The article delves into a lesser-known aspect of Cortina d'Ampezzo, highlighting its role as a cultural hub in the 20th century through the lens of Rachele Padovan, who transformed her home into a private dining space that fostered intellectual conversations. Rachele, who lived from 1916 to 1999, provided a unique environment where culinary traditions came together with literary discussions, attracting many prominent figures in literature and the arts who were seeking both hospitality and a platform for discourse.

Rachele's gatherings were characterized by an intimate setting that prioritized conversation as the main course, rather than a mere addition to the meal. Esteemed guests such as Andrea Zanzotto, Dino Buzzati, and Ernest Hemingway frequented her home, utilizing food as a catalyst for exchanging ideas and engaging in lively debates about various topics, including language and arts. The article emphasizes how Rachele Padovan cultivated an atmosphere of camaraderie that lent itself to the sharing of thoughts and creativity without the formalities found in more conventional settings.

With the backdrop of recent Olympic Games in Cortina, the piece reflects on how this aspect of local history is overshadowed by more contemporary developments yet remains a vital part of the town's identity. It serves to remind readers that the essence of Cortina lies not just in its picturesque views and sports events, but in its rich cultural past marked by figures who contributed significantly to Italian literature and arts in a warm, domestic atmosphere.