As of May 13, 2024, I will be available only for private events. Please email with requests!
Come see me at the Culinary Center of Kansas City in downtown Overland Park!
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.
Weekly Meal Prep from the past...
A mixture of the menus I've created for my weekly clients
Jambalaya
Butter Chicken
Lion's Head Meatballs
Walnut Meatloaf (Vegan)
Grilled Rainbow Trout
Homemade Gnocchi
Vegan Chili
Leg of Lamb, Chimmichurri
Maple Bourbon Salmon
Thai Style Steamed Alaskan Cod
Apricot Mustard Pork Loin
Pot Pies
Stuffed Delicata Squash with Roasted Tomato Pepper Sauce (Vegan)
Beef in Ginger Sauce
Creamy Potato Soup
Filet Mignon
Ratatouille (Local, organically grown produce, Vegan)
Herb Roasted Pork Loin (GF,DF)
Dinner Party and Staycation Menu Gallery
Cheese Plate for a house- warming event
Superpower oatmeal with chia, quinoa, pistachios, almonds and coconut milk
Nutella crepes in custard with chocolate and coconut
Veal Osso Bucco Ragu with freshmade pasta
Heirloom tomato panzanella salad with local greens
Moroccan chicken tagine with apricots and pistachios
Frequently Asked Questions
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 am constantly learning and keeping up to date on all trends and medically researched diets. I am open to any and all requests.
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.
Do you teach?
I do! 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 to early to get them into the kitchen! I offer classes in Overland Park, Kansas at KC Culinary Center!
Who I am...
Melissa Houston
Chef and Owner
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 carry nutrition and food safety certifications.
I have worked in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, the Cayman Islands, Southeast Alaska, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Portland, and Los Angeles. 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.
I am currently the Executive Chef and Lead Instructor at the Culinary Center of Kansas City in Overland Park. Come join me and take a cooking class!
Contact me
Get in touch