melissa

Melissa J. Rodriguez is Executive Chef at Del Posto. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts, Melissa spent time cooking with Elaine Bell Catering and Oceana. In 2006, she was hired as a line cook at Daniel Boulud’s flagship Restaurant Daniel, where she quickly rose the ranks to sous chef. Melissa joined the team at Del Posto in 2011 where she was promoted to Chef de Cuisine in 2015. Two years later, she was tapped to succeed Mark Ladner as Executive Chef making her the first woman at the helm of a restaurant awarded four stars by the New York Times.

Melissa lives in Jersey City with her husband Garrett. 

the team

Joe Bastianich

Joe Bastianich is one of America’s preeminent restaurateurs and TV personalities; he is also an author, musician and triathlete. In 2005, Joe was recognized as an Outstanding Wine and Spirits…

More about Joe

Lidia Bastianich

Lidia Bastianich is one of the best-loved chefs on television, a best-selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Lidia has married her two passions…

More about Lidia

Jeff Katz

Jeff Katz has been working in Italian restaurants since he was fifteen. Jeff attended Babson College and majored in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Not long after graduation, Jeff relocated to New…

More about Jeff

Danielle Falcone

Director of Catering