Born in Barcelona, Spain, Marta Ramirez has brought a taste of Mediterranean cuisine to India through Casa Bella Vista in Sector 10, Chandigarh — a culinary haven that marries her passion for food with a commitment to quality and community. Despite holding a master’s degree in sociology and psychology, Marta’s true passion has always been cooking. “Cooking had always been my hobby, but there wasn’t a specific course to pursue the art of cooking at the time,” she says. After working for a few years, Marta realised her true calling was giving back to the community and helping people in need. Her journey to India began over two decades ago in Calcutta, where she volunteered for Mother Teresa. After three transformative years, she ventured to Manali to delve into yoga, eventually meeting her husband, a Chandigarhian, amidst the serene backdrop of the Himalayas. It was in Manali where the seeds for Casa Bella Vista were sown 20 years ago. This vision blossomed into reality in 2005, offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine — Marta says she owes her culinary skills to her mother. The decision to relocate Casa Bella Vista to Chandigarh in 2013 was driven by practicality—Marta wanted a conducive environment to raise her children. But setting up business in Sector 10 wasn’t easy. Marta had to navigate the complexities of managing a predominantly male staff and other administrative challenges. Marta chuckles as she recalls the first Hindi words she learned: “abhi” and “hanji.” “When I used to tell my staff to do something, they would do it after a couple of days, not understanding the urgency,” she says. To overcome these language barriers, Marta made it a point to learn Hindi to communicate and connect with her staff better. “Quality is paramount,” Marta emphasises, reflecting on the ethos that defines her venture. “We never compromise on the authenticity or freshness of our food. Money is not seen in the equation here.” This commitment is evident in every dish served, particularly their signature pizzas, crafted with care and precision to replicate the flavours of the Mediterranean. Beyond culinary excellence, Marta is passionate about giving back. Profits from Casa Bella Vista’s shop are channelled into charitable initiatives, continuing her lifelong dedication to social work — a principle instilled during her formative years with Mother Teresa. Now Marta plans to expand her footprint across Panchkula, Ludhiana and Mohali, bringing Mediterranean delights closer to more patrons. Her forthcoming venture, a bakery in Sector 10, promises to be a hub for sandwiches, coffee and croissants. Marta encapsulates her journey succinctly, “I brought my home to yours.” (Through this column we explore the lives of expats who have made the Tricity their home)
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