A Night of 'Joia'

Earlier this year my colleague and I worked tirelessly to negotiate the next contract for our teachers. Now that everything is wrapped up, we decided to celebrate the end of that process with a decadent dinner.

So, off we headed to a Michelin starred vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Milan.

The food is whimsical, filling, and beautiful, but most of all quite delicious.

We opted for a tasting menu. Given the a la carte prices, the tasting menu seems like the best value for the large amount of money you are going to spend.

antipasti included in the coperta, or cover charge
you must eat with your fingers, and then use the water and lemon dish to clean your hands

another antipasti...
potato and parsley with 'edible ground'
the layers of flavors changed as you ate through the 'dirt'

'travel notes'
warm fondue of parmesan cheese with artichokes and black cabbage
four different sauces to eat with the dish

'oh my dear planet'
vegetarian version of foie gras in two ways, 'au torchon' and marinated with mustard,
a slice of grilled apple and its chutney, hidden under a crunchy dome of Savoy cabbage
**this was probably my favorite course**

'inner landscape'
broth of artichokes and turnip, properly cooked and lightly spicy, with Teff blinis

'divertissement, thinking about winter sun'
lukewarm ravioli, filled with kidney beans and nuts, play of roasted vegetables,
avocado, yuzu sauce and orange broth
**second best course**

'under a thin blanket'
winter walk, green celery pesto, heart of pumpkin and pepper,
truffle sauce, parsnip, cubes of ricotta, crispy sage, pomegranate and other surprises
hidden by an impalpable and tasty blanket

'rainforest'
gelato of black licorice

'five minutes'
terrine of chocolate and passion fruit, ricciarello biscuit, chocolate mousse with
pumpkin mustard, Bavarois of chocolate and mixed berries

final bite
I don't know what it was, and I don't want to eat it again. 

Reservations for Joia can be made online.
Our eight course tasting menu was 90 euro per person.
There is a cover charge, which included 3 additional courses and a glass of champagne. Flights of wine are available at three different price points.

The service was incredible, as was the whole experience.  It's not something to do often, but for a nice evening out, it would be worth a try.