Il Liberty

Having reference points in a big city is always difficult. Not only is it difficult to simply navigate, but you also have to keep up with all the places that open, close, move, change management, and renovate. Fortunately, at Andrea Pronvenzani‘s restaurant, Il Liberty, there’s only been a renovation.

Although I have not had the pleasure to meet him in person, I was able to see Chef Pronvenzano in the kitchen. He looks like someone who loves his job, and is still dedicated to research and learning, to studying his raw ingredients and reinterpreting them to exploit through technique, their full taste.

To begin, our waiter suggests some cocktails. The menus is varied and despite some evolution, still serves great classics. I, for one, cannot resist the spaghettone with braised spring onion. It’s perfectly cooked, creamy and slightly spicy. It comes served in small bowls with high sides, a style mostly commonly used for soup.

The bucatini latini with anchovies are almost as good. The Milanese pork cutlet, is a classic and executed accordingly. When your knife cuts through the light brown crust, you will instantly feel how much give there is in the meat, which is both rosy and juicy, almost sweet. It’s a must for those who love this classic Italian dish.

The eggplant parmigiana is a delicious reinterpretation of a classic. The sweet freshness of the straciatella contrasts beautifully against the crisp crunch of zucchini.

Il Liberty is the perfect place for those who love a traditional, but not too traditional, Italian dinner. It’s suitable as a date venue or with friends. It’s a surefire bet for traditional Milanese fare.