The Worst Dish Ina Garten Has Ever Made, According To Jeffrey Garten
Ina Garten, famously known as the Barefoot Contessa, has built a reputation for creating delicious, crowd-pleasing meals that have won the hearts of millions. But even the best chefs have their off days. According to her husband Jeffrey Garten, a respected academic and former dean at Yale School of Management, there is one dish Ina made that stands out as her worst culinary creation. This rare kitchen misstep offers a fascinating glimpse into their long marriage and the honest feedback that keeps their relationship—and recipes—thriving.
The Story Behind the Infamous Fish Stew
Ina Garten’s husband Jeffrey once revealed in a 2009 interview with the Yale Daily News that Ina prepared a fish stew that didn’t quite hit the mark. While he didn’t specify the exact recipe or ingredients, this confession is surprising given Ina’s expertise with seafood dishes. Ina has published numerous seafood stew recipes, including a highly rated one in her 2004 cookbook *Barefoot in Paris*. That recipe features a delightful mix of shrimp, halibut, bass, and mussels, combined with potatoes, fennel, saffron, and orange zest—ingredients that typically result in a flavorful, aromatic dish.
Another popular seafood stew Ina is known for is cioppino, an Italian-American fish stew famous in San Francisco. Despite its popularity, Jeffrey wasn’t a fan of this dish either, highlighting that even beloved chefs can have recipes that don’t resonate with everyone, including their closest critics.
More Than Just One Culinary Flop
The fish stew wasn’t the only dish that failed to impress Jeffrey. In a 2018 appearance on *The Chew*, Ina Garten shared a story about an early marriage cooking disaster involving a dish made with ground beef and corn. She described it as “just awful,” and admitted that Jeffrey initially fibbed about liking it before eventually pleading with her to never make it again. This anecdote reveals the candid and supportive dynamic between the couple, where honest feedback is given with love and respect.
Despite these rare misses, Jeffrey is known for his consistent praise of Ina’s cooking. Ina herself has said that Jeffrey often tells her, “this is the best thing you’ve ever made,” which she jokingly admits motivates her to keep cooking for him. This playful exchange underscores the deep affection and partnership that has sustained their nearly six decades of marriage.
Cooking for Love: Ina Garten’s Dedication to Jeffrey
Ina Garten’s devotion to Jeffrey extends beyond the kitchen mishaps. In 2016, she published a cookbook titled *Cooking for Jeffrey*, dedicated entirely to recipes inspired by and created for her husband. This collection includes comforting dishes such as rigatoni with sausage and fennel, lamb stew with spring vegetables, and fish and lobster cakes—meals that reflect their shared love of good food and family.
Ina also describes making chocolate brownies as an “expression of love” for Jeffrey in her memoir, showing how food is a language of affection in their relationship. These heartfelt culinary gestures have helped them build a life filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious meals.
Conclusion
Even culinary icons like Ina Garten have their less-than-perfect moments in the kitchen, as her husband Jeffrey’s candid remarks reveal. From a questionable fish stew to a ground beef and corn dish that didn’t quite work, these stories humanize the Barefoot Contessa and highlight the importance of honest feedback in any relationship. If you’re inspired by Ina’s journey and want to explore her recipes—both hits and misses—why not try cooking one of her beloved dishes today? Dive into the world of Ina Garten and discover how love and food come together in every meal she creates.
Ready to bring a little Barefoot Contessa magic into your kitchen? Start by exploring Ina Garten’s cookbooks and find your next favorite recipe!
