Il Marchesino Yummy Yummy

(above: the yellow circle shows the location of Il Marchesino, the newest restaurant in Scala's building that opened today.)

One of Italy's most accomplished and talented chefs, Gualtiero Marchesi, has been poised to open a new restaurant in Milan to add to his culinary dynasty. The dream was realized today, as Il Marchesino celebrated its first day open to the public.

Pushing 80-years-old, the Michelin-rated star chef had previously struck a deal with Teatro alla Scala to move into the old Biffi Scala location, #2 Via Filodrammatici at the left corner of Piazza della Scala. The restaurant opened today, completely redone and redesigned by Ettore Mocchetti, with grays and darks on the floors and banquettes, and big red chairs upholstered in the same color as the chairs you sit on in the theater.

The menu is a pared-down reading of the Milanese classics (about 30 dishes to choose from) without anything too fancy (although there is an "Italian sushi bar" that holds half a dozen people...so whut whut). Marchesi wants to return to his culinary roots for his new restaurant. For instance, you'll find his trademark Risotto Milanese, but without his signature gold leaf square that marks the yellow rice at his other prestigious restaurant (in his own name, Ristorante Gualtiero Marchesi in Erbusco). In addition to dinner service, there is a coffee bar, a tea salon, and a dessert bar. Its main competitor will remain the always convenient Trussardi alla Scala on the opposite corner, which just re-opened after a brilliant redesign.

Comments

[NHB]

A piece of Opera History was lost when the old Biffi closed, a bit before my time. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a splendid after Giselle dinner one year with my mother in the "new" Biffi before they turned it into that grotty little sandwich bar for tourists.

I am glad they now have a proper restaurant on the site again. However can anything beat Savini? And I include the Trussardi Palace.

N.

[Mario]

And when will OC go and eat there and give us a review? A copy of the menu posted on this site would also be welcome. Foodies like to read menus. To drool over.