Celebrating Culinary Legacy: Max Tucci on The Maria Liberati Show

This week on The Maria Liberati Show, we’re honored to feature Max Tucci—author, chef, and third-generation restaurateur—who has a rich culinary heritage stemming from the legendary Delmonico’s in New York City. Max joins Maria to share insights from his new book, a tribute to his ancestors’ dedication to the hospitality and entertainment industries, and their iconic restaurant.

Delmonico’s, renowned worldwide, has a storied legacy deeply connected to Max’s family. Max describes his book as a “love story,” one that took 15 years to craft. Through the process of writing, Max learned the valuable lesson that “rejection is projection, as beautiful no’s lead to divine yes’s.” His book not only celebrates the history of Delmonico’s but also serves as a cookbook, filled with timeless recipes from the restaurant’s history. The recipes range from classic Eggs Benedict to his grandfather’s signature Wedge Salad, and even feature contributions from celebrity chefs and curated cocktail recipes—a true love letter to both Delmonico’s and New York.

But what makes Delmonico’s stand out, even among the thousands of Italian restaurants across the United States? Max explains that Delmonico’s predates the Statue of Liberty and iconic luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. Established in 1827, it was America’s first fine dining restaurant, pioneering concepts that are now industry standards: tablecloths, wait service, and the introduction of the menu. Delmonico’s was a trailblazer in defining fine dining in America.

Max’s favorite recipe from the book? Risotto—a traditional Italian dish that requires full attention. As Max says, it’s a dish you can’t walk away from, just like his family’s deep connection to the culinary world.

For aspiring chefs and restaurateurs, Max shares invaluable advice: the keys to success in the industry are hospitality and conviviality. Loving people is at the heart of the restaurant business. Both the guests and the staff are vital, and creating an environment of clear communication is essential. As Max’s grandfather used to say, “All are welcome to the table.”

Maria wraps up the episode by asking Max what food means to him. Max’s poetic response? “Food is the cornucopia of life—what the gods have planted, we get to enjoy!”

Tune in to this week’s episode of *The Maria Liberati Show* for more on Max Tucci’s inspiring culinary journey and to hear about his new book, which captures the spirit of Delmonico’s and its lasting influence on American fine dining.

Get your copy of the Gourmand World Award winning book The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays and Special Occasions-2nd edition.

Listen to more food, travel, DIY, Home and Garden on The Maria Liberati Show, heard anywhere podcasts are heard and now on WWDB AM RADIO in Philadelphia on Saturdays at 1:30 and https://wwdbam.com/shows/the-maria-liberati-show/↗on   https://wwdbam.com/shows/the-maria-liberati-show