Last week, the world had to say goodbye to an incredible pastry chef Roberto Linguanotto, the creator of one of the most internationally beloved desserts – Tiramisu. More affectionately known as ‘Lolli’, he truly shook up the culinary world with the enchanting combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa while working at the restaurant called Le Beccherie in the 1960s. Together with his apprentice Francesca Valori, they created the dessert that was designed to lift up the spirits, just like its Italian translation suggests. And decades later, we are sure you would agree – it still does.
But if you thought that the taste is the only legendary thing about this sweet treat – think again. This Italian must-try dish has sparked quite some rumours about its origin. And today, to honour the incredible culinary legacy of Roberto Linguanotto, let’s indulge ourselves in beautiful stories inspired by Tiramisu (and maybe even a spoon or two of our favourite treat.)
1. The bordello aphrodisiac
Tiramisu is said not only to pick up the spirits on a bad day, but also enhance high energy with its aphrodisiac ingredients such as coffee, cocoa, eggs, sugar, and mascarpone. So to no surprise, this brought forward a wide-spread legend that Tiramisu was actually invented in a local bordello in Treviso. Served to clients to invigorate them after their visits and rejuvenate the clientele, this story certainly brings forward a touch of intrigue and spiciness to the history of this dessert. Even though the theory has never been confirmed by any of the historians, it remains an urban tale retold by many in Italy and abroad.
2. The story of a duke
A classier version, on the other hand, dates back to the 17th century and Grand Duke Cosimo III de’ Medici. The Tuscan chefs in the city of Siena were said to work their magic to craft a dessert, both delicious and elegant, to appeal to the sophisticated palate of the duke. They came up with a layered creation that included ingredients similar to those found in modern Tiramisu.
3. The Venetian influence
Venice, with its rich history of trade and cultural exchange, also stakes a claim in the origin of Tiramisu. Some believe that the dessert was inspired by the city’s connection with coffee and cocoa, which were introduced to Europe through Venetian merchants. The theory suggests that Tiramisu evolved from earlier Venetian desserts that combined these exotic ingredients with local flavours.
Timeless legacy and endless creativity
Regardless of its true origins, Tiramisu has undergone numerous adaptations and variations. From the classic recipe featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder, the variations now even include matcha, fruit, and alcohol, as well as differ in their plating presentation to appeal to modern dessert-lovers. Regardless, each version pays homage to its Italian roots while showcasing the creativity of modern chefs and truly solidifies the incredible influence of Roberto Linguanotto.
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Hanna Yerega is a freelance copywriter and a powerhouse on social media, where she combines her knack for compelling writing with a masterful grasp of digital platforms. Known for her exceptional organisation skills, she handles multiple projects with unparalleled precision. Hanna is deeply passionate about not-for-profit initiatives, using her talents to amplify their messages and drive meaningful engagement.
