Caffé Milano crafts cocktails that taste as good as they look
The most beautiful people in Naples might just staff Caffé Milano. So it makes sense the cocktails and food are also beautifully presented, no detail missed.
“People love to look at something that is pretty before they taste it,” manager Massi Tonni says of the craft cocktails. “The first secret to impress guests is the presentation.”
Flavor comes next.
A prime example is the espresso martini, one of the best I’ve had. With vanilla vodka, Baileys, Kahlua and chocolate liqueur, it was delightfully less sweet than I anticipated, balanced nicely with the bitter espresso. To Massi’s point, it was almost too pretty to drink. The thick froth had artistic brushes of chocolate syrup, dotted by carefully placed coffee beans, and a delicate purple flower.
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Chris Tilley
Besides craft cocktails, Caffé Milano has a wine list full of global selections.
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The grilled octopus appetizer is served with fingerling potatoes and savory salmoriglio.
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Elena Bongiorno creates cocktails at Caffè Milano.
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Elena Bongiorno creates cocktails at Caffè Milano.
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Rustic yet modern, this southern Italian restaurant and bar hosts one of the most popular happy hours on Fifth Avenue.
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The passionfruit mojito is served in a fun and festive copper pineapple glass.
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Chris Tilley
Rustic yet modern, this southern Italian restaurant and bar hosts one of the most popular happy hours on Fifth Avenue.
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Sagermain is an impressive vodka–based cocktail that is both fruity and herbal.
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Chris Tilley
Rustic yet modern, this southern Italian restaurant and bar hosts one of the most popular happy hours on Fifth Avenue.
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Chris Tilley
Beef carpaccio with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil is a popular appetizer.
Another pleasant surprise was the passion fruit mojito. Refreshing, easy on the sugar and nicely balanced, it’s presented in a copper mug shaped like a pineapple. It’s one you could drink all day and easily get into trouble with.
The Sagermain heats things up. Absolut Elyx, Absolut Pear and St. Germain liqueur are poured over ice then topped with a house-dried lime that is set on fire. A fresh piece of sage is dangled over the flame releasing its aromas and oils. The cocktail tastes like a day in the country with fresh fruit and herbs.
Get your camera ready for the Si Vo Campari, when translated, Massi says, “It means ‘If you want to survive.’ It’s a masculine drink.” Campari, dry vermouth and Bulleit Rye are gently stirred and poured into a copper glass. A glass dome is placed over it, and smoke is pumped in for a flavor infusion. When the top is removed, the bar fills with a warm, comforting smell. Smoky, bitter and sweet, it’s a perfect winter beverage.
The syrups are made in house along with many of the infused spirits, and bartenders personally chip the ice used in each craft cocktail.
Rustic yet modern, this southern Italian restaurant and bar hosts one of the most popular happy hours on Fifth Avenue. Not only are there drink specials but also half-off food, such as the tender, colorful and savory grilled octopus.
The beef carpaccio is a generous portion of paper-thin filet mignon with arugula, porcini mushrooms, shaved Parmesan and a delicious drizzle of truffle oil that you can smell as soon as it hits the table.
A sophisticated bar serving carefully crafted cocktails, put Caffé Milano on your radar for the New Year.
Chris Tilley