"Inima" restaurant in Bordeaux, created by Oxana Crețu, included in the Michelin guide
Inspired by her grandmother's recipes, Oxana Crețu has made a name for herself in France, a country renowned for its rich culinary tradition. As the gastronomic ambassador of the Republic of Moldova, she has impressed even the most discerning gourmets and has crafted sophisticated menus, including those for the Olympic Games. Despite her remarkable success, Oxana remains grounded and frequently returns to Moldova, where she conducts masterclasses for aspiring chefs with big ambitions.
Oxana Crețu moved to France to study art. However, she quickly realized that her true passion lay in cooking. In 2017, she opened her own restaurant in Bordeaux, a city renowned worldwide for its exceptional wines.
“I decided to start my culinary studies from scratch. I passed all my chef exams and began creating my own dishes and platters. The guests enjoyed them, and that’s how I conceptualized 'Inima,' which we continue to develop as we strive for a Michelin star,” says Oxana Crețu.
In 2024, she achieved another milestone by being selected as one of France's top chefs to create the menu for the Paris Olympic Games. Despite her success, she remains deeply connected to the Republic of Moldova, where she frequently returns to conduct workshops for aspiring chefs.
"The goal is to improve, inspire, and provide ideas so that everyone can practice the profession of chef in a way that suits them," explains Oxana Crețu.
Chef Dorin Gratie adds, "This experience is very beneficial for us in the Republic of Moldova. Mrs. Oxana shares new methods on how we can utilize our local products in our kitchens here, as we currently face an issue with relying on imported ingredients."
Chef Rudolf Haceaturean says, "We have encountered something new and interesting, along with some cool ideas that we can continue to use. We’ve learned fresh concepts and how to implement them into our Moldovan cuisine."
Initially, the event was designed to host 10 chefs, but due to growing interest, the list was expanded to accommodate more participants.
Ana Sandra, interim director of the National Tourism Office, emphasizes, "We believe that this practical lesson offers an extraordinary opportunity for our chefs. They can learn various secrets that can be applied in their daily cooking."
Olga Calmîș, executive director of the National Association of Restaurants (MĂR), says "This masterclass conducted by Oxana Crețu is a unique gastronomic experience for several restaurant managers from our country. They will be inspired by our compatriot Oxana, who will share valuable insights into an industry that is continually evolving."
Olga Crețu's restaurant "Inima" in Bordeaux has been included in the Michelin guide.
