Friends rally to support loved chef
CUSTOMERS and friends of Holloways Beach chef Vitalia Zanda have been supporting her from afar while she is treated for cancer in Italy.
The popular chef (right) behind Vitalia’s Italian Restaurant was diagnosed with a malignant peritoneal tumour in September and underwent chemotherapy in Cairns before flying to Rome last month for surgery and further treatment.
Ms Zanda and husband Antonio Lo Conte hired Italian chef Alessandro Delfanti to keep their Palm St business going while they were in Italy.
Regular diner Irene Combe said a large group of her friends booked in for a birthday party to offer support to
Ms Zanda and to test out Mr Delfanti’s culinary creations.
“It was such a fantastic gettogether for a lunch that brought together so many friends to celebrate the birthdays of Ildiko Szabo and Naomi Fuller – only two days apart. We had a ball,” she said.
“We couldn’t stop raving about Alessandro Delfanti’s cooking. We were all swooning about the different dishes we ordered. He is really talented.
“Also, we couldn’t get over the fact that out of 15 friends, there were seven nationalities – Brazil, USA, Canada, a Londoner, Hungarian, Japanese and a few Aussies, yet we’re all Cairns locals,” Ms Combe said.
Another to support Vitalia’s while its owners are away is Sapori Antichi Italiani owner Daniela Ferrigno, who recently opened her own cafe.
“The Italian community is very close in Cairns. We have been talking to Vitalia every day and supporting them morally and financially by having a gathering last weekend. We are already planning another.” Ms Ferrigno said.
Ms Zanda refused to let the disease beat her and flew to Rome to access a procedure in her homeland which was only on trial in Australia.
It also meant she had the support of family and close friends during treatment.
The couple and their son are expected back in Australia soon and planning a Christmas Day lunch with seafood pasta, homemade limoncello ice cream and a children’s menu.
“I would love to thank all the people that are supporting and helping me and my family,” Ms Zanda said.