by Sandra Tornberg

The IACS was proud to host special guests Flavia Cosolo, her son Cristiano Romani, and Coro Gruppo Costumi Tradizionali Bisiachi on June 1. Flavia's family has owned a restaurant and hotel called "Al Vetturino" in the town of Pieris, province of Gorizia, in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, since 1850.

Flavia's father Mario served his military service aboard the royal yacht Savoia in the 1930's, where a competition was organized to create the quickest and tastiest dessert with the ingredients available onboard. Mario won with a creation based on cooked zabaglione cream, served cold in a glass. When he returned home after working aboard transatlantic liners, Mario went to work in the family kitchen. He recreated his dessert, which was called the Coppa Vitturino, and later renamed Tirimesù in the local dialect.

The folklore group Coro Gruppo Costumi Tradizionali Bisiachi is from the town of Monfalcone, in the province of Gorizia. They perform traditional folk songs from Bisiacaria and Friuli Venezia Giulia, accompanied by an accordion, guitar, and other rudimentary and alternative instruments made from simple everyday objects, most of which are made by the artisans of the group. They have performed all over Italy and Europe, and their appearance at the IACS marked their first U.S. appearance. They entertained a delighted audience with music and comedy skits.

In addition to a great evening at the IACS, these special guests visited the Fogolar Furlan of Windsor on May 31. They were received at Rochester City Hall on June 2 by Mayor Catherine Aragona-Daldin and held court at the Silver Spoon Ristorante Italiano that evening.

We thank our good friend Mauro Querio for bringing these wonderful guests to us and helping us to learn the history of tiramisù.