If you’re strolling along the streets of central Milan on your way to the Duomo, turn into Via Spadari. The giant slabs of meat, prosciutto and cheese wheels behind glass windows will make you turn around and stop.
Peck is more of a gastronomic institution than a multi-storey delicatessen dating back to 1883. Selling a range of gourmet foods that would please the most discerning gourmands, you can find an extensive range of salumeria, cheeses, oils, vinegars, as well as ready to eat food you can take home.
Don’t try to compare it to the likes of Harrods’ food hall in London, Lafayette Gourmet in Paris or David Jones’ food hall in Sydney. Here, the food emporium wears an elegant Italian label making the temptation high as well as the price. Expect service to be a little cold foeven if you are interested in buying. This is not the place to ask too many foodie questions as they seem to shrug off most clients, including the Milanese.
Go upstairs to the tea room where light food and beverages are served such as snacks, charcuterie and cheese platters, cocktails and hot drinks.
Take the stairs down one level and you’ll find the wine cellar which extends into a maze of corridors packed with an impressive range of local and international labels, including Australia’s Penfolds Grange Hermitage.
In this store, style meets food behind an icy reserve. But don’t let that put you off. Even if you’re not tempted to part with your euro, the visit will satisfy your inner gourmand.
Photography is strictly prohibited and there are signs in the shop that warn you everywhere you turn. However, I did manage to get a few hurried snaps of the shop window before I had a finger wagged at me.
Peck
Via Spadari, 9
Milan 20123
Italy
I can’t believe the Italians are so bitchy about food! I mean, to wag their finger at you when you are trying to take a photo, the nerve! I’ve actually been turned off going now, not that that I was planning a trip or anything, nor that they need my patronage… 😛
You get used to it, whether it’s the Italians or the French. It also happens here in Aus! I usually end up giving them a shrug and walking away…
So glad you braved the finger waving to get these shots! 🙂 I LOVE strolling through places like this. So inspiring. 🙂
It’s too tempting to walk past and not go in for a look! I wish I was allowed to take photos inside 🙂
I’m not sure I would want to shop in somewhere that is so unfriendly – and how can they forbid you to take photos of their windows from a public space – that’s fair game.
You’d think so, wouldn’t you… but when in Italy or France, I’ve had it happen a bit too often.
Vendi Canadian Club Whiskey o Harvey’s Bristol Cream Sherry?