BTB: Jane Wilkens Michael Talking with the Legendary Lidia Bastianich

During these challenging months when we spend so much time sheltering in place, many of us are taking the time to learn new skills. And Lidia Bastianich, Jane’s very special guest today, is uniquely suited to share the secrets of her years of success as the paragon of Italian-American cuisine. Indeed, Lidia is a world-renowned celebrity chef as well as an Emmy award-winning television host of a plethora of cooking shows on PBS and best-selling author of 13 books, her most recent additions being a memoir, My American Dream, A Life of Love, Family and Food, and a new cookbook Felidia, named for one of her landmark Manhattan restaurants. In fact, Lidia runs several super successful Italian restaurants including Felidia, Del Posto and Becco, is a partner in the epicurean empire Eataly and has also created a line of namesake pastas and sauces. On this segment, Lidia and Jane discuss how anyone can master the art of cooking, the importance of eating well, her family, her heartwarming personal history and how she came to appreciate our nation's diversity though culture, tradition and food. She also shares her favorite mantras and secrets for longevity, good health and well-being. The episode also features Lidia's discussion of her newest show which premiers on PBS on January 29th at 9:00 pm ET. In this groundbreaking series, Lidia celebrates America: A salute to First Responders, she spends virtual time with heroes on the front lines. Uniquely suited to the times, it is a show that highlights the moving stories of medical workers, firefighters battling wild fires in California, paramedics, military, and police, who have become so crucial in our lives today. Check your local PBS listings for show dates and times.