Carla Hall, my partner in crime and a welcoming spirit

My sister-in-law, Marty, is my partner in crime.  We both love shopping, cooking and just hanging out with each other.  We have been to New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Nashville and New Pittsburgh TN (to visit the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet Outlet).  Last week was her birthday.  I happened to see that Carla Hall, chef and TV host, was going to be at the Carmel IN Market District to sign books and meet fans.  I ordered tickets and called Marty to suggest she plan a road trip for her birthday weekend.

So in the midst of cooking, talking and spending time with Pack Rat, who is recovering from knee replacement surgery, Marty and I went to see Carla Hall.  We had seen her do a cooking presentation at the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland in 2014.  It was so much fun and prompted me to purchase one of her cookbooks.  We knew that this was just a meet and greet and book signing, no cooking involved

We arrived at Market District in Carmel IN at about 12:40.  Our tickets were for 1:00.  There were probably 150 people in line already, holding their cookbooks and waiting to see Carla Hall.  She arrived right on time at 1:00 and started greeting people.

Now I would expect a famous chef who bases out of New York to be somewhat stand-offish with us Mid-westerners.  Carla was exactly the opposite.  She laughed, hugged, embraced and was totally charming to this very diverse crowd of fans.  I was totally enthralled by her charm and welcoming spirit.  Within the crowd there were several people in wheelchairs and she was as charming with them as she could be.  She sat on the arms of wheelchairs for photos, she got on the floor to talk to young children again as photos were being taken.

I was completely blown away by her charm and ability to make everyone there feel welcome.  When I had a minute with her we talked about making biscuits.  I am trying to master them.  She told me she had made a video on her method during the recent snow storm in New York and to check it out.

Wow, what a wonderful lady.  Marty and I were both totally thrilled to meet her.  She has two fans for life.  If you have a chance to see Carla Hall in person do it!