About | Mysite

THE CHEF

Executive Chef and Owner Melissa Rasmussen has combined her agricultural background and love of cooking to create her catering business. Having grown up on a farm in the Central Valley of California, Chef Melissa has a strong belief in using only the finest and freshest ingredients from local farmers. This is seen in the seasonal menus that she creates for her clients.

Her professional education began at Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Her formal training included an internship at Wente Vineyards working in the catering and pastry departments. Chef Melissa has owned and operated her own catering business for over 20 years.

Our Mission

Catering by Chef Melissa: Elevating Events with Freshness and Flavor. We craft culinary experiences that celebrate the integrity of whole ingredients, bringing the essence of the farm to every table we serve. Our mission is to delight our customers with fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate the best of our region's bounty.

Fresh Ingredients from Local Farmers

Burroughs Family Farms

Denair, CA

Raw Roots Farm

Guzman & Sons Produce

Catheys Valley

Atwater, CA

Sweet Arnold Farms

Atwater, CA

What people are saying

1

Emerald Wong, Sales Manager, Autocamp Yosemite

"I have had the pleasure of working with Chef Melissa and her Team for 5+ years. They have executed countless events at our venue leaving both the clients and venue incredibly happy and ready to book again! Her food is delicious, the staff is always professional with a smile and her planning and execution are both detailed and thorough. It is hard to find another Caterer as well-rounded and consistent as her!"

2

Jennifer Valdez, Event Planner, An Occasion Event Designs

"As a wedding planner, you seek out the best for each client. Chef Melissa is one of the best in the Central Valley. Very professional, easy to work with, and her food is amazing!"

3

Michelle M. - Client

"I can’t say enough about Chef Melissa, she was a complete pleasure to work with! She was so professional yet very warm and caring, you can tell she truly wants her clients to be happy! She catered our daughter’s wedding for 200 guests in a Tuscan Italian Theme. The antipasto display was very impressive. The salad was crisp and fresh with a house made balsamic that is probably the best I’ve tasted! Our entree’s were grilled to perfection - New York Steak and Chicken in a brandy cream sauce. Two different types of pastas, fresh veggies and caprese salad. Delicious doesn’t begin to describe it! We also had a dessert bar with 8 different types of fresh house made sinful treats! We would highly recommend Chef Melissa for any occasion large or small - you will not be disappointed!"