From 12 to 25 February 2024 in Milan, the third edition of the event promoted by the Fontina PDO Consortium
Here are the twelve protagonists of “FontinaMI 2024”the widespread event promoted for the third consecutive year by the Consortium for the Protection of Fontina PDO to make known to the general public the typical product par excellence of the Aosta Valley, so deeply rooted in the territory as to become its symbol.
Monday 12 to Sunday 25 February 2024 the twelve Milanese venues, including traditional restaurants and those also known for their aperitif offerings, will propose one or more new dishes based on Fontina AOC on the menu and will also offer a very special entrée: an amuse-bouche, also created by the chefs for the occasion, accompanied by a taste of pure cheese.
A return to Milan for the “Fontina DOP Alpeggio”This follows only a few months after the ministerial recognition of its own official mention within the PDO, as distinct from the classic Fontina produced all year round and the “long ripening” one. A recognition, strongly desired by the Consortium, for a “heroic” type produced, exclusively in the summer months, between 1700 and 2700 metres above sea level in conditions that are not exactly easy.
This makes “Fontina DOP Alpeggio” a valuable cheese (it represents just 17% of the total annual Fontina production) with special characteristics of sweetness and aromaticity due to free grazing, fresh herbs and flowers found only at high altitudes, and the immediate processing of milk directly in the alpine dairies.
While waiting to know the dishes that the chefs will create for “FontinaMI 2024”, let's take a look at the participating restaurants in detail:
- CIZ WINE CELLAR AND KITCHEN
Born in 2017 out of the passion for wine of Vincenzo “Ciz” Gautieri, who later became a professional sommelier, the restaurant soon turned into an all-round restaurant enhanced by more than 1,700 labels on offer and the cuisine of Mina Nassif.
Viale Premuda, 44 (Risorgimento/Porta Venezia)
Telephone: 02 2318 9915
Closed Sunday and Monday all day and Saturday lunchtime only
Chef: Mina Nassif
- CORAJE
Lounge bar on the ground floor and restaurant on the upper floor, with a cosmopolitan soul that brings the magic of South American atmospheres to the heart of Brera. In the kitchen, Peruvian Ernesto Espinoza trained under Jaime Pesaque, considered one of the greatest innovators of South American cuisine.
Via Fiori Chiari corner of Via Formentini (Brera)
Telephone: 02 8454 2968
Closed Mondays all day and Sundays only for dinner
Chef: Ernesto Espinoza
- DANIEL CANZIAN
A well-established Milanese reality that enhances the high Italian craftsmanship of the raw materials used in the kitchen, but also through the design of the restaurant. Lots of Veneto, Canzian's homeland, for a classic cuisine that does not renounce flair.
Via Castelfidardo ang. Via san Marco (Moscova)
Telephone: 02 6379 3837
Closed Sunday and Monday all day
Chef and patron: Daniel Canzian
- DVCA GARDEN
A restaurant with a garden in the heart of the San Siro Hippodrome where seasonal ingredients, the location and the Mediterranean menu signal a return to nature.
Piazzale dello Sport, 6 (San Siro)
Telephone: 02 45493060
dvca.co.uk/reservations-garden
Open only for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Sunday lunch only
Closed Monday
Chef: Massimo Larosa
- DVCA ROVELLO
Housed in a historic building dating back to the 1500s, it is the perfect destination for the city centre's lunch and dinner crowd. Chef Massimo Larosa serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine.
Via Rovello, 18 (Cairoli)
Telephone: 02 36746050
dvca.co.uk/reservations-rovello
Closed Saturday lunchtime and Sunday all day
Chef: Massimo Larosa
- THE LIBERTY
Andrea Provenzani chef and owner, a true Milanese, opened Il Liberty in 2002, realising his dream: a place that embraces tradition and simplicity in a perfect fusion of classic and contemporary.
Viale Monte Grappa, 6 (Republic)
Phone: 02 2901 1439
Closed Saturday lunchtime and all day Sunday
Chef and patron: Andrea Provenzani
- INNOCENT ESCAPES
Moved to this new location surrounded by a relaxing zen garden, here you can enjoy chef Tommaso Arrigoni's creations that combine tradition and research. A starred cuisine with non-starred prices!
Via Giuseppe Candiani, 66 (Dergano)
Menu: innocentievasions.com
Closed Sunday all day and Monday to Saturday lunchtime
Chef and patron: Tommaso Arrigoni
- SCALA INN
In an extraordinary location, between Piazza della Scala and Brera, a cosy and elegant environment with a secret courtyard that hides a magical winter garden. Francesco Iob's traditional cuisine, a wide selection of wines and an attentive, informal welcome make you feel at home in the heart of Milan.
Via dell'Orso, 1 (Brera)
Telephone: 02 869 3273
Always open for lunch and dinner
Chef: Francesco Iob
- MI VIEW
The stars of this restaurant are “excellence”, celebrated and enhanced in all its forms. The best of craftsmanship and food and wine tradition in a unique location: the 20th floor of the World Join Center from where you can enjoy a magnificent viewpoint over the entire city.
Viale Achille Papa, 30 (Hatch)
Telephone: 02 7861 2732
Closed Sunday and Monday
Chef: Cristian Spagnoli
- BRUNELLO TAVERN
Their signature dish is “La vera cotoletta alla milanese”, winner of numerous awards, along with the equally popular “Risotto alla milanese” and “Mondeghili”. This is a clear homage to Milan but leaves room for other great classics, always respecting the seasonality of the ingredients.
Corso Garibaldi, 117 (Moscova)
Telephone: 338 6175118
Always open for lunch and dinner
Chef: Vittorio Ronchi
- RATANA’
One of the first modern osterias in Italy to promote a sustainable gastronomic culture. Lombard cuisine revisited according to the chef's creativity Cesare Battisti and its brigade. A menu that is a free expression of a modern cuisine respectful of raw materials and with minimal contamination between flavours.
Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28 (Island)
Telephone: 02 8712 8855
Always open for lunch and dinner
Chef and patron: Cesare Battisti
- MILAN HEAD
Old Milan on the walls, exposed beams, checked tablecloths and candlelight, but also exhibitions by established or emerging artists. An informal ambience with excellent room service and exquisite gastronomic experiences coexist with the taste of mondeghili, yellow rice and ossobuco.
Via delle Abbadesse, 19
Telephone: 02 403 5907
Closed Monday and Saturday lunchtime only
Chef and patron: Massimo Motola
To take part in the “FontinaMI” event, you must book your table by contacting the participating restaurants directly. The cost of the dishes made is at the discretion of the restaurateurs and varies according to the restaurant chosen. For the choice of participating restaurants we thank “I can't cook but...” by Susanna Amerigo.
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