Foundations & Training
Catherine’s pastry journey began in Switzerland, where she studied the Cordon Bleu method at the renowned Institut Villa Pierrefeu. She then trained at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco before joining the pastry team at Farallon under Executive Pastry Chef Emily Luchetti.
Her career led her to Kokkari in Jackson Square, Bay Village Bakery in Mill Valley, and then Tartine Bakery, where she worked alongside Liz Prueitt during the bakery’s early years.
In 2004, Catherine moved to Houston, where she became Pastry Chef at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse before leading the pastry program at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa for over a decade. She was named Pastry Chef of the Year by My Table magazine in 2008 and later trained at L’École Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage, Brooklyn, and Tokyo, as well as The French Pastry School in Chicago.
In 2013, Valrhona invited her to participate in the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie in Lyon, a recognition of her talent and dedication to her craft.
Resilience & Family
Catherine’s story is also one of resilience and family. When her husband, Rolando, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest just a month after their son Marcello was born, he was left quadriplegic with a severe brain injury requiring lifelong care. With the unwavering support of her parents, Catherine built a loving, stable home for Marcello while continuing her pastry career.
Together at Chef Catherine Houston
Over the years, her longtime friend Jean-François remained a constant source of strength. Though life carried them across oceans and into different chapters, he was always present, offering encouragement and support during the most difficult moments. Today, reunited in Houston, Catherine (Founder & Executive Pastry Chef) and Jean-François (Operations & Strategy)
Values & Vision
Rooted in passion and integrity, Chef Catherine is guided by values of sustainability, quality, inclusivity, and innovation.
A Community Effort
Protecting the planet is not a solo mission. By choosing Chef Catherine, you join a community that values sustainability, supports local agriculture, and believes in leaving a healthier world for the next generation.
Our Personal Journey
Beyond the kitchen, our story is also one of love. We first crossed paths many years ago in San Francisco, and even as life carried us in different directions, we always stayed connected. Across oceans and decades, our bond endured, quietly at times, passionately at others. Today, reunited, we bring that same resilience, joy, and destiny into everything we create at Chef Catherine Houston. Each pastry carries a touch of our journey, crafted with heart, purpose, and the sweetness of a love story that has come full circle.