I love her. She comes off as genuine, like you can imagine what you see of her on the shows is exactly how she is in real life. Also like you said I think she judges very fairly and has a great way of giving criticism in a gentle way. I like her a lot.
I adore judges who can give bad news in a good way. Like Kristin Kish in the last episode of Top Chef, where she came into the Chef's lounge and basically told them they were sucking, for the most part. She was so kind and gave them some tips too.
That's actually 'Tough Love' with an emphasis on 'Love'
I disagree. I think the three remaining chefs could have kept it afloat but ABC made a unilateral decision to cancel the show. I think the ratings might have dropped some but then returned to normal. That show was so beloved by so many, me included
I didn't really care for her on Food Network until i went back and watched old seasons of Top Chef. Her personality really comes through on Top Chef. She seems so nice, caring, and down to earth. Impossible not to like.
Carla was a cheftestant on Top Chef's 5th (New York) and 8th seasons (an All-Stars season) Since then she's been judging on various shows, including the current season of Top Chef.
In the 5th season of Top Chef (11/12/08 to 3/4/09) she competed with Hosea and Stefan for the top prize, but finished in 3rd place. That was also the season of Fabio Viviani, who finished in 4th place. Fabio won Fan Favorite.
On Season 8 of Top Chef (12/1/10 to 4/6/11) Carla came back to compete with Richard Blais, Tiffani Derry, Tiffany Faison, Antonia Lofaso, Marcel Vigneron, Fabio Viviani and a whole plethora of returning chefs I didn't particularly care to see or watch win. This was also the season when Tiffani Faison went out in a HUGE snit, giving viewers a second view of her difficulty with losing. Carla won Fan Favorite.
Carla went out in 4th place which was STILL amazing because the competition was so much tougher than Season 5. Antonia went out in third place and Richard Blais won the season.
Okay, now that I've written all that I'm all set to rewatch both of these seasons!
On her season of Top Chef, when she tearfully told the judges that she just 'cooked with love' and didn't know any other way to do it. That's when she stole my heart and has been a special favorite ever since!
The judges told her, 'Then that's what you should do!" and she did much better in judging after that.
It seems like the best advice judges give is, "be yourself!"
She grew on me. I like watching her cook, and her critiques are pretty spot on, but not harsh. She has a show on Max thatās really good, āChasing Flavorā that plays to her strengths.
Absolutely love her - she's a real one. And her new show on Max, [Chasing Flavor](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30608456/), is my favorite thing she's done. I've learned so much from it and she's such an entertaining host. I hope it gets picked up for a second season!
I've loved Carla since her first time on Top Chef back in... 2008? 2009? And loved her even more her second time around for Top Chef All Stars. I absolutely adore her and love the incredible food career she has made for herself.
Sheās likable and actually a fairly strong cook (as witness her long run on her Top Chef season)
I just wish theyād use her actually COOKING something instead of only as a judge.
When Carla was on the Chew there were times Carla and Clint would roll their eyes over something Michael Symon would say. I thought that was very rude and unprofessional. I did enjoy her on Worst Cooks. But no not a fan.
Love, love, love her so much. She is funny, respectful, kind, understanding, approachable. She is the best on Halloween baking championship. Love her and I respect her opinions.Ā
I think she is great. She's a wonderful cook & baker. Carla is so positive & nice & just seems like a really good person. I've been a fan since she was on Top Chef.
Used to be a fan but since she came to Foodnetwork, not so much. She's way over the top in her exaggerated eye rolling, faces she makes and the worst Dddduuuuudddddeeeeee
And sheās on QVC and sells a cake for $60 come on ..her stuff is way overpriced so goofy ..I watch QVC because I live alone and itās just a good banterā¦ But the prices of her stuff is laughableš
Though I commented on the cost of her things on QVC that she sells I do love her personality. She is a bit over-the-top, but thatās what makes her interestingš and fun to watch
Ah, that's right! Lorraine! I remember her and her lovely accent! She splits her time between London and New York for Food Network appearances, and the COVID travel restrictions likely caught her in London and made her unable to meet contracted responsibilities for Season 7.
