Lidia Bastianich Instagram – Born in 1947, @lidiabastianich grew up on the peninsula of Istria which at the time was a region governed by the newly-formed communist Yugoslavia in the wake of WWII. By 1956, Lidia’s Italian parents decided they needed to flee. Reserved for refugees seeking political asylum, the Risiera di San Sabba camp served as her family’s home for the next two years. As a ten-year-old, Lidia was separated from her father unsure if they would ever be reunited. The U.S. eventually opened up its borders to political refugees under the Eisenhower administration. Lidia’s family was one of the first to emigrate. They landed in New York City — the same place where she would open up her first restaurant and establish herself as an award-winning host on @pbs, best-selling cookbook author and one of the most recognizable celebrity chefs in the country. This year’s recipient of @televisionacad’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Lidia has spent her last 25 years on public television (12 with GBH) putting her signature nonna touch on programs like “Lidia’s Kitchen” and “Lidia Celebrates America.” Lidia: “I am who I am because of the opportunities that I received in the United States. I think it is the duty of the immigrant to be forever grateful and give back when they come into a comfortable position. This is what immigration should be all about.” More on Lidia at the link in bio. . . . #LidiaBastianich #PBS #PBSFood #Emmys #TVchef #chef #ItalianFood #ItalianCooking