Welcome to my world...
In 2006, I apprenticed at the famed Greens Restaurant overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and was immersed in fine vegetarian cooking in true California French style. This is where I became Green Girl. I continued my journey as a private chef in the Inside Passage of Alaska and British Columbia, cooking for wildlife photographers and outdoor enthusiasts on a 50 foot converted trawler. I saw my passions meet my career goals while cooking in beautiful landscapes, meeting dynamic people and discovering the wild beauty of the ocean. After years of working in the restaurant and tourism industry, I now cook privately for people in Kansas City. Follow my journey... and let me cook for you.
-Chef Melissa Houston
Chef. Creator. Problem Solver.
Unlock the Value in your Personalized Chef Service
What do you specialize in?
Individuals and families with complicated diets. I strive to bring you comforting favorites, seasonal produce, and global cuisine that matches your specific likes and dislikes. I have years of experience with all types of clients' needs and work alongside their health care teams to create a focused nutrition plan and lifestyle change where necessary. I personally believe in the power of food to heal, and have seen it in action. There is no cure all, but there are many factors that you can control and change when you understand the whole picture.
Where do you shop for groceries?
I buy from local organic farms, ranchers, butchers, farmer's markets, dairies, etc. I use Sprouts and Costco for bulk and specialty items. I also go to many ethnic markets around the city. For weekly clients, we discuss these options, and I use your pantry/freezer as needed.
Do you teach?
I enjoy passing on my years of knowledge, and love to help others learn. Everything from knife skills to a holiday feast. I am also really great with kids. It's never too early to get them into the kitchen. I offer hands-on and demo classes as well as dinner parties that allow you to cook with me.
Pricing
-Local, in Home Chef Services-
$250 -3 dinners
$325 -4 dinners
-Dinner Party $125 per person-
$50 per hour, min. 3 hours
Individual entrees priced as a package
-Contact me for Traveling Chef Services-
Custom dining experience for up to 10 guests-priced per person depending on menu. Starts at $125 per person, appetizer and 3 course menu.
(Alcohol not included)
3 entrees - generally around 3 hours time - this is for 3 meals, 4-6 portions each (3x4) - can be changed to smaller size meal plan for a few more items, smaller portions (5 meals,2 portions)
$325 - 4 entrees - - generally around 4 hours time -this is for 4 meals, 4-6 portions each
Customized to include pantry prep, breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, freezer meals, etc.
Restaurant Style
Global cuisine, without the effort. Let me know any foods you love, want to try, or that you may be curious to learn about.
Family Favorites
Pot Pies, Roast, Bolognese, Lasagna, Stroganoff. All your favorite comfort foods whenever and however you prefer.
Special Diets
From medically diagnosed diseases to optimal wellness cleanses, let me assist you with your dietary changes.
Cooking Lessons
Teaching and cooking demonstration for your party! In teams or individual, let's get hands on!
Nutritional Counseling
I am certified in sports nutrition, and have years of experience in holistic and women's health nutrition. I work alongside your doctor, trainer or coach to unlock your hidden health potential.
Recipe Development
I am a seasoned chef, with over 50,000 meals made in my business over the last 8 years. Let me develop your dream recipes to scale or for your family cookbook.
Gallery of Flavors
Jambalaya and Cajun/Creole
Butter Chicken and other Indian Classics
Authentic Chinese Meatballs
Walnut Mushroom Panloaf
Seafood Boil
Gnocchi and Meatballs
Leg of Lamb
Pork Tenderloin with Herb Breading
Pot Pies for the Freezer
Cleanse and Reset
Bodybuilders Macro Meals
Demonstration and Instruction
Meal Planning and Prep
Catering and Dinner Parties
Who I am...
Melissa Houston
Executive Chef, Nutritionist, Naturopathic Practitioner
I have over 30 years experience in the restaurant and catering industry. I am a graduate of Culinary Arts from California Culinary Academy (2006) in downtown San Francisco. I worked at Greens Restaurant overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, and was immersed in fine vegetarian cooking in California French style. This is where I became Green Girl. I am a naturopath and use holistic nutrition in my practice.
I am certified in Sports Nutrition, Holistic and Herbal Nutrition, and ServSafe Manager Safety and Sanitation. I am currently undergoing my Naturopathic Practitioner License.
I have worked in British Columbia and Southeast Alaska as a Yacht Chef for 2 summers. I have been a traveling chef throughout my life with clients in Pebble Beach/Monterey, the Cayman Islands, San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles Beach Cities, Philadelphia, Portland, and Kansas City Metro Area.
I use local ingredients, organic whenever possible, and love to create my own spin on regional and global dishes. My background includes: restaurant management, catering, menu research and design, fine dining and hotel operations. I work with current and past culinary trends, diets, and sports/medical nutrition.