
In fact, much of the empathy she shows for aspiring chefs and young creatives stems from her own rather circuitous career path. Still, all of this is only a part of Hall’s story. In addition to being a gifted chef, whip-smart writer, and astute critic of food culture, Hall’s air of affability is a sort of Trojan horse, frequently opening the door for complicated conversations around race, gender, and the ways in which our cultural identities are expressed in the food we eat, create, and serve. Even when called upon to be critical, she is never mean-spirited and genuinely wants people to be their best. As a recurring judge in the snarky world of American reality TV, she is something of an anomaly - a person who is kind, curious, and genuinely supportive. Part of Hall’s charm as a television personality is her radical benevolence.
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This started the ball rolling on a television career that has included hosting stints on ABC’s “The Chew,” and now sees her as a beloved judge on the Food Network, where she offers advice and encouragement on shows like “Halloween Baking Championship,” “Worst Cooks in America,” and “Best Baker in America.” Add to this her three cookbooks and her ongoing TV appearances - I can think of few people who have appeared on “General Hospital,” “Sesame Street,” and “Antiques Roadshow,” seemingly entirely logically - and it’s easy to understand why she is universally beloved.

She first appeared on television screens as a contestant on reality juggernaut “Top Chef” back in 2008, and while she didn’t win, her winning personality (and her beautiful food) got her invited back in 2010. “I feel like I don’t meet many strangers and I love that.”įor anyone paying attention to the pop-culture zeitgeist of the past 20 years, Hall’s story is already familiar. “Oh, I get that all the time,” she laughs.

When I mention this to her - that my lack of nerves has to do with the fact that she already feels like someone I’ve known for the better part of two decades - she instantly laughs. The dance one does as an interviewer, wherein you try to make a subject feel comfortable, take the temperature of the situation, and break the ice, is remarkably absent when speaking to Hall. And it’s not just because Hall is naturally funny, but also because I feel as if I have known her forever. SPEAKING TO CHEF Carla Hall is very funny.
