About
Catherine Ann Cora (born April 3, 1967) is an American professional chef, television personality, business person, and cookbook author. She is best known for her featured role as an “Iron Chef” on Iron Chef America and as co-host of Around the World in 80 Plates.
Cora was born “Melanie” on April 3, 1967 to Joanne, an unwed teenage mother from Greenwood, Mississippi, and Knox, from Belzoni, Mississippi. Adopted at the age of one week, she grew up as the daughter of Virginia Lee (née Brothers) and Spiro “Pete” Cora in Jackson, Mississippi. Her adoptive father was of Greek descent (his parents being from Skopelos, Greece, himself born in Greenville, Mississippi only two months after they had arrived in America). Her grandfather and father were both restaurateurs. When she was 15 years old, she brought a business plan to her father and grandfather, knowing they could help her.
After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, she enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York where she graduated in 1995.
Cora made her TV…
Born On This Day
Bio and photo via Wikipedia, used under Creative Commons licensing.