Chef Catherine's Culinary Bio
From a young age I had a passion for everything food. Everything. My Italian and Spanish ancestry passed on the love of food and cooking as well. Family gatherings have always revolved around the menu and cooking. As a Spanish Language major in college, I studied abroad and devoured the Spanish culture and cuisine. Traveling throughout Europe broadened my horizons to other cuisines as well.
Eventually, I turned my passion into my career path and attended culinary school at The Restaurant School of Philadelphia, a classical French culinary school. I absorbed all the techniques to prepare me for a culinary career. While in school, one of my classmates mentioned the new field of "Personal Cheffing". From that point on, my goal was to eventually have my own Personal Chef business with a focus on healthy cuisines.
After apprenticing at various types of food establishments, including the four-star Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia and a healthy foods catering company in Boston, I settled back in Pittsburgh and started my Personal Chef Business.
Focusing on special diets has been a natural progression for my business. I have spent much time taking classes and reading materials related to diet and health. When I have a new client with a health condition unfamiliar to me, I spend some time researching this condition, for my own education. I will use the diet information from my client's healthcare provider or nutritionist, and use my culinary knowledge to prepare healing foods that promote my client's wellness.
I have worked with clients who have had Multiple Food Allergies, Parkinson's Disease, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Gluten Free and Dairy Free diets, and Diabetes, to name a few. As I work with a client they start learning about healthy foods, and how to incorporate nutritious foods
into everyday.
My personal commitment to my business and clients is to continue to learn and study about the relationship of food, health and nutrition. I find these subjects fascinating. I whole heartily incorporate this commitment into the meals I prepare for my clients, to continue to help them maintain vibrant health.
Chef Catherine's Culinary Achievements
Additional Studies/Coursework: