Could someone without formal food training or restaurant industry experience build a culinary empire and become a household name?
AndIna Gartendid just that.
She became fixated on creating delicious recipes and was enthralled by France’s rich culinary culture.
Take a look back at Ina Garten’s incredible life and career.
Growing up, Garten was never encouraged to cook.
Instead, her mom told her to focus on her school work, and Garten obliged, perCBS News.
)," Garten wrote in anInstagrampost in May 2022.
She fell in love with glamour and taste from then on, perEater.
Frankly, there are still moments when I don’t believe it!"
she wrote on Instagram.
Their connection has captivated her fans for years.
The pair met when Ina was 15 and visiting her brother at Dartmouth College.
Once married, Jeffrey enlisted in the Army, and the couple moved to North Carolina.
Ina became a military wife, dropping out of college to focus on cooking for him.
So Jeffrey confronted Ina and said, “You have to do something.
You won’t be happy if you don’t.”
(viaFood web connection).
That moment changed everything and shifted Ina’s perspective.
“It still makes me laugh!”
she toldCBS Newsabout working on budgets.
But during her time in the White House, Garten was not laughing.
Her husband, Jeffrey, told CBS News she was “very unhappy” back then.
“I like a nice project that I can chew on.
The name comes from the specialty food store she bought in the Hamptons in the 70s.
“It’s elegant and earthy,” Garten toldThe Morning Call, explaining why she kept the name.
Ina took toInstagramto celebrate her 50th anniversary with Jefferey, who she often refers to as her biggest supporter.
When Garten is asked about her success, she always mentions Jeffrey’s unwavering belief in her potential. "
she toldPeoplewhen reflecting on the day she decided to purchase a food store in the Hamptons.
So it’s a choice, and that was the choice I made,” she told Couric.
After working at the store for almost two decades, Garten felt ready for a new adventure.
Without any writing or publishing experience, Garten was not sure the book would be well-received.
The show has been running for two decades and earned seven Emmys and three James Beard awards.
Garten jokes about the time she was asked to license fertilizer.
“Like, you want me to license your s***?
Why would I do that?”