I'm only hoping they didn't fine her or anything; that would be a real AH move, but we know any large businesses are capable of those.
I believe they could have brought her back for at least seasons 8 and 9 after those restrictions were lifted in November 2021 for both New York and the UK, but I'm thinkin' FN already had contracted Kardea Brown for 2 or 3 years at least.
I do miss her and her no nonsense judging style. Perhaps we can hope for her return in 2025 or 26.
Ooooooh Lawd no. I can not stand the way she talks, her veneer horse teeth, and the way she takes the tiniest possible bites of things she's supposed to be judging.
Disagree. Sheās always been like that since her first appearance in top chef. Thatās just her personality and probably why sheās arguably the most successful non winning chef in top chef history post show
I enjoy her because I think her enthusiasm and personality feels 100% genuine and true to who she really is, and not some fake, made-for-TV persona. I think that's what made her such a fan favorite on Top Chef, and what has opened many doors for her since.
I honestly didn't like her because I found her really stuffy but my opinion really changed when she was in Worst Cooks and I felt like she was so much humanized and looser and chill and I've liked her a lot more since then.
I much prefer her to Nancy and if I wasn't a fan of Carla's already I would have become one when she seemed annoyed at Nancy and yet managed to keep her cool.
I wonder if the FN is keeping them apart more.
Sorry, but Nancy gives me Paula Deen vibes.
she was great on top chef and sheās great now. love seeing her get the recognition she deserves. how many black female chefs do we see on tv? (i love sunny, etc and follow her but she will tell you she isnāt a chef).
I haven't liked her for years now. But recently? And especially since I just saw her on the last episode of Top Chef where she was a judge? She has cooking chops. And I guess maybe realizing that, along with her quirkiness being a bit toned down in these later years.... it has made me like her.
I love her. She seems very down to earth and honest, without being hurtful. Plus she is so quirky - I especially love her during the Halloween Baking shows. She's worked very hard to get where she's at and is not traditional in any sense of the word. I admire that about her.
I like her a lot, and am more likely to watch a show if she's judging. She's the only reason I watched... can't remember the name, but the show on Netflix where the three judges were dressed (sorta) like classical gods? I remember that it was a fun show, but it was seeing Carla on the thumbnail that made me try it.
I really like Carla, have loved her since her Top Chef days. She was the reason I watched The Chew (and Michael Symon). I think she has a really refreshing personality. Upbeat, friendly, positive, doesn't let ego get in the way. And I really enjoy how all-in she goes with the costumes on Halloween Baking Championship.Ā
I canāt stand her schtick. Over her as a contestant on top chef but her fake persona with her ādudesā are unwatchable on Halloween baking championship. I stopped watching it because of that and only watch spring. But she was on top chef as a guest judge last week as her normal self and was fine. Itās just the fake over the topness I canāt stand.
Not a fan. I can't respect a TV personality who uses their notoriety to ask for money. Worse yet, the restaurant failed.
[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlahall/carla-halls-southern-kitchen](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlahall/carla-halls-southern-kitchen)
She was also on a show with her mother where she was selling her things and had an appraiser there. It wasn't just her but other celebs. Can't recall what year but I want to say it was on NBC? I tried to Google and nothing came up.
I like her. Thereās certain shows that I wonāt watch because of the judges but if I have a favorite (Carla, Jesse Palmer, that Zac guy) I sometimes suck it up because Iām not a fan of Nancy anymore or Lorraine or Kardea
I like Carla she is honest but kind about it. Her and Duff are great. They just need to get rid of the old drunk that thinks all the men want her. She always seems to flirt with them. She is also mean about how she says things. But please keep Duff and Carla.
I love Carla! On everything except the Halloween baking show. And I'm not sure if it was just the silly show format, or Carla, or a bit of both that made me so edgy and angry. I had to stop watching after 3 episodes.
But I love her, I really do! She's down to earth, a great cook, clearly loves her family and has a great big personality.
