Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Voirin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melody. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Chef Melody grew up in a small town in Texas and from an early age, she developed a passion for cooking and for Mexico. At the age of seven, Melody made her first trip to Mexico where she fell in love with the people, culture and cuisine. Melody still remembers the first time she tasted Chorizo, a Mexican sausage and became enchanted with the spicy tangy flavors in Mexican dishes.
In high school, Melody began what would be her career in the restaurant industry. She waited tables at the local diner, washed dishes, cleaned floors and greeted her guests with a smile. Melody spent the next four years waiting tables and bartending until, she earned a B.A. in advertising from Southern Methodist University. While friends and family urged Melody to “get a real job,” she was continually drawn to the kitchen. Melody continued to hone her restaurant management and cooking skills with Uncle Julio. In the early 2000s, Melody welcomed her daughter Hannah into the world and began to delve even deeper into her study of Mexican cuisine. Her husband, Pedro, taught her much as he and his family come from Guerrero, Mexico. She cooked regularly with Pedro’s family and learned and practiced their traditions and recipes.
In January 2006, Melody joined the team of No Mas! Productions and helped open No Mas! Cantina in August. Drawing her inspiration from the wonderful ingredients found in the different regions of Mexico, she created a menu with traditional dishes with a unique flare. You will find Tex-Mex favorites such as fajitas and enchiladas and original creations such as Pollo Relleno, grilled chicken breast stuffed with Chihuahua cheese, rajas poblanos, served over cilantro mashed potatoes and topped with salsa verde.
In 2010, No Mas! Cantina expanded its offerings to include breakfast and ADios cafe was born as was her son, Taide. Chef Melody created a menu consisting of traditional favorites with a Mexican twist. Offering items such as Mexican eggs benedict, 2 poached eggs served over crispy bacon and a masa cake and topped with green chile hollandaise.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I always say the restaurant business chose me. My degree is in creative advertising and growing up I never imagined myself being a chef. I started working in restaurants during high school then during college. The fast pace and energy seemed to match my personality.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with No Mas! Cantina – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
No Mas! Productions, located in Atlanta’s historic arts district of Castleberry Hill, serves as both a community fixture and a living expression of the founders’ life-long love affair with Mexico. As part-time residents of Mexico, Walt and Steve have formed relationships with more than 350 artists and artisans who create handmade goods, gifts, jewelry and furnishings for the Artisan Market and the Cantina.
No Mas! Cantina was the next step to bring the best of Mexico to Atlanta. Every item is available to purchase, from the table and chairs to the basket lights hanging in the trees. Carefully crafted drinks and dishes are sure to delight your pallet while the beautiful atmosphere is a feast for your eyes.
We are proud of the fact that we have such a diverse group of individuals that make up our team. Also, that we offer people a great opportunity to experience parts of Mexico that they may not have known about. We are also, proud that we can enrich the lives of the Artisans that supply us their work, thus enabling them to follow their passion and keep their crafts alive.
No Mas! is an ideal venue to immerse yourself in Mexico – from the food in our Cantina to the culture through shopping in our Atrisan.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
With the completion of the Stadium so near our restaurant we look forward to many great developments in our community. We are always looking to grow and improve and bring more value and experiences to our guests.
Contact Info:
- Address: 180 Walker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Website: www.nomascantina.com
- Phone: 4045745678
- Email: melody@nomascantina.com
- Instagram: nomascantina
- Facebook: NoMasCantina
- Twitter: NoMasCantina
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
