Lola Update: Chef Hardette Harris

Lola MagazineBevin Hicks, Louisiana Ladies

Lola Magazine has had the honor of bringing you the stories of countless inspirational women and families over the past six years. Here are just a few updates on some of our most heartfelt stories and inspiring women.

It has been a challenging couple of years, but I’m lucky to still be working on many projects like cooking classes, culinary experiences and my retail products. I planned to reopen my restaurant to the public in August 2021, but it was put on hold. My father got sick in July and my mother a few months later. Taking care of my parents has consumed much of my time, but somehow, I am still busy. I am excited to be planning popups to keep the taste of North Louisiana cuisine on the taste buds of my customers.

In January 2022 I was invited by Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau, Louisiana Travel Association and Texas Monthly Magazine along with 11 other great Louisiana chefs to represent North Louisiana cuisine in Houston, TX. The “Texas Block Party.” It was an invitation-only media soiree to show off Louisiana cuisine to the city of Houston.

As a part of their Black History Month programming, I was excited to be invited by T-Mobile USA to teach a live virtual cooking class to their Executive Level staff. They learned how to properly pick, wash and cook collard greens, and how to make hot water cornbread, tomato cucumber salad, and fried chicken.

I had the great honor to be named the 2017 Louisiana of the Year, Country Roads Magazine, Best Small Town Chef of 2017, SBCTB 2018 Attraction of the Year and the 2019 Sales Department Award.

It has been tough being away from my regular customers for so long. However, it has given me time to focus on exactly how I wanted to show off our food in Northern Louisiana. If you want to continue moving forward in your business, especially if it involves showing your creativity, remain in the same lane where you started. If you’re good at something, hone in on that and keep pushing. Jumping into things that are cool and a great idea can take you away from the intended goal. Just, don’t ever give up on what you set out to do. Never ever be upset about something you didn’t get, or if it seemed like you lost out on a great opportunity. Be grateful for the opportunity and move forward

I look forward to all this year has in store. I am dedicated to keep bringing North Louisiana authentic cuisine to our area and beyond. I will continue my mission to make sure the heritage recipes of our ancestors are recognized, eaten and taught.