I Am All In with Scott Patterson Luke’s Diner: Road Tripping with Rocco
May 23, 2025
Join Rocco DiSpirito, a James Beard award-winning chef and culinary innovator, as he shares his unique blend of food and storytelling. Discover why he dabbled in acting while exploring the evolution of culinary education. Rocco dishes on his dream road trip menu for Lorelai and Rory, filled with delightful foodie anecdotes. He also reflects on the joy of packing snacks for travel and the comforting nostalgia of diner favorites. Plus, hear his take on the impact of COVID on wellness and the future of dining.
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Chef's Acting Lessons for TV
- Rocco took acting classes to overcome live TV nerves and play himself comfortably on camera.
- He worked with a top acting coach who helped simulate real show situations for practice.
Italian Roots and Early Work
- Rocco grew up in a vibrant, traditionally Italian household in Queens with old-school cooking.
- He started working at 11 in a pizzeria earning 50 cents an hour and loved the Italian ice perks.
Love Serving and Cooking
- To be a great chef, love cooking for and serving people genuinely.
- Embrace the physical challenges like burns and cuts as part of the craft's fulfillment.