Shambala
- January 13, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
kikster from Bonita Springs, Florida
My first thought when I found out about Shambala was "why have they picked such a strange location for a fancy restaurant?" Via Ripamonti is a rather squalid boulevard in the outskirts of Milano, and it's definetly not the place wher you expect a great restaurant to be.
But don't be fooled. Once you reach the restaurant, located in an old farm building, you'll be speechless. As soon as you walk through the door you'll forget that you are in Milano, and feel like you have travelled back in time to the 1920s, when Vietnam was called Indocine, and opulence and excess were an everyday occurrence.
Shambala's atmosphere is just perfect: dim lights and candles illuminate the low tables, set with exquisite asian tableware. Once you sit on one of the very comfy silk cushions on the floor, order a cocktail (they have great bartenders), and take a look at the menu. Old vietnamese recipes are presented in updated versions with a flair: you'll find everything from spicy apetizer rolls to filet mignon, from vegeterian stir fries to incredible seafood dinners.
My personal favorite is the filet mignon cubes served over pineapple, snow peas, and rice. If you like steak that is so tender, it melts in your mouth, this is definitely the entree for you.
Shamabala is expensive, but I guarantee that you will enjoy the experience. There is nothing better after a day of fog, snow, rain, or humidity in a chaotic city like Milano than relaxing in the dimly lit, incense-scented, magical rooms of Shambala.
From journal MANGIA! A guide to good eating in Milano