The Little Things – That’s MAlissa, not Melissa!

Featuring Malissa Morin
Written by David Reynolds
Malissa is a member of the Food & Beverage management team working as Assistant Kitchen Manager on the hot line. She is largely responsible for creating the truly wonderful daily specials, as well as expertly executing the normal Pub and Main Dining Room offerings.
Malissa was born a resident of Old Saybrook and grew up right on Bokum Road. Her family still resides in the same house on Bokum Road. She graduated from Old Saybrook High School, then attended Lincoln Technical, receiving her degree in Culinary Arts.
She recalls that at the age of five that she pretended to be a waitress at her parent’s table, making menus for the family to order from. Then filled the orders with her “Easy-Bake Oven!” She has always been in love with food and cooking. During high school, she was active in field hockey and Girl Scouts.
At the age of 10, Malissa became the very first “Mini” Mascot (team jersey number “1/2”) for the Mohegan Sun CT basketball team, experiencing her first stardom and meeting many celebrities. Malissa joined a dance troupe that was taught by a former Patriots cheerleader. She competed in contests across the country winning numerous awards and gaining national recognition. Her mother had a dance studio, so the opportunity and all the hard training came naturally to her. There is video, and it is amazing.
After graduating from high school Malissa went to Lincoln’s culinary program. During this time, she began working in the Front of the House here at Essex Meadows. Many of the residents remember her smiling face dressed in a waitress uniform! For the last three months of her culinary program, she needed to perform an externship actually working in a kitchen, so she moved to our kitchen as a prep cook. Once graduated, she was asked by Steve to become a line cook.
The rest is history. She has the essential feel for food, knowing what makes things taste the way they do, without relying on recipes or written instructions. She is most grateful for getting knowledge from both Steve and Dennis. Malissa is very proud of her cooking and readily shares her knowledge and talents with others on our staff. In her off-time she continues giving by bringing food from the local food pantry to other facilities for the elderly.
She lives in Deep River with her long-time partner, enjoying boating, fishing, and trying out new techniques and items in cooking. Says she recently caught a 17-pound Striped Bass! Also living with her is his great-grandmother, to whom they are both her caregivers.
When asked, Malissa sees herself right here in five years. She looks forward to help mentor others who come through our doors. With a ready smile and sparkling eyes, Malissa adds a special personality to our already spectacular kitchen staff!