Stanley Tucci, the acclaimed actor and food enthusiast, has voiced strong opinions about Italian cuisine, particularly criticising the well-known chain Olive Garden. During a recent appearance on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, hosted by Josh Horowitz, Tucci candidly recounted his solitary dining experience at Olive Garden while filming in Salt Lake City. His remarks reflect not only his own culinary standards but also shed light on the broader expectations one should have for dining at an Italian restaurant.
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When asked by Horowitz what dish constitutes a crucial test of an Italian restaurant’s quality, Tucci responded emphatically, asserting that “every dish” should meet high standards. He singled out risotto as the definitive litmus test, explaining that the complexity involved in preparing risotto demonstrates a restaurant’s overall culinary expertise. “I think one of the most difficult dishes to make is a risotto,” he noted. “If a restaurant can make a good risotto, it means that they can usually make everything else pretty well.”
The discussion turned to his visit to Olive Garden, where Tucci hesitated even to speak its name, saying, “I still bear the scars.” Reflecting on that nonchalant experience, he insisted that while he avoids disparaging restaurants in his published works, the quality of the food he received at Olive Garden left much to be desired. “Look, in the books I’ve written, if I go to a restaurant, I don’t like it, I never name it,” he explained, “but come on, really?”
The conversation continued with references to Olive Garden’s complimentary breadsticks, to which Tucci simply acknowledged, “Yep.” Horowitz jokingly remarked that Tucci might have “lost one endorsement deal” over his comments, to which Tucci responded with a knowing laugh, “Yes, I know. Yeah. Yeah.”
Besides his criticisms of the chain, Tucci revealed his stance on culinary competitions. He has received numerous offers to participate in cooking shows but has declined them all. “I don’t like competition when it comes to art or food,” he remarked. “I think it’s silly.” For Tucci, the essence of cooking should be communal rather than competitive, emphasising the importance of bringing people together through food.
As the conversation shifted back to his culinary pursuits, Tucci also discussed the return of his popular series, “Tucci in Italy.” Set to premiere on May 11 on National Geographic, the new season will continue exploring the connections between Italy’s rich historical tapestry and its diverse culinary traditions. His travels will take him across regions such as Naples, Campania, and Sicily, showcasing Italy’s vibrant food culture.
Describing his experiences while shooting the show, Tucci shared that filming in Italy was “incredible.” He recounted a transformative period in his youth when he lived in Italy at the ages of 12 and 13. “It was life-changing and that, without question, informed how I saw the world and what kind of world I wanted to live in,” he reflected. The enchantment of Italy, he noted, stems from its resilient people, who have endured myriad challenges throughout history.
Tucci’s heartfelt appreciation for the Italian culture and its culinary offerings encapsulates a broader sentiment towards food being tied to memory, identity, and community. As he aptly expressed, “In Italy, food is never just food. It’s memory, identity and, sometimes, a full-blown argument.” This ethos underpins his culinary journey, revealing the profound connections people have with food, particularly in a country as rich in gastronomic history as Italy.
Fans of Stanley Tucci can look forward to the new season of “Tucci in Italy,” which will make all episodes available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu starting May 12. This series promises not only to delight viewers with its stunning visuals of Italian landscapes but also to educate them on the cultural significance behind its renowned dishes. Tucci’s passion for food and respect for its artistry are sure to resonate within the culinary community and among viewers alike.