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Taste: My Life Through Food Paperback by Stanley Tucci $12.99 (Save $10) + Shipping ($0 with Prime / $39 Spend) @ Amazon AU

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From award-winning actor and food obsessive Stanley Tucci comes an intimate and irresistible memoir of life in and out of the kitchen

Before Stanley Tucci became a household name with The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, and the perfect Negroni, he grew up in an Italian American family that spent every night around the table. Taste is an intimate reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about growing up in Westchester, NY, preparing for and filming the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia, falling in love over dinner, and teaming up with his wife to create conversation-starting meals for their children. Each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burnt dishes, is as heartfelt and delicious as the last. Written with Stanley's signature wry humour and nostalgia, Taste is a heartwarming read for anyone who knows the power of a home-cooked meal.

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  • 'It's impossible to read this without becoming ravenous!' — Nigella Lawson
    Yum😋


    Free options:

    Audible book narrated by Stanley Tucci (1 credit) - free with new account

    Borrow this 2021 book from local library
    (eg Brisbane has 27 copies)


    Loads of awards:
    THE SUNDAY TIMES BestSeller
    Longlisted: ANDRE SIMONS FOOD & DRINK Book Awards
    Guardian book of the year
    Times book of the year
    Spectator book of the year
    Daily Mail book of the year
    Evening Standard book of the year
    Stella Magazine book of the year

  • -1

    Maybe his sojourn through Oral cancer treatment might temper one's desire to race out and obtain Goose Fat to roast potatoes with …

    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stanley-tucci-cancer-treatmen…

    • +1

      I prefer horse fat for my potatoes but that's usually a little harder to source in Melbourne, well most of the time apart from around November 7 every year🤷

      • Everyone knows whale blubber is the bomb!

        • Whale blubber for cooking?! Why I never….I only use whale blubber to season my baby fur seal underwear

          • @[Deactivated]: I visit Japan a lot…🐳
            Kinky! But it would be devine against the bare skin.

            • @INFIDEL: 😆
              I enjoy France hence my penchant for horse lard, it really is amazing with potatoes.
              Now that underwear thing well that's just to ensure optimal insulation in frigid conditions, as they say, Scouts should always be prepared.

    • What has goose fat got to do with throat cancer?? What a Wally!

      Might as well say Masterchef judge and chef Jock Zonfrillo, died today aged 46 because he used native ingredients in his cooking…
      Everyone knows lemon myrtle is murder!


      Causes of throat cancer:
      smoking tobacco.
      excessive alcohol consumption.
      human papillomavirus (HPV)
      epstein-barr virus (EBV)
      poor diet.
      family history of cancer.

      I don't think his eating in general would be termed a "poor diet".

      But he was a smoker… The #1 factor!
      While speaking to Cigar Aficionado in 2013, Stanley Tucci revealed that he appreciated fine tobacco
      Recalling his experience with cigars, he said: “It was one that someone gave me and it was delicious. I went through a phase where I smoked a lot of them and then I stopped. I love it—and I miss it."

      And #2 - excessive alcohol consumption!
      THE NEGRONI TO DRINK WHILE WATCHING STANLEY TUCCI’S NEW MOVIE, ACCORDING TO STANLEY TUCCI and other alcohol related interviews.
      He's well known for his love of drinking. It generally goes with the territory of being a chef.

      motto: Everything to excess!

      Fortunately, "Though oral cancer temporarily took Tucci’s ability to taste, his love of food helped propel him to heal."


      Goose fat should be an indispensable ingredient in French cuisine as its use is so versatile…
      Goose fat is used in cooking like butter or oil. It is much more resistant to cooking than its vegetable counterparts and does not blacken. Better still, it gives dishes a pleasant taste.

      Wally, you've stimulated "one's desire to race out and obtain Goose Fat to roast potatoes with …"

      I'll have mine with lashings of goose fat, thanks😋

      • Whatever floats your gravy boat! 😏 IIRC actually I think it was his 2nd wife's suggestion (his first wife died of cancer)

        but now i have your attention as you seem to take it as a personal rebuff -
        I remember you under another OzB moniker was boasting about how you as the Trustee of a family estate had deferred distribution to the beneficiaries until you deemed the circumstances appropriate - In light of your endorsement of 'Everything to Excess' I now gotta know .. how long did they have to wait for you to finalize the estate & distribute their inheritance .. and were you drawing a fee for your service as trustee?

