Cat Cora facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Cat Cora

Cora in April 2010
Born	(1967-04-03) April 3, 1967 (age 58) United States
Cooking style	Mediterranean (Greek), Fusion ("Hellasian"), French
Education	University of Southern Mississippi Culinary Institute of America
Spouse	Jennifer Cora ​ ​ (m. 2013; div. 2015)​ Nicole Ehrlich ​ ​ (m. 2018; div. 2021)​
Current restaurant(s) Cat Cora's Que, Costa Mesa, CA (2008–present), Cat Cora's Kitchen, San Francisco, CA (2011–present),
Previous restaurant(s) Kouzzina by Cat Cora, Orlando, Florida (2009–2014), * Cat Cora's Kitchen, Atlanta, Georgia (2016–2020)
Television show(s) Iron Chef America, Tournament of Champions, Kitchen Accomplished, Melting Pot, "MasterChef"

Catherine Ann Cora (born April 3, 1967), known as Cat Cora, is a famous American chef. She is also a TV star, a business owner, and writes cookbooks. Many people know her as an "Iron Chef" from the TV show Iron Chef America. She also co-hosted Around the World in 80 Plates.

Becoming a Chef

Early Life and Family History

Cat Cora was born on April 3, 1967. She grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. Her family had a strong connection to food. Both her grandfather and father owned restaurants.

When she was 15, Cat already dreamed of opening her own restaurant. She even made a business plan! Her father and grandfather helped her with her ideas.

Education and Training

Cat first studied Exercise Physiology and Biology. She earned her degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. But her passion for cooking led her to a different path.

She then went to the famous Culinary Institute of America. This school is in Hyde Park, New York. She graduated from there in 1995. This training helped her become the amazing chef she is today.

Cat Cora on Television

First TV Appearances

Cat Cora started her TV career in 1999. She co-hosted a Food Network show called Melting Pot. Her co-host was chef Rocco DiSpirito.

She also appeared in other shows. These included My Country, My Kitchen in 2001. She was also a co-host for Kitchen Accomplished in 2004.

Becoming an Iron Chef

In 2005, Cat Cora made TV history. She became the first female "Iron Chef". She joined famous chefs like Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. She was on the show for 10 seasons!

Her voice was even used in a video game. It was called Iron Chef America: Supreme Cuisine in 2008.

Other TV Shows and Competitions

Cat Cora has co-hosted other exciting shows. One was Around the World in 80 Plates in 2012. This was a reality competition show on Bravo.

In 2017, she co-hosted My Kitchen Rules on FOX. She also competed in Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions in 2021. She almost won, showing her great cooking skills!

Cat Cora's Restaurants

Cat Cora has opened many restaurants. She shares her love for food with people everywhere.

Current Restaurants

In 2008, she opened Cat Cora's Que (CCQ). This restaurant is in Costa Mesa, California. It is still open today.

She also has Cat Cora's Kitchen and Cat Cora's Gourmet Markets. These are in airports across the United States. You can find them in Houston, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City airports. The first Cat Cora's Kitchen opened in San Francisco in 2011.

Since 2016, Cat Cora has worked with Aramark. They offer dining options in many places. These include businesses, universities, and hospitals. Her brands are called Olilo and Wicked Eats. By 2022, there were over 500 Olilo locations.

She is also an Executive Chef for Bon Appétit magazine.

Past Restaurants and Projects

Cat Cora used to run Kouzzina by Cat Cora. This restaurant was at Disney's BoardWalk Resort in Orlando, Florida. It closed in 2014.

In 2013, she opened The Ocean Restaurant in Singapore. This special restaurant is inside the world's largest oceanarium. It has 63 seats and offers amazing views.

Partnerships and Business Ventures

Cat Cora's Kitchen, a restaurant at Terminal E of George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Cat Cora is also a successful businesswoman. She has partnered with many companies.

Cookbooks and Products

Her first cookbook, Cat Cora's Kitchen, came out in 2004. It was inspired by her Greek family and Southern roots. It includes many of her family's favorite recipes.

In 2011, she launched her own line of cookware. She worked with Starfrit, a Canadian company.

Collaborations and Campaigns

Cat Cora has worked with Macy's. They opened her restaurant, Cat Cora's Que, in 2008. She also teamed up with Disney in 2010. They created web videos called The Muppets Kitchen with Cat Cora.

In 2010, she joined Michelle Obama's Chefs Move To Schools campaign. This program helps schools offer healthier meals.

Cat Cora is part of Macy's Culinary Council. This group includes other famous chefs. In 2014, she launched her own line of hummus. You can find it in H-E-B grocery stores in Texas.

Helping Others

Cat Cora cares about helping people. She has been a spokesperson for UNICEF. This organization helps children around the world.

In 2005, she helped start Chefs For Humanity. This group brings together chefs and food experts. They raise money and provide help for emergencies. They also teach about healthy eating and fight hunger worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

Cat Cora has received many awards for her work.

• In 2006, Bon Appetit magazine gave her the Teacher of the Year Award.
• On July 12, 2015, she made history again. She was the first female chef to be inducted into the American Academy of Chefs® (AAC®) Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor in the cooking world.

Personal Life

Cat Cora has four sons. She was married to Jennifer from 2013 to 2015. Later, she married Nicole Ehrlich in 2018. They divorced in 2021.

Filmography