The Botanical Club – Tortona

We told you it was coming. And now it’s here. Having on opened on the sly, without “an open bar party that attracts players – music – celebrations”, the guys from Pastrengo have opened the doors of their new marvelous spot The Botanical Club in via Tortona at Civico 33.

Set right in front of il Mudec, it is unmissable. The enormous glass walls catch your attention and your feet will not be able to resist the urge to automatically reach for the door and look around. The first time I went there, it attracted me inside like a magnet. I could not stop myself after having checked the décor, the colors, the materials employed.

Wrought iron for tables and chairs, marble, dark wood. And then the green walls (in a green smoke shade) is used as a part of the furniture with the plants, which serve to carve up the big spaces. Similar aesthetic codes are used to the restaurant in the Isola area, but here you can breathe. It’s a totally new atmosphere.

Looking at the menu, you can’t help but feel like Milan is a flawless city, when it offers places serving dishes like this. The poke is a Hawaiian dish that must be tried. It’s a Pacific cousin of the Japanese cirashi. Even Barack Obama loves it and in Milan nobody has ever heard of it. Obviously, Alessandro (Longhin) and Davide (Martelli) have just got the right intuition. They tried it in New York and brought it to us. Order it and you will find yourselves in front of a bowl of Pilaf rice (which is Carnaroli of course, because we are still in Italy after all) and marinated raw fish (tuna or salmon) with spices and perfumes typical of the Pacific. For those who don’t eat fish, do not fear: there is also the vegetarian option.

Open from 11am until late night, it’s the place Tortona always needed, where the awesome cocktails and food could attract the proper gourmands. I tried several of the recommended dishes, from the Poke to the sandwich with lotus chips, to the tapas with crispy octopus, creamed codfish and the unforgettably tasty and perfectly al dente cooked spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil.

I admit it, though, the Poke is my obsession. I am spreading the word and suggesting to everyone. It’s a Poke… It’s not a joke!