Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Experiencing Michelin-level dining with a memorable autumn journey in Milan

Fall in Milan is a truly magical time. During the first week of our honeymoon, my husband surprised me with a delightful dinner at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia. We embarked on an enchanting autumn journey through their exquisite menu, celebrating our first dinner in Italy.

From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we was enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

The Autumn Journey menu took my taste buds on a delightful adventure, showcasing the best flavors of the season. The meal started with a tantalizing mussel filled with buffalo ricotta cheese, lemon from the Amalfi Coast, and a touch of black pepper from Sarawak. The combination of creamy cheese, zesty lemon, and subtle spice was a perfect opening to the culinary journey ahead.

Next, the crispy 'raviolo' of Mantuan pumpkin and taleggio cheese from Valsassina impresses with its delicate yet crispy texture. The rich and earthy flavors of the pumpkin and cheese filling perfectly complement each other, creating a harmonious blend that leaves a lasting impression.

The tartare of dentex from the Ligurian Sea is a lovely highlight of the evening. The freshness and delicacy of the fish, combined with the fried leek and tangy orange marmalade, create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Each bite is a burst of freshness and complexity, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity.

The celeriac served with honeycomb is a true masterpiece, with the celeriac cooked to perfection and accompanied by the sweetness of honeycomb. It is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that takes the dining experience to new heights.

The livers pâté flavored with white truffle and dark chocolate offers a unique and indulgent experience. The richness of the pâté is enhanced by the aromatic truffle and the subtle bitterness of dark chocolate, creating a memorable and decadent dish.

The risotto with aged mascherpa cheese from the Bitto valley, Jerusalem artichoke, and Tonda Gentile hazelnut is a true delight for the senses. The creamy risotto, combined with the nutty cheese, earthy artichoke, and crunchy hazelnut, provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It is a dish that showcases the chef's expertise and attention to detail.

Dedicated to Milan, the tortelli filled with Piedmontese young beef ossobuco and its marrow with a reduction of its stock, saffron, and parmigiano is a true homage to the traditional flavors of the city. The tender and succulent beef, paired with the rich reduction and aromatic saffron, creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.

The wild game 2023 - pigeon with raspberry tart offers a unique and bold combination of flavors. The tender and flavorful pigeon is complemented by the sweetness of the raspberry tart, creating a memorable and adventurous dish that pushes the boundaries of taste.

To conclude the meal, the 'sugolo' is served. This refreshing palate cleanser prepares diners for the final course, a black lemon soft cake with Calabrian licorice, namelaka of lemon from the Amalfi Coast, fresh mint, and 'loomi' powder. The combination of the tart lemon, licorice, and fresh mint creates a unique and refreshing dessert that is both satisfying and light.

Throughout the dining experience, the service provided by the maitre'd is impeccable, befitting a 2-star Michelin establishment. From the warm ambiance to the attentive and knowledgeable staff, every detail is taken care of to ensure a memorable and enjoyable evening.

Overall, the Autumn Journey menu at Il Luogo Aimo de Nadia is a testament to the chefs’ creativity, skill, and passion for showcasing the best flavors of the season. It is a dining experience that combines Italian artistry, innovation, and tradition to create an unforgettable culinary journey.

Little touches of wonderful service and moments of serendipity made our dining experience at Il Luogo de Aimo e Nadia even more special. Not only did my husband surprise me with a delightful dinner to celebrate our honeymoon, but the restaurant also went above and beyond to make us feel truly cherished. They even presented us with a little wedding cake, which was a delightful surprise.

During our meal, we had the pleasure of sitting across from an Italian couple who were celebrating their 38th anniversary. They graciously raised a toast to us from their table, creating a heartwarming moment of connection and celebration.

Despite the 4-hour dinner service, we never felt rushed at all. The staff at Il Luogo Aimo de Nadia provided impeccable service, which was befitting of a 2-star Michelin establishment. The maitre'd took care of every detail, ensuring that we had a memorable and enjoyable evening.

As we were enjoying our meal, an acapella version of "Can't Help Falling in Love with You" played in the background, which happened to be the exact same song that Asher sang to me at our wedding. It was a beautiful moment of serendipity, adding an extra layer of meaning to our dining experience.

Throughout the entire culinary journey, every interaction was marked by genuine hospitality and warm gestures. The chefs, who graciously invited us into their impeccably clean stainless steel kitchen for a memorable photo after the delightful dinner service, took the time to congratulate us on our wedding. The attentive maitre'd went above and beyond by even helping us hail a cab at the end of the evening. These warm and heartfelt gestures left a lasting impression on us.

Overall, our time at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia was not just about the exquisite food and ambiance; it was the combination of exceptional service, delightful surprises, and heartfelt moments that made it truly unforgettable. This is what Michelin level hospitality is truly about - bridging cultures and serving an international audience with a discerning palate and bringing appreciation to food.