Places that endure the passage of time are wonderful because they are constantly new, but remain faithful to their original identity. When you go in, every time it feels like you are spreading your roots: rhizomes of the soul buried deep in the memory of the walls, colours and lights, in a location that you feel as very familiar, but that is also discreet, respecting your own

individual moments; we all have places where we love to find refuge.

 

Le Iris, in Bergamo, is that sort of place.

 

In 1993, Toni, with his wiry physique and his courtesy of times past, opened what his customers call a fragment of Manhattan in the heart of Bergamo, and this may sound rather ambitious as a definition, but all considered, it is very fitting. Because in actual fact, Toni has worked in New York and Manhattan, and it was there that he learnt how to make cocktails properly and how to treat customers in the right way: looking after them, but not to excess. After endless tours to venues all over the world, Toni returned to Bergamo and set up his own, which offers a solid guarantee in the realm of hospitality and quality beverages. For the record, the Iris is not just a violet flower, there are also white, yellow and orange versions... but this time we prefer the irises - "Le Iris" in the venue's Italian name - in black, a black that is so warm and joyful that in this colour you will discover the original meaning of the Greek word for rainbow. I

 

But remember, go easy on the cocktails! -Excerpts by Paolo Berizzi, journalist