You know the feeling—You trust your gut & go where your intuition leads you to find (or pave) the way to your dreams … that’s how I cook.
My love of cooking began as a kid at my mom’s knee.
Ciao Bella,
And I’ve spent the last 15 years building a career centered on delicious food and healthy living. I believe that you can actually cook your way to the body that becomes a vessel for your healthiest self & happiest life.
You may know me from Food Network where I shared my talents as a chef with millions of viewers—but I also spent years cooking for the biggest Hollywood studio heads, A-list celebrities, Billionaires, and Oscar winners.
Of all the jobs I've had, being a mom to my daughter Jade is my greatest achievement. She is a true blessing from God and the best sous chef on the planet.
I love to travel, and eat my way through different countries—the spices, flavors and dishes of the places I visit influence my style of cooking.
I'M MELISSA.
When I’m not in Italy (or sometimes even when I am) you can find me around …
The kitchen is the heart of my home. I love the sizzle of a good steak, the smell of garlic and rosemary perfuming the air. I love warm crusty bread with velvety olive oil, bold red wine, rich dark chocolate, and espresso(ssss) so strong you can spit a hole in the sidewalk. Basically, I love to eat!
You can find me chopping, sautéing, grilling, roasting, and prepping—covered in flour, stretching, and rolling my pasta dough. Crushing tomatoes between my hands and doctoring the sauce with fresh herbs from my garden while Andrea Bocelli plays in the background.
xoxo, Melissa
My front door is always open, and my home is full of friends and good food.
The Story of Susina Cucina
Years ago, I banished “no” and “can’t” from my vocabulary—I held fast to my dream of retiring to Italy, and for more than a decade I sent daily energy to my vision.
Magic happens when you believe in your dreams
Learn about retreats at Susina Cucina
I pictured a light-filled farmhouse, the rolling green hills of Tuscany, and fields dotted with sunflowers. Then, I found the perfect home in Lucca! Before my mom passed she asked me to plant a plum tree so she could watch me from the branches.
The first summer at my home in Italy, I discovered an established, thriving plum tree growing by the pool! I took it as a sign my mom was close by and, in that instant, I decided to build a cooking school so I could share this special place with others.
Susina Cucina (literally translated: “Plum Kitchen”) was born so I could teach you to cook and enjoy La Dolce Vita, the same way she taught me. All along, somehow I knew she'd cook with us under the Tuscan sun.
Cook your way to your dream body and life.
Longevity and a fulfilled, joyful life is the end goal. By cooking meals using fresh seasonal ingredients and spices, you control what you put in your body.
Like my Italian friends, I believe food should be savored and enjoyed—I don't count calories or even own a scale. It's time to give up diets that restrict entire food groups.
My mission is to transform you into an intuitive chef by helping you master cooking basics so you feel fit and energized.
The secret ingredient in every recipe is YOU! The love or “amore” you put into it each dish is the best way to show friends and family you care.
“We wouldn't be more thrilled with the services Vodka Soda provided. Their aesthetic is unmistakable and on point.” — Liam
Grab your apron... Let's cook it off!
Ready to channel Sophia Loren in your own kitchen? Get started with an easy-to-follow (and fun) virtual cooking class. Learn how to make healthy and, delicious meals your body will love!
Is Italy on your bucket list? Join me in my kitchen for an intimate, in-person workshop that will teach you the secrets of La Dolce Vita … and provide some much needed rest & relaxation!
Book A Class →
Go to italy →
download it now!
When you join, you'll get instant access to my FREE How to Cook Masterclass with all my secrets.
Join my Private Club: The MM Community!
watching:
DRINKING:
READING:
CRAVING:
Friends
An Aperol Spritz!
Man's Search For Meaning
Pistachio Gelato
Currently
listening:
Andrea Bocelli!
Family — they make every day better! Being a mom to Jady Lady is the most epic job on the planet...
My yoga practice - throwing down my mat and flowing keeps me sane.
view more >
My Favorite Things
My Happy Place!
Being in my kitchen. A good round of dough therapy is medicine for my soul.
My Favorite Things
Traveling — especially to sunny places with beautiful beaches and delicous food!
view more >
The ocean! It calms and heals me. Swimming and surfing keep me in the now. From the silence all my best ideas manifest into form.
My Guilty Pleasure
Italian espressso (ssss). I drink waaaayy too many but hey, life's too short for bad coffee.
This That
coffee
mountains
EARLY BIRD
BOOTS
PACK LIGHT
Chocolate
PC + Phone
or
TEA
BEACH
night owl
heels
Bring the Sink
POPCORN
PEN + PAPER
Where I stand on the super important stuff... Agree / disagree?
READ MORE →
TRAVEL
LIFESTYLE
READ MORE →
RECIPES
FRESH FROM THE BLOG
Healthy living is beautiful … That’s why it’s called“La Dolce Vita”.
READ MORE →
I’m sharing my best recipes, travel guides, and Italian secrets for longevity & aging gracefully. Discover my tips and tricks to become a Rockstar chef, my current obsessions, and tools to embrace joy, find your purpose, and live deliciously!!
HOW TO COOK MASTERCLASS
This FREE training has all my secrets to nail the basics + become a PRO in your kitchen. It's a game changer.
Get the free class
I'm simply obsessed!
Visit the shop
Wanna know the tried and tested go-tos a globetrotter and chef can’t live without? Here’s my must-have gizmos, gadgets, and essentials—all my favorite things I swear by. Plus, what I’m reading, wearing, and packing for my next trip.
@themelissamayo
For delicious recipes, travel guides, inspiration and more, join me on Instagram.