Meet Melissa Norton of Cucina Melissa in Mid City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Norton.

Melissa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always been fascinated with food and ingredients, so much so that I decided to study Human Biology and Nutrition in college. I would practice recipes for my friends and put on dinner parties. I’ve always loved the idea of creating a beautiful environment where people can eat and drink. Italians are experts at creating romantic surroundings and cooking delicious food. I became obsessed with the idea of moving to Italy to pursue my dream of cooking professionally, so I went to the Italian Culinary Institute in Calabria, Italy. I chose to be in the South because I love the ingredients available in that region: calabrian pepperoncini, fresh fish, gorgeous green vegetables, and tons of citrus. I was in love with the region, the cuisine, the lifestyle, all of it. I came back to LA after graduating and worked as a line cook and a private chef. During the pandemic I realized people wanted to connect without distractions and learn how to cook really good food. That’s how Cucina Melissa was born!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Trying to run and grow a business during a pandemic has been both rewarding and challenging. I think the most important thing I’ve learned so far is to not get discouraged by setbacks and struggles. Instead, to see them as opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate. I have been lucky enough to meet wonderful people along the way who have helped guide me through challenges.

Cucina Melissa – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Cucina Melissa started as a DIY Italian food kit company and as we’ve grown we have started doing events and private dinners. We specialize in handmade pasta, homemade sauces, sourdough pizza, and farmers market produce. Most of our ingredients are imported from Italy. For our DIY kits, we package and portion everything you need to make a gourmet Italian meal in your own home. Our dinners and events are experiential. We focus on traditional Italian cuisine and create moments that guests will remember forever.

I’m so proud of our farmers, customers, and my hard-working assistant. Without them, none of it would work.

Cucina Melissa was created with the Italian way of living in mind. We want you to be able to cook a meal in your own home and feel like you’re in a quaint town in Italy. The ingredients, the chew on the pasta, the airiness of the pizza, and the memories created when cooking one of our kits separates us from other meal delivery / DIY food companies. The menu changes every month (with the seasons) and each kit comes with beautiful garnishes like fresh lemon zest and thyme from my family’s garden or edible flowers from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. It feels really playful and unique which makes it special to cook in your own kitchen.

Contact Info:

• Address: 5001 W Washington Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90016 – Pick up Tuesday – Friday 12pm-2pm
• Website: www.cucinamelissa.com
• Phone: 6028191381
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @cucinamelissa_

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