Bistro tastes success as tiramisu named best in UK

A master baker who brought a taste of his Scilian roots to his bistro has had his beloved tiramisu rated the best in the UK at an awards ceremony celebrating the best Italian cuisine.

Bellissimo Italian in Burnley, Lancashire, was honoured with the Best Tiramisu award at the 9th Italian Awards, held in London.

Giovanni Scidetta, known to regulars as John, along with his wife, Lynn, said they were "overjoyed" with the recognition - after spending may years honing their cuisine at the Parker Lane eatery.

He told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's done the authentic way, with no alcohol and no cream, plus the fact it's gluten free."

Giovanni, whose basic recipe includes egg yolks, mascarpone cheese and sugar, added: "The judge had Crohn's disease and he was very sceptical eating our tiramisu - but once he tasted it he demolished the plate."

His wife Lynn said: "We have previously won five awards with The Italian Awards and are immensely proud to have won them for Burnley."

Originally from Sicily, Giovanni had previously mixed and matched Italian and British food on the menu but during the coronavirus pandemic the couple decided on a fully-authentic reset.

Lynn said: "We decided in the pandemic we are Italian so let's go back to a more authentic style.

"We did it and it took off – people come here from all over."

She said her husband was "the real star behind this achievement" whose "passion, dedication, and love for authentic Italian food and desserts shines through in everything he makes".

She added: "Every single day, come rain or shine, he gives 100 per cent to our bistro, crafting dishes made with heart, and you can truly taste the difference.

"We may not be the fanciest restaurant but John's food does all the talking."

Judges said the prize was awarded to the restaurant or café found to be "serving the finest tiramisu, judged on flavour, balance and authenticity".

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