Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Chef Gina Melita’s earliest memories are strewn with images of her grandmother’s massive holiday meals, her mother’s vegetable and herb gardens and the smells and sights of the annual game roast her family hosted every fall. After briefly working in Boston, Gina graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. In 1989, believing no one ever learned to ride a bike by reading about it, she immediately jumped into the crush of New York City, working with such esteemed chefs as Tom Colicchio, Alan Harding, Tom Valenti, Charlie Palmer, and Marja Samsom.

  Later, looking for a new perspective, Gina headed for San Francisco and found herself in the kitchen of Judy Rogers at the infamous Zuni Cafe’. The “farm to table” approach to food, the enthusiasm of local wine producers and the attention to seasonality further influenced Gina’s “keep it simple” style.

  New Orleans was next on her list…..the sultry South and down home appeal rounded out the spectrums of classic, cosmopolitan and country. While there, Gina worked as long time sous-chef to Peter Velazquez at Marisol Restaurant.

  Now in her fifth season at the Pentagöet, Gina creates meals that are lusty yet sensible, based on bright flavors, simple presentations and the classic combinations often found in many of the home cooked, regional specialties from Spain, Italy, France and our USA.

When Gina's not found at the Pentagöet she's at home in Atlanta with her own business, Dinner with Class. She offers in home dinner demonstrations, one-on-one cooking instruction, personal chef services, and private dinner parties. She can be reached at 404-680-7778 or by email at mail@dinnerwithclass.com. Also visit her website www.dinnerwithclass.com.