Why was Jesus always feasting, eating and drinking? What makes the table a place of sacred encounter? And how are you supposed to learn how to cook on a budget? 

Lidia Bastianich is a best-selling cookbook author, an Emmy award-winning public television host, restaurateur and the owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. She’s also someone who has overcome extraordinary odds in her life. Born in the Istrian peninsula, her family fell behind the Iron Curtain when it became Yugoslavia. Her family crossed the border into Italy, living in a refugee camp in Trieste before being relocated permanently in the United States by Catholic Charities. 

In her new PBS special, “Lidia Celebrates America: Overcoming the Odds,” she tells the stories—and shares the table with—other resilient Americans with inspiring stories. 

Links from the show:

“Lidia Celebrates America: Overcoming The Odds.”

Come to Italy with Jesuitical!

Italian Bishop Gives Children Harsh News: There Is No Santa Claus

Wine at Communion, the sign of peace, holy water fonts: Will these parts of the Mass ever come back?

What’s on Tap?

2016 Bastianich Plus White Wine

Tequila for Kevin, our studio manager’s, birthday

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