A Celebration of Inspirational People

As with her other specials, Lidia Celebrates America: Overcoming The Odds culminates with a gesture of food – a gathering of some of the people she has visited along the journey. For the taping, Lidia took over Contento, Yannick Benjamin’s restaurant profiled in the special, and she prepared dishes in honor of the men and women she met. 

Lidia and Kristen Thomas prepare a chopped salad for the celebratory meal.

Dishes included Chopped Salad with Frisee and Fennel inspired by Harlem Grown, Baked Rigatoni and Zucchini inspired by Jarrett Adams, and desserts honoring Lidia’s story, including Italian favorites including Babas Infused with Limoncello, and Tiramisu.

Watch Lidia celebrate with some truly inspirational new friends

Scroll through images as Lidia prepares for the final celebration, getting the table ready, and greeting guests.