Cathy Whims, a six-time James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Northwest, is a visionary who has profoundly shaped the culinary landscape of Portland, OR. As Chef-Owner of Nostrana, which marked its 20th anniversary in 2025, Cathy has created a dining experience that seamlessly marries Italian tradition with Pacific Northwest seasonality. Her influence extends to Oven and Shaker and Enoteca Nostrana, where her passion for regional Italian cuisine continues to thrive.
Cathy’s culinary journey began over 40 years ago at Genoa, where she introduced Portland to the nuanced flavors of Italian cooking and the concept of sourcing locally. Her philosophy, rooted in the Italian ethos of celebrating food as a cornerstone of life’s relationships and rhythms, is reflected in her commitment to building lasting connections with farmers, winemakers, and artisans both locally and in Italy.
An educator at heart, Cathy shares her expertise through international culinary tours, cooking classes, and now through writing. Her debut cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen, was released in April 2025, showcasing her deep love of Italian culture and its interplay with seasonal cooking.
Beyond the kitchen, Cathy champions community initiatives, serving on the board of Scuola Italiana di Portland and collaborating with the Culinary Breeding Network to enhance agricultural and culinary innovation. A former board member of Slow Food Portland, Cathy continues to embody its principles by promoting sustainable, joyful connections to food. Through her restaurants and ongoing endeavors, Cathy Whims remains a beacon of creativity, mentorship, and passion in Portland’s dining scene and beyond.
