Ep 1. Miguel While You Were Out

In Barefoot Contessa season 16 episode 1, entitled "Miguel While You Were Out," Ina Garten visits her friend Miguel in Napa Valley, California. Miguel has been renovating his home, so Ina is excited to see the progress and help Miguel move back in. The episode begins with Ina traveling to Napa and discussing her plans for the trip with her assistant, Lidey.

Once she arrives, Ina marvels at the stunning view of the vineyards and mountains from Miguel's partially-completed deck. She meets up with Miguel, who gives her a tour of the house and shows her the areas that still need work.

Together, Ina and Miguel make a plan to prepare a celebratory dinner for his contractor and his wife, who have been instrumental in the renovation project. To start, Ina heads to a local grocery store to select ingredients that are in season and highlight the flavors of the region.

Back at the house, Ina and Miguel get to work. They prepare a beautiful watermelon and feta salad, followed by a main course of grilled filet mignon with salsa verde and roasted vegetables. For dessert, Ina makes a gorgeous black and white angel food cake, complete with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her tips and tricks for entertaining with ease and style, whether it's creating a simple and elegant tablescape or choosing the right wine to pair with each course.

In the end, the dinner is a success, and Miguel and Ina toast to a job well done. With the house renovation nearly complete and a delicious meal shared with friends, Ina is reminded of why she loves cooking and sharing food with others.

Overall, "Miguel While You Were Out" is a delightful and heartwarming episode of Barefoot Contessa that showcases Ina Garten's culinary expertise and her commitment to hospitality and friendship. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing Ina in a new environment and learning new recipes and techniques.