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A Traveler’s Tale: Ina Garten Reflects on Her French Experience
Ina Garten, renowned chef and author, shares a fond recollection of her time spent in France back in 1971 alongside her husband, Jeffrey. This journey, characterized by its carefree spirit and financial constraints, marks a pivotal moment in Garten’s culinary adventure.
“That summer, we camped across Europe for four months, with a significant portion of our time in France,” Garten reminisces. The couple embraced the freedom of a life unburdened by responsibilities as Jeffrey was about to commence his graduate studies, and Garten was poised to join the Federal Power Commission. However, their financial resources were limited—in fact, they managed to live on just $5 a day, a feat made possible half a century ago.
Foregoing creature comforts, they opted against purchasing a camping heater that would have cost them $35, a decision that meant enduring chilly nights in their bright orange tent. “We had our share of campfire disasters,” Garten admits, recalling one particularly memorable incident when their tent collapsed on them at 2 a.m., leading them to spend the rest of the night in their rental car. Such setbacks did not diminish their spirits—rather, they embraced the adventure. Each day started with the question, “Where do you want to go today?” as they explored the roads in their small Renault with a guidebook that highlighted local campgrounds. Due to their tight budget, they often found themselves in modest two-star establishments.
One such campsite was located near Mont Saint-Michel, where they encountered the owner, who shared a homemade dish of coq au vin with them. Though unfamiliar with the dish at the time, Garten was captivated by the rich flavors and aromas that filled their tent as she cooked it on a small camping stove. “I had never tasted anything like it before,” she recalls. The complexity of the wine and the depth of flavor ignited a passion in her to learn more about French cuisine.
“In America, we tend to search for flavor in our food, often leading to larger portions and more consumption. In contrast, French dining is about savoring each bite, appreciating the delicate nuances of texture and taste,” Garten reflects. This cultural difference fuels her ongoing connection to France and its culinary traditions. Despite not being an experienced camper prior to this trip—and not particularly taking to it afterward—this journey instilled in her a love for cooking, particularly rustic, hearty French dishes meant for sharing around the table.
Ina Garten, widely recognized as the Barefoot Contessa, has authored 13 cookbooks. Her latest memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, is currently available for purchase.
This narrative was featured in the November 2024 issue of Condé Nast Traveler.
Source
www.cntraveler.com