Lidia Matticchio Bastianich (born February 21, 1947) is an Italian-American celebrity chef, television host, author, and restaurateur. Specializing in Italian and Italian-American cuisine, she is widely recognized for her numerous cookbooks and public television series, which have brought authentic Italian culinary traditions to American households.
Early Life and Immigration
Lidia Matticchio was born in Pola, Istria, Italy (now Pula, Croatia), which was ceded to Yugoslavia after World War II. Her family, like many ethnic Italians from the region, became refugees, eventually fleeing to Trieste, Italy, and spending time in a refugee camp. In 1958, sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, her family immigrated to the United States, settling in Astoria, Queens, New York City. Her culinary journey began early, working in local bakeries and restaurants.
Culinary Career
Restaurants
Bastianich's first restaurant, Buon Via, opened in 1971 in Forest Hills, Queens, serving classic Italian-American dishes. In 1981, she and her husband, Felice Bastianich, opened Felidia in Manhattan, which quickly gained critical acclaim for its refined Italian regional cuisine, a departure from the more common Italian-American fare of the time. Over the years, Lidia expanded her restaurant empire, including:
- Becco (New York City): Known for its value-driven approach to Italian dining.
- Del Posto (New York City): A high-end Italian restaurant, which earned a Michelin star and four stars from The New York Times under her family's ownership (sold in 2021).
- Lidia's Pittsburgh and Lidia's Kansas City: Expanding her brand outside of New York.
She has also been a key partner in Eataly, a chain of large format Italian marketplaces, particularly in their U.S. locations, alongside her son Joseph Bastianich and Mario Batali (who later had his partnership terminated).
Television Shows
Bastianich became a beloved figure on American public television, primarily through PBS, where she hosted several cooking series:
- Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen (2000–2001)
- Lidia's Family Table (2006–2007)
- Lidia's Italy (2007–2010): Explored the regional cuisines of Italy.
- Lidia's Italy in America (2011–2012)
- Lidia's Kitchen (2013–present): Her longest-running and most popular series, focusing on accessible Italian home cooking.
Her shows are known for their warm, educational style, emphasizing simple ingredients and authentic techniques.
Cookbooks
A prolific author, Bastianich has published numerous best-selling cookbooks, often accompanying her television series. Notable titles include:
- Lidia's Italian-American Kitchen
- Lidia's Family Table
- Lidia's Italy
- Lidia's Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine
- Lidia's Commonsense Italian Cooking
- My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food (autobiography)
Her books often include personal anecdotes, cultural context, and recipes that range from traditional Italian dishes to innovative interpretations.
Culinary Philosophy and Influence
Lidia Bastianich's culinary philosophy centers on the importance of family, tradition, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. She champions the simplicity and regional diversity of Italian home cooking, often encouraging viewers and readers to make their own pasta and grow their own herbs. She has played a significant role in elevating the perception of Italian cuisine in the United States, moving beyond red-sauce Italian-American stereotypes to showcase the rich tapestry of Italy's regional culinary heritage.
Personal Life
Lidia Bastianich was married to Felice Bastianich from 1966 until his death in 2010. They had two children: Joseph Bastianich, a well-known restaurateur, winemaker, and television personality (e.g., MasterChef), and Tanya Bastianich Manuali, who is involved in the family's restaurant and media businesses. Bastianich is a grandmother and frequently features her grandchildren in her television programs and cookbooks.
Awards and Recognition
Bastianich has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:
- Multiple Emmy Awards for her television series.
- The James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef: New York" for Felidia.
- Induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame.
- Various honors for her contributions to Italian culture and cuisine.