January 2, 2026

Malpensa Airport (Milan, Italy) – Torino, Italy

This is probably the officially first day of the 2026 travel season. We started with cappuccino and brioche in the restaurant at the hotel, it is included in our room because of our status with Marriott. I also had some fresh fruit and yogurt to start the day. After breakfast we went back to the room, finished packing up and headed down to the lobby.

Harry V and Ali were right on time at 08:30. Malpensa, like SFO, has been undergoing renovation for what seem like years. I vaguely remember that the bus stops were on the ground floor at the western end of the airport. My memory isn’t so bad. The buses leave from the western end of the airport but from the arrivals level. We make our way through the airport to the lobby where the Autostradle booth is. We purchase tickets for Torino (€22 each, one way).

We the head outside to bus stop Number 5 to wait for the 09:00 bus for Torino. There are a few people in line already when we arrive. The bus pulls in just before 09:00. We load our bags into the cargo hold, check in and then board the bus. For some reason I remember it being an hour-long ride, but it turns out it is an hour and a half. The first part of the journey there is heavy fog. As we get closer to Torino, theft begins to lift, and you can see the snow-covered peaks in the distance.

Autostradle stops adjacent at Porta Susa on Corso Bolzao. On the opposite side of Corso Bolzano from were the bus sops, and right next to Porta Susa is a taxi stand. The proximity of the two makes getting around Torino very easy. Off the bus jus after it had gone 11:00. There are four us, and moe suitcases than anyone should be allowed. At first the taxi stand is empty. The two “smaller” taxis pull in, but they ignore us. Then a “van” taxi pulls in. He sees there are four us and ask permission of the two taxis to take us. I tried to tell him we would be happy to take two taxis, but he said no, opened the van and began loading the luggage.

The young folk climbed into the backseat of the van, and by 11:11 we were on our way to Piazza Maria Teressa #2. When we arrived, we unloaded the luggage and walked to the entrance of #2. Here we were met by Luis, who showed us to our apartment. You may want a reference as to where in Torino Piazza Maria Teressa is. First, Serra and Pietro’s first apartment was on this piazza. The apartment is actually directly across the square from their old apartment. It is therefore it is just a couple blocks from Piazza Vittorio Veneto, and their current apartment is just a block and a half beyond that. So, it is a great location.

The apartment is a two-bedroom affair with two baths, kitchen, and living room. It is light and airy. It is on the 1st floor, 2nd floor for Americans, but there is an elevator. The beds are comfortable, neither too hard nor too soft. As soon as we were settled in the apartment, Harry V & Ali took off to go see Torino. Serra had recommend Magazzino52 which is on Via Giovanni Giolitti just a half block off the Piazza Maria Teressa. It took a minute find it, still adjusting to the geography of Torino, and when we did find it, it had a sign on the door that they were closed until January 13.

So, we decided to head to Trattoria Toscana. It is about two blocks from Serra & Pietro’s on the other side of Piazza Vittorio Veneto. A short walk, but not productive as they were closed for the holiday as well, although they didn’t bother putting a sign out. So, the third choice was Signorvino, a chain restaurant which specializes in pairing wine and food. We have eaten here before last time we were here and when it first opened the location on Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

It was now pushing 13:00 and the restaurant was fairly full. Part of it is probably the holiday and part of it is probably other places are closed. Last time we were here the food was actually good.

We started with Focaccia Ligure al formaggio, aka Ligurian cheese focaccia. This is a light flat break with stracchino, also known as crescenza, is an Italian cow's milk cheese typical of the regions of Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Liguria. It is eaten very young, has no rind and has a very soft, creamy texture and normally a mild, slightly acidic flavor. The flavor seemed rather bold for stracchino, but it was very good.

Mary ordered the Tagliatelle alla bolognese. Egg tagliatelle “pietro massi” pasta with bolognese ragù and parmigiano reggiano dop. I ordered the saffron risotto, carnaroli rice creamed with saffron, butter and parmigiano reggiano, served with brown stock. We paired this with two large glasses of Barolo Serralunga d’Alba.

This Barolo is made from 100% nebbiolograpes, produced under the municipal designation of origin It is produced from a selection of vineyards located within the Serralunga d'Alba area, some of which are company-owned, others from suppliers who traditionally deliver their entire wine production to Fontanafredda. The winemaking process involves traditional fermentation, carried out in stainless steel vats with floating caps for 15 days at a controlled temperature (30-31°C), with frequent pumping over to optimize the extraction of polyphenolic compounds. The wine is then aged for at least two years in large oak barrels and barriques from Slavonia and Central France before bottling. This phase is followed by further maturation, which varies depending on the characteristics of the vintage but never less than 8-10 months.

This wine displays a garnet red color with ruby highlights. The aroma is clean and intense, with hints of vanilla, spices, dried roses, and underbrush. The palate is ample, dry yet smooth, full-bodied, velvety, and harmonious, with a long, persistent finish.

Generally, this wine is ideal with rich red meat dishes and medium- or well-aged cheeses. So, it went well with Mary’s bolognese and the focaccia.

After we finished lunch, we walked over to Piazzale Aldo Moro and Borello Supermercato and picked up a few things for the apartment. Some salami, cheese and bread for dinner, and, of course, some wine. Then it was back to the apartment for a nap.

After the nap we headed over to Serra & Pietro’s to see them and the girls. We didn’t stay very long, just long enough to say hi. Then it was back to the apartment, some salami & cheese for dinner, and calling it a night.  

Buonanotte e ciao

Enrico e Maria