Ina Garten's Favorite Brand of Coffee Isn't Starbucks

When Ina Garten lends her stamp of approval to something, you know it's going to be good. Whether it's a particular brand of butter or a go-to recipe, she knows quality when she sees it—or rather, tastes it. She's even gone so far as to say there is one product she will never buy at the store, because homemade versions are far superior!

So, yes, Ina has good taste in every sense. It's always fascinating to hear more about what she uses in her daily routine, since so many of her recipes and tricks are for special events or hosting occasions. 

She recently revealed several things in an interview with Airmail. One that definitely caught my eye was her affinity for Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream (same, Ina!). But I was also pleasantly surprised to hear about how she starts her day.

Ina said that after waking up between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m., she goes straight for the caffeine: "Every morning, I drink Dallis Brothers Coffee—the Ellis Island Blend." She drinks her coffee with toast. Coffee and toast, to quote Ina, "how easy is that?"

Dallis Brothers Coffee has been around for a long time. Since 1913, the coffee roasters have been operating out of New York City. Russian-born brothers Morris and Abe Dallis used to deliver coffee via horse-drawn wagon to customers in Brooklyn and Queens. Eventually, they upgraded to a Ford Model T for deliveries—and now you can order their coffee online.

Why Ina Garten Loves Dallis Brothers Coffee

Leave it to Ina Garten to choose a morning coffee that has such a deep New York history. The Ellis Island blend she prefers is a medium roast, described as "bright, spicy and smooth."

The roast of a coffee bean directly correlates with the coffee's flavor. A light roast tends to be brighter and more acidic than a dark roast, which is less acidic and has a deeper, smokier flavor, which is why so many after-dinner coffees are robust Italian or French dark roasts. And a medium roast is smack dab in the middle of the two, making it a nice and balanced way to start your morning.

If you have any Ina Garten lovers in your life, then a bag of this coffee might make an excellent holiday gift. Or bring it as a host gift the next time you're invited over to a friend's house. Anything that brings joy to the loved ones in your life is definitely Ina Garten-approved.