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I'm Melissa!

A Food Network chef + mama obsessed with travel, and mouth watering food. I also own a gorgeous cooking school in Italy. My mission? To share the secrets of La Dolce Vita so you can create a healthy, beautiful, delicious life filled with joy!

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ON SUCH A WINTERS DAY

I have called LA my home for the past 20 years, and while there are days that I curse like a sailor (mother F$%*%*^er), while I am stuck in traffic, and threaten to move to Italy and never return, I have never ever complained about the weather.

I grew up in South Africa, which for the most part was balmy and warm. In my entire 24 years in Johannesburg, it only snowed once. And by the time they let us out of school to head home for some fun, the ice had melted into sludge.

But no weather can compare to that of the Southern California winter. I mean it’s less than a week away from Xmas, and the skies are blue and I am wearing a T-shirt. We literally have 364 days of sunshine. And the fruit stands are still selling all sorts of tropical summer fruit.

So if you can see past the hectic traffic and the manic go, go, go pace of life and you finally make it to LA, be sure to head to my website. Search for “MELISSA’S GUIDE TO LA” and check out my favorite spots to eat.

I would love to learn more about you. Where do you live and what is the best part about home?

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I'm Melissa, your host & tour guide.

A Food Network chef, author, mamma, eternal optimist, wannabe-mermaid, spice mixologist, and “dough therapist” (yep, it’s a thing)—

I'm also the founder of Susina Cucina, the gorgeous, Italian cooking school I manifested into my reality. I’m obsessed with Aperol spritzes, travel, and mouthwatering food… especially pizza and pasta.

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Ciao Bella,

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In Italy, they add work and life on to food and wine.

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Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.

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The Magic of Italy
without the planning

Explore

Food Netwok Chef, Melissa is dishing up delicious food and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your soul.

find out more →

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Healthy living is beautiful … That’s why it’s calledLa Dolce Vita”.

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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!!

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