For more than 20 years, Ina Garten invited millions of viewers into her East Hampton kitchen with her Food Network shows, “Barefoot Contessa” and “Be My Guest.” As Garten serves her famous engagement chicken and outrageous brownies — all while wearing her signature denim button-down shirts and silk scarves — it’s easy to feel comfortable with the woman on the screen. In her newly published memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens,” Garten connects to her audience in a whole new way, opening up about her childhood, career and marriage.
During a whirlwind media tour promoting the book, Garten found time to take a seat at our table for this edition of Dining With the Stars. Throughout the interview, she offers advice to home cooks, reveals her favorite recipe that she’s developed and shares her pick for the best place to eat in the Hamptons (hint: she doesn’t need a reservation). You know, I think the most important thing about hosting is remembering these are your friends and that you want to have a good time with them.
It’s not about the meal. It’s really about spending time with your friends. So while I’m planning the menu or planning where we’re going to have the party, that’s my overriding principle.
I always say to myself, ‘If I make this peach tart versus ordering one from a bakery, will my friends have more fun, or will the store-bought version be just fine?’ — and it is. I pretty much stay in my comfort zone. I think a lot of people .
