There are any number of elements which can make a winter vacation in the mountains really rather special. A blunder out in fresh snow, the silence of the woods at dusk, or the odd satisfaction of blooming health despite aching limbs after a long, intense day on the ski slopes. Madesimo knows very well how to offer its visitors an endless variety of these small pleasures. And taking a justifiably prominent position among these is the Bar Pasticceria Stella. Recently awarded by the Region and confirmed as a historic venue amongst the commercial resources within Lombardy, the Bar Stella is a genuine focal point for anyone looking for a warm and welcoming spot in which to spend quality time with friends or loved ones. It’s right across from the Parish church ”The Star” as it’s known affectionately by loyal customers all, was already up and running immediately after the war, when Giorgio Donati and his wife Caterina opened it as a bar and pastry shop. At the same time and over the years Madesimo was becoming ever popular as a holiday destination for tourists from Milan. Wealthy families from industry would drop in to lo Stella and find themselves alongside personalities from the world of show-biz and sport: from Mike Buongiorno to Giacomo Agostini, Adriano Celentano to Cochi and Renato and more recent “entries” like Valentino Rossi and Roberto Donadoni. What makes the place so very special is the professionalism and warmth with which Osvaldo Donati and his wife Viviana - having taken over from Giorgio in 1987 - greet each and every customer. Everyone is immediately made to feel at home. The pastry sector is superbly organised, from the croissant which Osvaldo makes by hand, to the more sophisticated pastries which clearly belong to local tradition and which it’s rare to find still available the length and breadth of Valchiavenna. Biscuits like those of Ploncher or “Oss de mord” made using Mino Persenico’s original recipe. The secret of the Stella is very simple: whilst remaining firmly anchored to tradition, the bar has always managed to discover and introduce new initiatives, genuine surprises even for those who have been coming for generations. The variety of teas, tisane and herbal drinks increases year on year and there’s no question that the bar is very much considered a genuine standard bearer for the popular resort. For anyone who hasn’t yet had the pleasure, we recommend the legendary hot chocolate, or any of the individual home-made dishes – perfect as a tasty yet substantial snack to set you on your merry way once more.