In a candid moment on her new podcast, *Happy Hour*, celebrity chef Ina Garten shared an amusing story highlighting the potential mishaps of language barriers while living abroad. The 78-year-old Food Network star recounted her experience with a French hairstylist which left her both amused and slightly embarrassed.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Ina-Garten-091724-d64113efc0bc41cb81f3cb01a14f3224.jpg)
During her conversation with actress Kate McKinnon, Garten detailed a visit to a hair salon in France, where she faced a significant language hurdle. The stylist had asked her if she preferred her hair straight or curly, prompting her youthful spirit to go for the curl, especially since it was New Year’s Eve. However, when it came time to express her excitement about the curly hairstyle, things took an unexpected turn.
Garten attempted to say, “When my husband sees me he’s going to say, ‘Kiss me quick before my wife gets here,’” but what she actually conveyed to the hairstylist caused shock. The chef described the stylist’s horrified reaction, noting her utter confusion at his expression. On reflection, Garten didn’t grasp the gravity of her verbal slip until later that evening when she sought clarification from friends about her startling proclamation.
Her friends chuckled as they informed her what she had inadvertently said: “F— me quick before my wife gets here.” The chef recounted this incident with laughter, acknowledging how easy it is to misinterpret or mistranslate, particularly in a different language.
Throughout her career, Garten has been known for her light-hearted approach to cooking and life, and this anecdote added a humorous personal touch to her public persona. Beyond the realm of cooking, Garten, who married her husband Jeffrey in 1968, shared her thoughts on family life during a recent interview with *The New York Times*.
In the same discussion, Garten expressed her contentment with the decision she and Jeffrey made not to have children. She reflected on how their lives would have been notably different had they chosen to start a family. “I think it would have been difficult, and I think Jeffrey and I would have had a different life together,” she remarked.
Garten indicated that their freedom has allowed them to pursue opportunities that may not have been feasible with children in tow, such as Jeffrey’s business venture in Japan. She highlighted the flexibility in their relationship that has empowered them both to explore various career paths and personal interests without the added responsibilities of parenthood.
Notably, Garten does not harbour regrets regarding her choice, stating, “I’ve never looked back on the decision and thought, I should have done it differently.” While she acknowledged the joy her friends find in parenthood, Garten reaffirmed that it was not a route she ever desired for herself.
In a further discussion on the podcast *Good Hang with Amy Poehler*, Garten reiterated the significance of this decision made at a young age, expressing her gratitude for Jeffrey’s support. “I just can’t imagine my life any other way,” she concluded.
Through her podcast, Garten continues to connect with listeners by sharing personal stories that illuminate her unique experiences, both in her culinary journey and in her personal life. As she reflects on both the mishaps and the clarity that life has afforded her, audiences are reminded of the importance of embracing both laughter and life’s choices.