perfect for an afternoon in a cozy spot – Negroni optional
Stanley Tucci’s engaging demeanor in the documentary series, Searching for Italy, captivates me. I enjoy his performances in many films, but the documentary series reveals a charming and personable side of him. Also, his love of food is contagious. It was a no brainer that I would connect with his memoir, Taste: My Life through Food.
evolution of a fan
In recent years, I’m drawn more and more to reading memoirs and biographies. These days, I find the actual human condition far more compelling than the fictional human condition. And I am astonished to note that I am reading foodie memoirs. Ruth Reichl was my introduction into this fascinating world, and I followed her book, Save Me the Plums with a rather extensive biography of Julia Child.
Of course, I watched the film Julie & Julia. Tucci’s performance captivates the audience. In a roundabout way, I have become a fan of all things Stanley Tucci.
I confess to watching the viral video of Tucci’s Negroni recipe on loop, going so far as to replicate the recipe. I even went on a mad (unsuccessful) search for the right coupe glasses in which to serve it. It’s a different spin on the cocktail (I prefer the original recipe), but I was so charmed by his presentation that I had that fangirl moment of wanting to be friends with him and have him make me a cocktail.
setting the table for relationship
Reading Taste feels a lot like sitting around Tucci’s table enjoying after-dinner conversation for hours. This memoir captures the intimacy of sharing a meal with someone, and the loving work and effort that goes into preparing meals regardless of their complexity.
Tucci shares his memories as well as family recipes. At its core, Taste celebrates relationship. Relationship with food, certainly, but how food encourages, develops, fosters, and embraces relationship with others.
highly recommend for some light reading to mix up your usual reading