Adriana Orlandelli, a famous cook and restaurateur from Fidenza, has passed away at the age of 91. The news was given by her son, the well-known comedian and television presenter Eugenio “Gene” Gnocchi, via a touching announcement on his Facebook profile. Adriana, loving mother of Gene and Carlo “Charlie” Gnocchi and widow of Ercole Ghiozzian influential trade unionist and politician, leaves a legacy of passion and dedication that has deeply touched the community and beyond.
Goodbye to Gene and Charlie Gnocchi’s mother
Born in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Adriana Orlandelli has spent her life immersed in the scents and flavors of traditional Italian cuisine. His restaurant in Fidenza was a point of reference for lovers of good food and a meeting place for cultural and political debatesoften animated by the charismatic presence of her husband, Ercole Ghiozzi.
Adriana Orlandelli was the beating heart ofAntica Trattoria al Duomo and after the disappearance of Hercules in 1987the woman continued to manage the restaurant with the same passion and dedication, becoming a symbol of strength and resilience for her family and the community.
Adriana Orlandelli has left an indelible imprint not only in the hearts of those who knew her personally, but also in those of those who had the pleasure of tasting her culinary creations. Her ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes made it happen his restaurant a must for anyone visiting Fidenza.
In addition to cooking, Adriana was a amazing mom, instilling in his children a love for the culinary art and a sense of social responsibility. The news of his death was announced by Gene Gnocchi, through a touching post on his Facebook profile, where he wrote: “Mama Adriana has left us”.
The bond with family
Adriana raised her children, Gene and Charlie, in an environment rich in cultural and human stimuli, preparing them to become successful and valuable men.
Gene Gnocchi, known for his humor and his artistic alter ego which distorts the original surname of the Ghiozzi family into “Gnocchi”, has always spoken with affection and admiration of his mother. In an interview given in November 2021, he painted the portrait of a strong and independent womancomparing her to Ava Gardner for her beauty and charisma.
Gene talked about how his mother was one source of unconditional love and freedom, underlining the strong bond of love that united his parents, capable of living their life fully together while raising their six children. This love and this freedom were the values that Adriana instilled in her children, leaving a legacy of passion and independence that continues to live through them.
Adriana Orlandelli will be remembered not only as a beloved mother and grandmother, but also as a prominent figure in the community of Fidenza, where she left an indelible mark both on the local cuisine and on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit will continue to live on in the storiesin the dishes and in the memories shared by those who loved her.
