Aielli & Benevento

Milan is full of wonderful and exciting places to eat out, not surprising for a city known for its ‘Last Supper’.

The many stylish locations throughout the city and wide variety of superb, mouth-watering menus, often with an emphasis on fish, make Milan dining exceptional; whether you are looking for a romantic meal for two or trendy, lively Milan dining, the only problem is deciding where to go as there are so many restaurants in Milan to choose from!

Here are some A&B favorites…

> Ristorante Cracco (aka Cracco –Peck)
Carlo Cracco was one of the first Italian chef to earn three Michelin stars, and deservedly so.Ristorante Cracco is a lesson in restrained Milanese chic, and innovative cuisine that also manages to more than satisfy hard to please Italian traditionalists.   It is no surprise that this year Ristorante Cracco has climbed an impressive 21 places up San Pellegrino’s Top 50 Restaurants of the World to # 22.  Via Victor Hugo 4, Tel # 39 02 87 67 74 .

> Rinomata Gelateria (great gelato)
A hundred-year-old gelateria with tall, antique cupboards stacked with cornets of every shoe and size. Choose from 40 flavors and seven granite and watch the world go by from the little bridge over the canals. Via Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 1; Tel # 02 58 11 38 77;  Hours: Daily 2pm-1am(summer).

> Entoteca Ronchi (wine shop)
More than 1,100 wines – from the 17th century to the latest vintage – in Milan’s most famous cellar. Signora Ronchi also organizes tasting sessions.   Via San Vincenzo, 12; Tel # 02 89 40 26 27; Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-1pm, 3-7.30pm.

> Trussardi (for light meals)
A favorite haunt of the local business community, to the right of La Scala. Huge bay windows, a large rectangular bar with high stools, a black / white interior. Via Filodrammatici 5, Milan; Tel # 02 8068 8201; Hours: Mon-Sat noon-2.30pm

> Obika (the original mozzarella bar)
A very new take on an Italian delicacy…this is a mozzarella bar!  A tribute to Mozzarella cheese, especially the best quality of Mozzarella Campana di Bufala.  Now with outlets in the USA.  Via Mercato, 28, Milan; Tel # 02 8645 0568

> Savini (Famous but tourist filled)
One of the city’s most famous restaurants. Established in 1867, it has a sumptuous red and gold décor, with paneling and heavy velvet. Here you’ll eat traditional Milanese cuisine in the grand style.  Originally the Birreria Stocker, Virgilio Savini transformed it a couple of years later into the most elegant establishment in the city. It is a temple of gastronomic hospitality in Milan, and the greatest minds, such as Puccini, Verdi, and Toscanini have all been at its tables, along with Callas, Chaplin, Hemingway, and Sinatra.  Via Galleria V. Emanuelle II, Tel # 02 7200 3433.
Hours: Mon-Sat 12.00-2.30pm, 7.30-10.30pm

Walking down via Margutta one stumbles upon that rare, unique little shop (boutique is too fancy a word to describe this ‘hole-in-the-wall’)

A holdover from an earlier era is La Bottega del Marmoraro (No. 53B; 39-06-320-7660), a tiny shop overflowing with small marble plaques, art fit for Barbie’s Ancient Roman Dream House. For 15 euros, Enrico Fiorentini, the boisterous owner, will chisel any words you want into a piece of marble. Once the work is done, Mr. Fiorentini has a charming habit of serving a bowl of warm pasta to his customers while regaling them with stories about the street’s glory days.

Aielli & Benevento offers the most exciting personal touring experience of great Italian wine estates in Piedmont.  Our clients have at their disposal the most knowledgeable experts in the region. From Alba to Barolo, we’ve developed a customized experience to match any wine enthusiast’s dream trip.

Whisk your way to the center of the region producing the king of Italian red wine: Barolo, just 1–1/2 hours from Milan.  Aielli & Benevento’s professional guides will lead you through world recognized Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards.  Cellar tours, VIP tastings at grand private estates. Gourmet dinners at Michelin rated restaurants, personal shopping and luxury accommodations at Milan’s three best hotels…you choose.  This is the perfect tax deductible trip for the wine industry professional!

