As much as I adore Rome, it can’t be denied that Italy in general is a unique and special country. For instance, I had the opportunity to travel to beautiful Milan, a cultured, modern, energetic city that is filled with art. Walking around the main sights, such as Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Castello Sforzesco, La Scala, etc., I found some places not to be missed.
Temakinho has become one of the most popular restaurants in the greatest cities of Italy; Milan and Rome; and in Ibiza. Milan and Rome each have two venues. Ever since the Temakinho opened it has been a great success; especially since fusion cuisine was at the time something fresh and innovative. It is well known is the city of fashion and everything that is trendy, so in a short time, Temakinho became the “must” place to eat. The food is a combination of Japanese and Brazilian, two cuisines different in flavours and composition, but a 
combination that works, and has been for many years. I had the pleasure of trying both the Brera and Navigli locations. The food was extraordinary in both restaurants, and the atmospheres were very different. I have begun to be obsessed with the Salmao Abacate. With the freshly squeezed juices my personal favourite is the Vitaminas; although, if you are going for dinner I suggest the Caipirinha Maracuja, which is composed of passion fruit, lime, and sugar; simply divine.
http://www.temakinho.com/
The Duomo is the main sight in Milan: everyone knows about it and everyone visits it. What not many visitors know, though, is that behind this majestic church, on a little street, lies one of the best gelaterie in Milan: Vanilla Gelateria e Cioccolateria. The owners, Massimiliano S., Massimiliano P., and their respective wives decided to undertake this great adventure after an eye opening vacation experience. They started their business to create the most artigianale gelato there could be, always meticulous when it comes to organoleptic products, aromas, and flavours. Once I got there it took me nearly twenty minutes to decide (my friend was not happy)! The choices are remarkable and all the gelato looked incredible, including the vegan one (something I was not expecting, and took me happily by surprise). Lastly, I threw myself at the Amarena and Cookies, and was not disappointed.
http://www.vanilla-gelati-italiani.it/
Suono e Tecnologia D’Epoca
From the name of this shop you would not be much interested in visiting some “old place’” but I am so glad that my friends and I were lucky enough to end up by accident in front of it. The shop window was colourful and it only took a glance to throw all of us to a time when life was “easier” or just different; that life that we (at 22 years old) did not get the chance to live fully, as technology was upon us ever since birth. Entering the shop we found ourselves surrounded by history: vintage 
microphones, vintage typewriters (which of course took most of my attention),coloured vintage telephones, some of which you would have probably found in your grandparents’ house while you were a curious child, gramophones, radios d’era, and so on. Every inch of the shop, which is composed of two rooms, was stocked with vintage marvels. The owners, Alfonso and his wife, were able to find these magnificent pieces of technology history that offer the clients the opportunity to relive those magical years. Their philosophy, and motto is: The detail evokes an emotion.
http://www.nipper.it/
My hotel was relatively close to the train station, (although since Milan is a pretty small city everything is relatively close). The first night, while waiting for the cab, I noticed a cafe just a few steps from where I was standing. The incredible surprise was that the cafe was the Crazy Cat Cafe (yes, I am a huge fan of cats, cannot really live without some fluffy love). The next day I convinced (or better, forced) my friend into having a quiet lunch with those furry balls. I was glad to notice that the cafe was similar to the one in Rome (Romeow Cat Bistrot ). The workers gave the same attention to the sleepy inhabitants of the restaurant, the colours of the rooms were soft to the eye, and all in all, the atmosphere was relaxing. A vintage record player was playing the Beatles and as soon as we sat down one of the waitresses swooped in with two adorable menus 
covered with little cat faces. After we ordered a huge American chocolate flavoured coffee (could not resist), the chef cooked us a vegetarian curry plate, which was just what we needed to start our afternoon with the right foot. The cats were very friendly, and all around the cafe you could find, or step on, some cat toys to take and bribe a cat to give you attention for a little while.
https://www.facebook.com/Crazy-Cat-Caf%C3%A9-783354531754912/
http://www.crazycatcafe.it/
Il Salotto di Mirella Denti
Walking in Brera, and taking in the atmosphere of fashion, and boutiques, I was drawn to this wonderful bracelet. While browsing through every shoe, bag, and accessory in the shop window, I noticed that everything that was sold were mainly designer, such as “Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo,” according to their web site, “as well as ancient highly fascinating Indian jewels and marvellous parures of the 19th century, among them some belonged to Queen Victoria.” More than a shop Mirella 
Denti’s place can be considered a gallery. Her passion for antique prestigious jewelry
was the reason that convinced her to pursue the dream of opening her own impressive activity, fully managed by her. Unfortunately, I could not buy anything as my friend and I were in a hurry; but I will never forget the gorgeous Hermes bracelet in the shop window, staring at me.
ilsalottodimirelladenti.com/
For years the Mandarin Oriental has been one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. It can be found in cities such as Paris, London, New York, Bangkok, and now in Milan. The hotel occupies four 18th century buildings in the heart of the city, right near La Scala. If you are a person that is looking for style, elegance, and high living you are in the right place. The design takes from the Milanese style, but the Oriental atmosphere 
that is present in all the Mandarin Oriental hotels has not been forgotten. If you are just passing by, do not miss the chance to have a drink at the Mandarin’s Cocktail Bar. Sit back, order, and enjoy the exquisite service, contemporary music, and a delicious Gentleman (Ketel One Vodka, Martini Rosato, fresh pink grapefruit pulp, simple syrup, and CO2).
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/milan/
If you are looking for a quick lunch, make sure not to miss the Panini Durini. They opened in 2011, with their only mission in mind and heart of feeding every customer not only with a smile, but also with high quality products prepared in the moment (daily made). The menu is full of different paninis with every combination of ingredients, I suggest to try the salmone affumicato norvegese, crescenza, finocchi, drops of lemon 
and extra virgin organic oil. They do not only serve paninis; you can enjoy a great dessert too. Their bread is freshly delivered every morning by the artisanal bakery, their coffee is a blend of Vergnano coffee, and their desserts are baked in the best nearby bakeries to assure the freshness and softness of their products. The shop also has a bicycle delivery service.
