Cary grew up on a farm and has been noted for her work in the farm-to-table movement,[3] emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.[4]
In addition to Lilly's Bistro,[1] Cary also owns La Peche Gourmet To Go. In May 2015,[5] she competed on the Food Network's show Beat Bobby Flay.[6] Among other nominations, Cary was one of 20 semifinalists for the 2015 James Beard Foundation's restaurant and chef awards.[7] In 2016, she was again named a semifinalist, one of 20 named to the foundation's "Best Chef: Southeast" list.[8]
Cary's daughter Lilly Cary, for whom Lilly's Bistro is named, is now a pastry chef with a doughnut delivery service in Louisville.[9]