Wes Anderson's Bar Luce is inside Fondazione Prada. Filmmaker Wes Anderson has ventured into interior design, with a bar intended to recreate the atmosphere of Milanese cafes inside the OMA-designed Fondazione Prada in Milan.
Wes Anderson, best known for films including The Life Aquatic and The Grand Budapest Hotel, was invited by Prada to create the main dining space inside its new arts centre, which occupies a converted distillery in Largo Isarco, southern Milan. Named Bar Luce, the space takes references from famous Milanese landmarks and cafes dotted around the city, particularly those dating back to the 1950s and 60s. These influences are visible in various details, colours and finishes – from the veneered wooden panelling that lines the walls, to the colourfully upholstered Formica furniture. The pastel-heavy colour palette resonates with the aesthetic of Anderson's films, which are heavily stylised.
"It is for real life, and ought to have numerous good spots for eating, drinking, talking, reading, etc," said Anderson. Emilia-Romagna guide: what to see, plus the best bars, restaurants and hotels. Living as I do in Venice, I have always thought it a shame that relatively few among its daily invasion of tourists make it as far as the next-door region of Emilia-Romagna.
It easily matches the attractions of more celebrated Tuscany and Lombardy and offers temptingly affordable options for eating out and accommodation. Emilia-Romagna stretches from the wetlands of the Po delta down to the beach resorts of the Adriatic coast, and across fertile plains where the signature ingredients of Italian cuisine are produced. This is the ultimate foodie destination, where travellers can organise a whole gourmet tour around artisan producers of prosciutto crudo and mortadella, intense balsamic vinegar and Italy’s king of cheeses, parmesan.
Parma The must-see food producers are in the surrounding countryside, but the splendid monuments of Parma are worth a day’s sightseeing, too. Modena Around Modena, visiting a balsamic vinegar acetaia is easily arranged. Bologna Ferrara Ravenna and the Adriatic Coast. 10 of the best budget restaurants in Venice. The quality of food served in Venice has improved a great deal over recent years.
Chefs are using more fresh local produce and, with a little effort, it is still possible to find reasonably priced meals costing about €15 a head all over town. The best deals are definitely on offer at lunchtime, while in the evening, more and more informal bàcari (bars) are opening up alongside the more traditional ones, where you can try cicheti, small snacks or “Venetian tapas”. Trattoria Alla Rampa Miraculously, corners of Venice remain unchanged by the tourism that bustles through most of the city.
At the end of Via Garibaldi, moored on the canalside, is one of the last fruit and vegetable boats in town, and right in front of it, with its ancient hand-painted sign, is the venerable Trattoria Alla Rampa. Al Bottegon Le Spighe Trattoria Dalla Marisa This old-fashioned trattoria is a Venetian institution that has been serving delicious traditional dishes at affordable prices since it opened in 1965. Ogio. Travel tips: Milan for art lovers, plus deals of the week. Take me there: Milan Why go?
The city is known for its fashion and football, but there’s more to Milan than designer clothes and Serie A. It’s also home to some of Italy’s finest modern and contemporary art and an exciting restaurant scene. But perhaps the most compelling reason to visit is the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition – Italy’s largest ever – opening at the Palazzo Reale this spring, which promises to be an unmissable event (15 April-19 July, milanmuseumguide.com).
What to doOnce you’ve ticked off the big sights – the gothic Duomo (cathedral), La Scala Opera House, and the beautiful glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade – hotfoot it to the artsy Brera or Navigli districts, the best places for strolling and people-watching. Where to stayOstello Bello is one of the city’s best budget options with funky dorms and private rooms, and a sociable café-bar (doubles from €80, ostellobello.com). Give me a break. Villa Le Ortensie.