Grace Goudie

As the youngest of five in a close-knit family, Grace grew up with an innate interest in food’s ability to unite and reminisce, yet excite and explore. Grace’s early culinary journey started waiting tables as a teenager and then attending the University of Missouri to study journalism and food science. Upon graduation, she was accepted at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California. At CIA, she mastered her chef skills with a classic culinary training.

Then Grace had a life-changing moment that the culinary world dreams about. She was hired by Chef Thomas Keller to work in his restaurants; first as Sous Chef at Ad Hoc and then at the three Michelin-starred French Laundry. After incredible professional training, she went on international expeditions to Thailand, Sweden and Italy, where she further developed a love for different cuisines and cultures. A travel highlight was when she was asked to teach at a cooking school in the famous Umbria region of Italy.

Invigorated, Grace returned to her hometown of Chicago to open her first restaurant, Scratchboard Kitchen. Scratchboard has succeeded beyond expectations despite opening during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. The warm reception of her farm to table menu and strong community support has proven just how much love can come out of good cooking and a positive attitude.

In 2022, Grace made her national TV debut and competed on Food Network's Chopped, where she won the title of Chopped Champion!

Now with the launch of her own platform, Chef Grace Goudie wants you to join in on her journey by creating culinary masterpieces together from the comfort of your own kitchen. Composed, but not complicated cooking. Restaurant-inspired recipes and chef techniques to try at home.