Cathy Whims

Genoa Building, Belmont, Portland, Oregon

Oven and Shaker, Portland, 2017

Nostrana, Portland, Oregon (2019) 03

Cathy Whims is an American chef and restaurateur based in Portland, Oregon. She is best known for her work at the Italian restaurant Nostrana, which she co-founded in 2005. Whims has been nominated multiple times for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award.

Early Life and Education

Cathy Whims was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She developed an interest in cooking at a young age, inspired by her family's love for food. Whims attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied English literature. After graduating, she decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Career

Whims began her culinary career in San Francisco, California, where she worked at several notable restaurants. She later moved to Portland, Oregon, where she became the head chef at Genoa Restaurant. Under her leadership, Genoa gained a reputation for its authentic Italian cuisine.

In 2005, Whims co-founded Nostrana with her partner David West. The restaurant quickly became one of Portland's most acclaimed dining establishments, known for its wood-fired pizzas and seasonal Italian dishes. Whims' cooking style emphasizes the use of local, organic ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.

Awards and Recognition

Cathy Whims has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northwest multiple times. Her work has been featured in various culinary publications, and she is considered one of the leading figures in the Pacific Northwest's food scene.

Personal Life

Whims is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and often collaborates with local farmers and producers. She is also involved in several charitable organizations that focus on food security and culinary education.

See Also

• Nostrana
• James Beard Foundation Award
• Portland, Oregon
• Italian cuisine

Related Pages

• Genoa Restaurant
• Sustainable agriculture
• James Beard Foundation
• Pacific Northwest cuisine

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