What Happened to Lidia Bastianich’s Ex-Husband, Felice? The Untold Story Behind Their Culinary Empire!

Lidia Bastianich is a name synonymous with Italian cuisine in America, but her journey in the culinary world has deep roots that intertwine with her personal life, particularly with her ex-husband, Felice Bastianich.

Together, they built a restaurant empire that not only shaped their careers but also laid a foundation for their children in the gastronomic industry.

Felice Bastianich was born in 1940 in the small town of Pula, located in present-day Croatia.

He immigrated to the United States around the same time as Lidia, who hailed from Italy.

Their paths crossed when Lidia was just 16 years old at her birthday party, marking the beginning of a relationship that blossomed over shared interests and a passion for food.

Eventually, their relationship led to marriage, and together they embarked on a journey that would see them open several successful restaurants, including the iconic Felidia in New York City, along with other establishments like Becco and Villa Secondo.

It was in these kitchens that Lidia honed her skills as a chef and emerged as a culinary star.

The couple’s professional success was mirrored in their personal lives with the birth of their two children, Tanya and Joe Bastianich, who both followed in their parents’ footsteps into the food industry.

Joe became a prominent restaurateur and co-owner of Eataly, while Tanya took on roles behind the scenes as an executive producer of Lidia’s cooking shows.

However, after 31 years of marriage, Lidia and Felice decided to divorce in 1997.

Reports suggest that the separation was due to disagreements over expanding their business empire—a vision Lidia passionately pursued, but Felice resisted.

Following the divorce, Felice stepped away from the restaurant business, handing his shares over to his children and venturing into new projects.

He founded a travel company specializing in culinary tours, allowing him to share his love for food and travel with others.

In addition, he invested in vineyards in Northern Italy, further cementing his connection to the culinary world.

Felice Bastianich later remarried, starting a new chapter in his life.

However, his life was cut short when he passed away on December 12, 2010, at the age of 70.

The details surrounding the cause of his death were kept private by the family, but his legacy as a pivotal figure in Lidia’s life and the culinary scene remains.

Today, Lidia Bastianich continues to be a towering figure in the culinary world.

She is not just a celebrity chef but also a prolific author and television host, enriching America’s culinary landscape with her rich Italian recipes and warm, engaging teaching style.

Her TV shows, including the long-running series “Lidia’s Italy,” have garnered her a dedicated following, showcasing her passion for Italian cooking and culture.

Besides her television and writing projects, Lidia oversees her restaurant empire, which has expanded to include locations in various cities, including New York and Pittsburgh.

She is also engaged in various culinary enterprises, including a line of cookware and a range of ready-to-eat products that reflect her commitment to quality and authenticity in Italian cuisine.

Lidia’s story is one of resilience and passion, maintaining her culinary empire and family legacy despite personal setbacks.

Her ability to transform her love for Italian cuisine into a thriving business has made her an enduring figure in food culture, celebrated not only for her cooking but also for her role as a matriarch in a family that continues to influence the food industry.

The Bastianich family’s journey, from their humble beginnings to becoming culinary icons, is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the importance of family.

While Felice may no longer be a part of Lidia’s life, his contributions to their shared journey cannot be overlooked.

He played a significant role in building the foundation that allowed Lidia to flourish as a chef and entrepreneur.

As Lidia continues to inspire others with her cooking and her dedication to Italian cuisine, the legacy of Felice Bastianich remains intertwined with her own.

Together, they created a culinary empire that thrives on the values of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with others.

In conclusion, Felice Bastianich’s life after his marriage to Lidia was marked by new ventures and a continued passion for culinary experiences.

His death in 2010 was a loss to the culinary community, but his legacy lives on through the success of his children and the ongoing influence of Lidia Bastianich in the world of food.

Their shared history is a reminder that while relationships may change, the impact of shared dreams and passions can endure for generations.