As we head into a fall weekend, thoughts of yellow squash soup, pork tenderloin, warm brie salad and other delectable fall foods fill my head. If only I could actually cook these items. Then my mind wanders to Ina Garten, the fabulous food connoisseur/entrepreneur and all of the wonderful fall-themed and holiday meals she has showcased on the Food Network’s “Barefoot Contessa.” Then my mind wanders yet again to her East Hampton home. That house. D-I-V-I-N-E.
During both of my maternity leaves, I had a serious addiction to Food Network, and the “Barefoot Contessa” was my favorite. I think I was more drawn to her home, mainly her gorgeous black and white kitchen, than the actual dishes that she cooked – although they looked so scrumptious. Ina has an interesting background, having worked for the Department of Energy in Washington, on policies and regulations. She then did a 180 and purchased the Barefoot Contessa gourmet food shop in The Hamptons, which eventually became her culinary empire.
In addition to the home in East Hampton, she has apartments in Manhattan and Paris. Her hubby, Jeffrey is a professor who only comes home on weekends, therefore Ina is left to cook fabulous meals Monday through Friday for her close-knit group of gay friends. Jeffrey then returns home Friday evening to TONS of food, freshly cut flowers from the garden and a sparkling clean house, because they have no kids and, again, the gays have been by for a visit. What a life you lead, Mr. Garten.
In fact, “30 Rock” wrote Ina into a show recently, as Liz Lemon compared her relationship with her pilot boyfriend, Carol, to that of Ina and Jeffrey.
Liz Lemon: I'm like that woman on the Food Network whose husband only comes home on the weekends, and spends the rest of the time eating and drinking with her gay friends.
Jack Donaghy: Her name is Barefoot Contessa, Lemon, and you will never be like her, starting with the 'barefoot' part.
Oh, Ina. You’re living the dream, my friend. You’re living the dream.
Images and content from The New York Times, House Beautiful, Hamptons Magazine and The Huffington Post
25 comments:
OH my gosh! Ina is my favorite person. She LOVES what she is doing, and it shows! I am with you on teh kitchen, her husband and her friends.
Here's to you Ina.
Teresa
So funny! Jeffrey has the life, doesn't he? I watched my fair share of the Food Network during both of my maternity leaves too. I guess it's something about the kiddo always eat that gets our mind thinking that direction too. Well that and you can always count on them having something on worth watching!
I could not love Ina more! I just want her to hug me and cook for me and tell me to go lay on the sofa and get comfy...like a mom would. She is living the life! Esp with the jaunts to Paris. I will say, her recipes are the ones I try the most and I've yet to find a bad one. Her goat cheese & basil stuffed chicken and her turkey lasagna are 2 of the things I make all the time - 1 way ticket to delicious town!
I had heard of Ina .. but not until recently they I start really checking out her recipes ... and now I'm a fan and can't wait to start trying some of them,, I have her cookbooks on my wish list.. xo HHL
I LOVE Ina. Her new cookbook comes out on October 26th!! Can't wait. I love to cook and honestly make something of hers almost daily. Her roasted tomato & basil soup is a summer staple and her curry butternut squash soup is a fall & winter one. if you're ever in my neck of the woods, swing by and I'll share a cup with you. :)
I could live like that :)
Love me some Ina. She makes it look so easy!
I just got one of her Cookbooks - Back to Basics - its awesome! Plus it gives all the details on her new kitchen!!
I love Ina too. I have one of her cookbooks displayed on my kitchen counter. She does seemed to live the life. Have a great weekend!
Amy R.
Haha great post. I love her too and nearly died over the reference on 30 rock. Amazing!
She does live the life...and I am so envious!
I have some of her cookbooks and used to watch her on the TV...
her kitchen and home are divine and an apartment in Paris, such luxe.
I wonder if she and Martha Stewart are friends...doesn't Martha live in the Hamptons too?
I have to agree....her kitchen if FAB. And, seriously, her husband only comes home on the weekends? lol She cooks until her heart's content and entertains her friends. Awesome....
What a fun life,
I want to come back as Ina in my next life :) Her new book will be out in a matter of days and I can't wait!
Jo
We were just talking about her last night at supper club! Even this post is making me hungry!
You are too funny! Jeffrey, rumor has it, lives about 15 minutes from me during the week... I have yet to spot him!
Do you know who Ina's original #1 fan was, right? The woman whom, I believe, is responsible for bringing her to where she is today? She has her own show and Ina used to be a guest on it all the time....
I think she is rather divine too.
Oh, thanks for the tip - I have a lot of cook-books, but did not know her! Will order it quickly on Amazon!
I watch her show everyday too. I am just watching her right now actually and I came to my laptop to search her granola bar recipe (and to read some of my favourite blogs!) What a coincidence that you posted this fascinating bio! I assume that Jessica from the Entertaining House is talking about Martha? I am intrigued!
Best wishes and happy week!
Natasha.
I am not kidding when I say that Ina's cookbooks are the only ones that I can really work with or follow. Not much of a cook, but her dishes are so simple even I can feel like I have really done something.
Great post!
Best,
Colleen
Just found you! I love Ina and her new book is on its way to me as we speak. It will prove to be a great week! :)
Hey stranger! Hope all is well - I look forward to catching back up with your posts following my brief blogging hiatus. How's the house decorating going? Believe it or not, I've never caught an episode of Barefoot Contessa but I have tried 1 or 2 of her recipes and they were wonderful. Will have to make a note to DVR some episodes for my own maternity leave in a few months!
girl- you know i LOVE ms. garten. :) and to answer your sweet, sweet question about the purse I was carrying when I met her {swoon!} it is a Miu Miu purse.... and I LOVE IT. go, splurge. get one. :)
Love Ina. The 30 Rock convo was hysterical. Love Liz and Jack also.
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