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A DAY IN ISOLA
With Saif Uddin - Sommelier
Saif Uddin has lived in Milano for 15 years. Originally from Bangladesh, he is now the sommelier of the Ratanà (Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28) restaurant, a refined venue specializing in Lombard cuisine. He is knowledgeable in over 600 wine varieties.
Since he arrived, the popular neighborhood of Isola has changed a lot, by erecting landmarks unique in the world, such as the Bosco Verticale skyscrapers, and doing major street redesigns, such as that of Piazzale Archinto, a hangout favored by the locals, and opening of new parks, such as BAM – The Library of Trees, which connects the Vertical Forest to the vertical towers of Piazza Gae Aulenti and Porta Nuova.
Isola has a reputation for having many places where you can eat or have a drink. Saif especially recommends Tàscaro (Via Thaon di Revel 4, M3 Zara): a quiet bistro with food specialties from Venice and Venetian-style ombras and aperitivos.
A few steps from Ratanà there is the House of Memory (Via Federico Confalonieri, 14), a cultural center and exhibition venue dedicated to the memory of the events of the Resistance in Milano. It has a program of public events, and houses an archive, a reading room and a study room.
Another interesting stop, which contrasts with the hip modernity of Isola, is the church of Santa Maria alla Fontana (Piazza Santa Maria alla Fontana, 7), with frescoes and the legend of to a miraculous water springing from the various still active fountains.
Isola is a neighborhood where the community feeling is strong and all trades are represented: from the tailor to the electrician, from the homewares shop and hardware store to the vast street market (Saturdays), there’s nothing missing in this alternative neighborhood which is alive day and night.
There is also gastronomy: the Pastificio Ratanà in Via Pastrengo 2, where you can find fresh pasta, small delicatessen, vitello tonnato, creamed cod, mondeghini. A little taste of Ratanà that you can take out to enjoy at home.
Café Gorille (Via de Castillia 20) is open from morning until late evening with breakfast food, sandwiches and cocktails and is perfect for an aperitif. For a good beer Saif recommends BeerShow (Via Borsieri 30). For an after-dinner, he says to move towards Porta Venezia, where you’ll find Barba (Via S. Gregorio 40).
