Lidia Bastianich is a staple of public television and one of America's most beloved chefs, with a series of long-running cooking shows in which she cooks hearty and unfussy Italian classics in an engaging and straightforward way.

Her simple stand-and-stir approach is a welcome respite from Food Network's overwrought cooking shows, and it's clear from even one viewing that Lidia really knows what she's talking about. So Tutti a tavola a mangiare! Let's learn some things about this renowned chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author.