Meet Ally
From Cookbooks to Community
Ally ‘a la Carte Gourmet Kitchen began as a simple love for cooking, from flipping through beloved cookbooks to recreating soulful dishes in her own kitchen. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into a mission: to nourish, educate, and inspire through food that honors both heritage and health.
Rooted in the traditions of Black home cooking and the bold food culture of Chicago, Ally saw an opportunity to create something deeper, seasonings that do more than flavor your plate. They tell a story.
Rooted in Legacy
Ally’s culinary journey began by watching her grandmother, Louvenia Beasley, move with confidence and care in the kitchen, never needing a recipe, just instinct and soul. Alongside those memories, cookbooks became her classroom. She studied them, cooked from them, and began to build a style of her own, one rooted in love, balance, and flavor.
But it was her mother’s battle with high blood pressure that gave her purpose. Watching her mom struggle to find flavorful, salt-free options pushed Ally to develop her own blends, ones that didn’t compromise taste or culture.
Taste of Chi™ was born as a tribute to both her family and her city. Because Chicago is known for good food—and Ally wanted to make sure that even without salt, her blends could stand up to the city’s legacy. Every name, from Who Made the Greens? to G.HERB.OH Everything, is a nod to the culture, the flavor, and the pride of the Chi.
Our Mission
To help our community embrace a flavorful, balanced lifestyle. One meal, one story, and one shake of seasoning at a time.
What We Do
At Ally ‘a la Carte Gourmet Kitchen, we offer:
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🧂 Salt-free seasoning blends inspired by Chicago and cultural tradition
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🍽️ Chef-tested recipes that celebrate flavor and wellness
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🧑🏾🍳 In-home chef experiences and full-service catering
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🥗 Balanced meal prep with vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options
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🎥 Tutorials and content that make healthy cooking feel soulful, easy, and fun
Whether you're cooking for one or feeding the whole block, you're in the right kitchen.