I have many people to thank, and I hope those I may not be able to mention by name will forgive me. The gratitude and affection I feel for them are exactly the same as for everyone else.

My eternal gratitude and love go to my parents, a sublime example of an everlasting love — between them and towards us daughters. Tireless supporters of every project I have undertaken. They always have been, and always will be. Infinite love to my sisters and brothers-in-law, whose support, encouragement, and energy have accompanied me through every moment of my life. I would not be who I am without them.

A boundless maternal love for my two grandchildren, Francesca and Matteo: my pride, my reason, and the inspiration behind every choice I make; the vital force behind my enthusiasm. Children who are not my own, yet whom I will always love as a mother would.

A special place, and a special feeling, belong to my husband, Enrico. I met him. I loved him. I married him. I love him, and I would choose to marry him again every single day. No one else, no other man: he is the man of my life, my other half, the other half of my sky, half of my breath. Always, in beautiful moments and in difficult ones, I know his hand is there for me to hold. And the only thing I ask of Heaven is to have him always by my side.

He supports me and puts up with me, because I am a demanding woman. I love imperfection as a wonderful expression of humanity, yet perfection — which I never wish to achieve, nor could truly attain — remains my constant aspiration. I am a daughter of the culture of Leo Burnett, who said: “Reach for the stars; even if you do not reach them, at least your hands will not be covered in mud.”

And I draw Enrico into this personal universe of mine, where things must always be done with care and excellence. And if we cannot succeed, we say so, we admit it, we apologise. Because nothing is more beautiful than offering a humble apology: it gives shape and meaning to the love we intended to give.

Masters.
There have been many, but I will mention only two as a tribute to them all.

My unparalleled mentor, Maestro Luca Montersino, contemporary Chef and Pastry Chef, who, through his expertise and his love for things done well, has shaped my way of understanding pastry and cuisine. He has infused it with respect for the health of those who enjoy what we create, while inspiring me to continue studying, learning, and constantly improving.

And Chef Luigi Pomata, the King of Tuna: a person and a master who gave me everything he could, without obligation and without asking for anything in return. From him I learned the generosity of the Sardinian people, the love for territory and community, the purity of flavour and the honesty of ingredients, the lightness of a gesture and the depth of emotions, the authenticity of human connections.

I am grateful to them all, and within the limits of what I can do, I will continue to honour them.