There it is:  A dinner table in the farest corner of the restaurant Savini – hidden behind heavy light red curtains, but with a stunning view on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele , Milan`s first shopping mall.

This is where world famous opera singer Maria Callas used to eat after standing ovations at La Scala. She preferred her privacy while singer Frank Sinatra used to dine downstairs. Both of them were supposedly great fans of the “risotto alla Milanese” at the place. Sinatra is told to have liked it so much that he tried to buy the restaurant that dates back to 1867.

Today it is owned by the Gatto family and they want to export the brand worldwide.

But the Maria Callas table will only exist in Milan.

People book the table long in advance. It is a favourite among lovers: Often used to make wedding proposals.

“But not all proposals are accepted”, tells us Sebastian Gatto, CEO of Savini. “We see everything: From tears of joy to women who run away screaming”.

One thing is sure. It is not the fault of the “risotto alla Milanese”. It is still excellent.