Carla Hall

Carla Hall is an American professional chef, television personality, author, and former runway model who rose to national prominence as a standout contestant on Bravo's hit reality competition series Top Chef. Renowned for her energetic personality, signature catchphrase "Hootie Hoo!," and deep passion for Southern soul food, Hall has built a multifaceted media and culinary career spanning daytime television, cookbook publishing, live hosting, and food mentorship across major national networks.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on May 12, 1964, in Nashville, Tennessee, Hall was raised with a strong appreciation for traditional Southern comfort food and family gatherings. She attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1986 with a degree in accounting, and briefly worked as a Certified Public Accountant. Realizing her true interests lay elsewhere, she transitioned into runway modeling, working in major fashion capitals across Europe, including Paris, Milan, and London. During her time abroad, Hall discovered a passion for culinary arts. Upon returning to the United States, she settled in Washington, D.C., launching a lunch delivery service before earning her culinary degree from L'Academie de Cuisine in Maryland and working as an executive chef and caterer.

Television and Media Success

Hall achieved widespread recognition in 2008 as a finalist on Season 5 of Bravo's Top Chef: New York, later returning to compete in Top Chef: All-Stars, where she was voted Fan Favorite. Her charming screen presence led to a starring co-host role on ABC's Emmy-winning daytime lifestyle show The Chew from 2011 to 2018. Following her daytime success, Hall became a prominent fixture on Food Network, serving as a judge and host on popular programs including Halloween Baking Championship, Holiday Baking Championship, and Best Baker in America. She has also authored several acclaimed cookbooks, including Carla Hall's Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration, which earned an NAACP Image Award nomination.

Personal Life and Legacy

Hall resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Matthew Lyons, whom she married in 2006. Outside of television, she remains actively involved in culinary philanthropy, supporting organizations such as 4-H, the Pajama Program, and the James Beard Foundation. Hall continues to inspire audiences nationwide through live appearances, cooking demonstrations, digital content, and her signature philosophy of cooking with love and joy.