In her 20s, Garten worked in the White House for Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter writing policies for the nuclear energy budget.
Garten had no idea that her next chapter was waiting 300 miles away — in a tiny 400-square-foot food shop in Long Island, New York.
Garten thought she might be happier working in the food business over politics, as cooking was her passion.
Compared to her stifling government job, Garten thought the food business could offer a greater sense of freedom and creativity.
The following weekend, Garten and her husband Jeffrey drove out to New York and bought the shop for $20,000.
Persons:
Ina Garten, didn't, Garten, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, —, Julia Child's, Jeffrey
Organizations:
White, Management, New York Times, Barefoot, Hamptons
Locations:
Garten, Long Island , New York, New York