So growing up in Nashville, top chef star Carla hall was surrounded by soul food, especially dishes cooked by her beloved grandma.
She loved eating it, but she had no real interest in cooking it.
In fact, she headed into the world of business, building a career in accounting.
When a couple years in a moment of awakening and we talk about this, she took this hard left turn that took her through Runway modeling in Europe, cooking and catering in DC, and eventually, years later, onto Bravo's Top Chef, where her amazing and joyful energy and sense of possibility, it just kind of captured the hearts of viewers.
And that launched her into the world of not just food and restaurants, but media and books with her latest cookbook, Carla Hall, Soul Food every day in celebration and tv.
With so many appearances all over and a run, co hosting the two and now podcasting with her hit show, say yes with Carla Hall.
Carla is also super active with a number of foundations that really reflect her passion for causes close to her heart, like Helen Keller International.
And she's also the culinary ambassador for Sweet Home Cafe at the Smithsonian National Museum for African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, where she brings attention to the history of food that has inspired the cafe.
So excited to share this conversation with you.
I'm Jonathan Fields, and this is good life project.
You're in DC right now?
I'm in DC.
A group in Nashville.
It's funny because I think if you're not from Nashville, most people probably think of it as, you know, the town that music built.
And it's all about music.
But Nashville has this stunningly rich food history at the same time.
And I think when people think about the food scene in Nashville now, it's the foodie scene.
It's, like, exploded.
But it's not like that's a new part of Nashville.
Agreed.