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    Home

    About

    Hi, and welcome!

    My name is Melissa, and I’m a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and food photographer based in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina.

    I love experimenting with unique flavor combinations and showcasing my creativity in every dish and drink I make.

    Whether it’s combining unexpected ingredients or putting a twist on classic recipes, I’m always pushing the boundaries and exploring new taste sensations.

    So if you’re looking for inspiration and a fresh take on food and cocktails, I’m your girl!

    Melissa in black shirt, green pants, facing forward, while carrying a straw bag with bread and flowers inside.

    A little about me…

    I have a passion for both food and cocktails, and that’s what led me to start my food and cocktail blog.

    I grew up in a small town near Pittsburgh. My dad’s career as a chef and restaurant owner left a lasting impression on me and my love for cooking. This passion coupled with a fascination in all things food led me to study Food Science and Human Nutrition at Clemson University.

    I fell head over heels in love with the beautiful city of Charleston while completing my nutrition internship at the Medical University of South Carolina. Now, I call Charleston home and love spending my time discovering all the amazing food and drink this city has to offer with my husband, Cory, and our pup, Archie, by my side.

    Melissa in black shirt, green pants, smiling to her right while carrying a straw bag with bread and flowers inside.

    Professional Career

    I’ve had a rich and varied career as a Registered Dietitian, working in both clinical nutrition and behavioral counseling for many years. But, a few years ago, I felt it was time for a change and to tap back into my culinary and recipe development roots.

    These days, I get to combine my passions for recipe creation, food photography, and storytelling by working on my blog and for some amazing food and beverage brands. It’s a dream come true, and I’m so grateful to be doing what I love every day!

    Bringing joy and fun to the kitchen and bar is my mission. It’s been a wonderful journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!

    Work with Me

    If you’re a food or beverage brand searching for a creative partner in recipe development, photography, short-form videos, and more, I’d love to hear from you! Simply send me an email at hi [at] agratefulmeal.com, and let’s chat about your unique needs and how I can help bring your vision to life.

    Education & Awards

    • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Licensed Dietitian – South Carolina Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
    • Dietetic Internship – Medical University of South Carolina 
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science – Clemson University
    • Emerging Dietetic Leader 2019 – Charleston-Trident Dietetic Association & South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 

    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Melissa sitting on porch with coffee cup leaning forward with pumpkins and plants on the porch.

    Hi, and welcome! 👋🏻 I’m Melissa, a RD with a Food Science degree living in Charleston, SC. I love sharing all my favorite food and cocktail recipes right here.

    More about me →

    Winter Recipes

    • Rum old fashioned with light shining through on a wood board.
      Spiced Dark Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail
    • Two glasses of hot toddy on a wood cutting board.
      Easy Apple Cider Hot Toddy with Tea (for One or a Crowd)
    • Bowl of potato leek kale soup on a blue and white napkin with bowls of shredded cheese and chives on the side.
      Potato, Leek, and Kale Soup
    • Close up of the smoked manhattan cocktail in a coupe glass garnished with cherries and a smoking cinnamon stick with a black and white background.
      Smoked Manhattan with Cinnamon Cocktail
    • Overview of two bowls of creamy enchilada soup with a spoon in the bowl on a white countertop
      Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
    • Two bourbon mules in copper mugs with a bowl of limes.
      Kentucky Bourbon Mule

    Popular Recipes

    • Close up of hibachi shrimp rice bowl and other bowls in the background.
      Hibachi Shrimp Rice Bowls
    • Coupe glass with a dried citrus wheel as garnish.
      French 95 (French 75 with Bourbon)
    • Cherry whiskey sour on a wood board with cherries as a garnish.
      Cherry Whiskey Sour (with Bourbon and Amaretto)
    • overview of two buffalo chicken rice bowl with an avocado, cilantro, forks, and a napkin on the side on a white background.
      Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

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