:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hes-Rating-All-of-the-Food-in-the-Olympic-Village-and-Were-Sat-for-Each-Review-1f54fe531c0547aeaefc442f7dc3c7c0.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Inside the Olympic Village: Unpacking Every Dish with Our Exclusive Food Ratings!")
As the 2026 Winter Olympics roll on in Milano Cortina, U.S. curling Olympian Ben Richardson is giving us a fun peek into life at the Olympic Village. He’s not just competing; he’s also sharing his foodie journey with fans online.
Richardson is diving into a variety of dishes. He samples everything from classic spaghetti bolognese to sweet tiramisu. Some foods, like a “really smooth” cappuccino, hit the mark. Others, especially a waffle that sounded like a rock when he tapped it, fell flat. His review of ravioli with tomato sauce and pesto went viral, racking up over 2.8 million views and a notable 250,000 likes. He described it as decent but wished it had more cheese, rating it a 6.7 out of 10.
On a brighter note, he tried potato gnocchi the next day and loved it, saying he had “no complaints.” It just shows that not every dish can be a hit, but some definitely shine through!
Richardson isn’t the only one sharing food highlights. Aerin Frankel, the goalie for Team USA women’s ice hockey, is also keeping an eye on meals. She even has an Instagram account dedicated to Caesar salads, hinting at a potential favorite salad day at the Village. Their food adventures have created buzz on social media, with fans enjoying the light-hearted food reviews as much as the competitions.
The Olympic Village is packed with delicious Italian dishes, reflecting the culture and comfort of the host country. These meals are designed to fuel top athletes, balancing nutrition and taste. While some dishes may disappoint, many represent the rich culinary traditions of Italy.
Food can connect us in ways that sports sometimes can’t. It’s a reminder that behind every competition, there are stories and experiences that resonate with all of us.
For more on the Olympic food scene, you might check out [NPR’s report on Olympic nutrition](https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2022/02/06/1078032772/what-do-olympians-eat-in-the-village) which explores how athletes stay fueled during the Games. Richardon’s food travels offer not only laughs but a glimpse into the essential role of good nutrition at the Olympics.
