Steve Martin, the iconic comedian, actor, and musician, is known for his sharp wit and irreverent sense of humor. But on October 9, 2025, he used his humor to poke fun at the changing landscape of comfort food, taking aim at a fancy version of the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese combo. Martin’s Instagram and Facebook followers were treated to a hilarious post that soon sparked a wave of reactions, offering both laughter and good-natured jabs.
“SO THIS IS WHAT PASSES FOR TOMATO SOUP AND GRILLED CHEESE????” Martin wrote in all caps, sharing an image of a particularly gourmet-looking version of the childhood favorite. His caption, paired with a photo of a beautifully prepared dish, set the internet buzzing as fans and critics alike chimed in on the meal’s audacity. In typical Martin fashion, he ended the post with: “I FEEL SORRY FOR TODAY’S KIDS.”
A New Twist on an Old Classic
The meal in question was a far cry from the traditional tomato soup and grilled cheese that many of us grew up with. Martin’s version featured a grilled cheese sandwich that was golden-brown and perfectly pan-seared, with gooey cheese oozing from the sides. The tomato soup, meanwhile, came adorned with a fancy swirl of olive oil, giving it an upscale touch.
This twist on the humble comfort food quickly became the subject of playful debate in the comments section. Many of Martin’s fans took his lighthearted complaint in good humor, with some agreeing with his playful criticisms, while others defended the dish as a modern culinary masterpiece.
“Campbell’s is the only tomato soup!” wrote one Facebook commenter, evoking the image of the familiar canned soup that has been a staple for generations.
Another commenter, clearly struck by the artistic presentation of the meal, quipped: “Where are the triangles? Where’s the pickle spear? And, why did someone draw a Cobra eating its own tail in your soup?” referencing the intricate swirl of olive oil in the bowl. This pointed jab poked fun at the sometimes over-the-top nature of modern food presentation, which has moved beyond the simplicity of classic comfort food.
One fan seemed to suggest Martin might be better off in a more casual setting: “What did you expect from a linen tablecloth restaurant? Maybe try the diner up the street? Better results.” The comment was a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that perhaps Martin’s nostalgia for the good old days was best satisfied at a humble diner, rather than a high-end establishment.
However, there were also a few who defended the sophisticated version of the dish, saying, “Come on Steve. We know you’re 80 years old, but don’t be a crank. This looks fabulous.” The post struck a balance between poking fun at modern food trends and celebrating the culinary artistry of today’s chefs.
A Touch of Humor From Chef Alex Guarnaschelli
While Steve Martin’s Instagram post seemed to be a playful critique of the fancy meal, the situation took an interesting turn when chef Alex Guarnaschelli—the celebrity chef and Food Network star—revealed that the meal was, in fact, her creation. In an Instagram story and a post on Threads, Guarnaschelli responded directly to Martin’s post, saying, “This is my fault, Mr. Martin. At Clara. Please enjoy.”
Guarnaschelli was referring to Clara, a restaurant in New York City where she and chef Michael Jenkins run the kitchen. The restaurant, known for its creative takes on classic dishes, clearly had Martin as an unlikely (and comedic) fan. Following Guarnaschelli’s response, Clara’s Instagram account also shared a repost of Martin’s post, saying, “@stevemartinreally we are honored to be featured in your dynamic food series. Thank you. Please enjoy.”
This playful exchange led some fans to question whether Martin was genuinely critical of the meal or simply having some fun with modern culinary trends. Given his history of using food as comedic fodder, it seemed like a bit of both. Martin has previously taken aim at other “upgraded” versions of classic dishes, making his ongoing critiques of contemporary food culture a sort of running gag.
A Running Gag: Martin’s Food Series
For those familiar with Steve Martin’s style of comedy, the post was hardly out of character. Known for his dry humor and satirical takes on various topics, Martin has often made lighthearted remarks about the evolution of food culture in recent years. His social media food posts have turned into a sort of “food series,” where he lovingly mocks high-end versions of classic dishes that are a far cry from the simpler fare of yesteryear.
In one of his earlier posts, Martin shared a photo of a raspberry soufflé and sarcastically wrote, “So this is what they’re calling raspberry soufflé these days? I FEEL SORRY FOR TODAY’S CHILDREN.” It’s evident that Martin relishes in contrasting his childhood experiences with today’s more elaborate, often Instagram-friendly versions of food.
In another post, Martin took aim at a modern salad, commenting, “Kids today only know the single swirl of lemon aioli pickled mustard vinaigrette. They’ll never know the double swirl of my youth.” Here, he’s poking fun at the tendency of modern cuisine to incorporate a multitude of flavors, which some older generations might find excessive.
Martin’s playful critique even extended to the once-forgotten Ahi Tuna Tower. He wrote, “Sorry, but today’s Ahi Tuna Tower can’t compare to the Ahi Tuna Towers I had as a child in Texas.” A nod to the fact that ahi tuna, which was once considered low-grade and even used in pet food, has now been elevated to a luxury ingredient in fine dining.
The Appeal of Steve Martin’s Food Humor
Steve Martin’s food commentary might seem like a simple jab at high-end restaurants, but it also taps into a larger cultural conversation. The humor comes from the generational differences in how food is perceived and consumed. For many, food represents a deep emotional connection to memories of family, home, and simpler times. Martin’s nostalgia for the comfort foods of his youth resonates with audiences who may feel overwhelmed by the ever-changing, sometimes over-the-top trends in modern cuisine.
For today’s kids, as Martin humorously laments, the idea of a simple bowl of tomato soup or a classic grilled cheese might feel outdated or uncool. In contrast, today’s chefs are constantly experimenting with new flavors, textures, and presentations, bringing an artistic flair to dishes that were once considered simple, everyday fare.
In poking fun at these modern interpretations, Martin invites his audience to reflect on the evolution of food culture while also celebrating the timeless nature of certain comfort foods. Whether he’s complaining about raspberry soufflés or modern salad dressings, his comedic approach is a reminder that humor, food, and nostalgia are deeply intertwined.
Conclusion
Steve Martin’s playful commentary on modern comfort food—particularly his critique of an elevated tomato soup and grilled cheese combo—has sparked a lighthearted discussion about the changing face of dining. His posts are not just jokes about food but a reflection of his humorous perspective on the world around him. Whether poking fun at the sophistication of today’s dishes or reminiscing about simpler times, Martin’s ongoing “food series” highlights the humor that can be found in even the most ordinary experiences.
So the next time you see Steve Martin post about a fancy dish, remember: it’s not just a complaint; it’s part of a larger comedic conversation about how food, like everything else, evolves with time.
