Ep 10. Restaurant's Greatest Hits

Lidia's Kitchen is a cooking show hosted by the renowned chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich. In the show, Lidia shares her passion for Italian cooking and offers viewers an intimate glimpse of her life in and out of the kitchen.

Season 7, episode 10 of Lidia's Kitchen is titled Restaurant's Greatest Hits. In this episode, Lidia visits some of her favorite restaurants and bakeries to learn about their signature dishes and sample some of the best food New York City has to offer.

The episode begins with Lidia visiting Il Laboratorio del Gelato, a small-batch, artisanal gelato shop in Manhattan. She meets with the owner, Jon Snyder, and learns about the process of making gelato from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Lidia samples several flavors, including salted caramel, chocolate sorbet, and pumpkin spice, and raves about their rich, creamy texture and bold, natural flavors.

Next, Lidia heads to Del Posto, an elegant Italian restaurant in the heart of Chelsea. There, she meets with the executive chef, Melissa Rodriguez, and learns about their signature dish, homemade spaghetti with sea urchin and crab. Lidia watches as Melissa crafts the dish step-by-step, using fresh pasta and delicate seafood to create a dish that is both simple and sophisticated. She then sits down to enjoy the pasta, along with several other dishes from the restaurant's renowned tasting menu.

After leaving Del Posto, Lidia heads to Sullivan Street Bakery, a beloved neighborhood bakery known for its rustic sourdough bread and innovative pastries. She meets with the owner, Jim Lahey, and samples a variety of treats, including their famous chocolate chip cookies, olive oil cake, and sourdough pizza. Lidia marvels at the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into each and every product.

The final stop on Lidia's restaurant tour is Parm, a casual Italian-American eatery in the heart of Little Italy. There, she meets with the co-owners, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, and learns about their signature dish, chicken parmigiana. Lidia watches as the chefs prepare the dish using classic techniques and high-quality ingredients, and marvels at the crispy, golden crust and the juicy, tender interior. She then sits down to enjoy the chicken parmigiana and several other dishes from the restaurant's extensive menu.

Throughout the episode, Lidia offers her expert commentary and insights into the world of New York City dining. She discusses the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and paying attention to the details that make a dish truly exceptional. She also shares stories from her own experiences as a chef and restaurateur, offering a uniquely personal perspective on the world of food and hospitality.

In Restaurant's Greatest Hits, Lidia takes viewers on a culinary tour of some of the finest restaurants and bakeries in New York City. With her trademark warmth, humor, and expertise, she offers a glimpse into the world of high-end dining and celebrates the timeless pleasures of good food and good company.