Here we are – finally – in Italy! And what better timing than to have our “Meet the Buzzhopper” with Milano Resident Nicolò Grechi than during the city’s world famous Salone del Mobile? If you’re in Milano right now you’d do well to check out Nicolo “Fashionista” Grechi’s tips, and if not… well, read along for your next jaunt to Italy’s fashion capital perhaps to partake in the Expo opening soon.
Off we go!
Tell us a bit about yourself, what makes you a Buzzhopper?
I’m a twenty-something year old fashion design student studying to be a coutourier in the fashion epicenter of the world. I’ve been fortunate to travel quite extensively all my life and my travels have made me innately curious about anything new and different. My life philosophy is ‘go for it.’ I’m always up for the next spontaneous experience and adventure – in travel, eating, drinking – anything really. And I’m always sharing my discoveries and places with my network and friends so Buzzhopping comes to me naturally.
As – not so subtly – hinted in this intro to this chat, you have Fashionista as a Vibe. Tell us a bit about that!
Well, fashion has been a very big part of my life since I was very young – I’ve been sketching dresses and shoes since I was five years old! I eat, sleep and breathe fashion so there’s always a bit of ‘fashionista’ everywhere I go, and in everything I do. What I mean by “Fashionista” is a sense of creativity. Sometimes it can be a ‘place to be seen’ but above all I always seek out a sense of uniqueness and individuality in all of my Buzzhopper places. I love shopping and my friends often take me shopping as their personal style consultant. I admit I have on occasion, also been called a Fashion Nazi – for my sheer determination and persuasiveness in making my friends wear clothes and accessories I believe looks best on them. But I’m always right. Really!
What kind of things makes you say “this is a Buzzhopper place?”
Many friends say I’m a pain in the ass when it comes to choosing a place to go out. I prefer to refer to myself as ‘specific and selective!’ Regardless of price, I’m looking for quality and that touch of ‘difference’ in a place (whether it’s the food, drink or decor) – no normal, average places please! From trendy bars and clubs to cosy family run trattorias, there’s always a specific reason I return to a place and I’ll always think to myself– ‘I MUST bring my friends here’.
What’s your favourite tip from another Buzzhopper so far (that you’ve used yourself and wouldn’t have discovered otherwise)
Buzzhopper Founder Melinda’s lobster linguine place in Milano. Even though I’m not a huge pasta fan I could eat this entire dish of lobster linguine alone – it’s really that good! However, a month ago I found out I’m gluten intolerant ruling out pasta and pizza, and to my surprise this place offers gluten-free dishes which is very uncommon in Italy. It’s called “pasta di riso senza glutine” (Editor’s note: gluten-free rice pasta for the Italian language challenged) and quite importantly is just as delicious as the real thing. The reason they offer gluten-free is because ‘la mamma’ is also intolerant so she ensures her sons (three of whom cook in the kitchen) always have some pasta dishes for her to taste on the menu, good boys! She suggested I order her favourite – pasta con gamberetti e fiori di zucca (pasta with shrimps and zucchini flowers) and it was to die for.
This is also a great place to come in a big group (as we always seem to), because you can share abundant plates of pasta and other dishes. The family vibe adds a nice homely touch and they’re always welcoming and friendly. And don’t forget la mamma’s homemade panna cotta to finish. A hot tip is to ensure you reserve a panna cotta as soon as you arrive as they’re often all gone by the time we get to dessert.
What would you say to people discovering/using the site for the first time?’
Buzzhopper is perfect for planning an upcoming trip – whether you’re visiting a city for the first time or returning back again, you can look around on profiles and search to see which Buzzhoppers fit your interests and vibes – and you can pick out places/things to do in advance and something that’s really important whether you need to make reservations ahead of time. Snooping on someone else’s ready–made “collections” is also really useful for travel planning, it lays out peoples favourite activities in some otherwise big and overwhelming cities.
I also think it’s a great way to meet or connect with new and interesting people around the world and grow your network. If you like the sound of their profile and their places, you can connect and maybe even meet them one day. So if you like my Buzzhopper places or think that we’ll get along after you read my profile, don’t be shy – say ‘hi’!
Nominate a Buzzhopper you like for the next spotlight!
Samantha Marshall who’s already been nominated by Jana Sanchez in last week’s “Meet the Buzzhopper” gets my vote. She has some great tips I want to check out on my next trip to New York!
And that’s all folks! Make sure you check out Nicolò’s profile for great things to do in Milano!