Ina Garten Delights in Chat with Author Ann Patchett at the Kennedy Center

Two older women sitting between a coffee table chatting on a public stage

The Kennedy Center has officially launched “Nourish,” a month-long program focused on arts and well-being. The program urges audiences to explore the vast impact of food and artistic expression in our lives, based on the belief that the full spectrum of the arts have a deep and lasting impact on our holistic well-being. Culinary icon Ina Garten kicked off the activities with a dynamic discussion of her newly released memoir, “Be Ready When The Luck Happens,” moderated by award-winning author Ann Patchett. Garten, who branded herself as “The Barefoot Contessa” fondly reminisced about life as a Washingtonian in the ’70s, recalled working for the White House Office of Management and Budget and entertaining at her Dupont Circle rowhouse.

Garten’s husband Jeffrey worked in the State Department, earning his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. Garten started out with the Federal Power Commission and later worked for the White House and was eventually a budget analyst. She wrote the nuclear energy budget and policy papers for Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

When the floor opened to audience participation, one member asked where Garten had her best-ever cheeseburger. Garten was delighted to share, saying she had it that afternoon, referencing her lunch at Bourbon Steak.  The conversation was the first stop on Garten’s nationwide book tour.

Share this article

Related Posts

Leave the first comment

Ina Garten Delights in Chat with Author Ann Patchett at the Kennedy Center

Two older women sitting between a coffee table chatting on a public stage

The Kennedy Center has officially launched “Nourish,” a month-long program focused on arts and well-being. The program urges audiences to explore the vast impact of food and artistic expression in our lives, based on the belief that the full spectrum of the arts have a deep and lasting impact on our holistic well-being. Culinary icon Ina Garten kicked off the activities with a dynamic discussion of her newly released memoir, “Be Ready When The Luck Happens,” moderated by award-winning author Ann Patchett. Garten, who branded herself as “The Barefoot Contessa” fondly reminisced about life as a Washingtonian in the ’70s, recalled working for the White House Office of Management and Budget and entertaining at her Dupont Circle rowhouse.

Garten’s husband Jeffrey worked in the State Department, earning his Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. Garten started out with the Federal Power Commission and later worked for the White House and was eventually a budget analyst. She wrote the nuclear energy budget and policy papers for Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

When the floor opened to audience participation, one member asked where Garten had her best-ever cheeseburger. Garten was delighted to share, saying she had it that afternoon, referencing her lunch at Bourbon Steak.  The conversation was the first stop on Garten’s nationwide book tour.

Related Posts

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Call to action

Power Lunch Fuels Breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s Research

On May 8, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, West End, The Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation’s 15th Annual Great Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show, featured designs by Toccin. Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer’s Drug…...

May 29, 2025
Allyson Burkhardt
Marc Lefkowitz, Charlie Crowley, Elise Lefkowitz, Alex Toccin and Michael Toccin.
Marc Lefkowitz, Charlie Crowley, Elise Lefkowitz, Alex Toccin and Michael Toccin.

Ann Mashburn Hosts Private, In-Store Fashion Event

Ann Mashburn hosted a private in-store event on Thursday, April 24th. Ann Mashburn, herself, was present to share her insights & styling takes a Spring Collection with top clients in attendance.  A special vintage collection of elegant and sophisticated handbags, jewelry and other treasures…...

May 21, 2025
Allyson Burkhardt
Kristi Valla, Ann Mashburn, and Amy Mills
Kristi Valla, Ann Mashburn, and Amy Mills

Designers Flint, Cipoletti Debut in D.C. with Rosewood Brunch and Trunk Show

The luxurious Georgetown hotel Rosewood Washington, D.C., hosted an exclusive shopping experience as celebrated designers Sarah Flint and Jenny Cipoletti made their D.C. debut with a VIP brunch & Townhouse trunk show. These influential brand founders gathered with D.C.’s stylish tastemakers for a day of…...

May 15, 2025
Allyson Burkhardt
Founders & Friends, Jenny Cipoletti and Sarah Flint.
Founders & Friends, Jenny Cipoletti and Sarah Flint.