You've scored a ticket to Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid at 845pm tomorrow for the Champions League final in Milano. But what will you do with the rest of your time? Here is my guide to the best food and drink for your 36 hours in Milano (or any other weekend for that matter).
Friday evening: WARM UP
After arriving to the center of town from the airport, your first destination should be Porta Venezia. After browsing the many shops on Corso Buenos Aires, head over to my favorite happy hour in town at Casa Mia. You will truly feel at home in this beautiful lounge with great cocktails by Teo Stafforini that will served to you by the lovely Sofia. If you've worked up an appetite, they also serve nice plates of salumi and cheese that are included with the price of your beverage.
Happy hour at Casa Mia
For dinner, head south to Porta Romana for the best margherita pizza in town at Marghe. Matteo Mevio is a young and talented pizzaiolo who can even talk soccer with (he's an avid fan of a team that I hate).
The best margherita at Marghe
If you want the best cocktail experience of your life, walk over to the nearby 1930 cocktail bar. Unfortunately, I can't give you the address because it's a secret, but if you do end up finding the place, tell them Shane sent you and maybe you'll get lucky. Actually, it's a members only club so it's better to go with someone with the official membership card.
Marco Russo at 1930
Saturday - game day
Start your day at with a brioche and specialty coffee at Pascucci near San Babila. It's very rare to find good third wave coffee in Italy, but Pascucci does a great job with its V60 program and single-origin espresso. You will also be treated to the most beautiful barista team on the planet.
Pascucci
For lunch, build up a solid base of food at Bove's - a great place for steak or burgers using the finest quality meat from Piedmont. Their wine program is also fantastic.
Steak at Bove's
Head over to San Siro stadium after lunch as the crowds will be insane. Here you won't have many options other than commercial lager beer and panini before the match begins at 845pm. But don't worry, I have a great recommendation for after the match.
Take the metro to Porta Genova, for the best nightlife in Milano on Naviglio Grande (Grand Canal). It will be around midnight by the time your reach the canals so your only real option is drinking, which you should do at MAG cafe, the sister bar of 1930. After a couple drinks at MAG, head over to the nearby Pinch. You will find a fun atmosphere at both bars with beautiful people and great cocktails.
Mag Cafe
Pinch
SUNDAY - HANGOVER CURE
After Saturday night,a dinky brioche for breakfast just aint gonna cut it. Your best bet for brunch is the amazing Taglio near Porta Genova at Via Vigevano 10. Taglio does everything well - specialty coffee, american breakfast dishes, pasta, risotto, meat dishes, wine. I would encourage you to try the bacon or salmon eggs benedict. It is one of the best dishes you will find in the city, and is perfect for a hangover.
Bacon Eggs Benedict at Taglio