        • Well a lot can be learnt from comments!
          Even off-topic ones like these😋

          Learnt had probably eaten fries cooked in horse fat in Belgium🇧🇪

          And that Stanley Tucci really liked to indulge. I didn't know much about him before this Deal & your comment. Made me curious. Will grab the book from library or free audio book.

          Of course I realised you didn't say goose fat caused the throat cancer😋
          But others may infer that.
          Assumed you (like many) don't like abuse of creatures (for their fat, or worse - pâté).
          So was only teasing😉

          • @INFIDEL: Touché 😜

            But one person's teasing can be another's angst

            like Jock Zonfrillo found out when he set an apprentice alight in a Sydney restaurant because he assessed he was too slow in the kitchen … a Court awarded the apprentice $75k .. but Jock soon declared bankruptcy & moved to Adelaide

            His fermenting kangaroo meat was probably one way to remove a sour taste he left behind!

            • @Wally: Moral: Never upset a chef!
              Have worked in a few kitchens😜

              My Mother was an award wining cook. An interesting upbringing. Am often surprised I know French culinary terminology so many years later.

        • I remember you… boasting about how you as the Trustee of a family estate had deferred distribution to the beneficiaries

          Your memory is very faulty!!

          That's not what I said!
          As a legal matter - I try to be precise so others can follow the instructions. People sent PMs so I could clarify details of the approach. They found my suggestion helpful.

          Certainly wasn't boasting!
          Just hopefully helpful.
          Check your perception filters & faulty thinking😜

          Maybe reread my advice (as Executor of a family member's Will)!
          For fast access to the deceased funds, set up a Trust bank account…

          Otherwise to release … large amounts … usually requires the Court to check the Will through the usual slow & costly process of Probate.

          You don't seem to understand these complex legal matters.
          But make unfounded accusations😜

          how long did they have to wait for you to finalize the estate & distribute their inheritance ..

          How wrong can you get??
          My suggested approach sped up the distribution to a matter of days instead of months!!

          That was the basis of my comment - to speed up distribution & lower costs!

          Following the normal course of Probate through the Court - would have delayed distribution by months & entails additional costs. It's usually handled by legal practitioner💰

          and were you drawing a fee for your service as trustee?

          Again - you got that wrong.
          It was for family. As usual, I charged nothing for my service or any expenses as Executor of the Will.
          By law I could claim reasonable legitimate expenses.

          Once the Trust bank accounts were set up - I was then also referred to as "Trustee for estate of…" for all correspondence from banks & ATO.

          All the responsibility & hassles, but certainly no fees or benefits!
          (Any benefits were purely in your imagination!)

          That's why this would normally be a paid service carried out by a Solicitor or other professional! Saved the family a lot of unnecessary costs!!

          Have managed extended family matters for years. Pity I rarely see a cent from it!

          If I want something from a family estate - I have the complex task of seeking approval from all beneficiaries, & pay the commercial cost!!! Families can get pretty angry if one member is seen as taking advantage of other family members! It can cause a dispute that drags on for years😝

          Not at all as you seem to believe.

          • @INFIDEL: i was recollecting your comment some years ago when you were going by the name Infidel on OzB

            I may have wrongly assumed you had obtained Probate .. but chose to not liquidate/distribute assets until you deemed the timing was 'right'

            ps: the use of the word 'boast' was used with a shade of schadenfreude .. prompted by your earlier 'teasing' 😏

            • @Wally: Who me - an Infidel (a non-believer)??
              That was so last year!
              A change in focus, a new name.
              Have had 4 usernames over nearly 12 years.
              When people think they know me - it's time for a change🤔


              Thinking outside the usual ways, I always avoid delays & Court processes where ever possible!
              Better to distribute funds to those who want it asap.

              My former consultancy business taught successful clients how to think differently - to be more successful & work less.

              I took my own advice & retired in my 30's & travelled very cheaply (e.g. hitchhiking & sleeping on beaches in Japan to have real experiences money can't buy).


              The $500k involved in the Will - a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (required by Aged Care Facility) was partly raised from interest free loans from family members. I set up the loans & had a lot of money in it. So was in my best interests to distribute it fast.

              Had to be very cautious with family funds. Where there is money, there is greed & mischief. The greediest & seeking to control the money - are often those with most money already.

