A fabulous fusion of Romanian and Italian food is ready to make its mark at the Five Valleys Food Hall in Stroud, with the latest new business at the popular town centre venue.
Irina and Bogdan Iordan-Stanescu have already built up a following at local pop-ups and markets with their delicious home-cooked dishes – now they’ve launched their own business, Casa Romana, in the former Non-Solo Pasta unit at Five Valleys.
The Food Hall has built up a great reputation for serving up a fantastic mix of high quality street food from around the world. The seating area has also recently been given a stylish upgrade – making it the perfect location for breakfast and lunch as well as a busy Friday evening trade until 9pm.
Casa Romana is the latest business to join the market with a menu including delicious risottos and pasta dishes as well as hearty and traditional dishes from the couple’s home country.
Romanian sarmale – cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice – feature on the menu alongside traditional rustic mezze, salamis and polenta. Irina and Bogdan will also serve traditional Italian dishes including arancini as well as great seafood, including octopus, prawns and mussels.
Bogdan has worked as a head chef for more than ten years, most recently at The Crown at Minchinhampton, he is now delighted to be sharing his cooking skills at Five Valleys.
Bogdan said: “We are so pleased and excited to have the opportunity to be here at Five Valleys and to share our take on classic Italian and Romanian dishes. We have some great pasta and risotto dishes but also alongside our home cooked, Romanian specialties.
“It’s a really hearty and rustic way of cooking and we want to bring something different which we think people are going to love.”
Irina added: “This is a proper family business; the whole family is involved, and we are so pleased with the welcome we have received already.”
Centre Manager Erica Malpass said: “Our Food Hall is at the heart of Five Valleys and it’s great to see how much it is growing in popularity and the fabulous array of food from around the world that our customers can enjoy.
“It’s always lovely to have another great local business looking to grow and establish here at the centre, and another new cuisine to try! We’re delighted to welcome the whole Casa Romana family.”
