Melanie Masarin is a culinary enthusiast and entrepreneur best known as the founder of Ghia, a nonalcoholic aperitif brand praised by the New York Times, Vogue, and many more, with products in over 3,500 retailers and restaurants. Now she is channeling her expertise and upbringing in the South of France into an inviting cookbook, bringing the vibrant, sun-soaked cuisine of the region to a U.S. audience. Her recipes focus on simplicity and bold flavors, making Mediterranean dishes accessible to American home cooks. Melanie's background in brand storytelling and hospitality enriches her approach, blending her passion for food with a commitment to joyful and somewhat nonchalant communal dining. She splits her time between New York City and Paris.
“While the rest of us dream of being raised on the food and culture of the Riviera, very few of us have the opportunity. Thankfully, Mélanie translates her rich family history of simple, dreamy recipes for home kitchens everywhere. These pages take you to a place where olive oil flows like water, soupe is spelled with an ‘e,’ and scallops are called ‘Coquilles St. Jacques.’” — Molly Baz “Riviera is full of transportive photographs, deeply seasonal cooking, and writing that feels generous, relaxed, and lived in—the kind of book you leave open on the counter and come back to again and again.” — Andy Baraghani “Riviera captures the vibrant flavors, direct from the south of France, redolent with garlic, basil, tomatoes, as well as a bounty of sun-ripened fruits and vegetables, and—bien sûr—freshly caught fish. These pages will transport you to the Mediterranean, where great food is enjoyed, as it should be, with delicious apéritifs. Santé!” — David Lebovitz “Mélanie is the definition of chic, but this simple yet elegant book never trades substance for style. From crusty bread with butter-dipped radishes and salmon carpaccio to creamy, bright pasta al limon and a whole branzino with her ‘put-it-on-everything’ green sauce, these recipes feel both unfussy and refined, conjuring the salty air, sparkling blue waters, hot sun, and unmistakable flavors of the French Riviera.” — Jess Damuck “Mélanie reminds us that long before all the short-lived health fads, there was the timeless, chic, and effortlessly delicious Mediterranean diet. This is a book for those of us who still believe that food should be simple and elegant, and leave you feeling like your best self.” — Julia Sherman “Mélanie’s taste and approachability shine through in everything she does. This book pulls you straight into her world, with food that leaps off the page and a beauty that makes you want to slow down, gather friends, and bring a little Riviera magic to your table tonight.” — Courtney Storer “Mélanie makes my favorite drink on planet Earth, so it’s only right that she makes a cookbook just as fantastic!!!"" — benny blanco