Better Together

| February 2012

Valentine’s Day does not need to be a holiday exclusively for couples but often serves as a perfect time to celebrate affection between friends and relatives. Why not celebrate the 14th of February in the company of others – possibly by going out for a special meal or picking out a gift for your loved ones and, what better place to do this than Milan?

Moroccan Flavors

Yacout. An elegant restaurant and after-dinner venue, this Moroccan paradise in Milan exudes scenic opulence in a whirl of exotic allusions to recreate the atmosphere of an authentic Moroccan Riad. The kitchen, open every evening, presents a new culinary panorama: the dishes, served with care by attentive waiters, range from traditional Moroccan to traditional Mediterranean cuisine. During dinner, oriental dancers perform spectacular choreographies – theatrical and regular belly dances, tribal fusion, Arabic can-can, burlesque and aerial burlesque and hip hop. The ideal environment for celebrating both private occasions and corporate events. The ground floor is the best spot to view the belly dancing on a central glass-covered aquamarine fountain while the second floor houses a salon privé and a cigar room. Open daily.
www.yacout.it
Via Cadore 23. T: 02 5462230.

Fun at the Water World

Acqua World. The largest indoor water park in Italy, Acqua World is situated just a few kilometres from Milan: an oasis of relaxation featuring 12 indoor and outdoor pools, relaxation areas, a laguna with waves, hightech slides boasting lengths of up to 1,100 metres and a bar and restaurant. Year-round entertainment for the whole family. Open Mon- Fri 2pm-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.
www.acquaworld.it
Via La Pira, 16. T: 039 6043050. Concorezzo (MB).

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!

Rocky Horror Picture Show. This highly entertaining musical – based on the 1975 screen edition featuring Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry – is currently being staged at Cinema Mexico. If you love the songs of this cult movie and can’t wait to sing along and “let your hair down”, all you need to do is book and…“Let’s do the time warp again!”. Performances staged every Friday starting from 3 February, at 10pm. Advance booking advisable (entry €6.00).
www.cinemamexico.it
Via Savona, 57. T: 02 48951802. M2 Porta Genova FS.

Cosmopolitan Night Spot

Nepentha. Situated just a short distance from the Duomo, Nepentha is one of Milan’s oldest night spots designed for those in search of something new to enliven their cosmopolitan evenings. Strict door-selection, fabulous cocktails, top level service and a number of renowned artists and DJs make this venue a reference point for Milanese party animals (and not only). Also ideal for dinner, Nepentha is one of the best discotheques in the city. Open Wed-Sat evenings.
Piazza Armando Diaz, 1. T: 333 6530261 (info and reservations). M1-M3 Duomo.

Food & Fun

MEMO Restaurant. Not a conventional restaurant, MEMO is the result of a combination between a passion for food and entertainment. Ideal for delightful aperitifs, dinners and afterdining, its warm, welcoming atmosphere offers the best both in the kitchen and on-stage thanks to a rich calendar of performances and shows. Open Mon-Sat, 7.30pm-2am. Ask your concierge for the programs.
www.memorestaurant.com
Via Monte Ortigara, 30 (10 minutes from Linate Airport). T: 02 54019856.

Towards Creativity

Pixar: 25 anni d’animazione. An exhibition that involves everyone, from the oldest to the youngest, dedicated to the study of animation to bring us any number of unforgettable characters. At PAC-Padiglione di Arte Contemporanea until 14 February, the exhibition – already hosted at New York’s MoMA and currently in Milan for its first European stopover – highlights creativity and technology through drawings, paintings, sculptures, storyboards, installations and much more besides.PAC is located just a short distance from the Public Gardens of Porta Venezia, the perfect place for a pleasant stroll in the heart of the city.
www.mostrapixarmilano.it
PAC_Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea. Via Palestro, 1. T: 02 88446359. M1 Palestro.

When Italy Rhymes with France

PiqueNique Restaurant. This restaurant, resembling a Breton house, features wicker chairs, checked table cloths and an open fi replace. Its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu satisfy all tastes with small, medium, large and very large portions. The restaurant off ers a combination of traditional Italian and French food. Highlights include soups and meat and fi sh “tagliate.” Also off ers a super, American-style Sunday brunch: a great opportunity for an enjoyable get-together. Open Mon noon-3pm; Tues-Fri noon-3pm/7.30pm- 11pm; Sat 7.30pm-11pm.
www.piquenique.it
Via Bergognone, 24. T: 02 42297225. M2 Porta Genova FS.

Toys From the World

Città del Sole. One of Milan’s best-loved toy shops, Città del Sole specializes in toys that are designed to help kids grow and learn. This eco-friendly, smart toy store sells funny, imaginative toys from the UK, Germany, France, Scandinavia and the US. A paradise for children and adults alike stocking a wide range of board games. Guaranteed to keep little and big ones busy for hours on end. Open Mon 11am-7pm; Tues-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-1.30pm/2.30pm-7pm.
www.cittadelsole.it
via Orefi ci, 13. T: 02 86461683. M1 Cordusio.