************Clients can always pick their date of departure. Just call 212.695.1511 and ask to speak with an Aielli & Benevento travel specialist for a complete list of services/charges…  Or email us for touring details at: info@aiellli-benevento.it .

We also offer special wine tours thru Tuscany, the Veneto and Sicily.

Imagine a room designed by Salvatore Ferragamo and you can appreciate Portrait Suites, the chic urban townhouse,that is the jewel in their small boutique hotel chain owned by the shoe impresario’s family.

At the center of Roman high fashion district, around the corner from Piazza di Spagna, a new townhouse where everything is designed to make life more “dolce”, just above the Salvatore Ferragamo Men’s Store in Via Condotti.  In the private dimension of only 14 suites and studios, a unique style of bespoke hospitality.  Portrait Suites offers reception 24 hours, free Internet Wi-Fi, garage service, bar, continental breakfast served in the studio/suite or outdoor on the rooftop Terrace that looks out over the Spanish Steps.  Many of the staff are present and former Ferragamo models.

The Turin, Italy based company Red Travel offers a unique service that may     intrigue those of you a bit more independently-inclined than the traditional   Europe-in-luxury goers: you can rent a Ferrari for one to eight days and      scoot your way around the rolling hills, through the countryside, parallel to  the ocean, or you know, whatever suits your fancy, from one end of Italy to  the other. Some packages include stops at high-end hotels and spas in    traditional cities, whilst others cater to a more rural-minded crowd with stops for dinner at a former convent and a farmhouse.

Oh, and don’t worry about trying to fit your bags in the little red hotrods; a tour manager follows you via GPS and can even arrive at your destination ahead of you if you wish. The four day trip from Rome to Siena and back will run you and your shotgun buddy €4,300 each (about $5,700), but the deposit on the car will set you back €15,000 (or about $19,800) until you bring her back unscathed.

> For more information on this and other A&B private touring experiences in Italy, email us at: info @aielli-benevento.it.

Venice, in March is a shopper’s delight.  With the city a tad slower following Carnevale, boutiques offer great discounts on all their offerings.  Now some will say that most of the shopping isn’t entirely inspiring — either ubiquitous internationally available boutiques or storefront after storefront filled with tourist tchochkes.

Attombri is something different.  This establishment has received international recognition — see Dolce & Gabbana, Vogue, etc.  Run by two brothers, who purchased heaps of antique Murano glass beads, from a glass company going out of business, they do all their work by hand.  Their pieces somehow retain the feeling of the antique that pervades Venice, but with the aid of the occasional asymmetrical line and a fine editing eye, still look contemporary.

Attombri’s studio is in Campo San Maurizio. (Attombri actually has two locations in Venice. Campo San Maurizio in the San Marco area and a store near Rialto.) Definitely worth a visit.

For details on the “Sashay Sopping” experience in Milano and Venice, email us at: info@aiellli-benevento.it.

Romantic Escapes is a set of unique touring experience created for busy couples seeking an unforgettable getaway. Designed by Aielli & Benevento, these touring experiences are tailored 100% to the traveler so there are no fixed departure dates. Clients also choose among a variety of luxury hotel properties.  We handle every trip detail… A week before departure, the client will receive a detailed, daily travel schedule outlining all trip contacts /reservations/ arrangements, ensuring a worry-free, hassle-free travel experience.

Our favorite trips:

Milano Magic

This special program is designed for the couple wishing to experience the essence of Italian design sophistication in Italy’s New York City equivalent: Milan.

Roman Holiday

Five effortless, luxury filled days of “Rest & Relaxation” in Rome. Enjoy private touring through the Vatican museums, ancient Roman ruins and hidden walkways of the Eternal City.

Tuscan Escape

Explore the very best of the Renaissance city of Florence (or Firenze if you are practicing your Italian). Picture a suite overlooking the Arno River and the Ponte Vecchio. Spectacular sunsets, outstanding shopping, and fabulous dining.

