Melissa King
Born and raised in Los Angeles by traditional Chinese parents, Melissa learned to work a wok by age six, acting as her mother’s little sous chef. She learned to cook by experimentation and by watching cooking shows like Julia & Jacques. While obtaining a B.A. in Cognitive Science, she satisfied her hunger for working in the kitchen by moonlighting as a line cook. Melissa went on to graduate at the top of her class from the Culinary Institute of America before relocating to San Francisco. Melissa trained under several Michelin star and James Beard-acclaimed chefs throughout the Bay Area including Dominique Crenn, Craig Stoll, and Ron Siegel. As Siegel’s Sous Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, she adopted a true value for seasonality and discipline of classic technique. Melissa currently works as a private chef, demonstrating whole animal and farm-to-table movements throughout her food while drawing inspiration from her travels.
Melissa King
Born and raised in Los Angeles by traditional Chinese parents, Melissa learned to work a wok by age six, acting as her mother’s little sous chef. She learned to cook by experimentation and by watching cooking shows like Julia & Jacques. While obtaining a B.A. in Cognitive Science, she satisfied her hunger for working in the kitchen by moonlighting as a line cook. Melissa went on to graduate at the top of her class from the Culinary Institute of America before relocating to San Francisco. Melissa trained under several Michelin star and James Beard-acclaimed chefs throughout the Bay Area including Dominique Crenn, Craig Stoll, and Ron Siegel. As Siegel’s Sous Chef at The Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, she adopted a true value for seasonality and discipline of classic technique. Melissa currently works as a private chef, demonstrating whole animal and farm-to-table movements throughout her food while drawing inspiration from her travels.
Latest About Melissa
After the Knife: Ep 13
S12/EP13
Melissa King discusses her short time in Mexico and how this competition helped her prove something to herself.
Make Melissa's Seared Duck Breast Dish
S12/EP12
Get the recipe for Melissa King's winning new culinary creation: seared duck breast with farro, walnut miso, and pickled cherries.
The Chefs Cook Family Style: The Dishes
When the chefs are forced to trust their families to cook their appetizers things got harried. See the results.
Make Melissa's Mom's Egg Custard
S12/EP11
Melissa entrusted her mom to remake one of her childhood favorites -- and came up with a win. Make your own version at home.
Cooking Becomes a Family Affair in Boston
The chefs are shocked when their families arrive -- but it's not all fun and games when they are forced together to create to seafood dishes.
Cooking for Andy and to Honor Julia Child
The cheftestants make ramen-worthy of Andy Cohen and his college roomate, then whip up a inspired by Julia Child and to please guest judge Jacques Pepin.
Boston Dishes Worthy of Julia Child
The cheftestants worked to impress Jacques Pepin with dishes inspired by the culinary icon.