It's Off To The Kitchen With Cat Cora & Dean Corbett To Kick Off The Big Race

As soon as you meet Cat Cora, you feel like you are talking to a friend. She may be little, but she is a huge presence. Her personality is warm and inviting, just like her food.

Her passion for cooking and food is contagious. Cat says cooking is in her DNA.  Being a chef and in the restaurant business is in her family. She loves the vibe and the social aspect of the restaurant business. That is probably why all her restaurants are as she calls them "all inclusive".

When asked if being a mom (of 4 boys) changed how she viewed her restaurants and recipe creations, she said a resounding "absolutely!"  She always keeps family in mind in her restaurants. It is important to her that everyone who eats there trusts the food and has peace of mind during their visit. Whether it is a first date or a family with small children, she wants everyone to feel welcome. And making everyone feel welcome she did!

It was a packed house in Louisville for Macy's Culinary Council's Chef Cat Cora and Louisville's own Chef Dean Corbett.

The night at Macy's kicked off with Chef Dean Corbett cooking Kentucky Southern Shrimp and Grits. The dish was perfectly seasoned and creamy. They weren't mushy or too gritty with just the right amount of garlic.  When in Louisville, you can't go wrong with Corbett's for a delicious dinner.

Iron Chef Cat Cora took over the stage and made a couple dishes from her Classics with a Twist book. First up was Black-Eyed Peas Croquettes with Spicy Aioli and Dandelion Greens. These were perfectly seared and the right amount of crisp with amazing flavor. These were no boring croquettes! The ham in the salad was the perfect garnish and addition.

As Cat cooked, she fielded questions from the crowd. Nothing slows her down in the kitchen or gets her off her game. She answered questions from what it is like being a female chef in a "man's world" to her hardest competitor on Iron Chef.  

Next up was dessert. Cat made Grapefruit and Cherry Ambrosia with Honey Cream. It was a light yet savory dessert. The honey cream was the perfect pairing and a dreamy topping that put the fruit over the edge. It took ordinary fruit and made it a gourmet delicacy.  

Both Chefs agree that eating seasonally is how they eat at home and in their restaurants. This year, Chef Cat Cora has several new restaurants opening up, including Mesa Burger in Santa Barbara where she resides.   

With all the tips and tricks Chefs Dean and Cat shared, everyone was ready to host and wow their family and friends this Derby season!

For more about Chef Cat Cora and the other chefs on Macy's Culinary Council, visit macys.com/culinarycouncil. Keep up on their events by following @CulinaryCouncil on Twitter.

Keep up on their events by following @CulinaryCouncil on Twitter.