Episode 26: Lidia Bastianich

Lidia Bastianich has two passions – family and food – and she’s managed to create an culinary empire using both. Lidia is the chef/owner of four acclaimed New York City restaurants — Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto, as well as Lidia’s in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Her cookbooks include Lidia Cooks From the Heart of Italy and Lidia’s Italy – both companion books to her Emmy-nominated television series, Lidia’s Italy, Lidia’s Family Table, Lidia’s Italian- American Kitchen, Lidia’s Italian Table and La Cucina di Lidia. Lidia came to the United States from Istria — when she was 12 years old with her parents and her brother Franco. She had wanted to become a doctor – but fate had other plans for her. This program has been sponsored by Bonnie Plants.