Ice Club Roma
Ice Club Roma
Ice Club Roma (Via della Madonna dei Monti 18/19, Colosseum, Rome) – given Rome’s hot & humid weather during the Summer, this club should be an instant hit, at least from June to September, since this venue is completely made up of ice! Fridays nights here are popular, especially among the international student crowd. This is obviously a novelty hangout spot, since there’s a 30-minute time limit to even stay inside. Nevertheless, this “ice” nightclub/bar concept has spread to other cities – from Barcelona to Las Vegas.
I Candelai
I Candelai
I Candelai (Via Candelai 65, Palermo) – opened in 1996, this venue (located in the northern part of the city) plays an eclectic mix of music – from indie rock to 80s New Wave music, as well as commercial House music. Live musical events are booked here. Since this club is connected to the I Candelai Cultural Center (Associazione Culturale I CandelaI), there are also theatrical events and art exhibits here, too.
Hulala
Hulala
Hulala (Via dei Conciatori 7, Testaccio, Rome) – this is a major fashionista watering hole – from club music veterans in their 40s, to 20-something-year old. Everything from 70s disco
Gold
Gold
Gold (Via Carlo Poerio 2/A, Milan) – this combination cocktail bar, restaurant and coffee room, with a gold-toned interior (from the tables and metallic-fringed chairs to the toilets), was launched by fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana. Cigar aficionados should go straight to Gold’s smoking room to enjoy some of Havana’s finest. No doubt, Gold attracts its share of high-profile local and international visitors. Reservations recommended: +39 02 757 7771
Gilda
Gilda
Gilda (Via Mario de’Fiori 97, Spagna, Rome) –this nightclub has been a fixture of Rome’s nightlife for years (since the mid-80s), helped by its location near the popular Spanish Steps. Despite its dated interior décor, it still attract a “see and be seen” crowd (both locals and foreigners). Expect a musical format of Top 40s pop, Hip Hop, R&B, and some electronic dance music.
Il Gattopardo Café
Il Gattopardo Café
Il Gattopardo Café (Milan) – housed in a former church (like New York’s one-time hotspot, Limelight), this may very well be one of Milan’s coolest nightclubs. Unlike other local hangout spots (like Alcatraz), a more mature (30 and above) crowd often comes here. Those schooled on Italian culture will note that this club was named after writer di Lampedusa’s novel on Sicilian aristocracy. This explains why the club is decorated like a sumptuous Sicilian palazzo, with a neo-classical crystal chandelier the size of a small house. Advanced booking (to enter the club) is recommended: +39 02 345 37699.
Boème
Boeme
Boeme (Via Velletri 14, North Center, Rome) – located in the northern part of the city – away from the Roman era ruins, this nightspot gives visitors a taste of local nightlife, as enjoyed by young locals. Occasionally, prominent Italian House music DJs like Gigi D’Agostino are booked here, as well as Latin music acts (since there’s some popularity of such artists in Italy). The club’s black & white décor (on both its floor and walls) adds to its trendy ambiance.
Bácaro Jazz
Bácaro Jazz
Bácaro Jazz (San Marco 5546, Venice) – located by Venice’s Rialto Bridge, it draws in a solid tourist crowd. Since women who donate a bra get a free drink, there are bras hanging in this bar’s ceiling – which only adds to this venue’s fun atmosphere.
Trattoria Sostanza
Trattoria Sostanza
Trattoria Sostanza (via del Porcellana 25, Florence) – this no-frills Florentine eatery is more-or-less the opposite of high-brow restaurants like L’Incontro (a place where locals grab a simple meal). This means, of course, crostini, spaghetti al sugo or prosciutto as an appetizer, and then grilled meat or tripe accompanied by beans. This, along with the house Chianti wine. But the idea for at least some foreigners to come here is to eat without spending a fortune.
Uno e Bino
Uno e Bino
Uno e Bino (Via degli Equi 58, San Lorenzo, Rome) – this is a popular enoteca (offering a 200 label wine list) that also serves a variety of Roman dishes, along with a touch of nouvelle cuisine, all prepared with especially selected organic ingredients. This, as well as desserts such as tobacco mousse (on a rum-flavored jelly with a coffee-based sauce and chocolate flakes), and a yogurt foam in a sablé basket on a citrus jelly and licorice toffee.
