“Local,” “organic,” and “sustainable”

These may be buzz words to some, but they’ve always been a part of Melanie Klann’s vocabulary. Melanie brings a raw and luscious earthiness into her kitchen while imbuing her creations with her love of eastern cultures and her southern heritage as well as her own spins on classic dishes. After starting her career on the service side of the food industry, Melanie worked her way to the back of the house, where she discovered her passion for creating exquisite creations in the kitchen. For years, Melanie has employed a “slow food” philosophy. Formerly at The Kitchen at NH, Dragonlady Catering, Alchemy gourmet market and wine bar, and as owner of Biga Murphys, the first fresh bread bakery to open in Murphys in nearly 100 years. Widely recognized as one of the most creative chefs in the Calaveras region, you’ll occasionally find her in the NH Tasting Room. Melanie heads up the NH food program, designing pairing dinners that incorporate fresh, local ingredients to highlight Scott’s artisan wines.