We are quite experienced in the wine and food tourism already, so whenever we find something to be excited about, we can barely wait to spread the word! Since this part of our travel stories is focused exactly on food and drink, let’s dive in!
We, N. Back and P. Pack, did proper research what to do in Milano, as Italy is always exciting for foodies like us. We did a strong start of the weekend trip by visiting “La Filetteria Italiana Vespucci”. The exotic variety of meats awaked our curiousness the moment we saw its menu. We’d had dinner already but could not miss to try some “Chimichurri Kangaroo Skewers” and “Horse Tartare”. But next time we won’t miss out on Ostrich fillet or Uruguayan beef as well. Never going to forget to mention the wine, which we enjoy almost as much as a good meal. The Lombardian Merlot IGT (Casalleone, 13.5 %) matched perfectly with the meaty skewers. The balsamic vanilla notes we can still remember. The Pinot Nero IGT did support the tartare with its clove spice aromas, but there might have been a better choice.
The foodie journey continues at “Boccondivino” on Via Giosuè Carducci 17. Here, we did not leave it to destiny, we booked in advance.
Tip: Booking in advance is absolutely necessary, as we learned later! It’s nearly everyday fully booked!
The restaurant is quite small and feels like a farm dining room. There was the clever decision made to serve fresh, clean, but uncut, veggies in a salad bowl, already placed on the tables. Visitors can enjoy this eatable table decoration and wonder about the beauty and the simplicity of it. We were welcomed and seated with a glass of Prosecco in our hands (What else would it be?!?).
If this hadn’t been enough, the next main dish was “Pasta Pomodoro” with Mastalsö Romagna (Sangiovese Superiore 2016). The rating of this wine is not extra-high, but the combination with the pasta and the spice notes made the dish complete. High on tannin side, full body, aged in oak, this drink was just fitting perfectly.
Next appearance was the superstar of the evening scene: Risotto with Parmigiano and Zanoni Zavo Amarone Della Valpolicella 2013. How can we even start sharing our feelings about it…? Complex, strong body and paired with the plate of cheese made the evening epic. Plum notes, coffee, dark chocolate notes fight back the spicy, strong cheese aromas and the winner is the one who drinks it.
And our feelings about the risotto? Maybe Philipp can explain what’s so special about it:
Sooner or later, all good stories come to an end as well as the worst hangover. We took all the memories (we could remember of) the next day home with us. The Milano wine scene is there to be explored, please give it a chance. We left our backpack’s hearts there!
Cheers!
N. Back & P. Pack
Backpack secrets revealed
La Filetteria Italiana Vespucci 
- Exotic choices of meats and high-quality food.
- Waiters were very friendly and provided good service. We did not have a reservation, so we had to wait for a table. One waiter was so nice to bring us Prosecco to make our waiting time bearable.
- Prices are in the higher range. We paid 8 € for a glass of wine, and the kangaroo skewers were around 17 €. It can get very expensive when you go there hungry!
Gringol Bar 
- Very nice place to sit down and enjoy the area. Especially when the sun is shining you can admire the square and the arch.
- Service was very bad. We waited forever for someone to come.
- They were supposed to have lunch. But when we asked the waitress said that the “Kitchen is closed” (at 5pm on Saturday?). No more information was given.
- Cocktails are expensive and not good. We paid 10 € each for an Aperol Spritz, which was way more “Spritz” than Aperol. Other bars around have better offers.
Boccondivino
- It’s not possible to simply show up and get a table, unless you are really, really, really lucky. Booking in advance is proven to be the better choice.
- They have no menu. You sit down and receive 8-10 courses (depending on what you count as “course”) and a wine that goes well with the dish.
- Price per person is 70 €, all included.