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.