Italian Daughter – Scottsdale, Arizona
“I am my father’s daughter, the Italian daughter” proclaims restaurateur Melissa Maggiore-Meyer on the Italian Daughter’s website. As the daughter of famed Phoenix chef and restaurant impressario Tomaso Maggiore, it seems almost predestined that she would follow in her father’s Sasquatch-like footsteps. At an early age, Melissa’s father taught her the beauty and joy a great meal can bring to one’s life. She cherishes the memories of gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, wine, and of course, a great dish of pasta. Her love for the cuisine of her Italian heritage was cemented by extensive travel to Italy with her father. Melissa’s passion for food, wine, and hospitality supplanted her pursuit of a Journalism degree from Arizona State University. She relocated to San Diego where she launched a number of Italian restaurants throughout southern California. One of those restaurants–Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen in Carlsbad, California–was the subject of Food Network primetime series, Family Style. In 2018 Melissa and her husband Kevin returned to Scottsdale to be closer to family. In April 2021 Melissa opened The Italian Daughter to pay homage to her late father and continue the legacy he left behind. Chef Tomaso Maggiore was…
