Are you ready for an evening of dreams, starry in every sense of the word? Plays of light, shadows that seduce, gorgeous seats, velvet wallpaper, cherry wood furniture: everything is on point in this American style bar. The lights above color your glasses a midnight blue. Along the parapets overhead, there are photos of the stars that have graced the stage at Blue Note. You want their names? Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Pino Daniele, Al Di Meola, Marcus Miller, John Scofield, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, The Angels in Harlem Gospel Choir. And these are just a handful of the most famous stars.
We’re in Via Borsieri, at number 37, in the Isola neighborhood. What is certain is that back in 2003, you could not have chosen a better location in Milan to have opened a jazz club with a restaurant. Isola has long been a breeding ground for emerging artists. On every corner you can breathe in the creativity in this neighborhood that is constantly renewing itself. The restaurant is part of the Blue Note network, together with the historic Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village in New York, the Blue Note in Tokyo and Nagoya in Japan, and Blue Note Hawaii.
Blue Note Milano establishes itself every year as one of the most important and famous jazz venues not just in Italy, but internationally. As proof, take its hectic schedule with double features from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year, with a range of amazing artists. Here you will find artists go far beyond the definition of great – we are talking about some of the leading figures in the world of jazz, blues, soul and Latin music.
But Blue Note is more than simply live music: it is pure art, it is directly related to the artists who create and perform for you and with you. The evenings they host are magical, wonderful, all to be savored, note by note, while sipping one their 200 cocktails or an excellent Italian or French wine. And if you get hungry, don’t worry, you not only can dine from 19.30 you can snack up until midnight. The kitchen is simple but at the same time refined. You will find on the menu a mix of Italian and international flavors, and a range of vegetarian, meat and fish options. Your dinner will be served to you in peace before each show, from appetizer to dessert, by young waiters in their neat black uniforms.
A few pointers – for those who love the music, Radio Monte Carlo live broadcasts many of the performances. For those who love alternative lunches, do not miss their Sunday brunch which starts at 12 with a show and an excellent buffet. And if you have have special dietary needs, fear not, simply remember to let the bookings team know in advance!
Photo credit: Ilaria Pretto