La bouníca

Hi, I'm Alexa. A Romanian, based in London. Originally a linguist/translator/interpreter now turned professional chef.

As is often the way for those of us who love to eat, my happiest and most vivid childhood memories are centred around food.

My graddad was the most caring and loving person I have ever known! My sister and I used to get millions of kisses and cuddles every day and there was nothing that we wanted for that he would say no to. Even today when I close my eyes and think of him I can still feel that love as strong as it was back there!

My grandmother on the other hand was very strict and stern but she was the most amazing cook! I was so fascinated by her! I still try to get my head around how she managed to feed a whole family with a chicken for a whole week! Every morning she was up at 4am cooking! My favourite part of the day was watching her do her magic. We had a fresh pastry breakfast every morning and a 3 course lunch every day! A soup, a main and a desert every day for lunch! And my grandmother was always making sure that everybody ate before she did.... that was her way of showing affection and she loved looking after the family.

She was and is my ispiration and my love of food was definitely born in that tiny little kitchen, watching her and later, cooking along side her.

I wanted to somehow share her recipes with other people and introduce Romanian food to Londoners so what better way than with a pop-up restaurant.

And that is how La bouníca ( At grandma's ) was born!

I hope you all enjoy the food!