“We had our wheat. We made our own olive oil. We made our wine. We had chickens, ducks; we had sheep, cows, milk. So I was raised in a very simple situation but understanding really food from the ground... the essence of food and the flavors. And those memories I took with me, and I think that they lingered on.”

American celebrity chef, television host, author, and restaurateur

Lidia Bastianich is an American celebrity chef, television host, author, and restaurateur. She is known for her work with Italian and Italian-American cuisine, and for her long presence on public television cooking programs. Since 1998, she has been a regular contributor to public television cooking shows. Her public profile is built around food, teaching, and sharing the traditions of Italian cooking with a wide audience.