Private Chef Martina Ristić Stipandžija

Hello!

I am a passionate, joyful, and open-hearted private chef and pastry artist with a deep love for creating unique, heartwarming culinary stories. Specializing in private dining experiences, I bring a friendly, vibrant energy to your kitchen, making you and your guests feel completely pampered while enjoying top-tier gastronomy.

My culinary style is a beautiful, global fusion rooted in the heart of Dalmatia. On the savory side, I love connecting comforting local traditions and fresh Adriatic seafood with vibrant international trends—ranging from traditional fish specialties and rich, slow-simmered homemade soups to beautifully plated, colorful Asian-inspired noodle bowls, custom curries, and perfectly balanced meat dishes.

My true superpower, however, lies in the sweet world. I am the creator of "Ljepotuške" — my signature, elegantly styled custom cakes and pastries that seamlessly blend stunning aesthetics with high-end, sophisticated flavor profiles. I love experimenting with premium, unexpected combinations like walnut with fresh figs and olive oil, lemon with caramelized blueberries, and rich chocolate with tonka or sea salt.

Whether you desire a relaxed family-style feast, a fresh Mediterranean seafood dinner, or an elegant multi-course celebration ending with a jaw-dropping dessert, my philosophy remains the same. My lifelong motto is "Tako Magično" (So Magical), and that is exactly the unforgettable feeling I strive to leave in your space and on your palate.

For me, cooking is...

living. I believe that true food goes beyond taste—it wakes up our deepest emotions, revives beautiful memories, and creates moments that connect us.

I learned to cook at...

My mom's kitchen, Masterchef, and 12 years of professional experience. I blend soulful home cooking with high-level culinary expertise.

A cooking secret...

Bold spices mixed with emotion. I use seasoning to enhance flavors, but love and a touch of magic are what truly bring the dish to life.

My menus

East meets West

STARTER

All inclusive

Smoked Salmon & Horseradish Bruschetta Toasted artisan sourdough bread spread with a zesty, whipped horseradish cream, topped with premium cold-smoked salmon, and finished with a crisp, refreshing cucumber-dill remoulade

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Signature Chicken Miso Ramen A deeply flavorful, slow-simmered miso broth served with thick, chewy Udon noodles,grilled chicken, a soft-boiled marinated Ajitama egg, julienned carrots, marinated mushrooms, fresh scallions, crisp sprouts, Nori seaweed

DESSERT

All inclusive

Thai-Inspired Mango Sticky Rice Sweet, fragrant glutinous rice slow-cooked in a rich, creamy coconut milk reduction, served with slices of fresh, juicy ripe mango and a drizzle of warm coconut nectar

Adriatic catch

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Adriatic Bouillabaisse (Riblja Juha) A rich, aromatic clear fish broth slow-simmered

Local Mussels in "Buzara" Sauce with Homemade Focaccia Fresh Adriatic mussels steamed in a classic, velvety white wine, garlic, and parsley reduction, served with warm, sea-salt and rosemary infused homemade focaccia for dipping

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Black Cuttlefish Risotto (Rižoto od Sipe) An authentic, creamy Carnaroli rice risotto rich with tender Adriatic cuttlefish and its natural ink, enriched with aged local cheese and a silky cold-butter emulsification

Creamy Polenta with Adriatic Prawns & Summer Harvest Slow-cooked, buttery cornmeal polenta topped with sautéed wild Adriatic prawns, tender zucchini ribbons, blistered cherry tomatoes, and a fragrant splash of Mediterranean herbs

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Honey-Ricotta Mousse with Zesty Citrus Creamy, whipped ricotta folded with local honey and fresh lemon zest, topped with warm, oven-roasted marinated seasonal fruits (figs/peaches) and a crunchy roasted hazelnut crumble

Olive Oil & Orange Sponge Cake Moist, aromatic Mediterranean sponge cake crafted with extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange zest, paired with a rich diplomat cream infused with Tonka bean, finished with marinated seasonal fruits

A Taste of Tradition & Elegance

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Clear Meat Broth Rich, slow-simmered homemade beef and poultry broth, served with delicate, velvety semolina dumplings and fresh garden herbs

Gourmet Artisan Platter Premium dry-cured ham (Pršut), selection of local cheeses, homemade chicken liver pâté infused with aromatic black truffles, gentle goat cheese, and a sweet, house-made fig jam pairing

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Creamy Veal Risotto A luxurious, slow-stirred carnaroli rice dish with tender, melt-in-your-mouth veal, enriched with aged cheese and a silky, buttery finish

Veal Medallions in Sage & Wine Reduction Pan-seared tender veal medallions glazed in a rich white wine and fresh sage reduction, accompanied by a velvety potato and celery root purée laced with truffles

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Honey-Ricotta Mousse with Zesty Citrus Creamy, whipped ricotta folded with local honey and fresh lemon zest, topped with warm, oven-roasted marinated seasonal fruits (figs/peaches) and a crunchy roasted hazelnut crumble

Olive Oil & Orange Sponge Cake Moist, aromatic Mediterranean sponge cake crafted with extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange zest, paired with a rich diplomat cream infused with Tonka bean, finished with marinated seasonal fruits