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Courtesy: Food Network

Food Network favorite Ina Garten heads back to where her career began, Washington, D.C., for an unforgettable trip that culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime visit with First Lady Michelle Obama in the one-hour special Barefoot in Washington, airing Saturday, November 5th at 1pm (all times ET/PT) on Food Network. 

Ina begins her trip stopping by to see former Barefoot Contessa staffer Bettina Stern at her DC restaurant, Chaia, to catch up and make the restaurant’s renowned Homemade Tacos with Roasted Cauliflower.

Ina then drops in to judge the New York Times’ Washington Bureau monthly Food Club cook-off as well as co-hosts a birthday lunch with good friend, writer Elsa Walsh.  On the menu, Maple Roasted Carrot Salad for guests to enjoy including Elsa’s husband, journalist Bob Woodward, and novelist Daniel Silva.

Next up, Ina takes in the city’s burgeoning food and drink scene, meeting up with her friend Bonnie Benwick from the Washington Post for some science-meets-drama mixology at Bar Mini in the form of the Highlander Cocktail.

Ina’s Washington, D.C. visit culminates at the White House where she has been invited to attend the official White House Kitchen Garden dedication, celebrating both the garden and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative.  She visits the garden with the First Lady’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Melissa Winter then drops by the White House kitchen to cook alongside Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford. Together they whip up some tasty, tea time treats including savory Vegetable Tarts and Salad Wraps with Greek Yogurt Feta Cheese Dip using fresh vegetables picked right from the garden.  In an extraordinary and momentous finish to the trip,

Ina joins First Lady Michelle Obama for tea.

SWEET.