Matteo Lane, a comedian with a passion for pasta, has plenty to say about this beloved dish. In a recent conversation, he shared insights from his new book, which humorously critiques common pasta mistakes and reflects on his journey from stand-up comedy to cookbook author. With his sharp wit, Lane dives into the misconceptions Americans have about cooking pasta, the influence of his Italian-Mexican heritage on his culinary perspective, and his profound admiration for Italy. He also reveals the amusing backstory behind a viral video featuring Olive Garden, a restaurant he has strong opinions about, and explains why carbonara is his favorite pasta dish. Join us for a blend of humor and practical cooking advice.
Discussing the Art of Pasta Making
Jamila Robinson: I’m Jamila Robinson, the editor-in-chief of a popular food magazine, and this is Food People, where we explore the intersection of food and culture. Today, we have our Associate Director of Drinks, Joseph Hernandez, joining us.
Joseph Hernandez: Hi, Jamila!
JR: It’s great to have you here. You recently hosted a delightful conversation with comedian Matteo Lane. How did that go?
JH: It was fantastic! I’ve been a fan of Matteo’s comedy for a long time. During the pandemic, he gained popularity with his hilarious pasta videos on social media. Like me, he’s from Chicago and has a unique comedic style. He also co-hosts a podcast called I Never Liked You. I caught up with him to discuss his new book, his love for Italy, and his thoughts on Olive Garden.
JR: The title of his book is quite amusing! I hope everyone enjoys the conversation. Thanks for stepping in as host, Joey.
JH: Thank you for having me!
JH: Welcome to Food People, Matteo!
ML: Ciao! Thank you for having me.
JH: I’ve been following your work since the pandemic when you started posting pasta videos online, highlighting how people often mess it up.
ML: Yes, I’m a comedian, and I love to poke fun at these things.
JH: You certainly have strong opinions!
ML: Being Italian-Mexican, I grew up around very opinionated women, so it’s in my nature.
JH: Is your pickiness about food a result of that upbringing?
ML: Definitely! I am a picky eater, and it stems from my family dynamics.
JH: You mentioned in your book that family dinners were lively, with everyone talking over each other. Is that true?
ML: Absolutely! It was a chaotic but fun environment.
JH: Did you experience a culture shock when visiting friends’ homes?
ML: Yes, it was quite different. I grew up in a loud Italian family, and visiting friends’ homes was often a quiet experience.
JH: Did your family have any unique traditions?
ML: Yes, we had our share of eccentric family members, like my Aunt Nicky, who claims to communicate with spirits.
JH: What was a typical family dinner like for you?
ML: Picture a Sunday night with my Aunt Cindy making a rich red sauce that simmers all day. The aroma fills the house, and family members gather to share stories and laughter.
JH: That sounds wonderful! Were there any disputes over who made the best sauce?
ML: My Aunt Cindy is the undisputed sauce queen in our family.
JH: What do you think makes her sauce special?
ML: It’s all about the right balance of flavors and the time spent cooking it. The longer it simmers, the better it gets.
JH: How did you transition from comedy to writing a cookbook?
ML: After 2020, I wanted to combine my love for cooking with comedy. I started a cooking show that allowed me to share recipes and funny stories.
JH: Your early videos included a memorable trip to Olive Garden. Can you tell us more about that?
ML: Yes! We went to the Times Square Olive Garden, which is Nick’s favorite restaurant. The experience was chaotic and hilarious, especially when a waiter dropped a tray of food right in front of us.
JH: That sounds like a classic moment! What are some common mistakes Americans make when cooking pasta?
ML: Many people treat pasta like a sponge instead of a main dish. It should be cooked al dente and seasoned properly, just like a steak.
JH: How do you ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked?
ML: I recommend salting the water generously and tasting the pasta a minute or two before the package suggests. It should have a firm bite to it.
JH: Your book’s title is quite bold. What inspired it?
ML: I wanted to create a humorous and engaging cookbook that reflects my personality. The title is a playful jab, but it also signals that there are jokes and stories throughout.
JH: Your love for Italy shines through in your writing. When did that passion begin?
ML: It started when I visited Sicily as a teenager. The culture, food, and lifestyle were a refreshing escape for me.
JH: How often do you travel to Italy now?
ML: I try to go four times a year to spend time with friends and enjoy the local cuisine.
JH: What advice would you give to someone visiting Rome for the first time?
ML: Take your time! Immerse yourself in the culture, meet locals, and enjoy the slower pace of life. Don’t rush through your itinerary.
JH: That’s great advice! Thank you for sharing your insights, Matteo.
ML: Thank you for having me!
Jamila Robinson: Thanks for tuning in to Food People. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review. Don’t forget to follow us for more engaging conversations about food and culture!