I wholeheartedly admit that I have a major crush on this sexagenarian. With his charm, humour, and culinary skills, Stanley Tucci has that special somethin’ somethin’ and he is clearly a man of many talents. He’s an actor who has been in such films as The Hunger Games, Julie and Julia, Captain America: First Avenger, The Devil Wears Prada, and Easy A (my fav!) to name just a few (note: all of these DVDs are available at WPL!). He’s a humanitarian and a self-proclaimed avid foodie, and it’s his love of food that is the basis for his memoir Taste: My Life Through Food.

No matter where he is in the world, whether he’s filming in Westchester, New York or London, England, Tucci’s love of food is clear. With charm and wit, he shares personal anecdotes to show how food has influenced his life and how this appreciation of food connects him to his family and Italian heritage. He also shares his health battles, how his family has handled the pandemic, and I loved the touching way he mentions the two loves of his life.

Tucci reveals a bit of food snobbery at times, but all is forgiven because he is charming as he shares touching moments and humourous bits. His name dropping of his celeb friends was thoroughly enjoyable – particularly Meryl and a very famous Canadian actor. I was delighted to know these two men are such good friends. 

Charming, funny (with a hint of snark), smart, and simply marvelous, this was a thoroughly enjoyable memoir with a side of foodie love! I actually simultaneously read and listened to this book (something I rarely do), but in this case, it was worth it! I highly recommend the audiobook to listen to Tucci tell his story and the hardcover for the recipes.