Senate Resolution No. 726

BY: Senator BORRELLO

COMMENDING Lidia Matticchio Bastianich upon the
occasion of her designation as the 2023 Italian
American of the Year by the New York Conference of
Italian American State Legislators

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of true purpose and worthy accomplishment who foster
ethnic pride and strive to preserve their cultural heritage, thereby
enhancing the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric
of community throughout this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Lidia Matticchio Bastianich upon the occasion of her designation
as the 2023 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of
Italian American State Legislators; and

WHEREAS, This dynamic woman is an Emmy award-winning public
television host, best-selling cookbook author, successful restaurateur,
and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business, which she
has partnered with her two wonderful children, Joseph and Tanya; and

WHEREAS, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is the author of the English
and Italian version of her memoir, My American Dream: A Life of Love,
Family, and Food, and has published numerous cookbooks, co-authored with
her daughter Tanya, and companion books to her Emmy-winning television
series "Lidia's Kitchen", "Lidia's Italy in America", and "Lidia's
Italy"; her most recent book is entitled Lidia's A Pot, A Pan, and a
Bowl; and

WHEREAS, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich's cooking shows air nationwide
in the United States on public television and CREATE, internationally,
and on various digital networks including Amazon Prime, Tubitv, and
Xumo; her cooking segments are also part of her TUTTOLIDIA YouTube
channel; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her television shows and books, Lidia
Matticchio Bastianich is both a restaurateur and partner in Eataly NYC,
Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas, Toronto, and Sao Paolo,
Brazil; together with Tanya and son-in-law Corrado, she also developed a
line of artisanal pastas and all-natural sauces called LIDIA'S; and

WHEREAS, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich is a member of Les Dames
D'Escoffier and founding member of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, two
non-profit organizations of women leaders in the food and hospitality
industries; she is also a champion for the United Nations Association of
the United States of America's Adopt-A-Future program, in support of
refugee education; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tremendous career thus far, Lidia Matticchio
Bastianich has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades
including seven James Beard Awards (Outstanding Chef, Television Food
Show, Best Chefs in America, Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America,

Specials 2016, Special 2017 and 2018) and two Emmy Awards for
Outstanding Culinary Host (2013 and 2018); in 2022, she received the
Silver Award from APT for 25 years on Public Television; and

WHEREAS, Lidia Matticchio Bastianich has truly distinguished herself
through her wonderful career and service to others, and, consequently,
the Italian American community and all of New York State have profited
greatly from her talent and dedication; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Lidia Matticchio Bastianich upon the occasion of her designation
as the 2023 Italian American of the Year by the New York Conference of
Italian American State Legislators; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lidia Matticchio Bastianich.