Melina Davies is a self-taught cook who left a career in the movie industry in 2011 to open a tiny caf called Olive & Thyme in Toluca Lake, California, later moving to a much larger location just up the street, and most recently opening a second restaurant. The daughter of Armenian immigrants and a graduate of the University of Southern California, Davies lives in Studio City, California, with her husband and their two young children.
Clean. Elegant. Delicious. Melina Davies delivers an exceptional experience with her Olive & Thyme restaurants, and now, in sharing her personal stories and techniques in her cookbook, she gives us the gift of great dishes to prepare at home for friends and family. -Keanu Reeves, actor, publisher, and author Melina Davies turned what was to be a simple cafe into an LA institution. Accessible, thoughtful, and delicious, her cookbook will make you look like a genius at your next dinner party. This is how we should all be eating and cooking. -Vinny Dotolo, James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur (Jon & Vinny's, Animal, Son of a Gun, and more), and co-author of Two Dudes, One Pan Does our family go to Olive & Thyme every day? Maybe. And by maybe, I mean yes. Melina Davies knows what gathering for a meal means to so many of us. It's a chance for our family and friends to share a rare, calm moment together to laugh, talk, and soothe our souls with delicious, beautiful food made with love. The fact that we can now make some of her magic at home makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Will this mean we go into Olive & Thyme less? Maybe. And by maybe-I mean, see you tomorrow morning, Melina. - Melissa McCarthy, actor, writer, and fashion designer I've been a fan of Melina Davies and Olive & Thyme for years, and I'm so excited about this book! Finally, I can enjoy the recipes in my own home. -Jet Tila, chef, Food Network star, and author of 101 Asian Dishes You Need to Cook Before You Die Melina Davies' gift-Olive & Thyme-shares a simple, heartfelt, delicious plate of life and connection. -Della Gossett, executive pastry chef at Spago I've been going to Olive & Thyme for the last eight years for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Now, I get to have Melina's delicious food in the comfort of my own home. She's not only helping people cook tasty meals, she's solving the Los Angeles traffic problem. Eric Stonestreet, actor and star of Modern Family With Olive & Thyme, Melina Davies will inspire the accidental chef in everyone! As soon as you open Melina's book, you are invited into learning not just about delicious recipes that create splendid little meals with little fuss, but understanding that a love for cooking can summon our closest friends and family to spend time together around a table. -Matt Molina, James Beard Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and co-author of The Mozza Cookbook