Guided tour in... Milan

Dec. 12 2013

by Oscar Héliani / TÊTU

Compared to Florence, Rome or Venice, the capital of Lombardy could rightly develop an inferiority complex. Certainly its architecture is less grandiose, its palaces much less flamboyant. But the economic center of the entire country has built up quite a different reputation. A must-see fashion week, a justified title of capital of design, not to mention La Scala, which has never been dethroned as a temple of lyrical art. On the spot, trattoria and cantina deliver much more subtle recipes than the Milanese schnitzel on the menu of pseudo "ristorante" between Cancale and Carcassonne.

And what about the Milanese gays in all this? Since the closing of the Billy Club, the gay nightclub that attracted the whole of Europe, we miss them. Their branded clothes, their impeccable complexion, their impressive glibness. Where do they go? What do they do?

Mirko, a very epicurean sales manager

"The aperitivo is the first thing you should not miss in Milan. Around 6 p.m., we meet at Pandenus, in the Porta Venezia district. The idea is to accompany your glass of wine or cocktail with a variety of tasty appetizers laid out on the counter while commenting on the political, love or sexual news.gays like good things, so this tea room has become their favorite place for aperitif. The music selection is top.

Company Club is a bear bar that has been around since the early 1990s. After dinner, it's our go-to spot with my buddies for a drink or two before heading to the nightclub. But I sometimes spend the evening there because I can drink, dance and even take advantage of a darkroom to drink on the spot.

In club, I prefer the so-called alternative evenings: Coquette and Machelleria. A relaxed atmosphere, pretty boys and a quality electro-pop. Everything I like.

When the weather is nice, forget the metro, bus or streetcar! Take a self-service bike, the BikeMi, and ride around the historic center. After a shopping session, the second sport in Milan after soccer, I go for a drink on the top floor of the Rinascente department store. Under the inquisitive look of the Duomo, the neighboring cathedral, we indulge with my buddies in our favorite activity: watching and being watched.

Finally, we cannot leave Milan without having visited the Naviglio Grande district (see photo above). On both sides of the canal, there are excellent trattoria or pizzeria, antique shops, bars and even a record shop. "

Pandenus. Via Alessandro Tadino, 15.
Company Club. Via Benadir, 14.

Alessandro, ground staff at Milan airport, design fan

"Just behind the Teatro alla Scala, where Verdi composed his greatest operas and Callas sang her most beautiful roles, the Brera district extends over several streets articulated around via Brera. There are charming squares, old-fashioned perfume shops, restaurants and a beautiful museum: the Pinacoteca di Brera.

In the center of the entrance courtyard stands an imposing statue of Napoleon. This museum has an impressive collection of major painters: Veronese, Tiepolo, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Tintoretto, Rembrandt. In addition to a botanical garden and some rooms used for temporary exhibitions, the Palazzo di Brera houses the renowned Academy of Fine Arts. Watching sexy, slightly bohemian students hanging out in the corridors never hurt anyone.

Secondly, I would like to mention the Skitsch boutique, which uses international designers. The designs are made and sold to the general public. Their store is full of decorating ideas and has items for every budget. "

Skitsch. Via Monte di Pieta, 11.

Davide, investment banker and gourmet

"Here are some of my favorites. First of all, Osteria del Binari. The whole menu is amazing, but the kidneys and the saffron risotto are two typical Lombardy dishes that you must try. In winter, the atmosphere is cosy around a fireplace, but when the weather permits, you can dine in a beautiful garden with a pleasant smell of jasmine. This address is suitable for a romantic dinner with your lover or a business meal with an Italian supplier.

Then, I recommend Oscar, for its very kitsch decor, its generous cuisine, its statues with the effigy of Mussolini very second degree, the fish in all its forms. Personally, I always enjoy the spaghetti alle vongole (clams).

Another of my favorite addresses: La Cantina della Vetra. Right next to the San Lorenzo column, this establishment occupies two floors. The rough concrete walls contrast with the checkered tablecloths and some very old trinkets. The waiters are efficient and the owner speaks French. Their specialty is the gnocco fritto (fried bread) which goes wonderfully with mortadella, culatello or stracciatella (heart of the burrata).

Finally, go to Torre di Pisa. In the Brera neighborhood, this Tuscan trattoria on Via Fiori Chiari has retained its 1960s vibe. Small rooms in a row, white tablecloths, old wooden chairs and waiters almost from the same era. The Florentine-style steak is a treat. "

La Cantina della Vetra. Via Pio IV, 3.
Osteria del Binari. Via Tortona, 1
Oscar. Via Lazzaro Palazzi, 4
Torre di Pisa. Via Fiori Chiari, 21/5.

Find all the gay and gay-friendly addresses in Milan in our gay guide to Milan