I love Ina! She's kind of a snob, but her food always looks excellent! Her house is fabulous and so is the garden! My family and I have made a few recipes and we weren't disappointed. I wonder why the Food Network never includes her in their specials though. I figure she's too good for them! I love that she's not a stick figure too! You can tell she's enjoying life! Her friends seem like they've known her for quite awhile and are always good sports. Some of the things she makes are not very practical, but that's OK. My sisters and I joke about what the perfect meal would be from her, and we always argue because there are so many to choose from!

I DO enjoy this show-it's low key and many of the recipes sound great. The only problem: unless you have a ton of time, you can't put these together in a pinch, not to mention the money most of these will cost. But, if you do, you're sure to enjoy it. One example of a minor "flaw": some of her bake sale items are way too complicated or upscale for us lesser folks. More highbrow than some of the other Foodnetwork fare, it is nonetheless a good fit and well worth a look, even if it's in a longing, "I wish I could do /afford that" mode. In summary, it's probably in league with Emeril as it would appear to be a program for the more sophisticated cook with the before mentioned time and cash at one's discretion.

Barefoot Contessa is an amazing show. She is a perfectionist and her recipes are not always easy, but here's the kicker "they are always good". Many of her recipes have a French flair to them - old school cooking. This cooking is not always healthful - but in moderation is heavenly.I like Ina's low key attitude. She speaks clearly and intelligibly - not running off crazy bird. I would rather spend an hour on a good Ina recipe than 45 minutes on a bad Rachael Ray recipe. With that said - that is the difference.Ina Garten is a highly successful career woman - with a an amazing ability to cook. Her recipe for Roast Chicken is easy and amazing a favorite at our house. I also very much enjoy her ideas on table settings, decor, and party planning. She is a less abrasive version of Martha.I am from an old school European family. We love to make beautiful meals. I was taught from an early age to set a beautiful table - that you did not scarf down your food - you dined - enjoyed it. I know we all have busy lives but a return to beautifully prepared meals and great conversation is much more needed in today's society.

This show is really annoying.Ina gets on my nerves every time she laughs.At least when you're gonna laugh,laugh at something funny.Also she says, "WHO Wouldn't WANT THAT..." after she explains the dish.Its irritating because there is probably someone out there in the world who wouldn't want that!Also what is the point about the flowers.Every show she has someone going out 2 buy flowers for the table setting.Which don't make sense because there's only like 2 of them eating.And every episode she has friends over most of which are male.If i was her husband i would keep an eye on her.She looks like the lonely type.Finally, the recipes are okay but i don't think its worth it 2 tolerate Ina for half an hour.I'd recommend going online without watching the show for the recipes.Thats just how i feel.8/10 for the recipes but 3/10 for the host.