FLORIDA MOM MAGAZINE's - Chef Melinda Foley
 I was born and raised here in Jacksonville, Florida in the Riverside area. I am one of five children. I was fortunate enough to live only four doors down from my grandparents, aunts and uncles. My grandfather, dad, uncle and brother all worked together in a family business running a heating and air conditions company. I began cooking at a very young age. I would go to my grandmother’s house early in the morning on the first day of summer to help her prepare lunch for all of the men in the family and any friends that stopped by for a visit. I learned early on how to prepare food ahead of time as well as producing large quantities at one time. I continued to cook though the years and learned how to change recipes to my own tastes.
After getting married and having three children, I decided to go to culinary school. I attended FCCJ’s Institute of the South from 2000-2002.  During school and upon graduating I worked in many places and had great experiences. I began working in the Executive Dining Room in the Bank of America Tower downtown with Chef Robbet Bouman. I was also able to do some catering for Barbara Bush when she came to the Bolles School to support a reading program. Soon after I was chosen to help with the food and demos when Food Network came to Jacksonville.
Through the years I have worked at Bistro Aix in San Marco and  Amelia Island Plantation on Amelia Island, Florida. I was fortunate enough to be asked to help out at the Super Bowl here at Alltell Stadium in 2005. It was an intense experience for a full time mom to work 11 days straight, averaging 18 hour days, and having a family to raise! But trust me, it was well worth it! Most recently, you may know me from my cooking demos at the Southern Women’s Show, October 17 – 18, 2008. Or, maybe it is from teaching Jazzercise, not only at the Beaches Center, but all over town. In 2003, I had to step back from working in restaurants to give more time to my growing children, so I decided to become a Jazzercise Franchisee. I truly love teaching classes and all the incredible people along the way. This all inspired me to create my own motto:
Food, Fun and Fitness!!
In between jobs I have catered to many companies, small businesses, wonderful families and lots of friends. When my last child reaches middle school in 2 years, I hope to go back into the restaurant business. In the mean time, I hope to inspire all of you and let you know YOU CAN COOK! Have an open mind, play with foods unfamiliar to you, and take the challenge. I am sure as time moves forward, we will not only learn a lot together but probably burn a lot too!
Here's to great cooking!
|
|
