This time, Stanley visits Milan, the capital of Lombardy. It is Italy’s second biggest city and a business powerhouse.
Stanley’s first stop is the Duomo, the largest cathedral in Italy, where he meets journalist Beppe Severgnini. Beppe explains the Milanese eat food for work, but in recent years Milan has become a culinary mecca. Milan is also the home of the aperitivo - a post-work drink served with a light snack. Stanley goes for aperitivo with social media star Tess Masazza, and afterwards they head to one of the city’s secret underground bars.
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and while there, Stanley meets one Italy’s fashion dynasties, the Missonis, who share some family favourites – tender succulent brasato, creamy polenta and freshly foraged mushrooms.
Next, Stanley heads to the Bergamasque Alps to try an ancient cheese made from the milk of alpine herds. The cheese is so incredible that Stanley feels inspired to make pizzoccheri for the crew. Stanley’s wife Felicity joins him in Como, and together they head back into Milan to Osteria del Treno, a former HQ for the rail workers' union. The menu is classic Milanese, and all classes of people eat here, often to the sound of live music, singing and dancing. It is a far cry from money-driven, fashion-conscious Milan - but a wonderful tribute to the people who built the city from the ground up. Show less