10 Questions for chef Cat Cora

SANTA BARBARA, CA - It isn’t always the big events that make us turn our head when we hear about politicians, celebrities and athletes.

Sometimes, we just want to know that when you boil it down, they’re all people like us.

What's in their fridge? What are they reading? What do they do in their off time?

Each Tuesday, ABC15.com is asking the same 10 questions of a news maker, leader or celebrity.

But don't jump to any conclusions these aren't the typical interview questions.

They are not meant to be probing or controversial. Instead, they're fun questions that let you get to know the person – in ways you probably don’t already.

In this week's article, we're getting the scoop from chef Catherine "Cat" Cora.

Cora was raised in a small Greek community in Jackson, Mississippi where she nurtured her love for cooking.

In 2005, Cora made television history becoming the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's hit show, "Iron Chef America".

The following year, Cora was named Executive Chef of Bon Appétit along with receiving their Teacher of the Year Award.

Cora, an author of two cookbooks, recently opened Kouzzina (Greek for "kitchen") at Walt Disney World's Boardwalk Resort, which offers Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to her Greek roots.

When Cora's not sizzling in the kitchen you'll find her giving back on a global scale. Known for her philanthropy, Cora is President and Founder of Chefs for Humanity, an organization founded in response to the 2004 Tsunami disaster.

According to the organization's website it's "a grassroots coalition of chefs and culinary professionals guided by a mission to quickly be able to raise funds and provide resources for important emergency and humanitarian aid, nutritional education, and hunger-related initiatives throughout the world."

Despite being a world famous chef, Cora calls being a mom her greatest success.  Read more...

10 Questions for Cat Cora

1.What's in your iPod?

Kings of Leon
PINK
U2
Green Day

2. What's the best gift you ever got?

My 4 sons – Zoran, Caje, Thatcher, & Nash

3. What do you consider your greatest success?

Being a mom

4. Did you ever have a nickname? If so, what was it and what did it mean?

Cathy is what most people called me growing up, but now my closest friends and family only refer to me as Cathy.

5. What is your all time favorite movie?

"Big Chill" -- sex, food and rock 'n roll

6. If you could have dinner with any three people living or dead who would they be?

My Grandma Alma, just one more time would be the best gift.
MFK Fisher and having an intellectual conversation about the Art of Eating.
Bono in an African Village while helping people and talking about life as we know it.

7. What is in your fridge right now?

Greek yogurt
Citrus fruits (lemons/limes)
Fresh Berries
Fresh Halibut
Soy Milk
Tons of Condiments (Pepperoncini, Mustards, etc.)
Cheese

8. What is the last book you read?

I am reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver

9. What do you consider your greatest regret?

That I was not with my grandmother when she died.

10. What's your favorite thing to do in Arizona?

Spend any/all free time outdoors hiking and taking it all in, when it’s not TOO hot out.

Who will get profiled next week? Check back for a new "10 Questions" each Tuesday here on ABC15.com.