A touch of Grace

Chopped champion Grace Goudie visited the Hinsdale Public Library earlier this month to cook and chat about her experiences from waiting tables in Hinsdale to winning the first round of "Chopped Casino Royale." Goudie, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, Calif., worked in restaurants in California - including the three Michelin-starred French Laundry - before opening Scratchboard Kitchen in Arlington Heights in April 2020. As she prepared the evenings dish, a "Spring Pea Salad" she explained the ingredients she uses and demonstrated everything from the pickled red onions to plating the dish. As a bonus, she had prepared samples for the audience to taste as well. Before the event Goudie posed with several people attending, including Olivia and Leighton Saegesser. (Jim Slonoff photos)