Cathy Whims
Cathy Whims is the founding chef and owner of Nostrana, Portland’s beloved Italian restaurant now celebrating its 20th year. A six-time James Beard Award finalist, Cathy is known for her soulful, ingredient-driven Italian cooking and her role in shaping Portland’s culinary landscape.
A devoted student of Italian foodways, mentee of Marcella Hazan and a longtime admirer of Jacques Pépin. Cathy released her debut cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen, in 2025. She is recognized not only for her cuisine but also for her mentorship and community leadership, making her a natural host for this milestone celebration honoring Pépin’s enduring legacy.
Related Event
As Nostrana marks its 20th anniversary and Jacques Pépin turns 90, our restaurant has been selected as one of the 90 international locations to host a dinner in Chef Pépin's honor. We invite you to an extraordinary evening that brings together some of Oregon's most celebrated chefs, winemakers, and culinary voices for a once-in-a-lifetime gathering.