Cat was always aware of the value of the promotional side of the business so when given the opportunity to write a food column in the local paper she jumped on it.

[Saad] "What impact did your work as a food columnist at the Contra Costa Times have on your career?"

[Cat] "My food column became the namesake for my most recently published cookbook, Cooking From the Hip (Houghton Mifflin, 2007), which focuses on 'cooking on the fly' with ingredients you already have at home. It stresses the importance of not being afraid to experiment and learning how to become confident in your creations. "

Chef Cora's career has been on high ever since and certainly has no signs of simmering any time soon. With her Iron Chef status and the special distinction of being the first female Iron Chef she has become a mentor to inspiring chefs the world over.

[Saad] “You have become a mentor to so many young and aspiring Chefs, what words of wisdom would you like to share with them?”

[Cat] "As a young girl, I was raised with the belief that I should always aim for the sky, and to believe in myself with all my might, no matter what. There are no limits to your grow and potential if you open up yourself to achieve greatness, and I would love to instill that message in today's youth."

Even though Chef Cora is at the top of her game she is a driven lady, who continually pushes to gain knowledge and sharpen her skills in and out of the kitchen. It is this drive and determination that makes her such an exciting personality.

Courtesy Robert Quailer

Bon Appétit realized this in 2006 when they award her their Teacher of the Year Award, and soon after named her executive chef of the magazine.

[Saad] "Who are your role models now?"

[Cat] "My family. They continually push me to be the best I can be every single day, and they will always be my #1 role models. I also see my fellow Iron Chefs as role models; they push me to strive to be the best I can be in the kitchen."

Outside of the kitchen, Cat is known for her philanthropy. She is President and Founder of Chefs for Humanity, an organization which was founded in response to the 2004 Tsunami disaster. Modeled after Doctors Without Borders, the not-for-profit gathers the culinary community together to raise funds and provide resources for important emergency, educational and hunger-related causes.

Cat launched her second book in the Spring of 2007. In Cooking From The Hip: Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals (Houghton Mifflin), Cat elevates at home cooking to new levels. The book applies her "go-with-what-you've got" philosophy to creating simple, yet sensational meals.

In addition, Cat’s introduced her first fast-casual restaurant concept, CCQ, in December 2008 at Macy’s Signature Kitchen in Costa Mesa, CA. Cat takes diners to far flung destinations at CCQ – by infusing classic barbeque with flavors from around the world.

More of Cat Cora..