Venetian Interlude

The romantic isle of Venice awaits the Aielli & Benevento client seeking the perfect, luxury filled long weekend. With an experienced guide explore Venice’s hidden alleys, its Byzantine Doge Palace, and its majestic palazzos.

************Clients can always select their date of departure.  Luxury accommodations subject to availability. Charges in high season will be higher. Call 212.595.4171 and ask to speak with an Aielli & Benevento travel specialist for a complete list of services/charges.

Private Guides/ Optional Services… customized IPODs, private photographer, personal masseuse.
 Unlike recommendations from hotel concierges (whom invariably pick their friends based on a “business relationship”), we choose guides solely on the basis of reputation, years of experience and proven excellence.     > Email us for touring details at: info@aiellli-benevento.it.

Here is a list of wines all under $20 that I would drink instead of a number of more expensive wines.

Nino Franco Prosecco Valdobbiadene “Rustico”  NV  D.O.C. 100% Prosecco  (After April 2010 the area is Prosecco and the grape which is Glera) Fresh  citrus aromas and  flavors  with good bubbles. In the Veneto, Prosecco is  always served in a white wine glass.  Veneto $16-20.

di Lenardo Vineyards Grave Del Friuli

1.TOH! Da Uva Friulano- Friulano Friuli D.O.C. Grave, 100% Friuliano(Tocai)  It is a soft well balanced wine. Friuli, under $15

2.Sauvignon.I.G.T Venezia Giulia, a vine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and    Sancerre clones, aromatic  with aromas and flavors of sage and melon. Well    balanced with good acidity. Friuli ,under $15

3.Pass the Cookies I.G.T. (Great name for a dessert wine) Venezia Giulia 100%  Verduzzo. Harvested late and dried three months on the racks. Dried fruit aromas and flavors with undertones of caramel. It is a 500ml but still a great deal for under. Friuli , under $15

Azienda Agricola Travignoli Villa Travignoli Chianti Rufina D.O.C.G.   100% Sangiovese.  Aromas and flavors of red fruit, and real sangiovese character. Tuscany $15

Monte Antico  Toscana I.G.T.85% Sangiovese..% 10 Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. Red berry aromas and flavors and good acidity. Tuscany $14

Masciarelli

1. Trebbiano d’ Abruzzo  D.O.C. Citrus aromas and flavors with undertones of apple.  Abruzzo, $13

2. Montepullciano d’Abruzzo D.O.C. Red berry aromas and flavors, a hint of cherry and a touch of tobacco,.Abruzza, $13

Cusumano  Benuara  70%Nero d’Avola and 30% Syrah, Sicily I.G.T. Aromatic with red and black fruit . Usually I do not like Nero d’Avola blended with Syrah, but the wine is in stainless steel and 20hl barrels and it works very well. Sicily $15-18

Sella and Mosca Cannonau Riserva  di Sardinia D.O.C. 100% Cannonau.  Red fruit with hints of spices and herbs and very earthly. Sardinia   $15

Agricole Vallone

Vigna Flamino  Riserva Brindisi Rosso D.O.C. Mostly Negroamaro with Malvasis Nrea and Moltipulicano.  Red fruit aromas and flavors with a under tones of prune. Puglia $15

Cantina Sociale Cooperativa Copertino  Copertino Riserva D.O.C. 95% Negroammaro and 5% Malvasia Nera  Black and red fruit aromas and flavors with hint  a of  tobacco. Puglia $15

D.O.C. 100% Negroamaro, aromas and flavors of red fruit with a hint of prune, Puglia  $15

Source:  These wine suggestions are taken verbatim from the wonderful wine blog “  Charles Scicolone on Wine”…Mr. Scicolone is a true expert on Italian wines…he has lectured on vino d’italia for the Italy America Chamber of Commerce,  La Cucina Italiana Magazine, the Italian Trade Commission, The Wine Media Guild and The Smithsonian Institute.  If his sir name ‘Scicolone’ sounds familiar it is likely due to the prominence of his wife, Michele, author of among other fine Italian cookbooks, “The Italian Slow Cooker”,  “The Sopranos Family Cookbook”.   Please visit his website: http://charlesscicolone.wordpress.com.

