“Piantala” dice game. Photos by Anastasia

Yuri Gelmini and Irene Bottura have just launched the Winter 2019 menu at Surfer’s Den called Piantala, which means “plant it” in Italian, but more commonly “shut up!”

Yuri of course isn’t asking us to be quiet, but suggests that we can learn something from plants, once again protagonists on the menu. In this clever menu, which is actually a game, you roll dice to see which of the 12 drinks you will consume. For each drink, you get a stamp. If you collect them all, you get a special pass which unlocks the mystery drink and you will have the privilege to order it whenever you visit. However, if you let someone else use your pass or let your buddy take a sip of the drink, your privilege will be immediately revoked.

The menu artwork was designed the talent Bianca Maria Fiorentino with her friend Valeria Cardea contributing the beautiful text to accompany the drinks. Here we find ourselves learning from plants, in particular, in how they can solve every day problems such as bypassing lineups at the grocery store or strategies for efficiently cleaning your house. I had the good fortune of translating Valeria’s brilliant words to English.

Folded up and unfolded menu (playing board side). Photos by Shane

Cocktails

Without a doubt, the highlight of the night was Pomi D’Ottone e Manici di Scopa with Opihr gin, Amara Rossa, Lemon juice, Mango Chutney and a Curry rim. Take a sip first from the clean side of the rim, and then from the curry rim side. You will be blown away by the difference the curry can make, which creates a perfect balance to this cocktail with oriental spicy notes.

The drink offers the following advice: “Not enough time to clean your house? Monstera Deliciosa suggests using a mop rather than a rag, to reach every angle in the least time possible. She jagged her own leaves so as to fill every hole in her house and get as much light as possible.”

Pomi D’Ottone e Manici di Scopa. Photos by Anastasia

Another lovely drink was the Una Geometria al Servizio del Caos, a spicy meet up between a Dark and Stormy and a Moscow Mule with Spiced rum, Passion fruit, Lime juice, Wasabi and Ginger beer. “Some flowers study for hours on how to gather and to maximize the space in the bud. They exploit physics, engineering, architecture to fold themselves in an impeccable way. You can do the same when you prepare your luggage – fold your leaves according to their fabric or following the seams, in a such a way that you create a perfect tetris.”

We look forward to trying the other drinks on the list, and of course unlocking the secret cocktail! Congrats Yuri, Irene, Bianca and Valeria for this original and exciting menu.

Una Geometria al Servizio del Caos. Photo by Anastasia

More photos by Shane

1. Mandarin Oriental, Cocktail 20€

The Mandarin Oriental Milano is one of the sexiest hotel bars in the world and offers one of the best cocktail lists around, thanks to bar manager Teo Rizzolo (ex-Nottingham Forest and 1930).

For more delicate palates, try the refreshing Mo-Re Pear. Featuring Absolut Elyx vodka, grapefruit juice, pear syrup and raspberry foam and served in a spectacular drinking receptacle! Teo has many of his glasses custom made, adding to the unique experience at the Mandarin Oriental.

One of the most interesting drinks on the menu is the Campari Lassi with Campari bitter, goat milk, Panizzi yogurt and Cardamom. Lassi is an Indian yogurt-based drink and the addition of Campari adds a pleasant bitterness to the savory beverage, traditionally used for digestion after a big meal.

One of the best Martinis in the city is the Laverstocke Mill Martini, presented in a beautiful custom designed glass with Star of Bombay gin, Noilly Prat vermouth infused with Bergamot and tonka bean.

Another can’t miss drink, particularly to wind up your visit, is the complex and meditation worthy Fumé with brandy, Ardbeg Ten, Green Apple, vanilla and Peychaud's bitters.

Mandarin Oriental is the best bar in the Center thanks to the slick interior design, polite service and the outstanding cocktails.

2. Camparino, Cocktail €10

In 1860, in a small bar in Novara, Gaspare Campari first invented the recipe to Campari, the iconic Italian bitter. In 1862, Gaspare moved to the historic Camparino in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to launch his brand in Milano and then to the world.

Order a Campari or Zucca Shakerato, the drinks of choice of world travelling bartender Zdenek Kastanek. In the Duomo area, Camparino is a daily ritual for the business crowd, who take an after-lunch espresso up at the beautiful bar counter, or enjoy a cocktail just before dinner at one of the tables.

