17-07-2025
Treat at Llangollen takes Pavarotti's widow 'back in time'
Nicoletta Mantovani was served a white chocolate and strawberry tart during a recent visit to the festival.
The dessert was a tribute to her late husband's 1995 visit to the festival, where he enjoyed the same treat during his stay at the Bryn Howell Hotel.
The white chocolate and strawberry tarts, a tribute to Pavarotti's 1995 visit to the festival, where he enjoyed the same treat (Image: Rick Matthews) Mrs Mantovani said: "They are beautiful, such sweet, delicious flavour.
"But it is not just the tarts that are beautiful, it is the memories they bring with them.
"So many memories can be triggered by our senses of taste and smell that when I tasted these it was like being back in 1995.
"It was such a generous thought to recreate this dish which Luciano loved.
"Llangollen and the International Eisteddfod always held a special place in his heart and I am so delighted to be back here experiencing the festival again 30 years later."
The 1995 visit marked Pavarotti's return to Llangollen, 40 years after first performing there in 1955 with his father's choir, Chorus Rossini.
The dessert served this year was created by Keith Tapping, executive chef of the Wild Pheasant Hotel.
It was part of a reception organised by Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill, of Pendine Park.
The occasion also brought back memories for Mr and Mrs Kreft, who witnessed Pavarotti's visit to the eisteddfod 30 years ago.
The couple were among those watching his sell-out concert on a giant screen outside on the Eisteddfod field.
The Krefts also accompanied Mrs Mantovani and her husband, Alberto Tinarelli, on a train journey from Corwen to Llangollen as part of their visit.
17-year-old Moli Jones, a general assistant at the Wild Pheasant Hotel, said: "This is a great occasion, with so many well-known guests.
"It's been a pleasure serving our menu to them.
"I have always been proud of the community ethos generated by the Llangollen Eisteddfod.
"I have been here so many times and I have friends and neighbours who have volunteered here in the past.
"It is such a fantastic event to be a part of and always creates magical memories for anyone who comes here."
Becky Shields, general manager of the Wild Pheasant Hotel, said: "It has been our privilege to cater for such a special occasion as this and at what is the biggest cultural festival in Europe."
Following the reception, Mrs Mantovani presented the Pendine International Voice of the Future award, a silver salver and a £3,000 prize, to winning tenor Andrew Henley.
Also in attendance was Sir Terry Waite, long-serving former president of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
