On January 7th, 2026, beloved chef and television personality Carla Hall shared a deeply moving tribute to her friend and fellow culinary star Elsimone Scott, known affectionately as “L.” For many home cooks, L was one of those rare voices who made the kitchen feel more inclusive, welcoming, and real—someone whose presence on-screen quietly shifted the culture of cooking shows.

Carla Hall, 61, first captured hearts on Bravo’s Top Chef and later on daytime TV’s The Chew, where her big smile and even bigger heart made her a fan favorite. Elsimone Scott, born Leonda Sherice Simone Scott in Detroit, rose to prominence as a trailblazing figure on PBS’s America’s Test Kitchen, joining the team in 2016. Sadly, America’s Test Kitchen confirmed that El passed away on January 5th after a long battle with ovarian cancer.

Though the exact moment Carla and El’s paths first crossed isn’t precisely documented, El openly described Carla as a mentor—one of the influential women in food media who helped shape her rise. In the tight-knit world of culinary television, mentorship often blossoms into genuine friendship, especially when two people share a mission: to make the table bigger and ensure more voices have a seat.

Carla’s tribute centered on this shared mission. She called El “a friend, a force, and a trailblazer,” praising her excellence, generosity, and the way she pushed open doors that had long remained shut. Carla highlighted the profound impact of seeing El on screen—one of the first Black women regularly featured in that test kitchen environment—bringing authority, joy, and authenticity to a space that shapes how millions cook at home.

The photo Carla chose for her tribute made it all the more personal. Rather than a glamorous red carpet shot, it was a warm, everyday snapshot of El smiling as she read a holiday children’s book titled Christmas with the Chipmunks. The image quietly spoke volumes about who El was off-camera: bright, present, and full of life.

Carla also honored El’s courageous fight with ovarian cancer. Diagnosed around the time she joined America’s Test Kitchen, El used her platform to educate and uplift others facing similar battles. Within ATK, leaders described her as part of the company’s very fabric—remembered for her warmth, community-building spirit, and dedication to creating opportunities for others.

El’s impact extended far beyond television. She founded Sheef, a community supporting underrepresented voices in the culinary world. She hosted the Walk-In podcast and authored cookbooks like Boards (2022) and Food Gifts (2024), projects that celebrated gathering, generosity, and making people feel welcome.

Perhaps the most enduring part of El’s legacy is this: she didn’t just test recipes—she changed who felt allowed to dream in the first place. As tributes like Carla’s continue to pour in, it’s clear that Elsimone Scott’s influence won’t be measured solely by credits or book sales, but by the countless kitchens she opened and the people she made feel truly seen.