**Campari Shakerato at Camparino (photos Toney Teddy Fernandez)**

3. Baxter Bar, Cocktail €15

Baxter Bar is a great choice for a glamorous aperitif near Milano's Duomo Cathedral. Baxter features a gorgeous interior design with ultrahigh ceilings and a spellbinding back bar. The drink menu was designed by Fresco Cocktail Shop, the highly regarded bar from Como focused on the freshest possible ingredients. Upon entering, you will be greeted by the friendly Arlyna, who prepared a well executed Dirty Martini as the first drink. Then, taking over the bartending duties was her apprentice Humbe, fresh out of bartending school but up to the challenge.

He prepared a seductive Milano Torino with Campari bitter and Martelletti vermouth. The best cocktail on the menu was the Ring The Bell with mezcal, bitter, candied apricot and shaken with dehydrated pineapple. To finish off the evening in style try the Vieux carrè reverse with Mulassano vermouth, Voyer Cognac, Michter's rye, Gentiane, Angostura and Peychaud's bitters.

**Ring the Bell and Vieux Carre Reverse**

4. Colibrì, Cocktail €10

Although many probably know him as one half of the headlining duo at Twist and Shout, Ale Leuci is also an excellent bartender, having started his career at Santeria in Città Studi. He has recently started working for Colibrì in Via Laghetto. It features four beautiful rooms: the main bar, a central room and beautiful outdoor courtyard for chilling with friends, and finally a small bookstore carrying an interesting collection books.

Around 6pm we visited Colibrì when the aperitivo was already in full swing thanks to the young students from the nearby University of Milano. Knowing our tastes, Ale prepared a savory cocktail served in a coupe with Knob creek bourbon, Quaglia chamomile liqueur, Carpano antica formula and chocolate bitters.

Ale then prepared She Sparks, with fresh raspberries, brown sugar, lime juice, Sandeman Ruby Port and Stoli vodka and a top of Berlucchi prosecco after the other ingredients are shaked and strained. It’s a refreshingly sour and fresh drink thanks to the lime, raspberries and prosecco, with some rich sweetness provided by the Port wine.

Adding to the fun at Colibrì, there are regular jazz concerts, book presentations, and other unique exhibits at the bar. Although Colibri is somewhat off the beaten path, it’s definitely worth a visit for Ale’s warm personality and fine drinkmaking skills.

**Ale Leuci makes a sumptuous whiskey cocktail; She Sparks (photos Toney Teddy Fernandez)**

5. Four Seasons, Cocktail €22

The bar at the Four Seasons in Via Gesù 6/8 is a must visit after shopping in the Golden Quadrangle district. In our case it’s only window shopping as we prefer spending our spare cash on booze rather than fashion. The drink list was created by Luca Marcellin, who is now running the successful Drinc in Porta Venezia, to be featured in the upcoming East Milano article.

The best drink on the menu is the Negroni Macchiato with Plymouth gin, Macchia vermouth, Campari, Finocchietto Calabro, Amaro mix Foyer, Fernet Branca and Angostura . Although the Four Seasons doesn’t have seating right up the bar, you can enjoy your aperitivo in the majestic courtyard outside, one of the best in the city.

**Butched Negroni and Negroni Macchiato**

6. Armani Hotel, Cocktail €23

The Armani hotel in Via Manzoni is one of the most popular hotels for wealthy tourists and Milanese. On the top floor is the luxurious Bamboo bar, with well-crafted cocktails with courteous service. The highlight of the bar is Greta, the lovely waitress who ensures that all the customers are happy. The best drink on the list is the bold and herbal Il Commenda, with Zucca rhubarb liqueur, Lagavulin, Martini bitter and green mandarin essential oil.

7. Terrazza 12, Cocktail €15

Terrazza 12 is located on the top floor of the Brian & Barry building (San Babila), just above the famed restaurant Asola. In the two years Terrazza 12 (T12) has been open, it has become the coolest terrace in central Milano. Usually rooftop bars offer beautiful views, sexy people, but awful drinks. Thankfully at T12 the drinks are quite good.

Mixologists Oscar Quagliarini, Lorenzo Antinori and Mattia Pastori helped design the initial cocktail menu. Rosso di Sera has OSCAR.697 bianco vermouth, Campari bitter and Johnny Walker Gold scotch whisky is perfect to sip while marveling at the milanese skyline.