From there, they established new restaurants and sold successful ones, building a following along the way.
It definitely seems like she’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Her grandparents lived in a farming village, and she learned a lot about their trade.
“I loved the bunny rabbits.
The small rabbits, when they came, we played, and we cuddled them and whatever.
“When food is scarce, every morsel is really appreciated.
In a sense, you know, you are grateful to these animals.”
The land fell under Yugoslavian control, and a Communist regime took over.
Bastianich explained toNPRthat she and her family began living dual lives as a result.
Her father, who owned a business, was named a capitalist and was punished as a result.
“He was put in prison for about 40 days,” Bastianich said.
There was a harmony to what we were doing,” she said.
The producer then asked her an incredible question: had she ever thought about having her own show?
At that point in time, the idea of a show hadn’t crossed Bastianich’s mind.
But clearly she was moved towards a life in cooking shows.
Bastianich told Food & Wine that her favorite recipes to share are the ones that are easiest to make.
“Therefore, I present simplepasta, chicken or fish dishes and demystify them.”
“A whole setup just fell on my arm while I was cooking,” she revealed.
“The whole thing was unexpected!”
For Bastianich, it’s all part of connecting with other people.
“It’s a great reward to be a door-opener for people who otherwise might not cook.
I am passionate about what I do,” Bastianich told PBS affiliateWTTW.
Bastianich also shared that cooking and eating food is, for her, is a way to stay grounded.
“Food roots you.
It gives you stability,” she said.
You eat that throughout your life.
Then every time Christmas comes and you see that on the table, it makes you feel good.
It makes you feel you belong."
