Lunch with Lidia Bastianich

I’ve been residing in Kansas City, I believe since 2009 and I must admit I had never been to Lidia’s. Last week my beautiful gal pal, Theresa Freilich, invited me to a luncheon at Lidia’s and of course I accepted. I knew I was in for a treat but boy was I ever! Not only was I trying this Italian restaurant for the first time but I was going to get to meet the owner and restaurateur. Lidia is in KC for a couple of days to show support to the television station that broadcasts her culinary tv show, “Lidia’s Italy in America”. Not only is this lovely talented lady in town for KCPT but also gives back to the community. Lidia is involved with BoysGrow. The mission of BoysGrow is to take an inner-city boy and open his eyes to the possibilities and realities of entrepreneurship. What an amazing cause and the fact that she takes the time to do it and be hands on with all her restaurants and other endeavors. Lidia is also the proprietor of Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto restaurants in New York City. Fortunately for us, she opened up her first restaurant outside of NYC in the Crossroads of Kansas City 18 years ago. I asked Lidia, why she decided on Kansas City and she pretty much stated that she felt the Midwest was underserved by the kind of cuisine she had to offer and I concur after indulging on this perfect seasonal lunch, bon appétit! Unfortunately I didn’t get pictures of the reception hors d’oeuvres or the insalata due to me devouring them first!