Indulge in the art of cooking and the beauty of connection
Chef Daniela
Culinary Instructor • Recipe Developer • Pasta Enthusiast
Growing up in a big Italian family, Daniela Mancinelli Kalota learned early on that food is more than fuel—it’s connection, celebration, and love. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Daniela brings heart, humor, and serious know-how to every class she teaches.
Her culinary journey has taken her from helping launch restaurants in Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, and even Fargo (yes, that Fargo), to leading private cooking classes out of her home. In 2016, she sharpened her skills at The Culinary Center of Kansas City, where she also taught as an instructor—and quickly built a devoted following.
After returning to her home state of Michigan, Daniela helped secure funding to build a culinary training program for Zaman, a nonprofit empowering marginalized women through food service education. In 2021, she joined Mirepoix Cooking School as head instructor, where she has since created over 1,000 original recipes and more than 85 unique classes designed to inspire, educate, and empower home cooks of all levels.
Daniela’s style is both spirited and approachable, rooted in food science, restaurant experience, and a deep empathy for the everyday cook.
She’s just as passionate about Taylor Swift as she is about Pasta Fagioli, lives with her dog Maize, and swears her plants grow better when she talks to them.
Elyse Kessler
Founder • Educator • Real Food Advocate
Elyse is the entrepreneurial vision behind Zest & Zeal—a business built on a love for real, whole food, meaningful connection, and the quiet power of creating space for others to thrive. With a deep passion for business, wellness, and education, Elyse is on a mission to bring people back to real food and help them feel at home in their own kitchens.
Her goal is simple: to make the kitchen a place of confidence, nourishment, and connection.
Elyse is passionate about making food approachable and meaningful, helping others rediscover the joy that comes from learning, sharing, and slowing down together. She believes food is never just about what’s on the plate—it’s about who’s gathered around it.
While she’s not the one behind the stove, Elyse is always behind the scenes—bringing the right people together, shaping thoughtful experiences, and ensuring every detail is rooted in intention. Because, at Zest & Zeal, it’s not about performance. It’s about presence.