The Art of Pastry: Frank Cordaro's La Deliziosa The following interview was conducted in 2002 as part of a Dutchess County Arts Council Folk Arts Program project documenting ethnic bakeries in the region. The project explored the role of ethnic bakeries in sustaining cultural traditions—not only through the creation of traditional baked goods —but also through providing centers for community life and viable business opportunities for some immigrant communities. Using these interviews, folklorist Jean Crandall and Folk Arts Program intern Jill Stein created displays about the area's ethnic bakeries and their traditional pastries for the 2002 One River, Many Streams Folk Festival. The Dutchess County Arts Council Folk Arts Program researches and presents the cultural heritage of diverse communities through educational public programs that explore and interpret the traditions of ethnic, occupational and religious groups in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The work of the Folks Arts Program demonstrates how oral history can emerge from many sources in the community. Project goals may vary by individual organization, but the overall results ultimately enrich our knowledge and awareness of local history and traditions.
Jill Stein: ...You told me last week a little bit about the history of the shop [La Deliziosa Pastry Shoppe, 10 Mount Cannel Place, Poughkeepsie]. But if! could get the official story of how this shop began... Frank Cordaro: Okay, let's see. In 1974, the shop was opened. Prior to that, the owner, Mike Buonaiuto.. . JS: How do you spell that? FC: B U O N A I U T O. Which means "good help." JS: Was he? (laughs)
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