Ina Shows Off Her New Barn

Ina Garten wanted a house, so she built a barn. Confusing? Well, not really. For years, Ina used her own home to film her TV show, develop recipes for her books, and do magazine photo shoots. That requires a lot of people in your house all the time.

After visiting East Hampton back in September and seeing the kind of production that goes on just while filming Barefoot Contessa, I definitely understand why Ina would want a little peace and quiet.

Just look at everything in her garage!






In addition to the three ovens, two refrigerators, and multiple gas burners that Ina has in her barn's kitchen, the garage is where culinary assistants work to prep multiple version of the same dish all day long.

They have another 4-5 refrigerators, 3-4 more ovens, and every pot and pan imaginable in there!

You can tell Ina is thrilled to have the barn completed. House Beautiful got a special tour of the place.



As you can see, the barn is just across the yard from Ina's home. When having parties, guests sit on the stone wall and roast marshmallows in the big iron fire bowl.




I'm not sure how high the ceiling is, but it's impressively high. That's why the newer shows actually have a bit more of an echo to them. I love the exposed beams, too.


We didn't go into the barn's bedroom while I was there (it serves as Ina's hair & makeup / sanctuary while taping), but from the look of it it seems like a great place to spend the night. Just look at the tub that looks out into the garden!

Not to be outdone, Food Network's Bruice Seidel took a tour of the barn, which you can catch on the latest episode of The FN Dish [link updated, should work now]. Ina is so sweet in it. Check it out!

[Images via House Beautiful; Thanks to Harry for sending.]

Adam Roberts Moves on from FN Dish

It's hard to believe so many months have passed since the February debut of The FN Dish hosted by Adam Roberts, but here we are in August. And just like summer coming to an end, it was officially announced that Adam Roberts is moving on from FN Dish and will be unveiling a new web show for Food Network sometime in the near future.

The new host of FN Dish is Bruce Seidel, Food Network's Senior Vice President of Program Planning and Special Production.

Take a look at Adam's farewell (for now) video.


While I do think it's kind of strange that a show originally intended to be the "ultimate fan experience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access" will now be hosted by an executive who has worked for the network for more than 10 years, I wish him the best.

I also want to congratulate Adam on a job well done. I look forward to seeing what his new show has to offer!

RIP Everyday Italian?

FN Dish's Adam Roberts caught up with Giada De Laurentiis over the weekend where she revealed that production on Everyday Italian has ended.



Don't fret, GDL-lovers. She's working on a new cooking show.

I'm going to start a new show. We actually finished Everyday Italian and we're going to start a new cooking show for me... in June. [...] It's still going to be very similar to Everyday Italian, just a little more modern, a little more me now that I have a little one coming. I think it's a time for a little bit of a life change."

I'm excited that Giada's getting to branch out a bit. I've read in several interviews that her love of food extends into many other varieties of cuisine other than Italian, so I'm glad she'll be able to show that.

As it is, Everyday Italian as of late has pretty much branched away from strictly Italian recipes. G will make a cookie or salad or roast and throw some prosciutto or amaretti cookies on it and make it "Italian."

So what kind of food do you think Giada should cook?

FN.com Debuts Amateur Gourmet's FN Dish

Food Network debuted something pretty exciting on Monday... a new web-based show featuring food blogger and author Adam Roberts, the Amateur Gourmet.

His show--the FN Dish--takes us behind the scenes at the network to interview our favorite stars, cook with celebrity chefs, and more.



I've actually been in talks with the Food Network since October about this project, so I'm excited to see it finally launch. (That's what my meeting with Bob Tuschman led to.)

I'm also VERY excited to let you know that I'll be interviewed by Adam for the 2nd episode of The FN Dish while we're eating it up in South Beach this weekend! I better start working on my tan. And pecs.

Should be lots of fun, and if it all goes well I'm hoping my involvement with the show can continue on (in some form).

So watch Adam and let me know what you think. I LOVE that you can leave comments on the videos and embed them.