Certainly one of Italy's most iconic and influential chefs, Carlo Cracco’s rise to fame is tied closely to his appearances on television, particularly as a judge on MasterChef. Yet, for Cracco, culinary artistry remains the core of his identity.
Recently, during an engaging interview on Gianluca Gazzoli’s podcast, Passa dal BSMT, Cracco delved deep Into his career evolution, recounting his humble beginnings, the challenges encountered, and the significant touchstones of his culinary life. His conversation highlighted not just his gastronomic prowess but also his philosophical approach toward food and cooking.
"Io faccio quello che mi piace e cerco di farlo al meglio," Cracco passionately stated, reflecting his lifelong dedication to cooking. Despite the glamorous allure of television, his heart always beats for the kitchen and the art of creation. His early experiences, which began at provincial restaurants near his hometown of Vicenza, were marked by sacrifices and rigorous training. "Quando ho scelto la scuola alberghiera non avevo idea di cosa volesse dire stare in cucina, ma ho sempre avuto fame di imparare," he recalled, reminiscing on his initial curiosity about the culinary world.
MasterChef was undoubtedly the platform through which Cracco's fame exploded, turning him from chef to celebrity overnight. Initially selected for the judging panel, Cracco embraced the persona of the stern and uncompromising critic, crafting his on-screen identity as the ‘villain’ of the cooking competition. His transition to this role was unintentional yet effective: "Mi misero davanti una ragazza, che era una segretaria, con un cannolo siciliano e mi dissero: prova a giudicare. E io ho pensato: se faccio quello gentile forse mi prendono, per cui faccio l'opposto, faccio il maleducato," he explained, emphasizing how he constructed this character to adapt to the role.
Cracco managed to achieve substantial success with hearing his approach recognized by viewers. "Ho alzato gli occhi e ho visto la gente esultare," he said, reflecting on the audience's enjoyment of the tougher approach he provided. Despite the difficulties of balancing performance and authenticity, he expressed pride knowing his role helped inspire many aspiring chefs.
Despite the success, the toll of being on camera was palpable. Cracco shared candidly, "Ti assorbe tantissimo, ti allontana dalla cucina, e io volevo tornare alle mie origini." Leaving the show after six seasons was bittersweet, but he characterized it as "un'ottima scelta", allowing him to reconnect with what he truly loves—cooking.
Now, Cracco finds himself hosting Dinner Club on Prime Video, where he fulfills his passion for exploration and culinary storytelling. He describes this new program, not simply as cooking instruction, but as wholesome entertainment. "La tv mi piace sempre. E Dinner Club non è un programma di cucina, ma intrattenimento." With this shift, he aims to blend family, cultural history, and gastronomy, showcasing the traditional Italian recipes sourced from his travels.
Having tasted both triumphs and setbacks, including the loss of his Michelin star, Cracco approaches every challenge with the same resilience he displayed early in his career. "Perderla fa parte dell’esperienza, è sempre formazione. Però non è che abbandoni il tuo lavoro, anzi, lo fai ancora meglio," he remarked, illustrating his commitment to continuous growth and improvement.
The pursuit of passion is not limited to his career; it reflects deeply within his family life as well. He emphasizes the importance of teaching his children about food and labor. "Cerco di trasmettere loro la passione per il cibo e il rispetto per il lavoro," he noted, expressing how he integrates them on his culinary journeys. Although his children currently seem disinterested in following his culinary path, he remains hopeful about their futures: "Vedremo cosa decideranno di fare, l'importante è che trovino la loro strada."
Cracco's narrative is one of re-invention—a chef who balances the world of television with the intimacy of the kitchen. He continuously seeks to return to his roots and nurture the culture behind food, underscoring his belief: "Cucinare non significa solo creare piatti elaborati, ma anche valorizzare la cultura di un territorio." No matter where his path leads, Cracco remains steadfast; his heart belongs to cooking.