Stanley Tucci, the acclaimed actor and author, has recently shared his thoughts on the current trend of competitive cooking shows. During an interview with podcast host Josh Horowitz at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, the 65-year-old actor revealed that he had been inundated with offers to participate in these shows, but has consistently declined. Tucci’s viewpoint on cooking is that it should foster connection rather than rivalry.
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In a candid moment, Tucci expressed his feelings towards the nature of food competitions, stating, “I don’t like competition when it comes to art or food.” He described such shows as “silly” and “false,” emphasising that cooking should be a communal activity that promotes togetherness rather than division. “To me, cooking is the opposite of that. It should be a thing that brings people together, not separates them. A thing that allows for communion, not for competition,” he added.
He further elaborated on his perspective by discussing the broader implications of competition in the arts. Tucci noted that the evaluation of artistic merit is highly subjective, making it difficult to categorise and compare works effectively. He recalled advice from his father, an art teacher, who often questioned how one could fairly grade different forms of artistic expression. “They’re all different people, and they’re all different perceptions of what they’re seeing. It’s completely subjective,” he remarked, pondering how one could definitively label someone the “best actor.”
As he continues to engage with food and travel, Tucci is gearing up for the release of the second season of his National Geographic series, *Tucci in Italy*, which is set to premiere on May 11. This new season will see him explore five unique regions of Italy — Naples and Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto — in an effort to delve into the connection between Italy’s rich historical landscape and its culinary traditions.
Reflecting on his experiences in Italy, Tucci stated, “It’s been incredible. I always loved it.” He recounted how living in Florence at a young age had a profound effect on him, allowing him to experience a different culture and environment that shaped his worldview. “I realised, as I got older and I travelled to Europe, that I felt more comfortable in Europe than I did living in America,” Tucci confessed. He beautifully encapsulated his affection for Italy, describing it as “magical,” highlighting the resilience of its people despite facing numerous challenges.
In the upcoming season of *Tucci in Italy*, audiences can expect to learn about the culinary uniqueness of lesser-known regions such as Le Marche, situated along the Adriatic coast. In Naples, Tucci will honour a once-overlooked grape variety, while in Veneto, he will explore the origins of the beloved dessert, tiramisù, which is believed to have been created by a restaurant owner’s wife in Treviso in 1969.
Tucci emphasised that in Italy, food transcends mere sustenance; it embodies memory, identity, and even lively debate. He recognised a distinct cultural appreciation for dishes that are often tied to specific regions and their indigenous ingredients. “The one thing about Italy that is really interesting — and it’s not something that we have, really, in America much anymore — is that each region, and each part of each region, will use ingredients that are indigenous specifically to them,” he stated.
The second season of *Tucci in Italy* promises to delve deep into the culinary landscape of the country and aims to highlight the personal stories behind the dishes. Viewers can catch the premiere on May 11 at 9 p.m. ET, with all episodes available to stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu. With its rich exploration of Italian culture and food, Tucci’s series continues to resonate with audiences, providing a heartfelt reminder of the joy and unity that can be found in the shared experience of cooking and dining together.