Taste: My Life Through Food

This short chapter relays Tucci’s delight at meeting the iconic Italian actor, Marcello Mastroianni: “I must admit even the birth of my children has not given me the joy I felt at that invitation [to dinner]. All right, the kids’ entry into the world comes first, but by a nose” (176). Despite the language barrier, the evening went well, with excellent food and even more esteemed company, “with one of the people I admired most in the world” (179). The dining companions conclude their meal with a digestive drink named for the famed actor.

Tucci was so impressed with the restaurant that he invited some friends from the film set to accompany him back to the place. However, because Mastroianni is not with the group, the restaurant serves inauthentic versions of the Italian dishes they expected. At least he has the wonderful memory of dining with his cinematic hero.

Tucci recounts his experience making the film Julie & Julia, describing the research he did to play the role of Paul Child, Julia’s accomplished and supportive husband. The subsequent press tour was initiated at the Obama-era White House, which would prove to be “a tough act to follow,” as would be expected (183).