Company description

Cucina Melissa is a California-based culinary studio founded by Italian-trained chef Melissa Norton, specializing in elevated catering, intimate dining experiences, and immersive food storytelling rooted in Italian tradition.

After training in Calabria, Italy, surrounded by fishermen, farmland, and a deep respect for seasonal ingredients, Melissa built Cucina Melissa as a reflection of the Italian way of living: slow, intentional, and centered around connection.

At its core, Cucina Melissa goes beyond catering. It creates personal, transportive food experiences, from beautifully curated dinners and brand events to hands-on cooking classes and private gatherings. Every menu is driven by fresh, high-quality ingredients, regional Italian techniques, and a modern California perspective.

Melissa’s signature style is deeply tactile and emotional, whether it’s hand-shaped pasta, naturally fermented doughs, or thoughtfully plated seasonal dishes. Her work is designed to feel both timeless and intimate, turning meals into meaningful moments of connection.

Through collaborations with leading lifestyle brands and private clients, Cucina Melissa has become known for curating elevated yet approachable dining experiences that blend food, design, and storytelling.

In addition to events and catering, the brand extends into digital and educational offerings, including a membership platform with exclusive recipes, travel inspiration, and cooking experiences, bringing the spirit of Italian hospitality into clients’ everyday lives.

Job description

Cucina Melissa is seeking a part-time Catering Chef to support our growing catering and events program in collaboration with a luxury hotel group. This role is ideal for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and has a deep appreciation for seasonal cooking, Italian technique, and beautifully executed food. Chef is comfortable farmer's market shopping, handling all management of other Chef's, and coordinating expo of onsite event.

You’ll work closely with Chef Melissa to bring thoughtfully designed menus to life, ranging from intimate dinners to elevated large-scale events, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, organization, and hospitality.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $35.00 - $50.00

Application instructions

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Deadline

June 20, 2026