Salò Hosts Gala Commemorating 9/11 Twin Towers Tragedy
September 11: the Twin Towers in New York collapse due to a terrorist attack. On the 107th floor of the first of the two affected towers was one of the city’s most famous restaurants: Windows on the World. Among the thousands of innocent lives taken are also the 78 staff members who were working there that Tuesday morning.
November 3: at Villa Alba di Gardone a gala dinner will be organized, called the “American memorial.” The evening will feature Gardesani restaurateurs, supported by prominent Italian and Californian chefs. During the event, magnums of prestigious names in enology will be auctioned, symbolically twinned with other important American wineries—a remembrance of the Twin Towers.
The event is organized by the Salògolosa Committee, headed by Angelo Dal Bon of “Campagnola.” Last winter, residents of Salò traveled across the ocean to present Riviera dishes on an extraordinary stage: the Nau Bum Castle of Francis Ford Coppola, in St. Helena, located in the heart of Napa Valley, California.
Presentations and International Collaborations
This is a remarkable achievement, considering that our small producers had the opportunity to present to some of the world’s leading winemakers, such as Mondavi, Mumm, Chapelet, Caimus, and others.
The presentation of bottles of various Groppello, Chiaretto, Lugana, Franciacorta, and extra virgin oils was equally striking and theatrical, staged amidst Oscar awards won by the famous director and some items used in his most famous films, such as the desk from “The Godfather,” costumes from “Dracula,” and cars from “Apocalypse Now.”
The culinary connection with the USA strengthened in May with the arrival at the lake of Chef Mariano Orlando, who proposed “Empanadas,” “Duck breast ham,” and “Polenta and mango spicy Crotin.” Bepi Ferrari, a resident of Salò who made his fortune at the Plaza Hotel in New York and other restaurants, presented the cocktail “The Legend.”
Response to the Tragedy and Solidarity Activities
Relations had been developing with other initiatives. But last month’s unimaginable tragedy left its mark, prompting a moment of reflection. So, prompted by Ldei, a U.S. association, Salògolosa decided to organize a gala dinner. The proceeds will benefit the families of the staff from the Windows on the World restaurant.
Many distinguished figures from the food and wine sector expressed their solidarity. Dario Cecchini, Piero Antinori, Michele Chiarlo, Francesco Ricasoli, Vittorio Moretti, Giulia Cavalleri, Chiara Lungarotti, Giorgio and Cristina Pelissero, Giorgio Rivetti, Paolo Saracco, Gualtiero Marchesi, to name just a few, declared their willingness to collaborate in the initiative.
This resembles, in some ways, the effort made ninety years ago. On April 14, 1912, the Titanic sank, drowning thousands. To honor the chefs aboard the transatlantic, the renowned Auguste Escoffier, a French chef, called upon chefs and restaurants across Europe to raise funds, involving the entire continent in a generous contest. “We cannot know if, someday, in New York, those beautiful Windows on the World will reopen. We want to bear witness to our wounded humanity, allowing those who feel the unbearable weight of tragedy to be close,” concludes Del Bon. For more information, contact G.A.R.D.A., vicolo Tomacelli 3, Salò, phone 0365-20872.
