After the publication of the article about Fettuccine Alfredo, the granddaughter of the “real Alfredo” wrote to us to tell the story about her held dear grandfather:
“With reference of your article I have the pleasure to tell you the history of my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio, who is the creator of Fettuccine all’Alfredo in 1908 in restaurant run by his mother Angelina in Rome, Piazza Rosa (Piazza disappeared in 1910 following the construction of the Galleria Colonna / Sordi).
The trattoria of Piazza Rosa is the birthplace of fettuccine all’Alfredo
Alfredo di Lelio opened the restaurant “Alfredo” in 1914 in a street in central Rome, after leaving the restaurant of his mother Angelina.
In this local spread the fame, first to Rome and then in the world, of “fettuccine all’Alfredo”.
In 1943, during the war, Di Lelio sold the restaurant to others outside his family.
In 1950 Alfredo Di Lelio decided to reopen with his son Armando his restaurant in Piazza Augusto Imperatore n.30 Il Vero Alfredo (“Alfredo di Roma”), which is now managed by his nephew Ines, with the famous “gold cutlery”” (fork and spoon gold) donated in 1927 by two well-known American actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (in gratitude for the hospitality).
See also the site of Il Vero Alfredo (with news about franchising) .
I must clarify that other restaurants “Alfredo” in Rome do not belong to the family tradition of Il Vero Alfredo in Rome.
I inform you that the restaurant Il Vero Alfredo is in the registry of Historic Shops of Excellence of the City of Rome Capitale.
Thanks for your cooperation and your interest.
Best,
Ines Di Lelio”
Thank you so much Ines for your this extraordinary story!
