I am inspired to continue my father’s legacy and hope your evening with us helps in creating your own memories around the table…for I am my father’s daughter, the Italian daughter. Buon appetito!
– Melissa Maggiore
Growing up in an Italian household, my father taught me early on the beauty that a great meal can bring to one’s life. Some of my greatest memories are those of gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, wine, and of course, a great dish of pasta. To my father, there was no greater joy than preparing dishes from his homeland and watching the smiles of his treasured patrons as they enjoyed each bite. Although he may not be with me here today, I am inspired to continue his legacy and hope your evening with us helps in creating your own memories around our table… for I am my father’s daughter, The Italian Daughter.
As the daughter of famed Chef/Restauranter, Tomaso Maggiore, Melissa Maggiore traveled extensively to Italy with her father, where her love affair with food and wine began. After pursuing a journalism degree at Arizona State University, she decided her passion for food, wine, and hospitality could not be ignored and relocated back to San Diego to open a slew of Italian restaurants throughout southern California. On May 5, 2010 Melissa opened Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen in Carlsbad, California, the subject of Food Network primetime series, Family Style. In 2018 Melissa and her husband Kevin relocated 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.