Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala is the pride and joy of the Trussardi Group of fine dining and fashion, having been awarded two Michelin stars in the short span of just two consecutive years. There must be something special about this place that has sparked its inspiring rise towards culinary greatness, and it was only fitting that I find it out myself while living the high life in Milan.
Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala is helmed by the talented Chef Andrea Berton. While towering over his kitchen staff and me (and basically everyone else in the restaurant), his charming smile and affable personality was something that warmed up the atmosphere immediately. This is the "friendly giant" who seemed very delighted indeed to have some foreign company in his humble abode. Singapore of course is nothing exactly "foreign" to him, as he had only just returned from the World Gourmet Summit that was held in... Singapore.
The setting here is modern and elegant, but also not over the top. I especially like the way the tables are spread out so much so that you get to have your own space and privacy to enjoy your food. I managed to get a table with a view of the Piazza Della Scala, and while it is nothing spectacular, it does has its own aura of serenity that completely sets you at ease. Perfect.
In some ways this was like a dinner to celebrate. The trip had turned out really well and we were on to the final couple of days in dear Italy. What better way to wrap things up than with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant? Moreover it did not turn out to be as expensive as I thought it would be, and it was not even close to what I was
We got the Blanc de Blancs Brut 1995 champagne to start us off for the night. I'm no wine or champagne expert but there's definitely a good balance to this Blanc de Blancs and it didn't come off as overpowering in any way. We delighted ourselves in the colourful Crackers as well, almost like surprised but happy children.
The Seaweed Spaghetti with Anchovy is not something I would want to remember, but I still can and I still do. This was a cold appetiser that slid down my throat uncomfortably, and I have to admit I couldn't appreciate this as much as I probably should. Acquired taste perhaps, but it did leave a fishy aftertaste that got me reaching for more champagne.
It's a good thing that the Breaded Cod Fish Breadstick that came after that was much more delicious. It's terribly simple no doubt, but the fresh breaded fish inside was really something quite special. This was a good add-on to the freshly baked and soft breads that were being served throughout the meal.
The appetiser of Grilled Scallops, Ginger Marshmallow, Cream of Coral and Lime with Crispy Peanuts was very unique and in a league of its own. No one would have expected such a medley of well-seared scallops, ginger marshmallow and cream of lime to go so well together, but that's what makes Chef Berton so creative and talented indeed.
I loved my main, I think it came straight from heaven. The Roast Breast and Braised Leg of Nantaise Duck was superbly divine, with such unrivaled tenderness that's almost unbelievable. I patiently savoured every single forkful of the duck and secretly wished the portion wasn't all that small. It's what some may call a little piece of heaven, and here I had three little ones all to myself. Hurriedly taken pictures cannot express even a hundredth of the happiness that I was feeling.
On a choice between vegetables and potatoes, it's a definite no-brainer on what I would ask for. I wished I could have more of the lovely rosemary potatoes from Cafe Trussardi, but the Fried Patate came out quite delicious as well and it was not surprising that my limited generosity only went as far as offering the travel buddy a single piece out of this delightful lattice.
Still, it was good to see the travel buddy enjoying his Black Cod with Saffron Sauce, Red Wine and Jerusalem Artichokes with such relish. He was full of compliments for the fresh and firm black cod, and insisted that I put it on record that it was "just amazing". So there you go.
The mini-desserts thereafter just kept coming, compliments of the gracious chef. First up is the Passionfruit Cake and Ginger Sorbet in Earl Grey Reduction, which was small but flavourful beyond our expectations.
The small tray of sweets was equally interesting, with ordinary gummies and peanuts placed beside absolutely heavenly White Chocolate Macarons and Italian Pistachios with Dark Chocolate.
This was a personal favourite. Earl Grey Chocolates that would wow any chocolate lover with a wonderful combination of quality tea and milk chocolate.
And, for something Asian, here's some Green Tea Walnuts for you to munch on.
We're not done yet, because here's something really unique and special. The Cosmopolitan on the Rocks brings shooters to a new level, as the popular alcoholic shooter comes on a bed of ice and is encased in a fragile chocolate shell. Put it in your mouth gently (and close it please!) and bite... The next few seconds would be quite indescribable. A rush to your head, that brief moment of euphoria, that momentary high... WOW.
For all that creativity from the kitchen we thought it would only be right to order more. My dessert of White Meringue with Hazelnut Chocolate, Crispy Vanilla Bread and Rhubarb Ice Cream was nothing short of impressive. The hazelnut chocolate within the meringue was delicious, the crispy vanilla bread was sweet from the crisp layer of caramel, while the rhubarb ice cream was unique, light and tastefully sour. Lovely.
The travel buddy's Creamy Tiramisu in a Glass was very unique too, and certainly not something you would expect of your typical and traditional Tiramisu. Not spectacular but still refreshingly different.
All-in-all, full marks for Il Ristorante Trussardi Alla Scala :)
Service
Excellent. Flawless.
Price
About €170 per person.
Place
Piazza della Scala, 5,
Milan, Italy.
Pictures taken with the Canon EOS 500D.
