scaloppini (similar to a veal cutlet),  risi e bisi (Venetian rice and peas) and squid ink pasta. Pasta costs €10 and main dishes around €14.

2. Venetian fish cooked by a true Venice seaman, Massimo

The reviews on his page to book speak for themselves and you cannot get more local than enjoy a freshly cooked fish in a Venetian’s own home. Venice’s widely popular home-chef and seaman Massimo offers the freshest seafood cuisine and guarantees a taste of the 7 seas with his meal in an ancient home in central Venice. Feel free to check him out here.

3.Osteria Al Portego

Castello San Lio, 6014, 30122 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 522 9038

When you are in venice, you definitely need to try out their cichetti, which are small snacks or side dishes typically served in bacari or also know as cichetti bars in Venice. Osteria Al Portego has a wide selection of cichetti such as fried stuffed zucchini flowers and bread with baccalà (dried salted cod). If you are in for a drink, join them for their happy hour and choose from their large selection of wines.

4. Ristorante Dalla Marisa

Cannaregio, 652, 30171 Venezia, Italy

+39 041 720211

Given its appearance, this restaurant might not attract your attention but it sure did catch the eyes of editors at Jamie Oliver’s travel magazine. This intimate, cozy restaurant does not have an a la carte menu but instead offer dishes that change daily, depending on what ingredients are available. If you are up for good seafood and would happily go where locals would go, then you are at the right place.

5. Osteria da Alberto

osteria-da-alberto

Calle Giacinto Gallina – Cannaregio, 5401, 30121 Venezia, Italy
+39 041 523 8153

Located between Campo San Giovanni e Paolo and the Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Osteria da Alberto is a local’s favourite, especially around lunchtime. They serve authentic and classic Venetian cuisines such as risotto and spaghetti with squid ink. Their daily specials menu is ever changing based on the season and what the chef can find in the local seafood market, so you can be sure that everything is fresh. Go in, grab a table and let them surprise you.

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Things to do in Bologna

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Things to do in Bologna

Bologna may not be the most famous city in Italy but it is certainly one that feels authentically Italian. The city is also home to the oldest university in the western world and has a thriving student community, making it very much a university town at heart. 

But the University of Bologna is not all that the city has to offer. Its architecture and sights will impress you so when you are in Bologna, be sure to visit these attractions!

1. Palazzo Poggi

When you visit a university town, you must visit the campus too! The Palazzo Poggi is houses the University of Bologna as well as the university's rector. During the Middle Ages, Bologna was the centre of intellectual life in Europe and some of its students include notable figures like Dante, Petrarca and Copernicus. Even to this day, the intellectual atmosphere in Bologna continues to thrive. With several museums in the university celebrating the achievements of its illustrious alumni, as well as a library, picture gallery and botanical garden, there is plenty to see here!

2. Palazzo Pepoli

Discover the history and cultural heritage of Bologna at the Museum of the History of Bologna, which is housed at Palazzo Pepoli. You will learn about the city's history from the Etruscan period to the Medieval times and even to the present day. The museum also features interactive exhibits, a theatre where you can watch 3D movies and a host of artefacts. 

3. Torre Asinelli and Garisenda

Torre Asinelli is the symbol of Bologna, along with the leaning tower Garisenda adjacent to it. If you have been feasting on sumptious cuisine in Bologna and need to work off those calories or hope to get some sort of workout, climb to the top of Torre Asinelli! There are 498 steep and narrow steps to climb before you reach the peak but you will be reward to spectacular views of the city, its green hills and red roofs. Note that this climb is not for the faint-hearted!

4. Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

This Basilica is a pilgrimage site that is situated at the top of the hill and you will need to walk under one of the world's longest Porticos to get there. The Portico is 3.8km long and features 666 arches so there is plenty of walking to do but it is bearable with breathtaking scenery along the way. At the Basilica, you will find a painting of Virgin Mary and child, which is said to be painted by St Luke. 

5. Piazza Maggiore

No trip to an Italian city is complete without going to one of its piazzas and the same can be said for Bologna. This is the main square of the city and some of Bologna's most important buildings are situated here. Some attractions located in the vicinity include the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazza d'Accursio and at the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno sites Neptune's Fountain. 

6. Quadrilatero

Discover Bologna's specialities at Quadrilatero! You will not only find plenty of food but also vintage clothing, second-hand items, crafts and antiques. This area is a haven for foodies and bargain hunters so be sure to drop by!

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Italian Desserts you MUST Try

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Italian Desserts you MUST Try

Italian cuisine is renowed for its great variety, not only when it comes to mains but also when it comes to desserts! Those with a sweet tooth will know that no meal is complete with dessert and there certainly is no better way to round off a hearty Italian meal than with some mouth-watering desserts!

Here are some Italian desserts you will want to try when you visit Italy!

1. Panna Cotta

If you love your pudding, you will love panna cotta too. This Italian classic features on the menus of most Italian eateries so it will be hard to miss an opportunity to test it. Although the traditional panna cotta calls for a caramel sauce, you will often find it served with strawberry or chocoate sauce. The more outlandish amongst you may want to push the boat out and try cinnamon or aniseed!

2. Tiramisu

There are so many variations of this well-loved dessert – it can be a cake or served in a cup, wine glass and even a shot glass! Who said coffee is just for mornings?

3. Cannoli

Cannoli is a Sicilian pastry dessert with a sweet and creamy ricotta filling. While cannoli may have originated in Sicily, the Arabs were the ones who came up with this classic when they dominated Sicily region. 

4. Zabaglione

This light custard dessert typically contains Marsala wine, a sweet wine produced in the Marsala region of Sicily. If you like your desserts with a hint of alcohol, you will not be disappointed with a serving of zabaglione!

5. Ricotta pie

Ricotta pie is arguably an Italian take on cheesecake, albeit a lighter and less sweet version so do not expect it to taste like the rich and sinful cheesecakes you have had before. Nevertheless, lovers of cheesecake should still be open to trying out something different – you may well love it!

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