We are Ion, Serg and Evelina, originally from Moldova, a small Eastern European country, between Romania and Ukraine. Our goal is to bring you flavors from our childhood. We’re offering what is essentially a protein forward rice bowl (or the more traditional polenta). It’s called “BingeBowl”, because you won’t be able to stop eating. Catchy! We’re focusing on Takeout and Delivery, so our food is meant to travel and be reheated well. This way, you can enjoy it on the go, or at home, while you binge your favorite TV show. For the health conscious, we carefully portion the protein, carb and veggie amounts. It also makes for great meal prep, since you can store a few in the fridge and warm them up as needed.
Ion is BingeBowl’s mastermind and Executive Chef. Here’s his story:
“I grew up in a traditional small village where we cooked what we harvested. There was no Organic farming, it was all Organic. My family planted all sorts of vegetables and fruit as well as raised livestock. Ever since childhood, I have appreciated food made from scratch, local and fresh. Around 14 , I started to cook and bake. As soon as I started hearing compliments on my cooking skills, I would get more excited and experimental about it. When I first heard from my father that after high school I should pursue a cooking career, I had no doubt about my future.
I spent many years of my life traveling the world working as a cook on different cruise ships. Even though I learned to appreciate different cuisines, to me there was nothing like the taste of home-made food from back home. I took advantage of the little resting time that I had in my cabin on the ships to recollect and write down my old grandma’s recipes, because deep inside I knew that someday I would have the opportunity to show the world Moldovan cuisine.
One day, here in the United States, I met two young entrepreneurs: Evelina and Sergiu. They were already in the restaurant business, and I invited them over for dinner. Impressed with my food, they suggested we work together. That’s how our friendship and partnership began. “
Serg and Evelina are the owners of Bikeeny caffe, a local favorite coffee shop in the Malden. BingeBowl was originally going to be “Bikeeny After Hours”, because it’s the same people, serving quality food, at the same location. We decided to spin it off, because it is a new concept, with a different menu.
Visit Moldova, we say. There’s plenty of things to do. It’s a wild combination of Soviet architecture and modern, glass buildings. If you’re a wine lover, we have the largest cellar in the world with over 2 million bottles. It’s called Milestii Mici. People are hospitable, food is good and the dollar goes a long way. Until you get to go, get a glimpse of our flavors when you order from us.
