As you drive into the Disney park here in Orlando, the sign that greets you is 'Where dreams come true." When it comes to Cat Cora, her skyrocketing career and the opening of the restaurant Kouzzina, that she has dreamed about since she was 15, the imagineers could not have scripted a more touching story. Surrounded by her family, partner, Jen, children and flanked by her parents, it was obvious to all in attendance that this was a special day. One of the highlights of the afternoon, Cat's mom dancing, had Cat joking during our interview, "It's hard to tell whose opening this was, hers or mine." Clearly Cat was exhausted yet quite satisfied as we sat down to chat on this sunny Florida afternoon. 

Hers has surely been a whirlwind journey ever since this little spitfire chef first wowed folks with her culinary acumen. Now Executive Chef for Bon Appetit and the first female Iron Chef on Foodnetwwork's Iron Chef America to date and now a restauranteur teamed with the powerhouse that is Disney. She has worked with many well known and well respected chefs and we have all seen her for years on numerous TV shows and as one of the Iron Chefs.

To say that dreams come true here at Disney may seem a little bit cliche, but it could not happen to a nicer lady. She is the consummate professional and a truly nice human being who somehow manages to balance a life with partner Jen and their children, devoted parents and heart for charity based upon family first, with that of TV, celebrity and a duanting schedule.

When we caught up with her, it was at the end of a very long day, one that she had been waiting for her entire life. She was tired but pleased, as she shared her thoughts with us.

more about Cat here....