The Best of Lidia

Highly recommended for aspiring chefs of all skill and experience levels
The Best of Lidia is a DVD collection some of the most beloved recipes by public television chef Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, best known for her sumptuous Italian cooking that the whole family can enjoy. The Best of Lidia features recipes from Lidia's travels across Italy, from zesty starters to quick pastas, main courses, and desserts fit for a prince! A wonderful addition to culinary DVD libraries, The Best of Lidia lives up to its title with easy-to-follow instructions for preparing delicious recipes, and is highly recommended for aspiring chefs of all skill and experience levels. 85 minutes, widescreen, closed captioned.

For Lidia Fans.. but not as useful as could be
If you are a fan of Lidia B. ( I always misspell her last name) the NY restaurateur and celebrity chef on PBS, you'll probably want to get this DVD which combines highlights of her series called "Lidia's Italy". Each of the televised shows covered a complete meal from appetizer to dessert. Here the producers re-edited it so you get a grouping of appetizer, then entrees and then desserts. You can watch Lidia change her clothes - or even try to match three courses by remembering what she wore! - as you go through the courses. There are brief scenes of regions of Italy as Lidia tells you where a certain dish originated.

Unlike many TV celebrity chefs, Lida is not big on providing details. When she says "we'll add a little butter" it can be a half-stick or a half-pound. A "little olive oil" can vary a lot. As for cooking times, they are rarely given and the show is not presented in real time. "Let's put in the oven until cooked" is a typical comment. (To be fair the DVD does...

The best, yes I agree.
A variety of recipes, tips and more. Lidia is the best. If you love cooking you will love this dvd.

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