Carla's Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World

Carla Hall, co-host of ABC's "The Chew" and a Top Chef contender, will host a dinner April 8 at the Fourth Estate restaurant. The multi-course meal will feature dishes created from recipes in Hall's soon-to-be-published cookbook, "Carla's Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World."

Hall is the owner of Alchemy by Carla Hall, an artisan cookie company that specializes in creating sweet and savory "petite bites of love." She also won the hearts of the nation's foodies as a contender on Bravo's "Top Chef," winning "Fan Favorite" on "Top Chef All-Stars."

Hall, a native of Nashville, Tenn., received a degree in accounting from Howard University. Traveling through Europe awakened her passion for food, and inspired a new career path. Carla attended L'Academie de Cuisine in Maryland where she completed her culinary training. She has worked as a chef in top Washington, D.C. restaurants. Her approach to cooking blends together her classic French training and Southern upbringing for a twist on traditional favorites.

Hors d’oeuvres
Black Bean Empanadas with 160 Black Bean Picadillo [Mexican]
(Mini) Merguez Lamb Burgers (/Sliders) with Feta [Moroccan]
Lemongrass-Ginger Fried Chicken (fingers) [Thai]
Tempranillo, Manuel Campos, Spain 2012
Verdejo, Anares, Terra Nova, Spain 2012

1st Course - Soup
Souse: Chicken Soup with Lime [Bahamian]
Sauvignon Blanc, La Croix-Barton, Bordeaux, France 2012

2nd Course - Fish
Dijon Tarragon Salmon [American] with 20 Last Supper Buttered Tarragon Peas [French]
Rose, Rimauresq Cru Classe, Cote de Provence, France 2012

Intermezzo
Selection of locally made Sorbet

3rd Course - Entrée
Grilled Soy –Marinated Short Ribs [Korean] with Chitrana Peanut Coconut Rice [Indian]
Syrah, Angel Falls, Stolpman Vineyard, Santa Ynez, Ballard, California 2010

4th Course - Dessert
Salted Peanut Chocolate Pudding Tarts [American]
Clarendelle by Haut Brion, Amberwine, Monbazillac, France, Non-Vintage