The first time I whipped up Ina Garten’s arugula, watermelon, and feta salad, it was like discovering a culinary kindred spirit. The simple ingredients harmonized beautifully, each flavor bursting with the essence of summer. As a college freshman working as a nanny, I had access to her cookbooks and a perfect kitchen to experiment. Little did I know, this was the beginning of a lifelong culinary journey guided by Ina, always offering delicious food ideas that felt just right, like finding the best food near me, but in terms of inspiration and taste.
Since then, Ina Garten’s recipes have been my gold standard. She unveiled the magic of cinnamon and coffee in enhancing chocolate’s depth. Her party planning wisdom transformed me into a confident hostess. Her calm and approachable demeanor, both in her books and on TV, made me believe I could cook like her and genuinely enjoy the process. Her cookbooks read like intimate kitchen conversations, sharing life stories alongside delectable recipes. For anyone seeking comforting and reliable food near me inspiration, Ina’s approach is a treasure.
Cooking became my sanctuary during challenging times. A well-prepared dinner and a glass of wine became my solace after a demanding workday. And I truly credit Ina for helping me find my footing after a significant breakup. It’s like when you’re searching for food near me for comfort after a long day – Ina’s recipes offered that same sense of immediate comfort and familiarity.
Post-breakup, the quest to rediscover myself felt like untangling a complicated knot. I started gravitating towards things that defined my single life. Like reconnecting with a cherished friend, Ina re-entered my life. I felt a deep yearning to reconnect with her culinary world. It was about finding that familiar comfort, that feeling of ‘home’ in food near me, even when home felt uncertain.
One of the first things I realized was the abundance of time I now had for myself—and for cooking solely for myself. I wholeheartedly embraced indulging my spontaneous food cravings.
Marinara sauce from scratch? Absolutely! Butternut squash risotto? Don’t mind if I do! Summer called for beefsteak tomato salad with homemade blue cheese dressing. That autumn, I roasted my inaugural whole chicken in a cast iron skillet. More profound than the food itself, cooking allowed me to reconnect with my authentic self, a place where I’ve always felt most at ease. The kitchen transformed back into my grounding space, a haven where immersing myself in recipes and ingredients could eclipse emotional pain. I started hosting relaxed dinner parties for friends, with Ina consistently playing a starring role at my table. The elation I felt after successfully mastering a new dish was a powerful reminder of my beginnings. It was like rediscovering familiar and loved food near me, but in the context of self-discovery and healing.
Six months later, I found myself in my first post-breakup relationship. The moment arrived to cook dinner for him for the first time. For days, I meticulously planned menus featuring ingredients I knew he enjoyed. Echoing Ina’s methodical approach, I devised a game plan. Dinner night arrived, and I felt confident but with a touch of nerves. I served the main course—pasta with clams—and a salad with Dijon vinaigrette. I eagerly awaited his reaction. Silence. Even a simple “mmm” would have been welcome. Still nothing. Finally, I asked, “How is everything?” Without looking up, he responded, “Good, but the salad dressing has too much mustard.” That relationship ended shortly thereafter. It taught me that finding the right food near me also means finding the right people to share it with.
Fast forward a year, while producing a segment for PBS NewsHour, there I was, standing beside Ina at her kitchen island, conversing about love, life, her husband Jeffrey, and about to prepare—you guessed it—a Dijon vinaigrette. I recounted the story of my date and his “constructive criticism.” Without missing a beat, she declared, “If someone ever criticizes a meal you’ve made for them, it’s over.” It was a reaffirming moment, like finding expert advice that felt perfectly near me and relevant.
So, for now, I’m savoring each course as it comes. My next culinary endeavor is Ina’s brisket with onions and leeks—a recipe requiring over four hours of cooking time. But that’s perfectly fine. Brisket, much like dating, demands time and patience. Thanks to Ina, I’m ready for both challenges. And in both, I know I can find something truly satisfying and fulfilling, something that feels wonderfully and deliciously food near me in spirit.
Watch Ina Garten’s interview with PBS NewsHour’s William Brangham here.
