Think you know everything about Barefoot Contessa host Ina Garten? Think again.

Are you ready to be served? Check out some of the tastiest tidbits about the self-taught cook’s amazing life!

I Had a Career in Washington

“During the Ford and Carter administrations I worked in the Office of Management and Budget on nuclear-energy issues,” says Ina, 71. “It was very exciting, but after four years I realized I needed to run something that I owned.”

Sunday Is My Favorite Day of the Week

“I get up around 7:30 a.m., make breakfast and then I sit at the kitchen table and read the paper. At 6 p.m. I have a massage. In 1985, I was working really hard, and one day I told myself, ‘I’m not having enough fun.’ So I started having massages.”

Tony Bennett Is a Fan

“When I go on a book tour, I meet lots and lots of people, but I think my favorite was meeting Tony Bennett. His wife introduced us and he said, ‘I love your meatballs.’ I think I laughed for, like, 24 hours after that.”

I Met My Husband When I Was 15

“I’m still just in awe of him,” says Ina of husband Jeffrey, 72, a professor at Yale. The couple — who just celebrated their 50th anniversary on December 22 — met at Dartmouth College when she was visiting her brother. Jeffrey was also a student there at the time and they married five years later. “He’s the best friend anybody could ever have.”

I Don’t Like Fancy Food

“If I had to choose my last meal, it’s going to be a hot dog at Frenchie to Go in Paris. It’s unbelievable. Maybe with french fries, since it’s the last meal. And when we’re in California, we always have to go to In-N-Out Burger.” We have a suspicion BFF Jennifer Garner will totally be down for that, too!

For more on Ina Garten, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!