Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikola Panic.
Hi, Nikola. Thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I discovered my love for food on my uncle’s farm in the countryside of Serbia. During the summer, I would stay with my uncle and work in the fields. He taught me how to grow magnificent vegetables and herbs and cook our traditional recipes perfectly. Years later, I decided to educationally pursue my love for cooking at the University of Belgrade in Belgrade, Serbia. During this time, I had the opportunity to be an intern at some of the best restaurants in Belgrade. After my culinary schooling, I decided to leap of faith and immigrate to the United States. I worked at a seasonal restaurant in Delaware called Amuse that specialized in serving quality local seafood. The executive chef at Amuse was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for exceptional cooking. My love for culinary experiences brought me to Austin, Texas, to pursue fine dining. I was employed by L’oca D’oro as a chef in 2019. I quickly deepened my understanding of the intricacies of fine dining. In the past five years, L’oca D’oro has been named the best Italian Restaurant in Austin, Texas (www.austin.eater.com). I am deeply grateful for the culinary experiences that gave me the knowledge and courage to follow my dream: opening my own catering company. In August of 2023, I officially opened the doors to Konoba Catering! The endearing years I spent with my uncle preparing charcuterie and artisan fermented foods for the harsh Serbian winters inspired the name “Konoba.” Konoba means “the room where the food is prepared and stored” in the Balkan language. While preparing the food for winter, he would remind me that good food takes time, sometimes all winter. This wisdom has helped me establish myself as a chef and business owner. Perfection takes perseverance, and I embody that message in the food I serve.
Please tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth?
Becoming a business owner has presented many challenges. It is hard to stand out in a world of established corporations that offer cheap and reliable catering. I value quality ingredients, hand-crafted recipes, and exquisite presentation. Earning the trust of the community as a quality brand will take time. I strive to deliver exceptional culinary experiences to every one of my clients.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of my long-term goals is to present Balkan cuisine to the world of fine dining. I am very proud of my Serbian roots and wish to share my fondness for my country with the world. Balkan dishes are full of robust flavors and embody a home-cooked presence. I am most proud of how far I have come. My path to success has been riddled with obstacles, and I have continued to pursue my dreams regardless of the circumstances. Because of the hardships that I have faced, I can overcome any challenge in the future. I am wholeheartedly committed to my dreams. I provide my customers with more than just food. My services are catered to individual needs and reflect my attention to detail, immense quality, and perfect presentation. I hope my clients will appreciate the time and attention I give to their needs and the hint of Balkan flair in all my recipes.
What does success mean to you?
We have a deep relationship with food. We eat to nourish our bodies, find comfort, and bring friends and family together. Success is incorporating the transcendent message of food into each of my recipes. Through my cooking, I hope to bring loved ones together and be a part of creating beautiful memories.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.konobacatering.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/konoba_catering?igshid=MWs5cTJ2eGk3Y3cwMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/konoba-catering-austin
