LittleMissMatched's blog: Cat Cora Interview!

Hi everyone!

This month’s Fabu Interview is with the one and only female Iron Chef, Cat Cora!

I'm sure you've seen her kick up the heat on the Food Network but read on to see where her culinary creations come from, what adds spice to her life and what type of kooky kombinations she thinks you should try!

When did you first know you wanted to become a chef?

Cat Cora Growing up, food was very important in my family. I think my passion for cooking is innate, and something I have always wanted to do since I can remember.

Did you go to cooking school or did you learn on the job?

I graduated with Honors from the CIA, but I always had intended to also intern in France, where I learned a ton of invaluable tricks and lesson first hand.

What’s the hardest thing that’s ever happened to you in your career (or in your life) that you’ve had to overcome?

Being a female chef in the 90's in France was very difficult, but surviving it has made me stronger today than I would have been otherwise, so I am very grateful for all of the experiences.

What are your favorite flavor combinations?

Sweet and savory together are always wonderful, and specifically, peanut butter and chocolate together are a sure hit when I need something sinfully sweet.

What’s an unusual food that you think everybody should try at least once?

Sweetbreads I love but seem exotic to some, uni (sea urchin) is delicious and cheeks, the upper ones, I will eat from anything (fish, lamb, etc., - they are the most tender part).

Are there any foods you don’t like?

None that I can think of - I will try anything once. Some innards even I have tried ONCE and I am cool with. But my motto is try everything once.

What inspires you when you cook (i.e. your grandma, a certain place in the world, a combination of colors you saw on a flower)?

I cook a lot of family dishes that bring me back to childhood memories of being with my family, and I think of my grandma, or all of the fabulous holidays we spent together.

Why do you think you’re the only female Iron Chef? And why, in general, do you think there aren’t more women chefs?

I think I was chosen for my extensive culinary background, I have trained in all the places the guys have, France, New York, Napa Valley and trained HARD. I have the TV chops being with Food Network 9 years now on various shows. And finally, I can bring that all together in kitchen stadium and win (although I am a good sport when I lose as well, very important.)

There are a lot of great women chefs out there, but women tend to be more demure than men about their accomplishments. Men are very outspoken about theirs and they are born and bred competitors. Healthy competition is great among women and there needs to more of that. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments, marketing them and being assertive as long as you don't hurt anyone and you keep it all in perspective (basically don't get arrogant about it and don't start believing your own press).

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?

Burning a chicken and catching the oven on FIRE!

Are you fabulous, marvelous, kooky or zany?

I try to be fabulous and when I am not so FAB, it is so OK. It took me a long time to be okay with that. When you get in your 20s, 30s and 40s believe me, you realize how some of the things you felt in your pre-teens and teens changes as you get older. I was never chosen homecoming queen or most popular, but look what I accomplished. But a little of each from time to time... :) I am not too proud to be all the above