Chef Cathy Whims of Nostrana joins us to discuss her debut cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita. A six-time James Beard Awards Best Chef Northwest nominee, Cathy shares her journey from Portland’s Genoa to Nostrana, and how her culinary experiences in Italy inspired her to create a cookbook that celebrates the simplicity and joy of Italian summer cooking. She discusses the influence of her mentors, including Marcella Hazan, and how her childhood in the South shaped her approach to seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes. Cathy also reflects on the process of translating her love for Italian cuisine into a cookbook that invites readers to embrace the pleasures of cooking and eating. This episode is brought to you by Portland Staycation — your chance to fall in love with downtown all over again, September 12-14, 2025. Discover special events, dining, and hotel offers at PortlandStaycation.com.