At Gust Gourmet, I celebrate the joy of food that bridges cultures, traditions, and tastes. Born out of Romania’s rich heritage and England’s modern vibrance, this blog is a love letter to the flavours and stories that connect these two worlds.
Raised in the heart of Romania, surrounded by the warmth of family recipes passed down through generations, I learned that food is more than nourishment—it’s tradition, history, and love on a plate. When I moved to England, I discovered a culinary landscape that was diverse, exciting, and endlessly inspiring. Combining these two influences has become my passion: marrying Romanian cuisine’s hearty, authentic flavours with the refined techniques and multicultural flair of English cooking.
Gust Gourmet was born to show this journey—a space where food becomes the universal language of connection, sharing my story with authentic homemade recipes.
How My Food Journey Started
Food has always been at the heart of my family’s life. Some of my earliest and fondest memories are of Saturday afternoons spent making pancakes with my mum or trying out a new dish from the “Recipe of the Week” newsletter section. But my true love for cooking started with my grandmothers—each of them shaping my understanding of food in a completely different way.
One of my grandmothers taught me the art of dough-making, how to knead it to perfection, and how to create an endless variety of baked goods. She would fire up the woodfire oven, baking traditional breads and pies (called “palaneț”) on cabbage leaves, filling the house with the most incredible aromas. My other grandmother instilled in me the meaning of mindful cooking (way before there were books about it) and farm-to-table eating—from planting and tending to vegetables, to harvesting them at just the right moment, and finally turning them into preserves, compotes, and homemade jams. She knew how to make a delicious meal out of whatever the land had to offer, and she passed that knowledge on to me.
Then came the restaurant. When my parents opened up their own place, I practically grew up in that kitchen. I wasn’t just watching—I was in there, prepping pizzas, cooking for 100+ people at events, and experimenting with my own creations, inspired by the bustling environment and the endless possibilities of flavour combinations. Cooking became more than a skill or a necessity; it became sacred to me. It’s my creative escape, my way to relax, and my way to make something truly special out of just a few ingredients, of sharing my story with authentic homemade recipes.
My Approach to Cooking
I see cooking as a balance between creativity, tradition, and practicality. Some days, I feel adventurous—I take on complex recipes I’ve seen around, then make them my own by tweaking ingredients, adjusting the process, or adapting them to what I have available. Other times, I crave something deeply familiar—a dish that reminds me of home, my childhood, my mum, or my grandmas. And then there are times when I just need to use up what’s in the fridge, letting my imagination take over. More often than not, something delicious comes out of it.
And when it doesn’t? I take notes. I figure out what needs to change. Then I try again. And again. Until it’s not just good—it’s better than I hoped for. That’s what cooking is for me: a journey of improvement, of rediscovery, of joy in every small success.
What Gust Gourmet Stands For
Heritage Meets Modernity
The idea that tradition and innovation can harmonise is the blog’s heart. Every recipe tells a fusion story, from a rustic Romanian stew with a contemporary twist to a classic English dessert.
Simplicity and Elegance
Even the most elaborate dishes should be accessible, simple to follow, and beautifully presented. Every plate is crafted to bring joy to the cook and the diner.
Community Through Food
Food is about sharing—recipes, experiences, and memories. Gust Gourmet is a space for food enthusiasts who cherish the stories behind each dish.
Why the Name “Gust Gourmet”?
In Romanian, gust means “taste” or “flavour.” It’s a nod to my roots and the idea that flavour is at the core of every recipe. The word gourmet reflects the elevated yet approachable style of the blog, where every dish is a celebration of taste and artistry.
My Mission
To inspire and empower home cooks to embrace the beauty of multicultural cooking. Through recipes, photography, and storytelling, Gust Gourmet aims to:
Keep Romanian traditions alive for new generations.
Introduce authentic flavours to a wider audience.
Encourage experimentation by blending cultures on the plate.
The Gust Gourmet Vision
At Gust Gourmet, I envision a world where food brings people together, sparks curiosity, and creates lasting memories. By sharing the flavours of my past and the discoveries of my present, I hope to inspire others to explore, create, and savour every bite. Here, you’ll find all types of recipes, from Cakes and Bakes, to Savoury Classics and Homemade Staples.
Final Thoughts
Cooking has never been just about food for me. It’s about tradition, memories, creativity, and connection. Through Gust Gourmet, I want to share this passion with you—whether you’re here to explore authentic homemade recipes with a modern twist, try something new, or find comfort in a familiar dish. I hope my recipes inspire you to cook, experiment, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen.
English (UK) 
Română