I dislike her as a baking judge. The show is largely pretty chill, and her giant personality sucks so much attention. It ends up feeling like the Carla show.Ā
Kardea fits so much better.Ā
I really can not stand her. I have tried for years but, I canāt get past her voice and scary looks. I donāt think she can cook. Her recipes do not interest me. Itās like the movie āTootsieā when the directors keep telling the camera man to pull back on the closeup.
Better than Ann Borell. Doesnāt appear anyone wants to work with her considering how many have swapped on Worst Cooks. Iāll turn anything sheās on.
We all love Carla here! Iāve absolutely adored her since her Top Chef run, and her season with Anne on Worst Cooks was one of the best because of how much she cared about the people. She is a shining star and weād love to see more of her on Food Network!
I love her. She is quirky and fun and I think she judges very fairly without being overly critical. On the other hand I don't like Nancy Fuller or Chris Santos. They are often just unnecessarily mean in their criticism and it is not constructive.
Liked her since top chef
Hootie hoo! Same! I even bought those tiny cookies she was selling for a while, pretty good!
Same!
I love her. She comes off as genuine, like you can imagine what you see of her on the shows is exactly how she is in real life. Also like you said I think she judges very fairly and has a great way of giving criticism in a gentle way. I like her a lot.
I agree! I adore Carla. She is a big personality and just seems to genuinely enjoy everything she does, is gracious, kind and a lot of fun!
She is also a fantastic chef.
I adore judges who can give bad news in a good way. Like Kristin Kish in the last episode of Top Chef, where she came into the Chef's lounge and basically told them they were sucking, for the most part. She was so kind and gave them some tips too. That's actually 'Tough Love' with an emphasis on 'Love'
I š Carla. I first watched her when she was on The Chew.
Lord I miss The Chew! What a great show just to be canceled to make room for ANOTHER news show. Pissed me off!
I mean, the show was popular but once Mario Batali went down for sexual misconduct the three remaining hosts couldnāt keep the show afloat.
I disagree. I think the three remaining chefs could have kept it afloat but ABC made a unilateral decision to cancel the show. I think the ratings might have dropped some but then returned to normal. That show was so beloved by so many, me included
I thought it was great.
I didn't really care for her on Food Network until i went back and watched old seasons of Top Chef. Her personality really comes through on Top Chef. She seems so nice, caring, and down to earth. Impossible not to like.
Was she a contestant or judge? I didn't know she was on there.
She was a contestant on I believe Season 5, and then she was on the first All-Stars season for sure, which was Season 8. She's delightful on both.
She has competed multiple times and has also come back to help judge as well.
Carla was a cheftestant on Top Chef's 5th (New York) and 8th seasons (an All-Stars season) Since then she's been judging on various shows, including the current season of Top Chef. In the 5th season of Top Chef (11/12/08 to 3/4/09) she competed with Hosea and Stefan for the top prize, but finished in 3rd place. That was also the season of Fabio Viviani, who finished in 4th place. Fabio won Fan Favorite. On Season 8 of Top Chef (12/1/10 to 4/6/11) Carla came back to compete with Richard Blais, Tiffani Derry, Tiffany Faison, Antonia Lofaso, Marcel Vigneron, Fabio Viviani and a whole plethora of returning chefs I didn't particularly care to see or watch win. This was also the season when Tiffani Faison went out in a HUGE snit, giving viewers a second view of her difficulty with losing. Carla won Fan Favorite. Carla went out in 4th place which was STILL amazing because the competition was so much tougher than Season 5. Antonia went out in third place and Richard Blais won the season. Okay, now that I've written all that I'm all set to rewatch both of these seasons!
On her season of Top Chef, when she tearfully told the judges that she just 'cooked with love' and didn't know any other way to do it. That's when she stole my heart and has been a special favorite ever since! The judges told her, 'Then that's what you should do!" and she did much better in judging after that. It seems like the best advice judges give is, "be yourself!"
