Chef Melanie Cuartelon is a second generation Filipino American born and raised in North Florida (Orange Park). Her passion for the kitchen stems from her mother and her grandmother. Seeing them cook and bring joy to others through food brightened Melanie’s eyes, knowing that in her future, she would be no more than 10 feet away from a kitchen!

She is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island for Baking and Pastry in 2007, finishing her schooling at the Rosen School for Hospitality at UCF with a Bachelor of Science in Restaurant/Food Service Management in Orlando, Florida in 2009.

Since graduating, Melanie has worked in a variety of kitchens and bakeries, having landed her currently at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa. For the past four years, she was in charge of the Sawgrass Bakeshop as their Pastry Supervisor and most recently taken on the role as Sous Chef overseeing the banquet kitchen operations for the hotel. Having the chance to make people smile through her food is the most gratifying feeling for Melanie.

Outside of work, Melanie loves to spend time with her boyfriend Josh, mother Lolita, sister Natalie and her most adorable nephews and loves of her life, Jack and Jimmy. Along with family time, you will also find Melanie skipping around Disney World and just being a kid!