Milan i is famous for its “aperitivo-happy hour” a feast of drinks, cocktails and wines, usually escorted by a generous buffet , tapas and pass trough finger food.
One of the best aperitivo is promoted by the flamboyant socialite Maurice Dotta, who has the ability to discover hidden places and amazing locations and transform them into a fashionable happy hour venue. Here people can meet, dance, drink and of course taste delicious food and hoers d’oeuvres from the local Chef. Maurice latest creature is called Apero and it’s located in a green oasis in the heart of Milan: the Orti di Leonardo Da Vinci, the beautiful garden of the 15th century Palazzo delle Stelline.
The party starts at 7.00 pm and goes till late. Guests are invited to relax on the grass, decorated with colorful blankets, comfy pillows and beach umbrellas. The Dj is spinning an interesting mixture of classics, retro and contemporary music, from the disco era to the newest avant-garde.The rich buffet is vegan friendly. I tried a vegetable couscous, spiced with yellow curry and an excellent farro salad with beans, carrots and red peppers. Prices: Drinks are 7 Euros, the buffet 5 Euros. If you prefer a seated dinner, the Orti di Leonardo Restaurant has outdoor and offers a small menu with appetizers, entrees, fish and meat.

There II tried the tentacoli polpo, a tender grilled octopus served with pachino tomatoes and a mozzarella called burrata di Andria with arugula and San Marzano tomatoes over a bruschetta bread.
I also suggest the classic risotto Milanese with saffron pistils or the vegan friendly pasta paccheri di Gragnano with vegetables sauce. If you are into fish, try the tasty grilled branzino and vegetables. Not to mention the cotoletta alla milanese, a must for a venue that even Leonardo would have loved during his staying in Milan!

Photos by Margarita Zurcova