Getting away from the capital, something that Vincent Dewas yearned for when he unexpectedly came across the Domaine de Ronsard....
Having lunch at Potafiori means being surrounded by an abundant and sophisticated flora playing with gravity. A continuous show staged by the talented Storage Associati and enlivened by Rosalba Piccinni. La Cantafiorista (the florist-opera singer, that cannot be invented) already owned a very beautiful place in Milan, and now in Potafiori she piles cut and potted flowers but also furniture and accessories designed by Elisabetta Campana. A rock’n roll cohabitation that looks just like this voluptuous woman from Bergamo with a diaphanous complexion. In a rough concrete setting with brass details, Potafiori radiates. Many surprising display stands give rhythm to the freshness and spontaneity of the place. Tree trunk, cemented block and bargain-hunted ceramics: every object contrasts but matches with the others. A beautiful competition where we can observe cactuses and lilies from the counter. The only thing we need more is Rosalba’s melodious voice in this island of thousands of curios and mismatched glass windows. On weekends, the jazz singer sings for her customers. This habit makes Potafiori a refreshing place, full of passion.
Potafiori, Via Salasco 17 – Milan. Opening: Monday to Friday: from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Saturday: from 6.30pm to 11.45pm. Phone reservations: (0039) 0287065930
My customers are transversal. They are people of great integrity, who choose to live in a magic place, a welcoming house which enables everyone to feel comfortable.
Rosalba, who are you?
I’m Rosalba Piccinni, la Cantafiorista, the florist-opera singer.
Where does the idea of Potafiori come from?
Potafiora is half a flower shop, half a restaurant. I first needed to express all my talents as much as possible!
What does this word, Potafiori, mean?
“Pota” is a word in a patois from the region of Bergamo and it’s also related to the origin of the world, just like in Gustave Courbet’s painting. The expression means that the place is welcoming and that it conveys notions of love, sharing and fun. It’s pure passion.
How would you define your style in terms of selecting flowers?
It goes with my instinct and everything I feel in my heart. So I choose everything according to what I feel.
What’s your favourite flower?
Poppy.
Who designed your shop-restaurant?
Geniuses of beauty: Storage Associati. They are crazy and visionary, just like me.
What was the original idea?
Keeping in line with the spirit of my shops.
Who are your customers?
My customers are transversal. They are people of great integrity, who choose to live in a magic place, a welcoming house which enables everyone to feel comfortable. Feeling home is the spirit of Potafiori.
Have you planned of opening other shops in the spirit of Potafiori?
Of course, I imagine the Potaworld! Fingers crossed.
Is there a place in Milan that you love?
The golf course a few minutes away from my restaurant. I am particularly fond of this moment when I reconnect with the depths of my soul and nature.
Photography : Constance Gennari – Text : Caroline Balvay @thesocialitefamily
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