Hi, I'm Carrie Young
Owner & Head Chef of Butter Leaf
My culinary path has certainly had its twists and turns, but I truly believe I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. After a fulfilling career in retail left me yearning for a more creative outlet, the kitchen called. My lifelong obsession with cooking made the leap feel entirely natural. I embarked on a journey across the country, gathering invaluable experience at acclaimed restaurants like Uchiko and Odd Duck in Austin, Provisions in Salt Lake City, and Chapman’s in Columbus. For a decade, I dedicated myself to refining my skills and absorbing every bit of knowledge possible. While I cherish my time in bustling restaurant kitchens, I always knew I needed to cultivate my own unique creative space – and so, Butter Leaf was born. This entrepreneurial adventure has been a blend of exhilarating, enlightening, deeply fulfilling, and perfectly imperfect.
What I love most about my work is the opportunity to celebrate life's special moments with incredible people, crafting experiences that truly resonate. The best events aren’t just about getting everything exactly right (though we nail that too) - they’re about the warmth and joy that linger long past the last course. We cherish the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses as we pack up, knowing that good food fosters truly special memories and connections. It’s moments like these – the genuine joy around the table – that are precisely why we do what we do.
Sustainability Guides Everything We Do, Not Because It's Trendy, Because It's Who We Are.
We compost what we can’t repurpose, wash every tin, jar and package for recycling, and always shop with reusable bags. It takes a little extra effort, but we believe our planet is absolutely worth it.​ We believe in the power of local, and for us, it's far more than a buzzword. Supporting our local partners means investing in thriving communities, fostering genuine connections with the dedicated farmers and producers we know by name. The result? Fresher, more nutritious, and incredibly diverse ingredients that elevate every dish. We're proud to put in the extra effort it takes to source locally – because we're truly passionate about bringing you the very best.
We're proud to be on a first-name basis with many Ohio farmers, ensuring as much of our produce as possible is sourced right here at home. You'll find us regularly at local farm markets, diligently seeking out the finest seasonal ingredients, or at Beechwold Farm Market between market days.
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Our commitment extends to every part of your plate: our meats and eggs come from trusted partners like Bluescreek Farms and Foris Extraordinary Meats, while our Ohio dairy features incredible selections from Snowville Creamery, Urban Stead, Black Radish Creamery, Pearl Valley Cheese, and other local artisans.
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Three Creeks Farms and New Path Farms deliver gorgeous seasonal greens and veggies straight from the soil to our kitchen.
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We cherish these direct connections. We even had the incredible experience of roaming Freshtown Farm with owner Marcie, tasting produce straight from the source, then transforming her harvest into a four-course meal for her and her friends. This is the kind of culinary magic and genuine connection we live for!
