My name is Caterina, and I have been a Pastry Chef for over 20 years. I have had the great opportunity to study under some of the world’s greatest pastry Masters, such as Roland Mesnier, Ewald & Susan Notter and Nick Lodge. I love books …especially cookbooks. I have been a keen collector for over 20 years, and I am the proud owner of a Mrs. Beeton’s Household Management from the late 1800’s.
In addition to my culinary education, I also have an MBA from Loyola. My interest in food goes far beyond just recipes. I also plan to write many business related (food) articles on a variety of interesting issues affecting the food industry.
My parents were of Greek descent, but born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. I was born in Brazil and grew up in Australia. As an adult, I travelled to many beautiful places and experienced delicious food in each and every one.
At home, my family cooked traditional Greek and Middle Eastern foods, and very rarely strayed from tried and true recipes. I on the other hand, am not afraid to experiment with new products or techniques that in many instances may improve on a recipe…Through my efforts, I also discovered that some recipes need no tinkering at all and are perfect just the way they are.
When I was young, we shopped in international markets that dotted the area where we lived, so I was always exposed to unique smells, flavors, tastes and textures. Even today, if I find myself in a new area, I am still lured into interesting stores that draw you in with their mesmerizing smells.
I guess I have always been a “foodie”….way before it came into fashion, and way before there was even a name for it. This love of food is a part of me, something that defines me, something I can’t live without…some people call that passion.
If you were to ask me why I love food, I would say, that food is the most basic of things that brings people together. It helps us to understand each other in a world where understanding may not always seem possible. Understanding gives rise to tolerance and tolerance paves the way for respect. Food comes from the heart, and I believe that an offering of food is the sincerest form of love.