Stanley Tucci’s latest food book, What I Ate in One Year, surprised many, including myself. If I were to pen a book on this theme, it would likely be the size of a Victorian family Bible. However, Tucci’s book is more compact, with an ample amount of white space. The subtitle “And Related Thoughts” hints at not just musings about meals but also some broader reflections.
Format and Initial Impressions
The book unfolds as a diary, beginning in January 2023, when Tucci arrives in Rome to film Conclave, a thriller based on Robert Harris’s novel. Feeling homesick, he settles into a modest apartment hotel, a common experience for actors on location. Thankfully, his kitchen is stocked with essentials like pasta and tinned tomatoes. The bright side includes his co-stars, like Isabella Rossellini, who introduces him to a restaurant beloved by her mother, Ingrid Bergman. The other is Ralph Fiennes, with whom Tucci shares a taste for softer red wines from Northern Italy.
Charming Narration
This engaging beginning captures Tucci’s charm, characterized by his modesty, humor, and the ability to balance fame with everyday life. He shares his preference for train travel, enjoys dining alone, and always brings his food to set, anticipating subpar catering. His longing for a simple dandelion salad from his childhood reminds readers of his Italian heritage, adding a personal touch to his culinary adventures.
Decline into Blandness
Unfortunately, the book soon loses its flavor. With three bestselling food books under his belt, Tucci seems to have little new to say about food. The repetitive praise for marinara sauce, artichokes, and aubergines becomes monotonous. Lengthy descriptions of airport food and tedious anecdotes about security checks and delayed flights detract from the overall experience.
Lack of Intriguing Content
Tucci’s ventures into cookware design, while interesting, feel lackluster when discussed in the book. Occasionally, he mentions friends like Jamie Dornan, Saoirse Ronan, and Harry Styles, but these glimpses are often overshadowed by his reluctance to share personal details. A dinner with Colin Firth and Tom Ford ends with Tucci stating, “What we talked about is none of your business,” leaving readers feeling excluded.
Final Thoughts
Overall, What I Ate in One Year feels thin and lacks the depth and excitement that one might expect from Tucci. While his charm shines through, the anecdotes often lack substance, making the book feel more like a collection of bland stories than an engaging culinary memoir. For readers seeking a flavorful exploration of food and culture, this offering may leave them hungry for more.
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Explore Stanley Tucci’s What I Ate in One Year, a culinary diary that lacks flavor and depth.
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Stanley Tucci, food memoir, culinary journey, food writing, celebrity chef books, cooking anecdotes, Italian cuisine, food reviews, culinary diaries, food culture, cookbook review, gourmet food, restaurant experiences, famous chefs, food enthusiasts