Melanie Grace

What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is most definitely my peach cobbler. There are NEVER any leftovers or anything to scrape from the pan, which is a great compliment but kinda annoying if I have forgotten to scoop me up some, especially a corner! My homemade French vanilla ice cream is the chef's kiss and "smack ya mama" good! Smacking is optional but do it at your own risk. I take no responsibility for outcomes.

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My family is my inspiration. They’re always hungry and need to eat. Best of all, they enjoy my cooking. For me, cooking is sacrificial love. I plan, purchase, prep, cook, and serve after long days. It's the gift of time we can never recover. I want people to feel happy, nourished, satisfied and connected after eating and gathering around the table. Chef Carla Hall also inspired me because I saw someone who looked like me-ish, elevating what they loved to do. I saw what was possible.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My mother died the same day I realized I was pregnant with my daughter. "Mama Shirley" saw me grieving & took me under her wing. She helped me take care of my dad who died exactly 13 years later, to the day. She is recently widowed & turns 80 in January. I'd repay her kindness & take her on her dream vacation to Barbados. Also, I worked on Skid Row in Los Angeles for many years. There's a lot of suffering but they are people who still need to eat. I'd feed them again. It's