The Zest chefs are a couple that loves to cook and create new dishes together. Melissa and Theo both left their business careers in marketing and advertising to pursue their passion for food.

After realizing that she wanted to turn her hobby into a full-time business, Chef Melissa started her personal chef company, A La Maison in 2005.

Nearly 1200 miles away in Minnesota, Chef Theo was running his personal chef company, DinnerWhere, but didn’t know Melissa at the time. As serendipity would have it, the two chefs met at a professional event and found more than just cooking in common. One chef in the kitchen became two, when Theo moved to Pennsylvania to join Melissa in growing A La Maison, now Zest. 

Chef Melissa Wieczorek developed an interest in cooking early in life and paid her way through college working in a number of fine dining restaurants.  But it was a career in business that took her on trips to Europe and Asia giving her exposure to the world’s finest ingredients and cuisine, further fueling her passion for cooking and the desire to start her own business. 

Chef Melissa understands how the struggle of juggling a career, personal interests and family leaves little time to prepare healthy meals.  Recognizing this growing problem in society and the need for healthy mealtime solutions, Melissa traded her suits for a chef’s coat and launched A la Maison Personal Chef Service in 2005.  She is excited to now continue providing a solution through Zest Culinary Services.

Melissa has been featured on the cover of Moxie Women Magazine, in the Bucks County Courier Times, on The NBC 10! Show and is a video chef on the Best Fruit Now app. 

When Melissa’s not cooking, you can find her in a hockey rink cheering on her son, at a fitness class, or on the water paddling with her dragon boat team. 

Originally from Minnesota, Chef Theo left his career in advertising after realizing he cared more about the food served at his business meetings than the actual meetings themselves. A year-long apprenticeship at a local bistro provided Theo with the basis to move forward with his culinary dreams.

While running his personal chef company, DinnerWhere, Theo started doing private chef work on yachts, at vacation destinations and other excursions, honing his craft while attending to the needs of his clients.

Theo has been a frequent guest chef on local and national television shows, featured in Bucks Life Magazine and a contributing writer in various publications including Buon Gusto.

Outside of the kitchen Theo seeks adventure on land and sea, including sailing, cycling and wine tasting.