KATHERINE EMMENEGGER
It was evident to Katherine and her mother, Georgia, that she had an affection for the culinary arts from an early age. There was always something cooking in the kitchen, and Katherine was eager to learn and experiment. Her mother never discouraged this curiosity, allowing Katherine to enjoy a natural love of creating recipes.
While still in high school, Katherine's work experience began at a family restaurant, where she worked her way up through the ranks; server, cook, then shift manager. Upon graduating, Katherine's family urged her to attend a local university to subjects unrelated to cooking. Her studies ranged from psychology to graphic arts to business. After some years of exploration, she received a degree in accounting while working in the culinary profession.
She apprenticed at a fine dining establishment in Dayton, Ohio, from 1982 to 1984. Her skills continued to grow as she worked in a variety of different types of food service facilities. Here, Katherine learned all of the ways in which establishments operate and prepare various foods.
In 1985 she became a member of the American Culinary Federation, Daytona Chapter, where she served as secretary. It was at a meeting for an ACF charity dinner that she met her husband, Chef Urs Emmenegger. Shortly thereafter, Urs was transferred to the San Fernando Valley where Chef Katherine joined him.
Starting over in a new location, Chef Katherine decided to take a different approach to her career by opening Enree Preneur, a small business devoted to all things culinary. Her services included catering and culinary instruction. She also taught classes for the Learning Annex and local schools. Entree Preneur is still owned and operated by Chef Katherine.
Remaining strong with the ACF, Kathering served as treasurer of the Southwest Association of Chefs and Cullinarians. She earned her certification as a Working Chef in 1990 (now called Certified Chef de Cuisine) and was awarded the chaper's prestigious Chef of the Year award in 1991.
After this time, Chef Urs made a last move with the Marriott Corp., in which Katherine found herself again starting over in San Diego. For fun, Katherine entered the KPBS pizza cook-off. As one of the finalists, she earned a spot on television presenting her winning recipe. It was there that Katherine became aware of a new teaching venue in Pacific Beach, Great News! Cooking School. She has been teaching with us since we opened our doors, and now serves as Executive Chef.
In 2004, Katherine became a charter member of the ACF Chefs and Culinarians of San Diego, where she served as secretary and editor of the chapter newsletter. She was honored with the Chef of the Year Award in 2006.
Presently, Chef Katherine resides in San Diego with her husband of 20 years, Chef Urs. She is a home-schooling mom of two wonderful children, Alexa and Joe.
