Ado Campeol, whose restaurant in northern Italy is credited with inventing tiramisu in 1969, has died at the age of 93.
Tributes are being paid after the death of restaurateur Ado Campeol, dubbed "the father of Tiramisu" by Italian media. Campeol owned Le Beccherie in the city of Treviso, where tiramisu, featuring coffee-soaked biscuits and mascarpone, is said to have been invented in 1969.
The governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia, was among those to pay their respects. "With Aldo Campeol, who passed away today at the age of 93, Treviso loses another star in its food and wine history, which will also shine up there," he tweeted. The famous dessert was reportedly invented by Campeol's wife Alba and chef, Roberto Linguanotto, by accident.
Sad to see the 'father of tiramisu' Ado Campeol has died aged 93. I was lucky enough to visit his restaurant, Alle Beccherie, in Treviso, a few years ago, to try the original. Here it is. Excellent with a massive glass of vin santo. pic.twitter.com/wu27S2H7fN
— Josh Barrie (@joshbythesea) October 31, 2021
According to media reports, tiramisu came about when Linguanotto dropped some some mascarpone in the egg and sugar mix during while making vanilla ice cream. He and Alba then refined the recipe after tasting the mixture on coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits.
The dessert was added to the restaurant's menu in 1972 and has since become a hallmark of Italian cuisine and can now be found around the world. Tiramisu, which was never patented by the family, means "pick me up" in Italian.
