PBS television chef Lidia Bastianich appeared at Hochstein Friday night as part of a promotional tour for her program “Lidia's Italy.”
In addition to cooking for her audience, she told stories and answered questions from fans. During a visit to WXXI's studios Friday morning, Bastianich recalled spending time with her grandparents when she was young, "Making olive oil, making wine, milking the goats, making the cheese, the fresh warm eggs, picking the eggs from the chicken coop, making pasta."
Bastianich and her family came to America as refugees, and she says Italian cooking became her way to maintain a connection with her culture.
Watch WXXI News Director Julie Philipp's entire interview with Bastianich in the video box below.