An Order of Polpo and a Golden Riviera Cocktail From the Mandarin Garden In Milan, Please!
In Milan? Well, it’s summer and it’s hot just about everywhere. If you’re hungry, well, the Mandarin Oriental Milan has you covered with a cult classic of perfectly grilled octopus and mashed potatoes, and a refreshing peach inspired drink that’s the perfect anecdote to the hot temps…
The Mandarin Oriental Milan is a special quaint hotel oozing with luxury, Asian hospitality, and Milanese creativity and business acumen all rolled into one. I was invited to dine for lunch on a recent Saturday afternoon at Mandarin Garden and let me tell you, my taste buds are still conversing about the Italian and Mediterranean flavors that they experienced.
Walking into the hotel, I felt at home. Maybe it’s because I’ve stayed there before and it felt nostalgic seeing the minimalist lobby of black marble flooring, wood paneling on the walls, royal blue sofas, and fresh flowers. As I walked to Mandarin Garden, the familiarity of the space, with black and white marble patterns, black marble dining tables, lush foliage, and muted lighting felt inviting and came rushing back. Eating at Mandarin Garden is a different experience on a Saturday than it is during the weekday. It’s more relaxed compared to the tailored suits having business lunches.
The inside dining space at Mandarin Garden | Photo Credit: Seele
The Golden Riviera cocktail | Photo Credit: Seele
The bar keep can whip up almost anything one may desire to drink but we got some friendly treatment and sipped from the new Estate Italiana menu that’s normally for the apertivo hour. But, I wasn’t about to say no to the Golden Riviera (€30 | $35) cocktail comprised of Tanqueray N° Ten, Peach and Basil Cordial, Italicus, and Seta Champagne at half past noon. Let me tell you, it’s divine. The perfect drink for summer, it’s refreshing, cooling, and peachy. Another drink, Sunset In Sicily (€25 | $29) with tequila, watermelon, and tomato water is another option; as well as the Sud Fizz (also the same price) with vodka, lime, and three cents fig leaf soda. A mocktail option, the Amalfi Twist (€23 | $27) includes martini vibrante, raspberry and mint cordial, lemon, and white tea.
Now, if you do one nice thing for yourself, particularly for your taste buds you must absolutely must order Polpo from the Classics section of the menu. It’s simple but electrifying. Comprised of grilled octopus with mashed potatoes and pistachios, I guarantee you have not had anything like it before. I myself am not an octopus person. Calamari, yes. Octopus no. If it had not been recommended to me, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. Grilled to perfection with just the right amount of time, it’s absolutely amazing- one, because of the flavors but two, because both the octopus and the mashed potatoes melt in your mouth.
Polpo, an octopus dish perfectly grilled | Photo Credit: Seele
THe flavors of Spaghetti alla Nerano blends well from the fried zuchini to the pasta sauce |Photo Credit: Seele
When in Italy pasta must be had. I opted for the Spaghetti alla Nerano. It’s topped with fried zucchini and al dente. It goes down well and the sauce on the pasta makes all the difference helping the flavors to mesh.
There was absolutely no room for a dessert, only a post lunch cappuccino. Yes, I had a cappuccino after 11:30am in Italy. A sin I know but it is what it is. If you find yourself having room, you’ll find Tiramisù, Meringata Al Limone, Oriental, and other sweet items, along with a selection of gelato and sorbet.
Listen, hands down. You don’t have to ask. Dine at the Mandarin Garden. Your taste buds will thank you later.
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