Lidia Bastianich: A Celebration of Family and Food
What a joy it was to take Kitchen Chat on the road recently to New York’s famed Becco and sit down with Lidia Bastianich in celebration of the publication of her sixteenth cookbook! Time with Lidia, a multiple Emmy and James Beard Award winning public television host, author, entrepreneur and fellow member of Les Dames d’Escoffier is always inspiring. Her most recent book is called Lidia : From Our Family Table to Yours published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House and features “More than 100 Recipes Made with Love for All Occasions.” Lidia’s family is at the essential heart of this beautiful book which is a tribute to her Mother Erminia, who passed away two years ago at the age of 100. One of her mother’s favorite dishes that Lidia made for her was Eggplant Rollatini. That recipe is in the new cookbook.
Lidia and I first met through Barbara Lazaroff at Eataly Chicago during the James Beard Awards in 2015. Eight years later, I had the honor of introducing Lidia onstage as the 2023 recipient of The Andrew Zimmern Discovery Award at The Taste Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Lidia looks forward to the upcoming PBS special titled, ” 25 Years with Lidia: A Culinary Jubilee” airing on December 18th. In addition to highlighting her shows, PBS will also share her poignant and inspiring life story of living in a refugee camp for two years and moving to America where she worked hard to build a food empire.
Wine is also a passion for Lidia and her family. I am excited to schedule a wine tasting at Bastianich Vineyards in Friuli Italy. Meanwhile you can purchase Lidia’s wines and delicious sauces at Eataly.
Since opening her first family restaurant in 1971, Lidia continues to bring joy to the table for millions of people. As Lidia writes in her new cookbook, “My life and my profession are tied to my family, and the heartbeat of my family is the kitchen.”
Savor the day!
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