Carla Hall

Chef & Owner, Carla Hall Petite Cookies

About This Expert

Carla Hall is a prominent co-host on ABC’s beloved lifestyle series “The Chew,” alongside culinary luminaries Mario Batali, Michael Symon, Clinton Kelly, and Daphne Oz. Rising to fame as a memorable contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Hall captivated viewers with her infectious catchphrase, “Hootie Hoo,” and her culinary mantra emphasizing cooking with love. Beyond television, she is the creative force behind Carla Hall Petite Cookies, renowned for crafting exquisite sweet and savory treats fondly dubbed “petite bites of love.”

Hall’s culinary style seamlessly blends her formal French training with her Southern roots, delivering innovative twists on classic dishes. Committed to promoting health and balance in everyday life, she has authored multiple cookbooks that celebrate comfort food infused with global flavors. Her latest work, “Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World”, is set for release on March 25, 2014, following the success of her debut, “Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You”, originally published in November 2012 and recently re-released in paperback.

Originally from Nashville, TN, Hall initially pursued a career in accounting after earning her degree from Howard University. However, a transformative journey through Europe sparked her passion for culinary arts, leading her to complete formal training at L’Academie de Cuisine in Maryland. Her professional journey includes roles as Sous Chef at Washington, DC’s Henley Park Hotel, and later as Executive Chef at The State Plaza Hotel and The Washington Club. Hall shares her expertise through teaching engagements at prestigious culinary institutions such as CulinAerie and Sur la Table, as well as at her alma mater, L’Academie de Cuisine.

Hall’s infectious positivity is reflected in her belief that cooking should always be approached with joy, famously quipping, “If you’re not in a good mood, the only thing you should make is a reservation.” She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband, Matthew Lyons, and stepson Noah, embodying her philosophy of infusing love and happiness into both her cooking and her life.