Thinking about my next piece for this week I realized that its time to talk about Ina. But first I thought, what is a “barefoot contessa” and why is her show known by such a name? When searching for the answers, her blog says that “Barefoot contessa is the name of a classic movie from the 1950’s with Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner. When I bought the store in 1978, it was called Barefoot contessa. The former owner is Italian and her family called her that name when she was young. It’s about being elegant and earthy which is what we’re about.” Now with the restaurant closed and a show created labeled after the same name, what makes Ina the “barefoot contessa”? Is it her ability to host fabulous parties, show us tips or her ability to cook? Or is it once again a catchy name to draw is into the aura of cooking and lifestyle created by Ina Garten as she resides in the Hamptons?
Between her Easy Desserts, Brunch Bunch and Training Day Dinners is this her attempt to live on the legacy of her prized restaurant or an attempt to embody what a “barefoot contessa” is? Do we see this as viewers and all try to become the ideal chef that she is when we see her cook at home and entertain guest almost every show? I think it’s important to embody some sort of characteristic or ideal when cooking. Whether it’s the “barefoot contessa” or cooking through the ideals and style just as your grandmother did, it’s important to carry some sort of “personality” when you cook in the kitchen.
Do we all try to be someone else when we throw on the apron and fire up the stove? Or do we take little bits and pieces of certain people and twist it into or own style when we create in the kitchen? I think Ina can teach us something about having a style or even a “niche” per say when it comes to food and preparation. Although I don’t know if she hits the mark of being the “barefoot contessa” or not but I think we can all use this as inspiration to be individualized in our cooking, preparation and food selection. Does the Food Network purposefully make these different cooking “personalities” to shape our cooking? To be honest, I don’t watch Ina and try to embody every single thing she does when she’s making food but maybe there are some characteristics she exudes that I do bring to the kitchen when it’s time for me to make another meal. All I am saying is don’t be afraid to stray away and become your own chef. Hey, you may even be the next “barefoot contessa”.
Inspire, create and be your own “barefoot contessa” ~J
NP 4/30
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