Johnny Manglani’s Travel Black Book
Who: Johnny Manglani, 49, Mumbai-born, Singapore-based owner and founder of Uomo Group, which operates a chain of luxury menswear boutiques, five of which are at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
Favourite city: Milan, Italy
Why: As someone in the fashion business, I feel at home in Milan, which is recognised as one of the fashion capitals of the world.
It is a classy city, full of elegant, well-dressed people.
I go there six times a year, mainly for the unveiling of new collections and Milan Fashion Week.
It is wonderful meeting my peers from all over the world during such occasions.
Favourite places to stay
There are three hotels I frequent in Milan. The first is Bvlgari Hotel (Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7/b, 20121 Milano, tel: +39-02-805- 805-1), a luxury hotel in the city centre which has a large and beautiful garden. Room rates start at €650 (S$1,140) for a superior room.
On some business trips, I like to stay at the Hotel Principe di Savoia (Piazza della Repubblica 17, 20124 Milano, tel: +39-02- 62301).
The location is ideal as the showroom of one of my boutiques, Stefano Ricci, is situated in this hotel. A classic room typically costs between €300 and €400.
If I’m travelling to Milan with my wife, we stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano (Via Gesu, 6/8, 20121 Milano, tel: +39-02- 77088) as it is right smack in the shopping district.
The hotel has a lovely lobby lounge called Il Foyer, where many gather for drinks.
Room rates can range between €550 and €1,010 for a superior room, depending on the season.
Favourite restaurants
Ristorante Bagutta (Via Bagutta, 14, 20121 Milano, tel: +39-02-7600-2767, open Mondays to Saturdays from 12.30 to 10.30pm, closed on Sundays) is a trattoria loved by my family. I always have some burrata (fresh Italian cheese) with ham, and its Rigatoni Bagutta – a pasta with saffron and green peas in Bolognese sauce. It costs about €35 a person for two courses and a dessert.
My all-time favourite dinner trattoria is Il Giardino dei Segreti (Via Pasquale Sottocorno, 17, 20129 Milano, tel: +39-02-7600- 8376, open for dinner on Mondays, open from 9.30am to 2.30pm and 7.30 to 11.30pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed on Sundays).
The decor is simple but the food is amazing. Have some of its focaccia bread with freshly cut ham, and thinly sliced fried zucchini with potatoes. For mains, you must try its steak – wonderful Florentine meat. You cannot have this for lunch; it will sit like a bomb in your stomach.
To soothe my chest after dinner, I usually have a few shots of Mirto (a digestive aid) at this restaurant. A meal here costs about €70 a person.
Favourite bar
Il Bar, Milan (Via Santa Radegonda, 1 la Rinascente, 7th floor, 20121 Milano, tel: +39- 02-88521, open daily 9.30am to midnight) is located on the top floor of la Rinascente department store.
This is the best spot for you to take in stunning views of Milan’s Duomo cathedral all day long. Have a seat and have a glass of wine or order an Aperol Spritz, an Italian cocktail.
At home in fashion capital
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