5 Questions With: Cat Cora

Posted March 16, 2009, 2:13 pm in Living


Is there anything Cat Cora can't do? This busy chef, mom and TV star is also a big believer in giving back – The first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's hit show, Iron Chef America, Cat is also a two-time author and philanthropist, founding and presiding over her charity, Chefs for Humanity (www.chefsforhumanity.org). She's constantly working on new projects, including a blog, which she updates regularly. **Update! Cora and her partner have each given birth to baby boys in the summer of 2009!


Cora will be appearing as a special guest at the Florida Film Festival, which runs March 27 through April 5. So we jumped at the chance to have 5 (and a few more) Questions With: Cat Cora.


What is the best part of your job?

There’s so many but if I have to choose, it would be the opportunity to share my passion for cooking with so many people and inspire them in the kitchen.

The most challenging?

It’s hard to be away from my family, but they travel with me as much as they can.


What pushes you forward during difficult days?

My family! I have such a strong support system – I’m truly blessed.

How are you Growing Bolder?

I grow bolder every time I learn something new about another country and culture. I can then share it with the world in the kitchen.


What stereotypes do you work to smash when it comes to your age, your gender and more?

I would love to smash the stereotypes about age and gender for women. You can do anything you set your mind to no matter how old you are. Where there’s a will – there’s a way.


What trends do you see in cooking these days?

The sweet, savory and slow food movement are definitely big right now.

Will there still be room for "traditional" cooking?

Of course – so long as people continue to put their heart into it, traditional home-style cooking will always prosper.

What advice do you have for people who want to grow up and be like you?

Keep cooking – never give up on your dreams and when you feel like giving up - push forward and persevere.


Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to, in your professional and personal lives?

My family, especially my mother and grandma, and of course Julia Child. She was such a pioneer and one of my most influential icons.

What would you like your legacy to be?

To have instilled in young chefs the drive and outlook that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

What connections do you see between films and food?

Both are art forms. They’re outlets to share passion and creativity; both are timeless and can cross all boundaries.

You've embraced social media – Facebook, MySpace, Twitter ... how has the Internet changed the way you work, and how do you see it impacting your industry?

The internet has enabled me to have a far greater reach than I’ve ever imagined. I am able to connect with my fans on these sites and really enjoy hearing from them and getting their feedback.

Is there a quote that sums up your philosophy on life?

Keep cooking!

Do you want to learn more about Cat Cora? Check out her Web site, and for more on her appearance and the full film schedule for the Florida Film Festival, visit http://floridafilmfestival.com/.

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