Beatles musician John Lennon enjoyed a corned beef sandwich and a cup of hot ... grilled cheese shortly before his death. Chef Lidia Bastianich would return to her roots with her final meal.

It goes without saying that Lidia Bastianich is a bonafide ... plus a stunning personal story, Bastianich is a matriarch within the Italian-American culinary landscape — and at large.

the Italian-American icon is beloved for her inspiration and authentic invitation to get cooking. On every episode of her show "Lidia's Kitchen," Bastianich closes with her famed tagline ...

The Italian chef and author of 'Lidia’s From Our Family Table to Yours' tells PEOPLE about her rich family history, her work and even her thoughts on dating Brian Doben For Lidia Bastianich ...