Ina's been invited to the White House to celebrate the dedication of the White House Kitchen Garden. Planting began in 2009, and produce from the garden is used for the Obamas' private meals and for state dinners and is also shared with those in need. 

A former staffer of Ina's specialty food store, Barefoot Contessa, Bettina Stern now co-owns Chaia in Georgetown, which serves vegetarian tacos, like cumin-roasted cauliflower and garlic-and-olive oil-braised mushroom, on housemade corn tortillas.    

Ina and her friend Elsa Walsh are making a birthday lunch for a mutual friend. They're whipping up a Maple-Roasted Carrot Salad and a Perfect Roast Chicken and for dessert they're serving a yellow cake with fresh strawberries. 

Chef José Andrés is the mind behind barmini, which tests cocktail recipes for his entire restaurant empire. Ina's getting a taste of the Highlander, a blend of Scotch, mezcal and simple syrup, finished off with an ice sphere, a rosemary sprig and a cloud of dry ice.