Episode 225: Melissa Rodriguez (Al Coro, Mel's Pizzeria, and Discolo--NYC)

Chef Melissa Rodriguez of Al Coro, Mel's Pizzeria, and Discolo in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood, sits down to discuss her early life and career, gravitation to the pro kitchen, and her unabashed affection for fine dining. Stops along the way to her current restaurants include Northern California, five years at Restaurant Daniel in New York City, and taking the helm of Del Posto. This episode is brought to you in part by meez, the recipe operating system for culinary professionals. Try out their free basic version today.Andrew’s next book The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food is now available for preorder! Please consider purchasing your copy/copies in advance and help the book have a great lift-off.Andrew Talks to Chefs is a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!