Lunch at Bar Luce

Whenever I find myself in Milan my first stop is always the Fondazione Prada for a well-rounded dose of culture. Not only is the experience of walking through the Rem Koolhaus-designed compound – which architecturally embodies a dialogue between old and new that is so categorically Prada – enough of a reason to visit, the temporary exhibitions are always intellectual and thought provoking. But if art and architecture alone aren’t enough to draw you in, Bar Luce, the foundation’s café, is one of my favorite spots to dine in all of Milan. The space, designed by film director Wes Anderson, recreates a traditional Milanese Café, incorporating elements of Prada’s classical-meets-new-age aesthetic. While some of the space’s original architectural features have been preserved, Anderson has also filled the café with Formica furnishings in Prada’s trademark soft pastels, terrazzo flooring, trompe l’oeil wallpaper and kitchy elements such as a 1950s jukebox and two custom, period-looking pinball machines based off of Anderson’s most famous films. While the candy bar and sugary confections are delicious, my ‘Must Have’ whenever visiting Bar Luce comes off of the café’s extensive Panini menu. With endless combinations to choose from, the hardest part is narrowing down which one(s) to order.