Dominic Sessa's culinary crash course for Anthony Bourdain role

Before stepping into the shoes of the late

Before stepping into the shoes of the late Anthony Bourdain for the upcoming film "Tony," actor Dominic Sessa had never so much as boiled an egg. The 22-year-old star, known for his breakout performance in "The Holdovers," recently admitted that his kitchen skills were virtually nonexistent when he signed on for the project.

"I couldn't even make pasta without burning it," Sessa confessed in an interview. "The idea of searing a scallop or deboning a fish felt like advanced rocket science to me." The film, loosely inspired by Bourdain's memoir "Kitchen Confidential," follows the legendary chef and writer during his formative years at a Cape Cod seafood restaurant, a period that shaped his unvarnished view of the culinary world.

To prepare, Sessa enrolled in an intensive cooking boot camp, spending weeks learning knife techniques, seafood preparation, and the chaotic rhythm of a professional kitchen. "It was humbling," he said. "I had so much respect for Bourdain's craft, and I wanted to get it right — not just the movements, but the attitude." His instructors pushed him to work the line during real service shifts, where the pressure taught him more than any recipe ever could.

Director [Director's Name], who helmed the project, prai…

Director [Director's Name], who helmed the project, praised Sessa's dedication, noting that the actor's transformation went beyond surface-level competence. "Dominic didn't just learn to cook; he absorbed the soul of the kitchen," the director said. "By the end, he was moving with the confidence of someone who had been doing this for years."

The film also explores Bourdain's early friendships, his struggles with addiction, and his eventual rise as a literary voice. Sessa admitted that playing a real person, especially one with such a devoted following, came with immense pressure. "I knew fans would scrutinize every detail," he said. "I just hoped to honor his spirit, not just imitate his mannerisms."

"Tony" is slated for release later this year, and early screenings have already sparked buzz for Sessa's nuanced performance. For now, the actor says he's kept some of his new skills, though he jokes that his friends still don't trust him in the kitchen. "I can whip up a decent clam chowder now," he laughed, "but I'll leave the fine dining to the pros."