LIDIA CELEBRATES AMERICA: FLAVORS THAT DEFINE US

(MAY 30 ON PBS)

Renowned chef, author and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich has several memorable TV shows to her credit, including Lidia’s Kitchen and Lidia Celebrates America. Now there’s a special that focuses on the contributions of immigrants and refugees from all over the world in Lidia Celebrates America: Flavors that Define Us. In it, Bastianich will explore the rich diversity of cultures across the United States, and the vibrant ethnic and religious customs and traditions observed by various groups in which food is a common denominator that connects all human beings. (One of her favorite American treats? Peanut butter and jelly on crackers!) “As the number of refugees and immigrants arriving in America has grown exponentially, I have been reflecting on my own journey,” Bastianich, 76, says. “I feel lucky that my family was welcomed in the United States, a place where I have been able to become an American and share my Italian heritage.” This year, Bastianich met some of our nation’s most recent arrivals to discover what motivated their journey here, what challenges they’ve faced and what being an American means to them. “Whether coming for safety, opportunity or a better quality of life, immigrants like me have added to America’s rich and diverse tapestry of culture, religion and food,” she says.