Restaurateur, Chef, and Channeler of the Soul of Italian Cuisine
Cathy Whims, a six-time James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Northwest, is a visionary who has profoundly shaped Portland’s culinary landscape. As Chef-Owner of Nostrana, a Portland institution approaching 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, launched in April 2025, showcasing her deep love of Italian culture and its interplay with seasonal cooking.