Joe Bastianich Biography

Fast Facts

• In 2010, he restaurant, Del Posto, became the first Italian restaurant to get a New York Times four-star rating in over 36 years
• Was recognized as an Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional by the James Beard Foundation in 2005
• Earned his bachelor of arts degree from Boston College
• Is the son of fellow restaurateur and chef Lidia Bastianich
• Worked as a bond trader at the Wall Street firm Merrill Lynch before deciding to join the restaurant business
• Is known for his restaurant partnership with widely regarded chef Mario Batali
• Serves as a judge on U․S․ culinary competition television shows "MasterChef" and "MasterChef Junior․"
• Competed in the 2011 Ironman World Championships, where he finisted 1428th out of 1,918 contestants