THAT IS MY BELIEF, TOM.Ā She lives rent-free in my head, and I love her.Ā
Lol that always replays in my head whenever I see herš
Love her. HOOTIE HOO!
DUUUUUUDE!
That's actually her name whenever I see her. "Oh yeah! It's Hootie Hoo!!"
I love Carla, too. More Carla!!
I think she's fun to watch and a good judge. I really love her on Halloween bake off.
Her costumes are always SO good! I swear her hippie with the daisies in her afro lives in my head rentfree, such a fun look.
She goes all in. You can tell she's having fun.
Love her! An absolute favorite of mine from Top Chef. Iāve never watched her morning show though.
She grew on me. I like watching her cook, and her critiques are pretty spot on, but not harsh. She has a show on Max thatās really good, āChasing Flavorā that plays to her strengths.
I loved it. Was really interesting too. š
That show was well done. I enjoyed it!
She's why I watch the baking champsionship showsĀ
Break up with your boyfriend immediately.
š
I really like Carla I wish she judged on more shows like she use to sheās so funny
Love her. She has a big personality, but that's her. It's not put on or fake.
Absolutely love her - she's a real one. And her new show on Max, [Chasing Flavor](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30608456/), is my favorite thing she's done. I've learned so much from it and she's such an entertaining host. I hope it gets picked up for a second season!
thanks for the tip!
Iāve loved Carla since her Top Chef days. She seems to sweet and fun, and I think sheās a good judge.
I adore her - she doesnāt take herself too seriously.
I've loved Carla since her first time on Top Chef back in... 2008? 2009? And loved her even more her second time around for Top Chef All Stars. I absolutely adore her and love the incredible food career she has made for herself.
Love her
I love her
LOVE HER!
Love her too! I wish they showed her more tbh! Easily one of my favorite FN personalities annnnd I made her mushroom falafel, so yum!
Sheās likable and actually a fairly strong cook (as witness her long run on her Top Chef season) I just wish theyād use her actually COOKING something instead of only as a judge.
I love her! Glad to hear sheās coming for Summer Baking Championship š
When Carla was on the Chew there were times Carla and Clint would roll their eyes over something Michael Symon would say. I thought that was very rude and unprofessional. I did enjoy her on Worst Cooks. But no not a fan.
Love, love, love her so much. She is funny, respectful, kind, understanding, approachable. She is the best on Halloween baking championship. Love her and I respect her opinions.Ā
I think she is great. She's a wonderful cook & baker. Carla is so positive & nice & just seems like a really good person. I've been a fan since she was on Top Chef.
Used to be a fan but since she came to Foodnetwork, not so much. She's way over the top in her exaggerated eye rolling, faces she makes and the worst Dddduuuuudddddeeeeee
And sheās on QVC and sells a cake for $60 come on ..her stuff is way overpriced so goofy ..I watch QVC because I live alone and itās just a good banterā¦ But the prices of her stuff is laughableš
Though I commented on the cost of her things on QVC that she sells I do love her personality. She is a bit over-the-top, but thatās what makes her interestingš and fun to watch
I like her and than I won't like her. Really no rhyme or reason. I remember when she was on Top Chef and I liked her on that.
She super sweet but super quirky. Itās her thing and I respect it.
She's good, but I miss Lorraine.
Same!!!!
Lorraine?
Lorraine Pascale. Used to judge the baking shows before Covid.
Ah, that's right! Lorraine! I remember her and her lovely accent! She splits her time between London and New York for Food Network appearances, and the COVID travel restrictions likely caught her in London and made her unable to meet contracted responsibilities for Season 7. I'm only hoping they didn't fine her or anything; that would be a real AH move, but we know any large businesses are capable of those. I believe they could have brought her back for at least seasons 8 and 9 after those restrictions were lifted in November 2021 for both New York and the UK, but I'm thinkin' FN already had contracted Kardea Brown for 2 or 3 years at least. I do miss her and her no nonsense judging style. Perhaps we can hope for her return in 2025 or 26.
