Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn’t happen when assistant threw her letter away

Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away

As a dedicated follower of these inspiring women, I find their friendship to be a testament to the power of instinct and the beauty of serendipity. Ina Garten, with her wisdom and grace, saw potential in Jennifer Garner before many others did, and their bond has been a source of joy for both them and us, their fans.


For over a decade, Jennifer Garner and Ina Garten, aged 76, have cherished their friendship, an alliance that might never have come to be if not for a fortuitous turn of events.

In her recently published memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens,” as shared by People, Ina mentions that some people who didn’t realize my guests on the show were actual friends of mine, would write to ask if they could cook together with me instead.

My assistant, Barbara, managed my correspondence and would regularly send courteous letters detailing our show’s operations. On one occasion, she casually disregarded a letter from Jennifer Garner, presumably not recognizing her importance.

However, Ina, who shares details about her husband Jeffrey in her book, was aware of Jennifer and had a gut feeling about her.

‘She seemed smart, funny and so grounded, very un-Hollywood,’ Ina wrote in her book.

Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away

It occurred to me that she seemed like someone I could enjoy spending time with. During our filming in Los Angeles, I initiated contact and arranged for us to prepare a meal together. As we had both anticipated, there was an immediate bond between us. Since then, we have maintained a friendship.

It was approximately when Jennifer turned 40 that Ina initially encountered her, and she got invited to the actress’s birthday celebration.

‘She very sweetly invited me to her birthday party, which was amazing,’ Ina told People.

She mentioned that the event was special for her since forty women were asked to attend wearing athletic attire and with their hair tied back in ponytails, without any styling or makeup, dressed casually in sweatshirts, pants, and sneakers, as she put it.

‘And they were wonderful, wonderful women and it was a very good time.’  

Garner wrote to Ina because she is a big fan of the Barefoot Contessa and her work. 

In April, Garner was a guest on Be My Guest in Garten’s famous East Hampton, New York kitchen.

During their visit, these two friends seized the moment to record an episode for Jennifer’s occasional Pretend Cooking Show, which she shares on Instagram.

Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away
Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away
Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away
Ina Garten reveals her friendship with Jennifer Garner almost didn't happen when assistant threw her letter away

Jennifer’s Instagram post started with a heartfelt greeting: “Happy Birthday to my Monarch, confidante, and Magic Kitchen Maven, @inagarten,

‘Making a Pretend Cooking Show with the Contessa who inspired it was meta for my brain,’ she wrote adding two exploding head emojis.

As a devoted admirer, I eagerly anticipate our meetings, Ina, and the one we have planned for 2024 at your stunning barn is no exception. It’s a date I truly look forward to!

About Jennifer, Ina remarked, “She is down-to-earth, ethical, intelligent, an outstanding parent, and a fantastic cook. Simply put, she’s exceptional.

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2024-09-24 04:37

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