LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For as long as 36-year-old chef Ashlee Northington can remember, she always wanted to be a chef. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ashlee Northington owns Happy Belly Bistro in Louisville

  • Northington and her staff prepared 350 boxed meals for the Louisville State of the City event

  • She did not go to culinary school and is a self-taught chef who has worked for years under other Louisville chefs

  • Northington is no stranger to the spotlight. She was featured in Season 32, episode 9 of the Food Network show "Guy’s Grocery Games

She remembers when she was young she had to cook for her and her younger brothers.

“Then, once I cooked, and it actually came out edible, it made me happy and I was like ‘Oh! I’m actually good at this!’ It was one of those things I kind of was drawn to as a child, because it’s one of those things where I got to create and express myself and I kind of fell in love with it. My passion grew as I learned more,” explained Northington, who owns Happy Belly Bistro. 

Born in Bowling Green, she’s lived in Louisville for 13 years. She shares she did not go to culinary school and is a self-taught chef who has worked for years under a lot of great Louisville chefs.

She started her restaurant in July 2020. She has a food truck too. Now, they use this collaborative kitchen, 240 Adams Street. In her eyes, she treats cooking like art. Her plate is her canvas.

“It’s been good. I can’t complain. I’m blessed to still have a business,” Northington shared.

She remembers getting a call from Louisville’s mayor’s office to cater this year’s State of the City address. She and her staff prepared 350 box lunches for the event. Menu items include fresh fruit, chicken salad, steak burrito, Greek salad, chicken bacon ranch wrap and vegan teriyaki bowl.

“It feels pretty good! I’m excited! I’ll feel better after it’s done and everything is…everybody enjoyed everything,” Northington said.

Northington is no stranger to the spotlight. She was featured in Season 32, Episode 9 of the Food Network show “Guy’s Grocery Games,” where she won $20,000.

“It was an awesome experience! I can’t wait to do it again. Hopefully, that’ll be coming soon. I’m glad that I took my A-Game and pulled off the win! Got to represent for Louisville, Kentucky!” Northington shared excitedly.

Northington said she’s not done appearing on national television just yet. She can’t tell the name of the show, but she says to look out for her in an upcoming episode of a popular Food Network show later this year.

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