Chef Carla at Alewyfe Farm

Southern-born and farm-raised free range all-natural chef and teacher... I've spent half my life here in Chicago and love exploring all food cultures and making different dishes from all over the globe. My philosophy about food and cooking prioritizes fresh local ingredients whenever possible, and I love to empower folks to get in their kitchens and make real food from scratch, learn about food history, and experience new flavors and learn new basic techniques to incorporate into their everyday menus as well as special-occasion dishes. I want to teach you to cook intuitively, without relying on recipes and set your creativity free!

I also have a passion for DIY health and beauty products, making cold-process soaps, organic body products, teas, tinctures, and preserves. I have a BA in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and have worked professionally as a chef and in catering, and with mentoring urban youth to teach them gardening, nutrition, and bike maintenance skills. I look forward to sharing my culinary adventures and DIY knowledge with you!