Nourish & Gather
Experiences designed for connection and restoration
Hands-On Cooking Classes & Culinary Experiences
Sound Baths & Meditations
Featured Programs
About Us
Our Philosophy
At Nourish and Gather, we believe nourishment goes beyond the plate. Nourishment is what restores us: the space to connect, feel grounded, and be present.
Life moves fast. We create experiences that give you room to slow down, through cooking, meditation and sound. It might be your hands deep in dough, tasting a sauce straight from the spoon, resting while the vibration of a gong moves through the room, chopping herbs beside someone you just met, or sitting at the table long after the plates are empty.
The experience may change, but the intention does not.
featured in
From My Table to Your Community
The kitchen table was the heart of my family. Nourish and Gather emerged from cherished memories of my grandparents’ home, where nightly meals were filled with storytelling, music, and a true sense of belonging. Those evenings taught me that food is never only about what is on the plate. It is about what happens when people gather around it.
For over 30 years, I have brought that same magic to the world.
My culinary journey has taken me from working as an NYC pastry chef to teaching for 25 years at the Institute of Culinary Education, serving as the Chef in Residence for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, and teaching over 50,000 students.
But the work has never been only about recipes.
I create intentional spaces where people can learn, create, be present, and connect.
Sometimes that happens around a table. Sometimes it happens through meditation, sound, or simply having the space to slow down.
Today, Nourish & Gather brings all of that together for adults, families, educators, schools, and teams.
I’d love to hear your story and welcome you into this space.
With love,
Melanie
My son overcame his fear of the stove, I overcame my fear of kids using sharp knives, and now they’re eager to recreate the recipes at home.
My teens and their friends had an incredible week-long cooking class with Melanie at Nourish and Gather. Each day they were excited to return, gathering fresh produce from her garden... Melanie’s warm, welcoming kitchen was filled with music, laughter, and learning. We can’t wait for more classes with her!
Melanie had just the right balance of teaching but remaining hands off so the kids can do for themselves and gain confidence in the meantime. My 12-year-old had her birthday party with Chef Melanie and a bunch of girlfriends. They had the best time and left feeling empowered because they cooked from scratch and reaped the rewards by enjoying the best pasta and cupcakes. Can’t wait for the next birthday party!
He was very proud of himself and asked to help me make dinner last night... he showed me the new knife skills he had learned... Very impressive!
I sent my 11-year-old son to the 3-hour American Classics course and he loved it. After he made the taco meat, he showed me the new knife skills he had learned by chopping up some tomato and cucumber. I definitely want him to take another class to continue to build his culinary skills and his kitchen confidence!
Attendees not only enjoyed the class and the chance to meet new colleagues but all commented on how lovely Melanie was in her teaching and presence.
We worked with Melanie on two virtual cooking holiday gatherings for a corporate client. Communication was great throughout the organizing process. A detailed ingredients list was provided... I hope we can do this again!
