"Favourite Spots in Milan" by Luigi Taglienti

Michelin-starred chef Luigi Taglienti is known for his international approach mixed with clear Italian roots. We asked him to take us through his favorite spots in Milan, and about   some cuisine tips too...

Born in Liguria but Milanese by adoption, what's your relationship with the city?
Very good, Milan is the city that welcomed me in 2012 and that gave me a success that I was not looking for, but that came thanks to my work. This was also possible thanks to the open-mindedness of this city. Milan is a place that made me stand tall and deepen my culinary universe.

Are there some places that you would be pleased to share with Senato Hotel Milano’s guests?
Yes! Definitely. I'd suggest to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie: the church and former Dominican convent in Milan. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site too. The mural fresco of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, is right also in the refectory of the convent.
It's one of the must-sees for the city and it matters to me as it was the location of one of the first events I organized in Milan.

Then I would move in the surroundings of the city. I've been living in the Barona district for 5 years and I'm still in love with this place for its nature and calm.

Finally I'd take you to the outskirts of Milan: to Cassinetta di Lugagnano, a village of Milanese villas, where the Milanese burgeois families used to spend their summers along the Naviglio canal. The oldest nucleus of the village dates back to the Roman period. This is also where I lived my greatest professional experiences at Antica Osteria del Ponte, which I recommend for a special dinner.

3 things to do in Milan for first time visitors
Milan is the perfect destination to experience art, design, shopping and cuisine. I would recommend starting your tour through the city with a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera and its district. I love cycling, so I'd suggest you to rent a bike and explore the Navigli district, which is definitely one of the most famous areas of the city and which is really worth visiting.

If you prefer to stay close to the center, bordering the historic downtown, there is our "Chinatown" a multi-ethnic district. The streets are strung with Chinese lanterns and lined with food markets and shops selling silks and leather, while dining options range from dim sum restaurants and tea shops to Asian street-food stands... A melting-pot made of scents and tastes!

Any cooking secret to share with Senato Hotel Milano’s guests?
A good cuisine is generally characterized by its simplicity, with many dishes having only two to four main ingredients. My suggestion is to rely chiefly on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation.

Starry Escape ... who would you take with you?
I prepared my "Starry Escape" box for Senato Hotel Milano with the idea of ​​offering a unique and complete gastronomic proposal, open to everyone, from a businessman to a couple looking for a weekend out. So just enter the room and let yourself loose with one of the three aperitifs accompanied by one of the best Franciacorta. I think I'll have my own "escape" one of these days, too!