Ina Garten, Danny Meyer Make Time's ‘100 Most Influential' List
Two chefs made Time’s “100 most influential people” list this year. Photos: Ina Garten/Getty
Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the known universe hit newsstands (and the Internet) today, and two food legends are in the mix: restaurateur Danny Meyer, of Shake Shack fame, and the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten.
What’s so special about them? They’ve changed the way America eats. Time enlisted some famous fans to explain exactly how.
Meyer was praised by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, who worked under Meyer at his acclaimed New York City restaurant Gramercy Tavern. Colicchio recalled brainstorming with Meyer in nearby Union Square Park prior to the eatery’s opening, more than two decades ago.
“[That] day in the park we didn’t talk about menus or decor,” Colicchio wrote. “We talked about how to make people on both sides of the table feel valued and cared for. How putting employees first would translate to a memorable experience for our guests. … It’s what has made him a leader in our industry.” It also explains why Time crowned him “dining’s best boss.”
Ina Garten found her ultimate fangirl in Taylor Swift, who first bonded last June over a couple whiskey sours. “As soon as I started watching Ina’s show, I realized why so many people adore her,” the singer wrote of Garten, who Time dubbed “America’s Host.” “Her goal is to make things easier for us. Fans love her warmth and generosity. She shows us how to create memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.”
Though two food world luminaries might not seem like a lot, it’s twice the number that made Time’s list last year — only activist chef Alice Waters made the cut in 2014.
More stories about Meyer and Garten:
Ina Garten reveals her key to success
All about Garten’s last cookbook, Make It Ahead
Danny Meyer (and Thomas Keller and Alice Waters) share the best advice they ever got
Who do you think are the most influential figures in the food world?