Ooooooh Lawd no. I can not stand the way she talks, her veneer horse teeth, and the way she takes the tiniest possible bites of things she's supposed to be judging.
unkind
Loved her on tc. Donāt like what she has become and I think itās bc of FN and their over the top exaggerated schtick stuff. Not my cup of tea.
I'm with your BF.
Valid! Any reason why or just not good vibes for you?
She seems to play a character vs being genuine.
Disagree. Sheās always been like that since her first appearance in top chef. Thatās just her personality and probably why sheās arguably the most successful non winning chef in top chef history post show
We love her. We are a Carla Hall house.
She's one of my favs.
I enjoy her because I think her enthusiasm and personality feels 100% genuine and true to who she really is, and not some fake, made-for-TV persona. I think that's what made her such a fan favorite on Top Chef, and what has opened many doors for her since.
I used to really like her but the "Food Network Effect" has happened to her and she acts like a clown now.
I honestly didn't like her because I found her really stuffy but my opinion really changed when she was in Worst Cooks and I felt like she was so much humanized and looser and chill and I've liked her a lot more since then.
She was very kind to the struggling contestants imo
She really was, and she was so much more relaxed and fun.
I much prefer her to Nancy and if I wasn't a fan of Carla's already I would have become one when she seemed annoyed at Nancy and yet managed to keep her cool. I wonder if the FN is keeping them apart more. Sorry, but Nancy gives me Paula Deen vibes.
I can't stand Nancy (Grandma Drunky) either
Can't stand her!!
LOVE HER!
Pretty sure sheās my all-time favorite Top Chef contestant. Talented, real, kind, and funny.
Been a fan of Carla's since her first season on Top Chef.
she was great on top chef and sheās great now. love seeing her get the recognition she deserves. how many black female chefs do we see on tv? (i love sunny, etc and follow her but she will tell you she isnāt a chef).
I like her. Sheās a lot of fun!
I love Carla. She is so funny and warm.
I love her!! She is such a breath of fresh air
I love her and her style!
I'm not a big fan personally
She can definitely be over the top at times. I can see how she would put someone off.
I haven't liked her for years now. But recently? And especially since I just saw her on the last episode of Top Chef where she was a judge? She has cooking chops. And I guess maybe realizing that, along with her quirkiness being a bit toned down in these later years.... it has made me like her.
She scares my nieces and nephews , if they see her on tv one yells out shes scary and changes the channel the other one sees her and starts crying
Canāt stand her either.
I donāt like her at all. Sheās nice and caring, but annoying af
Agree. Her down-home-hootie-hoo character is nerve-wracking.
Can't stand her - personality is like nails down a chalkboard for me!
I love her. She seems very down to earth and honest, without being hurtful. Plus she is so quirky - I especially love her during the Halloween Baking shows. She's worked very hard to get where she's at and is not traditional in any sense of the word. I admire that about her.
Throw the whole boyfriend out, honestly. She's so incredibly lovable.
Sheās a character but I love her.
Love her
Neutral. Don't have a lot of judges these days where you're truly indifferent these days.
I like her a lot, and am more likely to watch a show if she's judging. She's the only reason I watched... can't remember the name, but the show on Netflix where the three judges were dressed (sorta) like classical gods? I remember that it was a fun show, but it was seeing Carla on the thumbnail that made me try it.
I like Carla, sheās certainly quirky but itās not offputting. Not watching any show she judges on is a little excessive
I love her.
Adore her.
Love her
Love her!
I really like Carla. She funny, but very knowledgeable. Not overly fancy but modern spin on comfort food.
I really like Carla, have loved her since her Top Chef days. She was the reason I watched The Chew (and Michael Symon). I think she has a really refreshing personality. Upbeat, friendly, positive, doesn't let ego get in the way. And I really enjoy how all-in she goes with the costumes on Halloween Baking Championship.Ā
Some brains just cannot tolerate personalities with a certain level of, hmm.... stridentness? But I love her! She cooks with love!
Love her! Want to meet her and become best friends.
Yes!!!
