A few weeks ago I was approached by The House of Peroni. They wanted to know if I was up for being sent to Milan to review a couple of restaurants for the magazine. What do you think my answer was? You guessed it, YES! So a couple of weeks ago, I packed a rucksack and headed on my merry way to one of the world’s most fashionable cities for a couple of nights.

I was in Milan to try U Barba for lunch and Cascina Cuccagna for dinner. But I knew my trip would not be complete without sampling the incredible aperitivo on offer, so I arranged to meet a friend of a friend on the Friday evening and trundled alongside the disused canal on Ripa di Porta to meet her at Rebelot for aperitivo, a gin based cocktail and to sample three dishes from the sharing menu.

The cosy and atmospheric restaurant, which shares a kitchen with Al Pont De Ferr, a Michelin starred restaurant a couple of doors down, was the perfect introduction to the Milanese food scene. Not only was the aperitivo offering of a plate of cured meats and grilled pardon peppers a delight, the three plates that we shared were beautifully presented and a total steal at 18Euros.

Everyone knows that I have a sweet tooth and a trip to another city wouldn’t be complete without snooting out the best bakery. So on the Saturday I edged my way through the hustle and bustle of paparazzi, Italian stars and Ferraris walking down Via Montenapoleone, Milan’s most fashionable street (it was fashion week when I was there, afterall) and paid Cova a visit. As soon as I entered, I could feel a wave of indecision come across me but, undeterred, I made a beeline for the pastry cabinet where I chose three small perfectly formed mini pastries, which were placed on a gold tray and wrapped up in the most elaborate fashion! As soon as I left, I found an empty bench and ate all three in quick succession. Delicious.

Sadly that was all I had time for but my fleeting visit has given me a taste for the Milanese way of life and I’m already looking forward to planning another trip.

My U Barba review will be live tomorrow on The House of Peroni website and keep your eye out for Cascina Cuccagna, which will go live next week!