I remember the television always tuned to PBS cooking shows on Saturday afternoons while I was growing up — Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, Mary Ann Esposito, among many others. And, of course, Lidia Bastianich. A few years ago, I met Bastianich at a media event in Italy, and I eagerly passed along my signed cookbook to my mom. Several years passed, but just in the last few weeks, Bastianich reappeared as I visited both of her New York City restaurants, Felidia and Becco. I enjoyed an event hosted by the Italian National Tourist Board in recognition of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region at Felidia. While we learned more about the region where Bastianich was born and today where she grows award-winning wines at Bastianich Vineyard, we sampled several of the restaurant’s dishes, including potato ravioli filled with nettles, ricotta and Vermont butter. Bastianich was on hand to offer more insight about the region and its cuisine.

Coming full circle, last weekend, my mom and I traveled to New York City to see the musical Beautiful. Highly recommended! In looking for a restaurant close to the theater district but not a cheesy touristy establishment or an overpriced chain, my friend recommended Becco, another Bastianich establishment. Located on West 46^th Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, the restaurant is popular with the theater crowd for its delicious cuisine at reasonable prices. While neither of us had it, the chef’s daily trio of pastas seemed to be a crowd-pleaser. Patrons enjoy all-you-can-eat tastings of the three pastas for $24.95. It changes daily, offering a close to new experience each time people visit. It’s a large restaurant, but it can feel busy and crowded pre-show; however, the quality, service, location and variety can’t be beat, and I will definitely return again next time I see a Broadway show.

— Kim Krol, editor in chief