All this work was and is intended not only to remind patrons and community members about their history, but that people have certain rights – like the right to citizenship – that must be kept, remembered, and expanded upon. Embedded in all their work is “hospitality and kindness,” which Rudy and Elia say are “watchwords that we have made our own.” The approach and work have certainly resonated with patrons, as they have over time contributed more and more to the look and feel of the place. Much of the memorabilia that can be seen throughout the restaurant was donated by customers – whether magazines or books, images from the past century, or testimonials.
As the word of the restaurant spread, Rudy and Elia began offering more and more services.
First, among these was starting a catering side
to the business that helped supplement the low costs. Then came “cultural” events – live music,
book presentations, and debates of various kinds – that occur on a weekly basis. Rudy and Elia even started a place for books to be shared
amongst patrons and the community, creating what have become piles of books that move inside and outside the venue. Collectively, all are seen as the tasks of what the owners refer to as a “Resistant” restaurant – revealing “the connotations that we wanted to give to the Cooperative right from the start.”
Such dedication and has brought the Cooperative La Liberazione worldwide attention. Countless personalities from the
world of culture in Milan and beyond have
visited the venue over the years. Writers, philosophers, journalists, politicians, and
Left:
Rodolfo Sforza & Aleida Guevara (Ernesto Guevara's daughter).
Photo Courtesy of:
Elia Sforza
Opposite:
Elia Sforza, Mariela Castro (Fidel Castro's neice), Rodolfo Sforza.
Photo Courtesy of:
Gianni Fossati (member of Associazione Italia-Cuba)
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