Cat Cora is a world-renowned chef, author, restaurateur, contributing editor, television host and personality, avid philanthropist, health and fitness expert, lifestyle entrepreneur and proud mother of six.
The Iron-chef has opened more than 18 restaurants across the United States and globally, highlighting her platform on health, wellness, and sustainability.
In 2018, she was featured in the permanent collection of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Museum’s Kitchen Table exhibit in Meridian, Mississippi and received a star on the walk of fame in 2021.
President Barack Obama awarded her The President’s Volunteer Service Award for helping to address the most pressing needs in her community and the country. She is a proud recipient of The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for building a stronger nation through her volunteer service.
Catch Cat Cora, the first-ever female Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit show: Iron Chef America in conversation with Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar.
Namita Nayyar
Today you are a world-renowned chef, author, restaurateur, contributing editor, television host and personality, avid philanthropist, health and fitness expert, lifestyle entrepreneur and proud mother of six. Congratulations! How would you define your journey starting with cooking at two 3-star Michelin restaurants in France?
Cat Cora
When I was accepted to apprentice at two Three Michelin restaurants it was the 90’s and women still were not allowed in French kitchens. I got 8 rejection letters in a row. The last two accepted me & I took both. It was brutal but my hard work & determination turned into a turning point for me as a chef. Everyone knows if you can handle a French kitchen, you can handle anything. That began an incredible journey.
Namita Nayyar
In 2005, You made television history by becoming the first-ever female Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit show: Iron Chef America. How was your experience, what led you to participate & please share the winning recipe?
Cat Cora
I was an iron chef for many, many seasons, and a lot of battles. It was an honour to be a role model for women and a female aspiring chef and continue to be. I was asked to be one of the original OG’s on the Iron Chef America Team with three other male colleagues. It was an era that was exiting as we were one of the very first cooking competitions show in American Television & no one had seen a woman cook like that against men. So, a very magical time in my career & huge barriers were crushed for woman.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar
On July 12, 2015, you were inducted into the American Academy of Chefs® (AAC®) Hall of Fame by The American Culinary Federation, becoming the first female chef ever to receive this recognition. After all those years of service, what was your reaction to the same?
Cat Cora
I was extremely humbled & honoured to be the first and to pave the way for so many other female chefs is a huge acknowledgement for my industry that I treasure.
Namita Nayyar
There are more than 18 restaurants across the United States started by Cat Cora brand globally, highlighting her platform on health, wellness, and sustainability. Series of events that led to the same. The first restaurant you opened, name and the feedback you received?
Cat Cora
KOUZZINA by Cat Cora at Disneyworld on the boardwalk and we opened to rave reviews and continued having a huge fan following until our closure. I still get many people who write to me. About how they miss it, years later.
Namita Nayyar
You are a mother of six boys, how did you go about adding healthy eating habits in them? Share six tips for mothers to incorporate healthy eating habits in children & help them make healthy lifestyle options? Foods your boys enjoy to eat & cook?
Cat Cora
I led by example as I have a degree in exercise physiology and nutrition before becoming a chef. So, I eat healthy and exercise every day. I also think, always having healthy snacks & fresh fruits available for hungry kids is important.
- Always have healthy snacks and fresh fruit on hand.
- Make sure to talk about the meals and get their opinion so they are invested in dinner. Chicken or salmon? Edamame or roasted broccoli with a Parmesan sprinkle?
- Always travel with healthy options, even to the beach, park, running errands, summer vacation travel. Once kids and you get hungry, choices we make aren’t always best. I always pack a healthy snack bag.
- Be a role model by eating healthy and exercising. Ask your kids to go with you on your daily walk or other activity.
- Cook together with you kids early so you can begin showing them healthy alternatives and let them help they will be excited to eat what they created, and it promotes self-confidence.
- Stop the “clean plate” idea. Don’t force kids to clean their plate. Without wasting food, serve smaller portions and if they want more, they can have it. But make sure they are eating a balance of vegetables, protein, healthy starch. And the above will help children be enthusiastic about it.
Namita Nayyar
Please share Your daily fitness routine. How do you like to kick start your day? Please elaborate on your training routine.
Cat Cora
I work out every day, its rewarding for my mind, body & soul. I either do a run, jump on my elliptical for an hour or pre-covid I had a great cross-fit class or spin I loved.
Namita Nayyar
Any specific Diet you follow? If yes, please share? Foods you prefer to eat & those you like to avoid or keep to minimum? Supplements if you take any?
Cat Cora
I start with one cup of coffee & snack on a small bowl (2 ounce) dry flax cereal. Then I have a healthy protein smoothie. For Lunch I usually have light salad and chicken or veggie burger and for dinner lemon Salmon, veggies, a small amount of brown rice or cous cous. I like to get my vitamins from the food I eat but occasionally I take enzymes and a multivitamin if I am feeling my energy is a little low which is rare.
Namita Nayyar
Your daily skin & hair care routine & secret behind that lovely smile?
Cat Cora
I don’t have a very elaborate skin & hair ritual, it’s pretty simple, I love Moroccan Oil hair products and I clean & moisturize my face in the morning & night. I always use sunscreen and I never leave make-up on my face exceptionally long and not overnight. Very Simple.
Namita Nayyar
In 2018, you launched the Women’s Empowerment Culinary Internship Program to mentor, give back and help women succeed in the culinary arts. How far has it served the purpose, please share an experience?
Cat Cora
We have had incredibly talented young women come to us for intern. We give an immersion weeklong course at MESA Burger, my craft burger restaurant where they learn back of the house. And they spend time with us about running a company. Last day I cook with them, and we have a day together at fish market, farmers markets and other foodies spots around town. It’s rewarding for all of us.
Namita Nayyar
5 Key aspects to become a successful chef out of your experience? Quote you live by.
Cat Cora
My mentor Julia Child told me this when I was an aspiring chef and I have never forgotten it.
“Pay It Forward”.
5 Keys to a Successful Chef,
- determination
- passion
- perseverance
- positive attitude
- confidence
Namita Nayyar
Your future upcoming plans & Projects
Cat Cora
Working with my partners at Little Kitchen Academy to expand globally, we have an exciting expansion plan for my craft Burger Place, Mesa Burger, continue getting my delicious line of meals with home Bistro to folks’ front door, my Goldbelly desserts are shipping nationwide, I am looking forward to getting back to hosting TV, post COVID, I am writing a daring & raw screenplay about my life based on my memoir. With the world opening again there are so many exciting projects in the works. Everyone is ready to eat, drink & celebrate!
Namita Nayyar
Your favorites recipe till date?
Cat Cora
Cinnamon Stewed Chicken was a favourite dish I grew up on & continue to make it for my family.
Follow Cat Cora on,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catcora/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefcatcora/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catcora
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2021 Women Fitness