Page 185 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

BARS AND C AF É S  183

be surrounded by scooters,
motorbikes and cars. Most
bars and cafés operate two
price tariffs, with higher prices
charged for sitting down at a
table. Ordering and consuming
at the bar counter is the most
economical option, but you
may prefer to linger and
“people-watch”.
Many bars operate a “happy
hour” from 6:30 to 9:30pm,
when drinks such as cocktails
are sold at half-price. As a result
these places become extremely
crowded. At bars attracting
younger people the music can
be very loud, so if peace and
Assortment of cakes and pastries typical of a Milanese patisserie quiet are needed, “happy hour”
may not suit.
world-famous Campari drink These regions’ white wines
was invented. Another must is include Gavi, Soave, Bianco Bars in Hotels
Cova (see p185), a café-pastry di Custoza and Lugana, and
shop in Via Montenapoleone there are some very good Unlike the other bars in town,
in business since 1817; in the sparkling wines. Most bars those in the large hotels are
heart of the fashion district, provide snacks to go with mostly used as venues for
it is perfect for a cup of mid- early evening drinks. These business meetings. Splendidly
afternoon hot chocolate or may be simple, such as furnished and usually quiet,
an evening aperitif. Lastly, peanuts, or more elaborate. they exude discretion and
the Bar Magenta (see p184) For generous snacks, try privacy, creating the ideal
has been popular year in Honky Tonks (see p184), conditions for discussing
and year out and is now an where they serve Ascoli business matters.
evening haunt for the young olives and pasta salad, as well Among the most distin-
Milanese crowd. as the classic pinzimoni dips guished are the Lounge Bar
with raw vegetables and in the Westin Palace which
canapés, during happy hour. hosts art exhibitions, and
What to Order the Foyer, in the Hotel
A vast selection of beers, Useful Hints Four Seasons. The latter is
wines, aperitifs, excellent decorated with theatre set
cocktails and non-alcoholic It is best to get around by designs. Extra charm is added
drinks is served in Milanese public transport as parking is by an antique fireplace,
bars. A wide range of notoriously difficult in Milan recreating the plush atmos-
international beers is available and popular bars are likely to phere of old Milanese palazzi.
as well as the Italian brands
Peroni and Moretti. The current
fashion is for Latin-American
cocktails, which are gradually
replacing classics like the
Alexander and Bloody Mary.
Almost every bar produces
its own house aperitif.
Italy is a wine-producing
country and the regions of
Piedmont, Lombardy and
the Veneto all have extensive
areas under vine. Piedmont is
best known for its red wines,
Barolo and Barbaresco, and
the more affordable Barbera
and Dolcetto. Good reds are
also made in Franciacorta in
Lombardy, in the Valtellina and
near Verona, where Bardolino
and Valpolicella are made. The Foyer in the Hotel Four Seasons

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