History of Ina Garten in Timeline

Ina Garten is an American television cook, author, and businesswoman, best known as the host of the Food Network program *Barefoot Contessa*. Before her culinary career, she worked at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Garten's journey into food began with her gourmet food store, Barefoot Contessa, which then led to a successful career that includes numerous best-selling cookbooks, magazine columns, and her popular TV show. She is known for her approachable recipes and focus on quality ingredients.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

February 2, 1948: Ina Garten's Birth

On February 2, 1948, Ina Rosenberg Garten was born. She later became a television cook and author, and host of the Food Network program Barefoot Contessa.

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1954: Release of the film 'Barefoot Contessa'

In 1954, the film "Barefoot Contessa" starring Ava Gardner was released. The original owner of the Barefoot Contessa store named it in tribute to this film.

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December 22, 1968: Ina and Jeffrey Garten's Marriage

On December 22, 1968, Ina Rosenberg and Jeffrey Garten were married in Stamford, Connecticut. Following the wedding, they relocated to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

1972: Move to Washington, D.C.

In 1972, Ina and Jeffrey Garten moved to Washington, D.C., where they continued to refine their home entertaining skills and hosted weekly dinner parties.

1978: Purchase of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 1978, Ina Garten left her government job and purchased the Barefoot Contessa, a 400-square-foot specialty food store in Westhampton Beach, New York.

1985: Opening of Second Barefoot Contessa Location

In 1985, Ina Garten opened a second Barefoot Contessa location in East Hampton, Long Island, at the former premises of Dean & DeLuca, expanding the store significantly.

1993: Jeffrey Garten Appointed Undersecretary of Commerce

In 1993, Jeffrey Garten, Ina Garten's husband, was appointed Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade in the Bill Clinton administration.

1995: Jeffrey Garten Becomes Dean of Yale School of Management

In 1995, Jeffrey Garten became the dean of the Yale School of Management.

1996: Sale of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 1996, Ina Garten sold the Barefoot Contessa store to two employees, Amy Forst and Parker Hodges, after operating it for two decades, while retaining ownership of the building.

1999: Publication of 'The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook'

In 1999, Ina Garten released "The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook," which became a sleeper bestseller and launched her career as a cookbook author.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2000: Nomination for James Beard Award

In 2000, "The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook" was nominated for a James Beard Award in the Entertaining & Special Occasion Cookbooks category.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

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2000: Unsuccessful Early Television Effort

In 2000, Ina Garten's initial attempt to create a television show with Martha Stewart's production company proved unsuccessful, leading to adjustments in the production approach later on.

2001: Release of 'Barefoot Contessa Parties!'

In 2001, Ina Garten released "Barefoot Contessa Parties!", which received high sales and positive reviews.

Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun

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2002: Release of 'Barefoot Contessa Family Style'

In 2002, Ina Garten released "Barefoot Contessa Family Style", further establishing her success as a cookbook author.

Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family

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2002: Premiere of 'Barefoot Contessa' on Food Network

In 2002, Ina Garten's Food Network program, "Barefoot Contessa", premiered to a positive reception, after an initial unsuccessful effort in 2000.

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2003: Closure of Barefoot Contessa Store

In 2003, the Barefoot Contessa store was permanently closed due to the expiration of the property lease and failed negotiations between Ina Garten and the new owners.

2004: Benefit Hosted for Planned Parenthood

In 2004, Ina Garten hosted a benefit for Planned Parenthood.

2005: Nomination for Daytime Emmy Award

In 2005, "Barefoot Contessa" was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the category of Best Service Show.

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2005: 'Lemon Roast Chicken with Croutons' Featured in Cookbook

In 2005, Ina Garten's recipe for 'lemon roast chicken with croutons' was featured in "The Best American Recipes 2005–2006".

2005: Jeffrey Garten Steps Down as Dean of Yale School of Management

In 2005, Jeffrey Garten stepped down from his position as the dean of the Yale School of Management.

2005: Giada De Laurentiis Names Ina Garten as a Favorite Author

In 2005, chef Giada De Laurentiis named Ina Garten as one of her favorite authors, highlighting Garten's influence in the culinary world.

2006: Garten hadn't seen the film

As of 2006, Ina Garten had not seen the film 'Barefoot Contessa' despite the name's significance to her store and brand.

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2006: Launch of Barefoot Contessa Pantry

In 2006, Ina Garten launched Barefoot Contessa Pantry, a line of packaged cake mixes, marinades, sauces, and preserves in conjunction with Stonewall Kitchen.

2006: Columns for O, The Oprah Magazine

In 2006, Ina Garten wrote several columns for O, The Oprah Magazine and also served as the entertaining, cooking, and party planning consultant for the magazine.

2009: Emmy Win for Best Culinary Host

In 2009, Ina Garten won her first Emmy Award for Best Culinary Host, and the show "Barefoot Contessa" was nominated for Best Culinary Program.

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2010: Thanksgiving Recipes Featured by Google

For Thanksgiving in 2010, Ina Garten's recipes were featured by Google on their homepage.

2010: Criticism from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

In 2010, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine criticized Ina Garten's cookbook "Barefoot Contessa: How Easy Is That?" for its high-fat, high-calorie, and high-cholesterol content, naming it one of "The Five Worst Cookbooks" of the year from a nutritional standpoint.

Barefoot Contessa, How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips

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2011: End of 'Ask the Barefoot Contessa' Column in House Beautiful

In 2011, Ina Garten's monthly column "Ask the Barefoot Contessa" in House Beautiful magazine came to an end.

June 2012: Launch of Facebook Blog

In June 2012, Ina Garten started a Facebook blog, quickly gaining over 100,000 followers within three weeks.

2019: Recipe for Children's Book

In 2019, Ina Garten shared her potato latkes recipe with Sheryl Haft for the children's book, "Goodnight Bubbala."

Goodnight Bubbala

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2021: Forbes "50 Over 50" List

In 2021, Ina Garten was selected for the inaugural Forbes "50 Over 50" list of entrepreneurs, leaders, scientists, and creators who are over the age of 50.

2022: Launch of 'Be My Guest'

In 2022, Ina Garten launched "Be My Guest" on Discovery+ and the Food Network, where she hosts celebrities for visits.

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2023: Thirteen Cookbooks Published

As of 2023, Ina Garten has published thirteen cookbooks, with more than 14 million copies in print.

2023: 'Barefoot Contessa, Go-To Dinners' Bestseller

In 2023, Ina Garten's cookbook "Barefoot Contessa, Go-To Dinners" sold over 800,000 copies and reached number one on the New York Times bestseller list.