Lidia Bastianich’s warm smile and comforting recipes have made her a household name in American kitchens, but her origins tell a story marked by upheaval and survival. Born on February 21, 1947, in the city of Pola, located on the Istrian Peninsula, Lidia entered the world just months after the region transitioned from Italian to Yugoslav control following World War II.

Her parents, Vittorio and Erminia Mattioni, faced the harsh realities of living under communist rule during Marshal Tito’s regime. For nine years, Lidia’s childhood was overshadowed by political persecution; her father was detained, and the family was relentlessly pursued by secret police. When the borders were finally closed, the family made a daring escape from Yugoslavia, fleeing the oppressive regime.

Their journey led them to an Italian refugee camp — a haunting place that had once served as a Nazi concentration camp. Here, the family endured several years before emigrating to the United States when Lidia was twelve. Settling in Queens, New York, young Lidia began working at a bakery alongside actor Christopher Walken, forging a friendship that would last a lifetime.

At sixteen, Lidia met Felix Bastianich, a fellow Istrian immigrant. Their shared heritage and passion for food blossomed into a partnership that spanned both marriage and business. They welcomed their son Joseph in 1966 and daughter Tanya in 1972. In 1971, the couple opened their first restaurant, Bonavia, a modest Italian eatery in Forest Hills, Queens.

Despite their early successes, personal and professional tensions grew. By 1998, Lidia and Felix separated, largely due to disagreements over the rapid expansion and direction of their culinary ventures. Felix transferred his stakes in their business to their children, while Lidia continued to build her empire. Felix passed away in 2010, leaving behind a complex legacy intertwined with Lidia’s own.

Today, Lidia Bastianich lives a fulfilling life, having celebrated 25 years as a television personality. Her culinary career boasts preparing meals for two popes and countless celebrities, but her five grandchildren remain her most cherished critics. Her granddaughter Julia Manilla, a junior at Georgetown University, recently invited Lidia to teach cooking classes to her peers, passing on the family tradition.

In recognition of her contributions, Lidia received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 51st Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. She has often spoken about the unifying power of food, emphasizing that gathering around the table fosters care, peace, and connection, especially in difficult times.

Lidia’s story is one of enduring hardship, cultural heritage, and the transformative power of food. From a refugee camp to international acclaim, she embodies resilience and the spirit of hospitality that continues to inspire millions.