Ina Garten

So, I just finished watching an afternoon episode of Barefoot Contessa. I think I watch this show on the daily and can even watch reruns 2 or 3 times over. Its just the type of show that you can have on mute, or turned down low while sitting around the house reading magazines. Although, on the other hand, its probably the only show on Food Network that I get excited for on Saturdays (you know, when the episodes are new!). Well, this last episode just heightened my love for this show and surely, Ina Garten.

Featured on this episode was Rob Marshall. Of course, he wasn't there to help Ina cook in the kitchen- no, this is not Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee!- Marshall (director of Chicago & Memoirs of a Geisha) was just houses down editing his upcoming film, Nine. The episode consisted of Ina making a hearty soup and grilled sandwiches for both Marshall and John DeLuca as they took a break from the editing room. A quick minute before the program ended, Marshall and DeLuca traded the treat of an Ina Garten lunch for a sneak peak of the film. I'm jealous! Ina seems to have a great social life and I love the culture that's portrayed in every short 30 minute episode.

(also, mentioned here.)

Need I say more? Barefoot Contessa has every good aspect a Food Network show can have. A great host, chef and enticing/inspiring recipes. The best set ever- the spacious kitchen & gorgeous garden of Ina Garten's Hampton's home. Guest appearances from interesting people and the ability to show viewers how it may be to live, shop, relax and party in the Hamptons- what more could I ask for?

(watch the Nine movie trailer)

And while on the topic of Mrs. Garten, it would only be suitable of me to mention the Chefography episode Food Network did on Ina some time ago. The t.v. biography revealed her history and lifestyle. Remembering this intrigued me to write a little about her- no huge biographies or anything, just a quick list of facts.

interesting facts about Ina:

full name: Ina Rosenberg Garten

met her husband, Jeffrey Garten at 15 (while visiting her brother @ Dartmouth)

during the time of the Vietnam War, she acquired her pilot's license

was the budget analyst for the White House/ wrote the nuclear energy budget during Ford & Carter's terms as President

left her government job in '78 to pursue a more creative career

bought the food store, Barefoot Contessa in Westhampton Bch

earned her MBA @ George Washington University

attended Syracuse to study fashion design and later, economics

for some time, flipped houses in Washington DC

has no professional culinary background

her father was a surgeon

married Jeffrey in '68

spent four months with her husband in Paris, France (after the war)

she has no children

after gaining much attention from the show, Barefoot Contessa, Ina turned down many endorsement opportunities

writes a column in House Beautiful called, "Ask The Barefoot Contessa"

born in Brooklyn in '48

has an apartment in Paris, France

Jewish by birth

I've seen chocolate cake mix and brownie mix from Barefoot Contessa @ Crate and Barrel...but, I've never seen Ina's coconut macaroon mix. excited!