Additional Coverage:
- Martha Stewart Says Ina Garten Was ‘Extremely Unfriendly’ When She Went to Prison: ‘Distressing’ (newsbreak.com)
Martha Stewart and Ina Garten’s Friendship Faces Challenges
Despite their long-standing friendship, Martha Stewart and Ina Garten have faced some rocky moments. Stewart claims that Garten stopped communicating after she went to prison in 2004. However, Garten denies this account.
A Strain in Their Relationship
Garten says Stewart distanced herself when she began spending more time at a new property in New York. Stewart’s publicist insists she holds no grudges.
How They Met
The two women first met in the early 1990s at Garten’s store in East Hampton. Stewart was impressed with Garten’s lemon squares and invited her to cater an event at her home.
A Culinary Connection
Stewart helped Garten publish her first cookbook, and later introduced her to Food Network viewers. Stewart also wrote the foreword for Garten’s book, praising her as a kindred spirit.
TV Career Crossroads
Stewart’s production company attempted to launch a TV show for Garten but it was scrapped due to her discomfort with being on camera. Garten eventually found success with her own show, "Barefoot Contessa."
Rumors and Praise
Despite rumors of bad blood, Garten has publicly acknowledged Stewart’s influence on the culinary landscape. She credits Stewart with elevating homemaking to a respected art form.