Melba Wilson

Melba Wilson is a Harlem-based restaurateur, caterer, and cookbook author. She is best known as the owner of Melba's, a popular soul food restaurant in Harlem. Wilson is also recognized as a Food Network personality, having appeared on shows such as Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America, and Throwdown! with Bobby Flay. She gained fame for her signature dish, chicken and waffles, which beat Bobby Flay's version in season 4 of Throwdown!. In addition to her culinary achievements, Wilson has been appointed by Bill de Blasio to the COVID-19 Small Business Advisory Council and serves as the president of the board of directors for The NYC Hospitality Alliance. She is the niece of Sylvia Woods, the founder of Sylvia's Restaurant of Harlem.