Five Places to Get Tiramisu in Memory of its Inventor
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram & Unsplash
In a world of delectable sweet treats the tiramisu stands out as a God of desserts. Sadly the culinary genius credited with this luscious creation passed away last week. In tribute to the late, great Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto let’s take a mouthwatering journey through the intriguing origins of the tiramisu and shoutout some of the Dublin’s best offerings where you can indulge while you raise a spoon to Loli.
It’s an inevitability. You’re sitting around the dinner table at the restaurant, jeans button undone in a covert attempt to relieve the pressure on your full belly. Stuffed and tired from an evening of overindulgence, the waiter asks, “Would you like to see the dessert menu?” Initially, you protest. “Oh, I couldn’t eat another bite.” “We’re stuffed.” “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.” Naturally, you still take the menu from the eager waiter. “Ah well, we’ll have a look.” “It would be rude not to.” “We could split something.” And then you see it. The irresistible beacon of tiramisu. Everyone cocks an eyebrow. No level of fullness or lack of preference for sweets can stand in the way of a rich and creamy tiramisu.
It’s a rock star in the dessert world. A total crowd-pleaser. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, indulgent mascarpone, and cocoa powder. It’s so simple yet so uplifting. The perfect finish to a meal and an effective pick-me-up thanks to the coffee. In fact, its translation into English literally means “pick me up.” And it certainly never fails to put a smile on your face.
An Ode to Loli
Who do we have to thank for this heavenly treat? Sadly, the hero who invented the tiramisu passed away just days ago on Sunday, July 29th. Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto was 81 years old. He invented the tiramisu in the 1970s while working at the Le Beccherie restaurant in Treviso, Northern Italy. Considering the iconic heights the tiramisu has reached, it’s actually rather difficult to believe that it was born only a few decades ago.
The details around the inception of the dessert vary depending on who is telling the story. One theory says that Loli stumbled upon the invention when he accidentally dropped mascarpone cheese into a bowl of sugar and eggs. From there, he is believed to have refined the recipe with the help of Le Beccherie’s owner’s wife, Ado Campeol. She is thought to have come up with the idea of adding the espresso-soaked ladyfinger biscuits. The dessert became a fast hit and a signature at the restaurant. The rest, of course, is history, and Loli’s humble little sweet treat took over the world.
Here are a few places around town to grab a scoop of tiramisu and say “we tira-miss-you” to Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto. Thank you for the tasty memories.
Blessington Street
Known more through word-of-mouth than online presence, this cozy spot offers a delightful Italian dining experience. The tiramisu here is a classic favourite, perfectly complementing their robust menu of pasta and pizza. It’s an ideal way to end a meal with its traditional taste and creamy texture.
College Green
Il Fornaio has a few locations around town, but its College Green branch is particularly convenient for a quick sweet treat. The window showcases a tempting array of stunning traditional desserts. Their tiramisu is the perfect indulgence, offering a delightful pick-me-up if you’re having a bad day. It can truly turn your mood around.
Chatham Street
Amuri delivers a true taste of Sicily, and their tiramisu is a must-try for dessert lovers. Served uniquely in a moka pot, this presentation adds a charming twist without compromising on taste. The dessert is rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of boozy flavor. It’s both adorable and delicious, making it a memorable experience.
South Anne Street
While you can definitely get your fill of pasta and risotto here, it’s the desserts that steal the spotlight. Their tiramisu is the subject of many a passionate debate about where to find Dublin’s best. And they offer a twist: a pistachio version that’s nutty, green twist on tradition. But don’t worry, purists — they’ve got the classic coffee version too.
Manor Street, Stoneybatter
Grano is all about fresh, homemade food and seasonal ingredients sourced from small Italian producers. Their tiramisu sticks to the traditional recipe. It’s a no-nonsense, delicious take on this beloved dessert, making it a staple on their menu.