              (I'm the opposite - a lapsed hippie, who had established a successful social enterprise & free food service. Because I operate outside most people's experiences, I am often treated as suspect. I love to give away money. How strange!)

              The relative's Dr accused me of living off him, as his live in carer. (I paid market rent to him & paid for many of his expenses.)

              After a complaint by her, a 16 month forensic audit by a Government body not only cleared me - but praised my financial management for him (including that large interest free loan).
              The Dr just wanted to take charge of him - for their benefit…

              Oh shades of schadenfreude off😃

              • +1

                @INFIDEL: Kudos on sleeping on beaches in Japan! 😎

                I'd be too wary of villagers loudly labelling me 外人 and chasing me outta town! 🤯

                • +1

                  @Wally: The opposite was my experience😃

                  Guess it's all about perceptions & expectations. Japanese have a nickname for me "Very Lucky". They couldn't be disrespectful to Mr "Very Lucky"!
                  At one time I was known for my (accidental) appearance on TV performing Rakugo (traditional Japanese storytelling) in English📺
                  People would say I showed deep respect & understanding. I was just enjoying myself.


                  Sleeping on the beach of a small fishing town on Shikoku, I was woken by whispering outside. Poked my head out the tent. Was greeted by 2 old men - so excited I had chosen their beach to sleep on!!! They invited me for coffee. They had a great tale to tell their friends!

                  Many older Japanese men can be like little boys - playful & curious.
                  I return the favour by being honestly fascinated by their lives, & their area, that they find very ordinary.
                  The secret to my success - am always curious!

                  Slept on a wilderness beach in Kyushi. Woke to locals watching a sea turtle laying eggs on beach below me. I joined them. Something a 5star hotel could never provide!

                  Have found Japanese in their 20's sleeping under park shelters - on their travels. I learnt I didn't need a tent - lightening my pack on further journeys to Japan🎏


                  In other areas I was more discreet. Doing things outside the norm can cause distress for Japanese people.

                  So I usually stay well hidden. There are often tsunami barriers along the coast. Those result in a strip of unused land there. Easy to camp in the bushes without being noticed. (Just across from a convenience store.) Local thinking - no sane person would stay there😉

                  Police & officials generally don't know what to do…. (Had only a few interactions - all good.)
                  Walking to beautiful free camping spot on an Okinawan island, a police officer on a motorbike went past, stopped for a while to think, then returned.
                  He did the official task of asking for my Passport. Job done.
                  He was curious why a Foreigner would be there. When I explained - he just said Habu!! (Snake!!)
                  Couldn't explain I love snakes, seeing them every day where I lived here. He wouldn't believe that! He later checked in on me to see if i was still alive…
                  A wonderful place with a waterfall into the sea🌊


                  In Japan, people sleeping rough are not 'seen'. An aspect from ancient Edo period, with so many so close together.

                  So they are generally left alone. But there are no support services that I saw, unlike here.

                  So I often distribute clothes I collect from other Foreigners (who are leaving) & take some for cheap ($2) meals. But it's necessary to build a relationship (have an interest & show respect) first. Had some wonderfully memorable & rewarding experiences on the streets.


                  外人!
                  Had a Japanese mother calm her young child with "Don't worry - he won't eat you." I was told that children can be very scared of Foreigners.

                  Have been refused service in remote cafes. I understand - locals may feel uncomfortable. The cafe needs to look after them. Always have a tiny gas stove, to cook some packet ramen.

                  Many areas I travel in rarely see a Gaijin. Most are curious. Some want to practice their English.
                  I've even spent an enlightening day with a man dying of cancer - helping him prepare for the inevitable.

                  As I don't speak Japanese, it can be different not speaking English for weeks.
                  Some of the best experiences have been with no language in common. Like a memorable lift in Hokkaido. The couple didn't want me to leave! We just laughed so much🤔

                  I've been given so much on my travels there. Hitching, I met up with Japanese tour guides in training (to teach history to people like me, in English). After 2 days together, we had had such an unexpectedly great time, they gave me us$200!


                  Yesterday, was asked what to see in Tokyo. I recommended the random experiences (like those) - you'd never want to forget.

                  *Used to post tales of my Japanese adventures under another, different username😉

  • Thanks OP

  • One of Stanley Tucci’s best scenes from Margin Call. Great movie!
    https://youtu.be/m8Mc-38C88g

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