If you happen to be from Milan (like myself) it is impossible for you to ignore the city’s patron saint, even if you aren't religious. Sant’Ambrogio - aka Sant Ambroeus in Milanese dialect - became bishop of Milan in the year 374, by popular demand, and ended up running the city for 20 years. He was a skilled demagogue and orator and is still tributed today on December 7th. One of the most beautiful churches in Milan was named after him and was tributed in a poem by the Italian 19th century poet Giuseppe Giusti [who by the way happened to have a love affair with my ancestor, Isabella Rossi Gabardi Brocchi].
Hence, Sant’Ambrogio is all over: in trivia, in history and he truly embodies the milanese essence, that is why one of the most sophisticated pastries in the Italian fashion capital was named after him. Sant Ambroeus Caffé was founded in 1936 by a couple of pastry chefs who had trained in Paris during the enticing period of la Belle Epoque. They decided to open a pastry café close to the opera house La Scala and to name it after the great bishop of Milan. The celebrated pasticceria and confetteria quickly became the meeting place for the local intelligentsia, who would enjoy the legendary cappuccino and cornetto at Sant Ambroeus.
Since the 20th century’s intellectual and artistic cream of the crop found utmost expression in the Big Apple, the Sant’Ambroeus trademark could not but establish itself in New York City. And so it did. Where? All over the island and beyond! Sant Ambroeus can be found in the West Village, on Madison Avenue, in SoHo, at Lowes Regency Hotel and even in Southampton.
The stars and stripes version of Sant’Ambroeus takes the traditional coffee shop a step further, expanding it to restaurant, Italian enoteca, and haven of traditional Milanese cuisine. But it remains faithful to its original identity, being the the hub of uptown clientele, creating a true neighborhood meeting place, where you can enjoy the best Italian coffee and pastries in town.