The author fantasizes about returning as a celebrity like Stanley Tucci, who explores Italy in his series “Tucci in Italy.” This show celebrates Italy’s beauty, food, and culture, showcasing regions like Tuscany and Lombardy in a lighthearted, affectionate manner. While Tucci shares his love for Italian cuisine and the locals, the narration lacks depth and repetition feels dismissive. Yet, viewers enjoy mesmerizing dishes set against stunning backdrops. The narrative embraces Italy’s leisurely lifestyle, reflected in its exceptional service stations that prioritize delicious meals. Ultimately, the series highlights the charm of Italy through Tucci’s engaging perspective.
In my next life, I am absolutely returning as Stanley Tucci. Or possibly Francesco da Mosto (the Venetian count with the flamboyant hair who was all over our screens a few years back, remember him?), or even Steve Coogan or Rob Brydon. Really, any celebrity sent off to exotic destinations under the guise of work.
I may never become a globe-trotter, but if I ever did, like most of these personalities, I would make Italy my primary stop. Honestly, why venture further? Why not linger in a place that captivates with its stunning beauty at every corner? A place teeming with the confidence that proclaims, “We owned the Renaissance! We’ve made our mark. No need to stress the small stuff—just sit back, relax, and indulge in penne all’arrabbiata until it’s time to be awestruck by ancient frescoes. And by the way, the spirit of Michelangelo insists you devour your weight in gelato before sleeping. That’s why he freed David from his marble prison. You’ll never be able to measure up.”
Have you heard? Stanley Tucci is Italian. The hint lies in his name and in his previous travelogue, “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy,” along with several autobiographical cookbooks about pasta and more, and now there’s “Tucci in Italy,” which resembles Searching for Italy, only, of course, he’s already found it.
The five episodes supposedly explore the links between various regions—Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Abruzzo, Lazio—and their culinary delights. Yet, in reality, it’s more of a love letter from Tucci to everyone he encounters, to all the food he savors, and perhaps, for those who feel that a little Tucci can go a long way, a love affair with himself.
Let’s be clear, this isn’t a scam. Making television certainly isn’t as grueling as working in a coal mine, but it’s demanding in its own right. However, the minimal effort put into scripting the narration (Lombardy is described as “innovative,” “forward-thinking,” and “industrialized” to an almost laughably repetitive extent) and Tucci’s superficial analysis of the cuisine he devours (“So fresh!” “This is the best day ever”) feels somewhat dismissive of his audience.
Maybe my expectations are too high. We do get to appreciate stunning culinary art and fantasize about experiencing them in inviting restaurants set against breathtaking backdrops (from the gorgeous streets of Florence to cooking fish along the Sarca River). How about a tiny amberjack taco with balsamic herbs sourced right from the kitchen? Or perhaps you’d rather opt for a steak that could invoke tears from the gods, sourced from Maremmana cattle reared in northern Lazio by some of the last butteri (specialized cowboys), or sturgeon caviar placed on a simple shrimp and spaghetti dish? Remember—if it’s genuinely fresh, the caviar should be odorless! What about a revamped vitello tonnato with an aerated tuna sauce? “I deliberately make the other dishes look less appealing,” the chef claims while perfecting the presentation. “So customers won’t feel intimidated.” You wouldn’t believe what the Lombardians can achieve with tripe or what the Florentines can do with tongue (they’ll make you want to eat it), so I won’t elaborate.
However, it is through their service stations that you will truly understand them. Italians take pride in the multitude of Autogrill branches, a phenomenon only conceivable in a country that values la dolce vita above all. What do I mean? It’s a chain of motorway service stations serving meals you’d be happy to enjoy at any restaurant in England. In its test kitchen—test kitchen!—they are developing a delightful vegan ragu for the masses. A customer shares that sometimes “you don’t want a full osso buco” because it might require you to pull over for a nap. Indeed. Indeed.
Thus, Tucci and his charm work their magic once more, mainly by pointing a camera at Italy, allowing Italians to express themselves and share their values. Tutta bella.