Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-American restaurateur, author, and television personality. She has owned several restaurants in the United States, authored several cookbooks, and appeared in numerous television cooking shows, such as Lidia’s Kitchen, Molto Mario, Lidia’s Italy, and Lidia Celebrates America. Bastianich has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the culinary world, including multiple James Beard Foundation Awards.