The Italian Peninsula offers so much in terms of art, architecture, varied cuisines or diverse landscape.  From majestic mountains to spectacular coastlines, Italy is a country one can visit many times over and still be stimulated by new sights.

For those long summer days, however, we propose three favorite spots, every A&B client seems to claim they plan to visit a second time!  To the serious traveler, these destinations should be no surprise:

• Italian Lakes
• Tuscany
• Amalfi Adventure

To learn more or to receive a no-obligation, free consult, just call us: +1.212.695.1511

> Gambero Rosso
Piazza della Vittoria 13, San Vincenzo
Chef: Fulvio Pierangelini; Cuisine: creative / modern
The simple elegance of an historical establishment, on the port of San Vincenzo, reflects the characteristics of an elegant imaginative cuisine that has managed to remain simple and solid.  2 Michelin stars. Specialities: Chickpea purée with shrimps. Burrata soup with grey mullet ravioli. Bass with Sienese Cinta pancetta.

> Osteria di Passignano
Via Passignano 33 , Passignano
Inside the old late 19th Century wine cellar, of the Antinori marquises
Chef: Nicola Damiani; Cuisine: creative / modern
Enchanting location: beside the abbey, in the late nineteenth-century cellars of the Marquises of Antinori; on a par with the modern-style cuisine firmly rooted in the past.
1 Michelin star.

> Pane e Vino
Piazza Signorelli, 27, Cortona
Chef: Oliviero Zoccoloni; Cuisine: traditional
Taverna Pane e Vino is a restaurant located inside a cantina of a 14th century palazzo.
The Tavern has a menu consisting of authentic tuscan food with an extensive wine list that includes more than 900 labels. Outside seating is available.  Specialities: Bruschettas, cured meats, local cheeses, traditional soups, fresh pastas and home made desserts.

> Antica Trattoria Botteganova
Via Chiantigiana 29, per Montevarchi
Chef: Michele Sorrentino;  Cuisine: Seafood and Tuscan specialities
An unassuming building greets you from the outside; inside you will be surprised by the elegant interior, which is full of charm, with its refined tables and comfortable little armchairs. Choice Tuscan cuisine, reinterpreted by the chef.
1 Michelin star.  Specialities: Fettunta with zolfini beans. Fillet of herb-marinated tuna with chickpea cream. Spelt risotto with crispy vegetables and Leghorn cockerel ragout.

> Frateria di Padre Eligio
Al Convento di San Francesco Nord-Ovest, Cetona
Chef: Walter Tripodi;  Cuisine: regional
In a park, a medieval Franciscan monastery, managed by a community of former drug users, exclusive bedrooms, creative cuisine: mystical influences and tempting “sins” such as wine.

> La Grotta
Via di S. Biagio, 15,  Montepulciano
Chef: Cristina Mazzuoli;  Cuisine: Tuscan / creative
La Grotta is located in a old stable of the 14th century with a nice garden for the summer.  Specialities: Pecorino cheese soufflè with asparagus sauce, tuscan croutons with a topping of duck liver and Vin Santo sauce, tuscan tomato and basil soup, Pappardelle with guinea-fowl and prunes, Boned quails flavoured with garlic and rosemary, Cherry tart with pear sorbet.

> La Terrazza del Chiostro
Viale Rossellino, 26, Pienza
Chef: Michele Armenio; Cuisine: traditional / creative
Tradition and new discoveries meet in the cusine of “La Terrazza del Chiostro” located in the heart of Pienza in an ancient convent of the 15th century with a splendid view into the Orcia valley. Framed in a refined harmony by fantasy of the chef, the colours of the wine-cellars and the heartfelt hospitality of the staff.   Specialities: local meat and daily fresh fish.