"Every time I come to Milan. One of my friends here reminded me that I have been coming here for over 20 years, no wonder I know all the back streets to navigate when the local Polizia blocks off all the streets around La Scala as they did this evening. No doubt Berlusconi or some other has been politico was attending a performance. One of my problems is that I have so many favorite restaurants in this city that I can never visit them all in one week's travel here, and I have been negligent in not coming to Il Pontaccio for too many years. At one time the owner and manager was my friend Nicolo, assisted by his very capable brother, Franchesco. Nicolo unfortunately passed away several years ago, and coming here brings back memories of fallen comrades. I came here one time with one of my colleagues and we approached on the opposite side of this very busy street. I crossed the street quickly leaving my friend in a moment of indecision stranded on the opposite side. No problema, Nicolo jumped out into the street where Ferraris and Maseratis go from 0 to 100 kph in seconds and stopped traffic without a single protesting horn. My friend Chris crossed the street and traffic resumed as soon as Nicolo waved them on. It was a scene from Monte Carlo or LeMans. Chris was never so impressed in his life before or since when it comes to dining experiences. Which brings me after rambling, to this restaurant. I decided that I must return here after an unusual hiatus. It has historically been much busier than currently, perhaps due to some of the poor reviews I read out of curiosity. I guess I am here to set the record straight, this restaurant delivers top quality cuisine. Last night I took my date to Nabucco, another one of my favorites, but in retrospect perhaps I should have exchanged evening reservations, as this place is more of a local gem than a tourist find. The great Pavarotti used to come here and he was no light weight. I like to think that I have a discerning palate when it comes to foie gras, pretty much trying it any time I see it on a menu. This was not a surprise as I have had it here on several occasions. I can truly say that I have probably had several others where the actual foie gras excelled, however this is still the best when it comes to a pistachio sauce surrounding the foie gras that I could literally make a whole meal from. Give me a baguette, that sauce, some Parmesan (ok and yes some wine and I would die happy. There are two food groups (saying this lovingly that I have to succumb to when in Italy, pizza and pasta. Why do they just know how to make it better than anywhere else, including ex Pats who do their best. The most simple pasta dishes with oil, garlic, Parmesan, pepper and modestly spiced almost bring tears to my eyes; here is no exception. Add some porcini mushrooms and I can't stop eating, with full knowledge that another course is about to follow. And then came the duck. Ok I am totally prejudiced here, you could paint a smile on a duck and I would attack it with full vigor regardless of the preparation, it is just a fowl that I enjoy in just about all configurations. This would not be numero uno on my list of ducks I have encountered, but no complaints at all. Again the sauce with the cooked apples did it justice, and there was nothing left on my plate. I had to finish off with an espresso, see above with they just do it here so much better (I have 3 espressos machines, bring beans in from Italy etc. , a gelato sorbetto floating in vodka of course, and a wonderful grappa. It is no wonder why I keep coming back here. So if you are one of those who have slammed this establishment shame on you. If it is too expensive, check out McDonalds I hear their prices are really good. My 3 hour dinner here was hardly rushed, service was as always impeccable, and has been since I first came here many years ago. Oops forgot to mention, when you order a good grappa in a quality restaurant here, they bring the bottle, not just a shot glass. I love Italy :"
