Santa Margarita Catholic High School

WINGS | 2009
Alumni Profiles
Katie Nuanes and
“The Little Black Apron”
On a running scholarship for Cross
Country and studying Sociology at
UCLA, Katie felt unfulfilled at school
and was unsure of what she wanted
to do with her life. Although she
was a top varsity runner at SMCHS
and UCLA who competed in several prestigious meets, Katie knew that
running wasn’t going to open many career doors for her in the future.
On a whim, Katie enrolled in the California School of Culinary Arts in
Pasadena hoping that her life-long love of cooking could give her the
direction she needed to pursue a career she was passionate about.
Katie finally found her niche and excelled in almost every field the
culinary school had to offer. After graduating with honors and awards
for excellence, Katie moved to San Francisco and started working at the
highly acclaimed Greens Restaurant under famed chef Annie Somerville.
While in a bar in San Francisco, Katie met Melissa Gibson, who has
worked for various fortune 500 companies and as a writer, came up
with the idea of writing a cookbook geared towards young and single
women like themselves. With the help of Jodi Citrin, a registered
dietitian and nutritionist, “The Little Black Apron” was published
in 2007 and has been sold nationwide. “The Little Black Apron” is
a single girl’s guide to simple and healthy cooking done with style
and grace; an essential for any woman in their 20’s or 30’s. Before
delving into recipes, the book discusses grocery shopping for the
single girl, kitchen basics, culinary definitions, and essential utensils.
Alex Gilchrist ’93 is the Director of Public Relations for the
Anaheim Ducks. Alex came to SMCHS when the Stanley
Cup made its visit to all of the students. Alex, a proud
alumnus and Ducks fan, stood with the Stanley Cup in the
Moiso Pavilion in front of the Alma Mater. Alex is standing
with alumna, Nicole Smith ’93, who also attended the
presentation of the Stanley Cup to the SMCHS students.
The cookbook has been featured in such publications as People
magazine and In Touch magazine, as well as on Good Morning America,
The CW, and many more. The three girls hope to publish a second
cookbook in the future, an extension of The Little Black Apron, which
focuses on dating, couples, and marriage. Katie feels that having a
book published has opened many doors for her and believes that
being able to attend SMCHS was an integral part to helping her
realize her full potential. Katie’s persistent drive led her to work
as a personal chef in Dana Point, where she currently resides.
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