"Stories are told about how Tiramisu was the favorite of Venice's courtesans, who needed a "pick me up" (the literal translation of"tirami-su") to fortify themselves between their amorous encounters. True? Probably not. But it makes for a colorful history. Its American popularity arose in San Francisco, and today, Tiramisu can be found in restaurants throughout the nation."

and

"'Zuppa Inglese' is nothing like Tiramisù and that should prove my second point. Tiramisù is really from Treviso. Zuppa Inglese may be from Tuscany, but Tiramisù was first created in Treviso. The storya bout the courtesans should be true too. As far as I know Tiramisù used to be eaten by the ladies who 'worked' in the brothel above therestaurant called 'Le Beccherie,' where Tiramisù is said to have been created."

-heavenlytiramisu.com