Time for some beef! But we don’t mean the meat. Historically there has been friction between Northern and Southern Italy – not only political and ideological differences but also a passionate disagreement about whether the northern regions of Italy have better ingredients, taste and food than the southern regions. We’re not here to take on this battle (even though as southern Italians we know we win), we love to eat wherever we are and appreciate all the different types of cuisines and ingredients that the various parts of the country have to offer. While southern cuisine is known more for slightly heavier, richer, tomato or meat-based sauces and dishes, Northern Italy and Milano are more known for “lighter” meats and dishes, lighter sauces and of course three main dishes of Risotto Milanese, Cotoletta Milanese (breaded cutlet that can be veal or chicken) and Osso Buco (veal that is traditionally served with risotto).

You have all probably eaten one or all these dishes at one time or another as they make appearances on many menus worldwide but of course you can’t miss eating them on their home turf. A great place to try any of these is Il Tavolino or also Il Fortino. If your tastes are a bit more casual and you’re mostly interested in aperitivo culture and cool vibes, then we highly suggest hanging out in the Navigli Canal district of Milano where you can get great spritzes (duh!) and smaller bites at local places like Le Vigne or Spritz Navigli Milano.

A special shoutout also must go to Milano for being the founding city of the Negroni Sbagliato. This drink has become much more popular over the last year or so in the States (thanks social media for thinking you discover everything) and if you’re in Milano you can’t leave without going to Bar Basso which is where this drink was first birthed. A traditional Negroni will use gin as its alcohol base, but the Sbagliato uses prosecco. So, if you’re not a gin lover this alternative is perfect for you. So, get your drink on and stay sauced as we head back down south in our next edition and swoon over the deliciousness of the Amalfi Coast.