Who I am...
Melissa Houston
Chef and Owner
I have over 30 years experience in the restaurant and catering industry. I am a graduate of Culinary Arts from California Culinary Academy (2006) in downtown San Francisco.
I am certified in Sports Nutrition, Holistic and Herbal Nutrition, and ServSafe Manager Safety and Sanitation.
I have worked in British Columbia and Southeast Alaska as a Yacht Chef for 2 summers. I have been a traveling chef throughout my life with jobs in Pebble Beach, the Cayman Islands, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Beach Cities, Philadelphia, Portland, and Kansas City Metro Area.
I use local ingredients, organic whenever possible, and love to create my own spin on regional and global dishes. My background includes: restaurant management, catering, menu research and design, fine dining and hotel operations. I work with current and past culinary trends, diets, and sports/medical nutrition.
Pricing
$150 - 3 Meals (plus groceries)
$200 - 4 Meals (plus groceries)
Dinner Party $125 per person
Custom dining experience for up to 8 guests-priced per person depending on menu. Starts at $125 per person, appetizer and 3 course menu.
(Alcohol not included)
$150 - 3 entrees plus groceries, grocery range around $100-$125 - generally around 3 hours time - this is for 3 meals, 4 portions each (3x4) - can be changed to smaller size meal plan for a few more items, smaller portions (5 meals,2 portions)
$200 - 4 entrees plus groceries, grocery range around $125-175 - generally around 4 hours time -this is for 4 meals, 4-6 portions each (4x4)
Customized to include pantry prep, breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, freezer meals, etc.
Restaurant Style
Global cuisine, without the effort. Let me know any foods you love, want to try, or that you may be curious to learn about.
Family Favorites
Pot Pies, Roast, Bolognese, Lasagna, Stroganoff. All your favorite comfort foods whenever and however you prefer.
Special Diets
From medically diagnosed diseases to optimal wellness cleanses, let me assist you with your dietary changes.
Cooking Lessons
Teaching and cooking demonstration for your party! Of course I can! In teams or individual, let's get hands on!
Nutritional Counseling
I am certified in sports nutrition, and have years of experience in holistic and women's health nutrition. I work alongside your doctor, trainer or coach to unlock your hidden health potential.
Recipe Development
I am a seasoned chef, with over 50,000 meals made in my business over the last 8 years. Let me develop your dream recipes to scale or for your family cookbook.
Gallery
A mixture of the menus I've created for my clients:
Rice and One Pot Meals
Indian Classics
Chinese
Plant Based
Seafood
Italian
Lamb and Beef
Pork
Pot Pies
Cleanse and Reset
Macro Meals
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you specialize in?
Individuals and families with complicated diets. I strive to bring you comforting favorites, seasonal produce, and global cuisine that matches your specific likes and dislikes. I am constantly learning and keeping up to date on all trends and medically researched diets. I am open to any and all requests.
Where do you shop for groceries?
I buy from local organic farms, ranchers, butchers, farmer's markets, dairies, etc. I use Sprouts and Costco for bulk and specialty items. I also go to many ethnic markets around the city. For weekly clients, we discuss these options, and I use your pantry/freezer as needed.
Do you teach?
I do! I enjoy passing on my years of knowledge, and love to help others learn. Everything from knife skills to a holiday feast. I am also really great with kids. It's never too early to get them into the kitchen! I offer hands-on and demo classes as well as dinner parties that allow you to cook with me!
Contact me
Get in touch