Cat Cora

Cat Cora is a chef, author, restaurateur, television personality, philanthropist, and lifestyle entrepreneur recognized for her contributions to the culinary industry. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Cora gained experience at two three-star Michelin restaurants in France, establishing a classical foundation for her career. Her professional background includes chef positions in New York under Anne Rozensweig and Larry Forgione, as well as work with Roger Vergé at Le Moulin de Mougins and Georges Blanc in France. Cora also served as executive chef at Postino in Lafayette in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cora made her television debut as co-host of Food Network's "Melting Pot" and became the first female Iron Chef on "Iron Chef America," joining Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, and Masaharu Morimoto for 10 seasons. Her cooking style blends Mediterranean cuisine with Southern influences. Cora has appeared on several television shows, including Bravo's "Around the World in 80 Plates," Fox's "My Kitchen Rules," and ABC's "Family Food Fight." She also competed in Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions on Food Network.

Cora's achievements include being named Bon Appétit Magazine's "Teacher of the Year" and serving as the magazine's executive chef. She was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs Hall of Fame by the American Culinary Federation as the first female chef to receive this honor. Cora has opened more than 18 restaurants in the United States and internationally, focusing on health, wellness, and sustainability. Her ventures include Cat Cora's Kitchen, Cat Cora's Gourmet Market in airport locations, Ocean by Cat Cora in Singapore, and Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney World. Cora is the author of three cookbooks, a children's book, and a memoir titled "Cooking as Fast as I Can: A Chef's Story of Food, Family and Forgiveness."

Cora is active in humanitarian work, co-founding Chefs For Humanity to support emergency and humanitarian aid, nutritional education, and hunger-related initiatives. She received the President's Volunteer Service Award and the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer service. Cora also launched a Women's Empowerment Culinary Internship Program to mentor women in the culinary arts. She has appeared on Netflix's "Next Gen Chef" series filmed at the Culinary Institute of America, contributing to culinary education and mentorship.