While mockery simmered over the U.S. men's hockey team members eating McDonald's at the White House this week, a contrasting scene unfolded in Milan, where the U.S. women's hockey team dined with actor and cookbook author Stanley Tucci at a Michelin-guide restaurant during the Milan Cortina Olympics. This culinary divide has ignited a fierce social media debate, with many declaring the women's experience a clear victory.
A Tale of Two Meals: Fine Dining vs. Fast Food
The visual contrast could not be starker. As NBC cameras rolled, the gold-medal-winning U.S. women's team, fresh from their overtime victory against Canada, enjoyed a sophisticated meal with Tucci. A snippet shared on February 9 showed the chef presenting a risotto dish amidst lively conversation. Meanwhile, the men's team, who also secured gold against Canada, were photographed with Donald Trump at the White House, where McDonald's was served.
"The US women's hockey team got a fancy meal in Milan with Stanley Tucci," one observer noted online. "The Men's Team got McDonalds in the White House. The women are the winners here." This sentiment echoed across platforms, with users humorously weighing the options.
Social Media Declares a Winner
The reaction online was swift and decisive. Commenters overwhelmingly favored the women's gastronomic and social experience.
- "I'm sorry, the women's team having lunch with legend Stanley Tucci while the dudes were served Big Macs at the WH is KILLING ME," wrote one user.
- "Let's be honest: we ALL would pick a day eating pasta with Stanley Tucci over a trip to the White House if we had the choice," asserted another.
- "Stanley Tucci takes the U.S. Women's hockey team to his favorite restaurant in Milan. Trump's got the men on the McDonald's catering plan. Balance," posted a third, highlighting the perceived disparity.
Many posts expressed a preference for Tucci's company over a presidential meeting, with one user stating, "Honestly meeting and having lunch with THE Stanley Tucci is better than meeting ANY president." Another added, "Oh my God, did he cook for them!? Even if he didn't I would take a meal with Stanley Tucci any day of the week!"
Political Tensions and Declined Invitations
The dining comparison is set against a backdrop of political friction. The women's team notably turned down an offer from Donald Trump to visit him after he belittled them publicly. While inviting the men to the White House and his State of the Union address, Trump sarcastically remarked that he'd "also have to invite the women or he'd be impeached."
USA Hockey cited scheduling conflicts for the women's absence. Interestingly, rapper Flavor Flav later announced that the women had accepted his offer to celebrate with him in Las Vegas for a "real celebration." During the State of the Union, with the men's team in attendance, Trump revisited the issue, claiming the women would eventually come to the White House.
Captain's Response to 'Distasteful' Comments
However, Trump's wisecrack left a sour note with team captain Hilary Knight. On Wednesday, she publicly labeled his comments as "distasteful," underscoring the team's stance. This reaction further fueled the narrative that the women's team had already triumphed—not just on the ice, but in their choice of company and cuisine.
Some social media posts appeared to slightly confuse the timing of the Tucci gathering, but the overarching message remained potent: in the court of public opinion, the U.S. women's hockey team's Milan dinner with Stanley Tucci was seen as a far more prestigious and enjoyable affair than the men's fast-food encounter at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
