Does Lidia Bastianich Have Cancer? Where Does Lidia Bastianich Live?

Who is Lidia Bastianich?

Lidia Bastianich is an Italian-born American chef, television host, author, and restaurateur. She was born on February 21, 1947, in Pula, Istria (now part of Croatia). Lidia and her family were forced to flee their homeland in 1956 due to political unrest and eventually settled in the United States. In the 1970s, Lidia and her husband, Felice Bastianich, opened their first restaurant, Buonavia, in Queens, New York. It was followed by their second restaurant, Villa Secondo, in Queens as well.

In 1981, they opened Felidia, their flagship restaurant, in Manhattan. Over the years, Lidia and her family have expanded their culinary empire and now own and operate several highly acclaimed restaurants, including Becco and Del Posto in New York City. Lidia Bastianich is best known for her expertise in Italian cuisine. She has published numerous cookbooks, including “Lidia’s Italian-American Kitchen” and “Lidia’s Italy,” which have become popular resources for home cooks interested in Italian cooking.

She has also hosted several television cooking shows, including “Lidia’s Italy,” “Lidia’s Family Table,” and “Lidia’s Kitchen,” where she shares her passion for Italian food and teaches viewers how to prepare traditional Italian dishes. Throughout her career, Lidia Bastianich has received several awards and honors for her contributions to the culinary world. She has been recognized with the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award and has been inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame.

Lidia is known for her warm and engaging personality, as well as her dedication to preserving and promoting Italian culinary traditions. In addition to her culinary endeavors, Lidia Bastianich is also involved in philanthropy. She is a co-founder of the “Ortaggio” initiative, which aims to promote the use of locally grown and sustainable ingredients in schools, and she actively supports various charitable organizations.

Lidia Bastianich’s career has had a significant impact on the popularization of Italian cuisine in the United States. Her expertise, combined with her warm and relatable style, has made her a beloved figure in the culinary world and a source of inspiration for aspiring chefs and home cooks alike.

Does Lidia Bastianich Have Cancer?

Lidia Bastianich is not personally battling cancer; instead, she is actively involved in supporting the fight against cancer. She has shown her compassionate nature by partnering with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients. Lidia has expressed admiration for the foundation’s efforts to combat cancer at its core by reducing the DNA of cancer cells. She has urged her online community to join her in supporting this noble cause.

The foundation’s CEO, Samuel Waxman, has expressed gratitude to the Bastianich family for their generous support in aiding the 30 brilliant scientists who are tirelessly working towards finding a cure for cancer. Lidia’s commitment to this humanitarian cause extends beyond personal involvement, as her family actively participates as well. Together, they contribute funds and utilize their expertise in fundraising programs.

The Bastianich family’s renowned New York City restaurants, including Felidia, Del Posto, Becco, and Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, have been featured in notable charity events such as the 15th Annual Hamptons’ “Tour De Cuisine,” where tastings from the Bastianich Winery in Friuli Colli Orientali were also showcased. Through her actions, Lidia Bastianich exemplifies the notion that one can make a difference in the lives of others, even without personally experiencing the challenges they face. 

Where Does Lidia Bastianich Live?

Lidia Bastianich resides in Douglaston, Queens. Until her mother, Erminia Motika, passed away in February 2021, Lidia lived with her. In their home, Lidia’s own kitchen served as the stage set for four of her television series. The intimate and familiar setting of her kitchen provided the backdrop for her culinary adventures and showcased her expertise in Italian cuisine. One unique aspect of Lidia’s television shows was the involvement of her mother, Erminia, who lovingly played a vital role.

The garden that Erminia meticulously maintained was a significant source of pride and inspiration for Lidia. Many of the fresh ingredients used in Lidia’s cooking were sourced directly from this garden, contributing to the authenticity and freshness of the dishes featured on her shows. Erminia fondly referred to as “grandma,” frequently appeared as a sous-chef in various episodes of Lidia’s television series.

Her presence added a special familial touch and showcased the deep bond between mother and daughter. Together, they shared their passion for cooking and Italian culinary traditions, making their collaborations on-screen even more meaningful. The combination of Lidia’s own kitchen, where she honed her culinary skills and shared her expertise, and the garden nurtured by her mother, Erminia, created a harmonious and personal backdrop for Lidia’s television series.

Their shared love for cooking and family traditions was palpable, and their collaboration made for engaging and heartfelt moments on-screen. Despite the passing of Erminia, her legacy lives on in the memories of their time spent together in the kitchen, where their shared love for food and family flourished.

Is Lidia Bastianich Married?

Lidia Bastianich’s marriage to Felix began with a serendipitous encounter when she was celebrating her sweet sixteen. At the time, Felix worked at a restaurant where they crossed paths. Their shared Istrian heritage and common interests sparked a connection, ultimately leading to their marriage three years later. For over three decades, Lidia and Felix navigated the joys and challenges of their relationship. However, the complexities of mixing business and personal life took a toll on their marriage.

Disagreements surrounding the management of their culinary empire caused strain, prompting them to make the difficult decision to end their relationship after 31 years of marriage. To ensure a clean break and a fresh start for both parties, Felix made the decision to transfer all his shares of the business to their children, Tanya and Joseph. This move allowed the next generation to carry on the family’s culinary legacy while providing Lidia with the opportunity to redefine her professional path.

Tragically, Lidia’s ex-husband, Felix, passed away on December 12, 2010. His death marked the end of an era and brought a mix of emotions for Lidia and their family as they mourned the loss of a loved one and reflected on the memories they shared. Since the divorce from Felix, Lidia has chosen not to remarry.

Instead, she has focused on her career, continuing to share her culinary expertise through her television shows, cookbooks, and restaurant ventures. Lidia’s journey serves as a testament to her resilience and commitment to her passion for Italian cuisine, while also highlighting the complexities of navigating personal and professional life.

How Old is Lidia Bastianich?

Lidia Bastianich was born on February 21, 1947, in Istria County, Croatia. Currently, she is 73 years old. During her early years, she lived with her family in Yugoslavia. Like many other Istrian Italians, her family changed their surname from Matticchio to Motika, adopting a Croatian identity. Due to the political situation and the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus, Lidia and her family fled to Trieste, Italy.

They initially claimed to be visiting Lidia’s sick aunt Nina, who worked as a personal chef. Lidia, her brother Franco, and her mother escaped first, and her father later joined them after crossing the border into Italy at night. However, their stay in Trieste was temporary, and they eventually became refugees at Risiera di San Sabba. During this challenging period, Lidia’s mother found work as a cook-housekeeper for a wealthy family in Trieste, while her father became a limousine driver.

Despite their employment, they remained residents of the refugee camp. After two years, their application as displaced persons was approved, allowing them to immigrate to the United States. In 1958, Lidia Bastianich and her family arrived in the United States, initially settling in North Bergen, New Jersey, before eventually finding a home in Astoria, Queens, in New York City.

Lidia’s journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to finding a new life in the United States showcases her resilience and determination to overcome adversity. Her experiences as a refugee shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for preserving and sharing the culinary traditions of her Italian heritage.