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Chef Melissa King is one of the most exciting talents in America’s culinary scene — with a unique cooking style that combines the Bay Area’s best ingredients with modern techniques and Asian flavors. King placed as a finalist on Bravo’s Top Chef: Boston Season 12 and is competing again on this season’s Top Chef All-Stars: Los Angeles Season 17.
King has been recognized as “one of the best female chefs in San Francisco” and “40 under 40: Rising Star”. She’s the co-host of James Beard nominated holiday special “Taste Buds: Chefsgiving”.
King started cooking at the age of six. After completing a B.A. in Cognitive Science at the UC Irvine, King attended the Culinary Institute of America graduating at the top of her class. She also a certified level 1 sommelier.
With over 15 years in the industry, Chef King has helmed several Michelin starred kitchens in San Francisco (Campton Place, Luce, The Ritz Carlton Dining Room) under acclaimed names such as Dominique Crenn and Ron Siegel. She has cooked for notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Al Gore.
With a passion for partnerships, King was the first chef ambassador for Whole Foods Market and the creator of exclusive ice creams with Humphry Slocombe — Hong Kong Milk Tea, Golden Milk & Gingerbread, Yuzu Cream, Coconut Shoyu Caramel, Mango Mojito, and plant-based Almond Chocolate Crunch. She’s the face of IBM Research’s 5 in 5 Series. She’s internationally consulted for Elle Café Aoyama, Elle Magazine’s fine dining restaurant in the fashion district of Tokyo.
As a proud Asian-American, queer woman, King has a passion for supporting the community — working with non-profit organizations and LGBTQI charities such as The Human Rights Campaign, Tegan and Sara Foundation, and more. She was honored as a Celebrity Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride and has modeled for Levi's Strauss Co. in a global campaign advocating for the LGBTQ community.
Along with being a chef, television personality, and brand partner, King actively participates in speaking panels supporting women’s empowerment, sustainability, food education, and entrepreneurship. She performs at food & music festivals nationwide from Coachella, Outsidelands, BottleRock, Clusterfest, Pebble Beach F&W Festival, & the Napa Valley Film Festival.
Chef King currently owns a company focused on partnerships and culinary experiences.