Note to Austin locals:

If you’re in town this weekend and able to check out the Texas Book Festival, consider today’s recommendation from Austin’s Addie Broyles to secure a seat at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the cooking tent to experience a little of the culinary wisdom of Lidia Bastianich. You may or may not recognize Lidia, but when you witness her love of preparing and sharing food, you won’t forget her.

I knew nothing of Lidia until I moved to New York’s Hudson Valley and received one of her cookbooks, “Lidia’s Family Table,” as a housewarming gift from my mother. My mom, who can sniff out a poser from miles away, adores Lidia and discovered her through Lidia’s television shows on Italian-centered cooking. Lidia delivers truth and beauty in all things food. My husband and I enjoyed our experience at New York’s Felidia in the city, and though we’ll be hanging our hats here in Texas a while longer, we’ll savor the best of Lidia Bastianich upon our return to New York.

Enjoy all that’s Italian this weekend and thanks to Addie for the heads-up on Lidia’s visit to Austin.