About the Author

Stanley Tucci is an actor, writer, director, and producer. He has directed five films and appeared in over seventy films, countless television shows, and a dozen plays on and off Broadway. He has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Tony, and a spoken word Grammy; is a winner of two Golden Globes and six Emmys; and has received numerous other critical and professional awards and accolades. A lover of all things culinary, Stanley wrote and directed Big Night, the critically acclaimed movie about two brothers running a failing restaurant, starred in Julie & Julia, and is the host of three-time Emmy winning Searching for Italy. He is also pretty adept with a cocktail shaker. He is the author of Taste: My Life Through Food and two cookbooks, The Tucci Table and The Tucci Cookbook.

Reviews

"Chefs and actors share a wonderful bond, the warm friendship of their respective colleagues. Stanley has learned to straddle both professions and this terrific book is a testament. Stanley is totally passionate about his Italian culinary history, and he is extremely knowledgeable on the subject of how home cooks and professional chefs approach recipes. I adore his family anecdotes and recipes, especially when one region has a strong opinion how a tomato sauce is to be prepared. I am jealous, Stanley is the consummate actor/director, and now we can add chef/cookbook author. Well done!" --Jonathan Waxman, author of Italian, My Way

"Stanley Tucci understands Italian food and Italian cooking. If that wasn't immediately apparent upon viewing his brilliant film Big Night, it will be when you read this book. . . . Stanley's co-author Gianni Scappin taught me everything important I needed to know about the food of Northern Italy. . . . His recipes and the techniques he taught me are fundamental to my life and have saved me from untold embarrassment every time I cook for my Italian in-laws." --Anthony Bourdain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Kitchen Confidential"

"Stanley's masterful artistry and talent on screen is inevitable, and having cooked with Stanley in my own kitchen, I can say with confidence that Stanley has talent behind the stoves as well. He is at ease and most skilled while cooking, and delivers truly delicious recipes. This cookbook is an intimate glimpse into the Italian heritage that Stanley holds dear--sharing the memories and flavors of his family table. And, it is with much admiration that I recommend this delicious read." --Lidia Bastianich, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Lidia's Italy in America"

Acclaimed actor Stanley Tucci, the grandson of Calabrian immigrants, is no stranger to food; while researching his 1996 film Big Night, he trained for a year and a half with chef Gianni Scappin. He also co-owned Finch Tavern in New York and currently hosts the public television series Vine Talk. Here, with Scappin, his parents Joan and Stan Tucci, and writer Mimi Taft (coauthor, The Tribeca Cookbook), Tucci shares family memories and recipes for appetizers (Potato Croquettes), pasta (Linguine with Clam Sauce), main dishes (Roast Duck with Fresh Figs), and other courses. Most recipes include variations and suggested wine pairings. VERDICT A celebrity cookbook of uncommon quality that balances rustic and sophisticated fare. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

"Chefs and actors share a wonderful bond, the warm friendship of their respective colleagues. Stanley has learned to straddle both professions and this terrific book is a testament. Stanley is totally passionate about his Italian culinary history, and he is extremely knowledgeable on the subject of how home cooks and professional chefs approach recipes. I adore his family anecdotes and recipes, especially when one region has a strong opinion how a tomato sauce is to be prepared. I am jealous, Stanley is the consummate actor/director, and now we can add chef/cookbook author. Well done!"

--Jonathan Waxman, author of Italian, My Way

"Stanley Tucci understands Italian food and Italian cooking. If that wasn't immediately apparent upon viewing his brilliant film Big Night, it will be when you read this book. . . . Stanley's co-author Gianni Scappin taught me everything important I needed to know about the food of Northern Italy. . . . His recipes and the techniques he taught me are fundamental to my life and have saved me from untold embarrassment every time I cook for my Italian in-laws."

--Anthony Bourdain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Kitchen Confidential"

"Stanley's masterful artistry and talent on screen is inevitable, and having cooked with Stanley in my own kitchen, I can say with confidence that Stanley has talent behind the stoves as well. He is at ease and most skilled while cooking, and delivers truly delicious recipes. This cookbook is an intimate glimpse into the Italian heritage that Stanley holds dear--sharing the memories and flavors of his family table. And, it is with much admiration that I recommend this delicious read."

--Lidia Bastianich, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Lidia's Italy in America"