Think you’ve got Ina Garten all figured out? The Barefoot Contessa herself might surprise you. Sure, she’s known for her easygoing approach to cooking and her charming TV persona, but there’s so much more to this self-taught culinary icon. Let’s dive into some of the most fascinating tidbits about Ina’s life that’ll make you appreciate her even more.
Ready to uncover the real Ina Garten? From her early days in Washington to her favorite guilty pleasures, here’s a closer look at the woman who’s been feeding our souls—and stomachs—for decades.
A Career in Washington Before the Kitchen
Before she became the queen of cozy dinner parties, Ina Garten had a very different career path. "Back in the Ford and Carter administrations, I worked in the Office of Management and Budget, focusing on nuclear-energy issues," says Ina, now 71. "It was exhilarating, don’t get me wrong, but after a few years, I realized I wanted to run something that was truly mine. And so, the transition from policy to pastry began." Who knew nuclear energy could lead to such a delicious career change?
Read also:Exploring The Biggest Wolves A Comprehensive Dive Into The World Of Wolves
View this post on InstagramThen there were the Washington, D.C. days, when we both worked in the government. We were very serious!! This is when I taught myself how to cook from Julia Child's books… the beginning of it all!
Sundays Are Her Happy Place
For Ina, Sundays are the ultimate day of relaxation. "I wake up around 7:30 a.m., make a delicious breakfast, and then I sit at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee and dive into the newspaper. It’s my little ritual," she shares. "And at 6 p.m., I treat myself to a massage. Believe it or not, back in 1985, I realized I wasn’t having enough fun. So, I decided to start scheduling some self-care into my life. That’s when the massages began, and I’ve never looked back." Who needs a spa weekend when you’ve got weekly massages at home?
Even Tony Bennett Is a Fan
Meeting fans on book tours is always exciting for Ina, but one encounter stands out above the rest. "I’ll never forget meeting Tony Bennett. His wife introduced us, and he said, ‘I love your meatballs.’ I couldn’t stop laughing for the next 24 hours. It’s just so surreal to think that someone like Tony Bennett enjoys my recipes," she recalls with a chuckle. Talk about a dream come true for any home cook!
View this post on InstagramJust in time for Valentine’s Day – a playlist of some of the best romantic love songs of all time! My “Ina’s Favorite Love Songs” playlist is available on Apple Music and Spotify- you can find the link in my Instagram profile or at barefootcontessa.com. Some great music, a glass of Champagne, and….. what’s on the menu is up to you! #myguy
Read also:Unveiling The Secrets Of Atlantis Resort Tips Your Ultimate Guide To An Epic Getaway
A Love Story That Started at 15
Ina and her husband, Jeffrey, share a love story that sounds like it came straight out of a romance novel. "I’m still in awe of him every single day," Ina says of her husband, Jeffrey, who’s now 72 and a professor at Yale. The couple, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 22, met when Ina was visiting her brother at Dartmouth College. Jeffrey was a student there at the time, and they tied the knot five years later. "He’s the best friend anyone could ever ask for," Ina gushes. Fifty years later, their love is still going strong.
Simple Pleasures Are Her Go-To
Despite her fame and culinary expertise, Ina’s taste buds still crave the simple things in life. "If I had to pick my last meal, it would be a hot dog from Frenchie to Go in Paris. It’s just incredible. Maybe with some French fries, since it’s the last meal after all. And whenever we’re in California, we always have to hit up In-N-Out Burger," she admits. It’s no surprise her BFF Jennifer Garner would totally approve of those choices!
View this post on InstagramOnly the best for my friend @jennifer.garner – dinner at @innout after my show in Costa Mesa, CA!! What a fun way to wrap up my fall book tour! #CookLikeaPro
For even more stories about Ina Garten, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands — and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates!
