Chef Melissa Mayer
Private Chef In San Diego
Get to know me better
I am the chef you only imagined you could find. check out my social medial handles: FB:facebook/martinimedia insta: @theexplorersclubadventures
As a creator , Melissa blurs the line between artist and chef. As an artist, she is dedicated to creating and documenting the art, culture and politics of food. As a chef, Melissa is devoted to local and sustainable ingredients, preserving and promoting culinary traditions and bringing those principles directly to the table. Her entrepreneurial projects include educating and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable food communities and engaging the public with multi-media creations that provoke and encourage a continued dialogue about food.
Melissa's culinary career quickly evolved from an apprenticeship with international chef and former chef to Robert Kennedy Family, Ann Bryan. That essential experience led to immersive international culinary travels of her own and continual education at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA.
In 2006 Melissa was appointed Executive Chef for The Guild Restaurant + Lounge, opening it from the ground up. Her work there earned her awards and accolades both locally and nationally, including 1st place in San Diego Chef de Cuisine’s Chef Competition 2007, a bronze medal in Food Network Challenge: Mac-n-Cheese, September 2007 and being named one of the Top 5 Chefs in America in 944’s National Food Issue, November 2007.
Melissa Co-founded Martini Media in 2005 and grew a boutique creative art & hospitality firm for 8 years, spearheading large scale special events on every level from conception to design, working with community partners to build magical culinary events as platforms for the food community to grow. Melissa served on the board of directors for Slow Food, New Children's Museum chair and was the Culinary Director for San Diego Public Market, spearheading fundraising events such as San Diego Street Food Fest 2013, a very special single day event that drew 1500 ppl and raised $61,000.
While her craft and work have earned her praise and recognition, Melissa’s passion for responsible, sustainable food and community became as important as her ability to create memorable dining experiences. Melissa takes a responsible and ecological approach to cuisine - preserving and showcasing local farms' organic bounty while always celebrating the arc of an ingredient. Being a chef comes with responsibility to our farmers, to our land and to our waters. It also means we have an opportunity to make a positive impact; giving back to the food community while creating and knowing the small changes we make can lead to bigger ones.
Melissa's dedication to the community has grown into taking her work directly to the non-profit world. Melissa is the founder of Marco Polo Productions + The Explorers Club, a 501C3 dedicated to empowering underserved youth in creative and outdoor culture. Having access to art in new & creative ways while experiencing outdoor culture stimulates growth in social integration, imagination, confidence and empowers our next generation to become the highest and best as they become our next citizens of the world. #forallyouthkind
More about me
For me, cooking is...
life as I know it. I grew up in rural Wisconsin where food is everything. II put my love & passion for food on a plate every single time.
I learned to cook at...
I learned to cook ultimately when I moved away to college. I finally had to cook for myself - dorm Mac-n-cheese & summer porch burgers paved the way.
A cooking secret...
McGyver, playfulness, knowing your ingredients. passion and a commitment to local, sustainable and shaking your farmers hand. Never stop learning.
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