Max Tucci says Meryl Streep should ‘mind her business’ over Stanley Tucci restaurant payment joke
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Restaurateur Max Tucci addressed comments made during promotions for ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ that brought renewed attention to his NoHo restaurant, ‘Tucci,’ amid ongoing conversation surrounding public confusion over the establishment’s connection to actor Stanley Tucci.
The discussion emerged after Stanley addressed the confusion surrounding the restaurant’s name during a press appearance with co-star Simone Ashley. Max later responded publicly while also inviting the film’s cast to dine at his restaurant.
Max Tucci addresses confusion surrounding his restaurant’s name
During a press appearance for 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' with co-star Ashley, Stanley addressed the existence of Max’s NoHo restaurant.
According to reports, Ashley mentioned that she frequently passed by the restaurant, prompting Stanley to explain, "That is his name, so he’s legally allowed to use the name “Tucci” on his restaurant.”
Meryl Streep then jokingly remarked that he “should pay” Stanley “a little something” because many people believed the restaurant belonged to the actor. Reacting to the statement, Max told Page Six that she should “mind her business,” though the outlet described the remark as humorous.
He also expressed enthusiasm about hosting the cast, saying, “I want them all to join me for dinner on the house. Unlike ‘Housewives’ and reality stars, only real celebrities get to dine with me.”
Max appeared to take a subtle jab at former ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ star Sonja Morgan, referencing an earlier controversy in which she was allegedly banned from the restaurant after reportedly requesting a complimentary meal while citing her celebrity status.
Morgan had previously maintained that the situation was simply a misunderstanding and that she believed the meal was being offered in exchange for social media promotion.
Stanley Tucci shares his deep connection to Italian cuisine and culture
Stanley is widely known for his passion for Italian cuisine and culinary traditions. Speaking during a conversation with Josh Horowitz at the 92nd Street Y in New York City last week, he said, “I think one of the most difficult dishes to make is a risotto, right, in any form.”
“If a restaurant can make a good risotto, it means that they can usually make everything else pretty well,” he concluded.
Stanley has also authored several bestselling books and hosted multiple shows centered on Italian cuisine, often sharing his appreciation for traditional ingredients and culinary culture with audiences.
In the second season of 'Tucci in Italy,' which premieres on Disney+ on May 12, Stanley will continue his culinary journey across the country, exploring regional cooking traditions, local communities, and family-run kitchens from Sicily and Sardinia to northern Italy.
The series features local delicacies, fresh seafood, and market produce while also examining the cultural traditions and family rituals that shape Italian communities. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “We think we know what Italy is, but it's incredibly complex and diverse.”
He further explained how that diversity is closely tied to food and regional identity, noting that many Italians identify more strongly with their city or region than with the country itself. “When you say to someone, 'You're from Italy', they'll say, 'No, I'm from Tuscany' or 'I'm from Florence', so they're very territorial, especially when it comes to food.”