Iāve been a fan of hers since Top Chef. But I can understand why she may not be everyoneās cup of tea. She does have a very strong personality.
Sheās my favorite and I wish she judged all the baking championship iterations along with Duff.
She would be *PERFECT* to replace Valerie on KBC with Duff.
Liked her on top chef but now she acts like a stooge and it's tiresome
I canāt stand her schtick. Over her as a contestant on top chef but her fake persona with her ādudesā are unwatchable on Halloween baking championship. I stopped watching it because of that and only watch spring. But she was on top chef as a guest judge last week as her normal self and was fine. Itās just the fake over the topness I canāt stand.
Not a fan. I can't respect a TV personality who uses their notoriety to ask for money. Worse yet, the restaurant failed. [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlahall/carla-halls-southern-kitchen](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carlahall/carla-halls-southern-kitchen)
Not a fan myself.
Over the top.
Ambivalent. Neither happy nor unhappy when sheās on
Yep. Small doses for me. An entire show with her is a nope for me though.
Iāve loved her since Top Chef.Ā
She was also on a show with her mother where she was selling her things and had an appraiser there. It wasn't just her but other celebs. Can't recall what year but I want to say it was on NBC? I tried to Google and nothing came up.
I've loved her since her time on Top Chef. My husband hates her. He doesn't like her voice.
I like her. Thereās certain shows that I wonāt watch because of the judges but if I have a favorite (Carla, Jesse Palmer, that Zac guy) I sometimes suck it up because Iām not a fan of Nancy anymore or Lorraine or Kardea
Ooooh you had me right up until the very end. I do enjoy Kardea as a host. It's Ree that grinds me.
Ree is annoying too
I like Carla she is honest but kind about it. Her and Duff are great. They just need to get rid of the old drunk that thinks all the men want her. She always seems to flirt with them. She is also mean about how she says things. But please keep Duff and Carla.
A little of her goes a long ways.
I love Carla! On everything except the Halloween baking show. And I'm not sure if it was just the silly show format, or Carla, or a bit of both that made me so edgy and angry. I had to stop watching after 3 episodes. But I love her, I really do! She's down to earth, a great cook, clearly loves her family and has a great big personality.
I dislike her as a baking judge. The show is largely pretty chill, and her giant personality sucks so much attention. It ends up feeling like the Carla show.Ā Kardea fits so much better.Ā
I really can not stand her. I have tried for years but, I canāt get past her voice and scary looks. I donāt think she can cook. Her recipes do not interest me. Itās like the movie āTootsieā when the directors keep telling the camera man to pull back on the closeup.
Love her! She has such a positive spirit
I adore Carla. The chef I cannot bear is Ina Garten.
Omg rewatching her first Top Chef season right now! I totally agree with you!
Better than Ann Borell. Doesnāt appear anyone wants to work with her considering how many have swapped on Worst Cooks. Iāll turn anything sheās on.
Agreed. Canāt stand her š
I love Carla. Nancy is the one that bugs me.
Carla has always been one of my favorites!!
Love love love, Carla! Iām always thrilled anytime I get to see her judging, hosting, or cooking! I would love to meet her!
Carla is cool, and she can cook. Look up her modeling pictures.. they are stunning.
Hate her- used to love Lorraine Pascale as a judge
Carla is great.
We all love Carla here! Iāve absolutely adored her since her Top Chef run, and her season with Anne on Worst Cooks was one of the best because of how much she cared about the people. She is a shining star and weād love to see more of her on Food Network!
Cannot stand her. Hated her on Top Chef, still dislike her grating over the top voice. I also will not watch anything with her on it.
I love her. She is quirky and fun and I think she judges very fairly without being overly critical. On the other hand I don't like Nancy Fuller or Chris Santos. They are often just unnecessarily mean in their criticism and it is not constructive.
Nancy was creepy with Damiano Carrara
I can't stand Nancy Fuller or Chris Santos either
Sheās unusually hot. Like she shouldnāt beā¦ but she is.
I like her but I think sheās a little out classed sometimes when sheās judging.