Ina Garten’s Food Store Sees Record Sales Thanks to Diane Keaton Movie
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Ina Garten, the renowned chef and owner of the iconic gourmet food store Barefoot Contessa, recently shared an intriguing story about a unique connection she has with the late actress Diane Keaton. Although Garten never met Keaton in person, they share a special link through a Nancy Meyers movie. Diane Keaton, who sadly passed away on October 11 at the age of 79, starred in the 2003 film “Something’s Gotta Give” alongside Jack Nicholson. Interestingly, a portion of the set from the movie was actually modelled after Garten’s famous store in the Hamptons, New York.
Garten originally opened Barefoot Contessa in 1978, and it quickly became a beloved spot for both locals and tourists visiting the New York beach towns, especially during the summer months. Garten revealed that Nancy Meyers, a close friend of hers, reached out to her before filming “Something’s Gotta Give” to ask if they could film in her store. Excited about the opportunity, Garten agreed to close the store for filming, leading to an unexpected turn of events.
Despite initially shooting scenes at the actual store, Meyers decided to switch things up and requested that the store be recreated in a studio in Los Angeles. Garten shared, “So she asked us to send her two of every single thing in the store, which is what we did. It was like the biggest sale ever.” The end result was a stunning on-screen representation of Barefoot Contessa, with characters Erica (Keaton), Harry (Nicholson), and Marin (Amanda Peet) brought to life within the familiar setting.
In addition to the physical items sent over, Garten pointed out that the set design team paid attention to detail by incorporating elements such as posters from her book and items typically found in her store. This meticulous recreation added an authentic touch to the scenes shot in the fictional Barefoot Contessa store.
Garten’s connection with Nancy Meyers didn’t end with the movie. Despite selling Barefoot Contessa in 1996, Garten maintained a close friendship with Meyers over the years. The two even reconnected at a New York restaurant, leading to a renewed bond. Garten shared that Meyers and Keaton, who lived near each other, supported each other during the challenging times of the pandemic, highlighting the strength of their friendship.
Looking ahead, Garten teased the upcoming season of her Food Network show, “Be My Guest,” which premieres on October 19. The new season will feature engaging cooking lessons and conversations with notable guests such as Tina Fey, Christine Baranski, Itzhak Perlman, and Daniel Roseberry. Garten expressed her excitement at the incredible experiences she has had while filming the show and interacting with such exceptional individuals.
As Garten continues to share her passion for food and entertaining through her show, viewers can look forward to engaging episodes that offer a glimpse into her world of culinary delights. With each episode, Garten brings her warmth, humour, and expertise to the screen, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and audiences alike. Don’t miss the new season of “Be My Guest” for a delightful blend of food, fun, and insightful conversations.
In conclusion, Ina Garten’s fascinating tale of her store’s on-screen debut serves as a reminder of the unique connections forged through art and friendship. As viewers tune in to watch “Be My Guest,” they can enjoy a taste of Garten’s hospitality and culinary expertise, making for a truly delightful viewing experience.