Chef Cat Cora Inducted into Culinary Hall of Fame

Cat Cora, known for her roles as an Iron Chef on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and as co-host of Bravo’s “Around the World in 80 Plates,” was inducted into the American Academy of Chefs (AAC) Hall of Fame in Orlando, Fla., as the 2012 Celebrated Chef. Cora is the first female chef to ever receive this recognition by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).  

In addition to her TV roles, Cora is creator of Cat Cora by Starfrit, a line of eco-friendly cookware, and Cat Cora’s Kitchen by Gaea, a line of healthy products that embody the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Since 2007, the AAC has named one Celebrated Chef annually for their contributions to the culinary world. This year, Cora’s dedication and passion for the profession garnered her this distinguished title. She shares this honor with past recipients, including Charlie Palmer, James Beard and Thomas Keller.

“I am honored and humbled to accept this prestigious award and to join such an esteemed group of past honorees,” said Cora. “ACF members represent the highest achievements in culinary excellence, and for me to be chosen as the first female chef to be inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame is truly a highlight of my career.”

Cora is the owner of four restaurants, author of two cookbooks and contributing editor to O, the Oprah Magazine. Her contributions go beyond the kitchen as the founder and president of Chefs for Humanity, her charity that is dedicated to preventing hunger, reducing obesity and providing help to those in emergency conditions.