My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food

If Julia Child and Jacques Pépin represent the French side of PBS's cooking shows, Bastianich dominates the Italian offerings. Long before the host of Lidia's Italy was instructing viewers on the techniques of authentic Italian food, she was a successful chef, opening her first restaurant in Queens, NY, in 1971. None of it was easy; but much was rewarding. Bastianich describes her childhood in Istria, present-day Croatia. She then recounts her immigration to the United States (including two years in a refugee camp), assimilation to American life, partnership with husband Felice, and the many influences on her career in food. The style will be familiar to watchers of her show: breezy and comfortable. Throughout, Bastianich sounds like she is telling you stories in her kitchen; her focus is on the centrality of family in her life and in her success. Another theme is the immigrant experience, and her empathy for those facing similar situations is palpable.