Meet Irina Rosca | Co-Founder HomemakaseATL a Private Chef Experience

We had the good fortune of connecting with Irina Rosca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Irina, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“Trust is the bridge between intention and connection.”

What should our readers know about your business?
Our journey with HomemakaseATL has been anything but linear — but it’s been full of heart. We didn’t launch with a grand business plan or a marketing campaign. We started with a simple belief: that there was something sacred about gathering around a table and letting food tell a story. From the very first dinner, our goal was to create something deeply personal — something that made people feel seen, cared for, and celebrated.

As our reputation grew, so did the demand — and with it, the challenge of keeping the soul of our experience intact. We aren’t a typical catering service. We bring a feeling into people’s homes. An atmosphere of ease, trust, and quiet joy. Scaling that kind of intimacy is not easy. It required us to grow thoughtfully, to turn down opportunities that didn’t align with our values, and to protect the level of craftsmanship and personalization that our guests return for time and time again.

Being a small, family-led team means we’ve worn every hat — from menu design and sourcing to packing up the car and lighting candles on the table. We’ve had to learn by doing, by adapting, and by staying grounded in the “why” behind it all. There have been long nights, logistical puzzles, and moments of doubt — but we wouldn’t trade it. Because through every challenge, we’ve stayed close to our mission: creating moments of presence and connection through food.

HomemakaseATL is, at its heart, a family affair. Founded by myself, Irina Rosca, and my partner in life and business, Chef Alejandro Garcia Candelas, our story is one of trust — in each other, and in the vision, we chose to build together. I left the corporate world to support this dream, not knowing exactly what it would become, but believing in the magic of what we were creating. Chef Alex brought his decades of experience in Edomae-style sushi, his reverence for tradition, and a quiet artistry that turns every course into something unforgettable.

We’re the first In-Home Omakase Private Chef Experiences, in the Southeast, which was recently named Best Private Chef Experience by The Atlantan Magazine.

What makes us different? It’s the level of intention. Every event begins with a conversation — not just about food, but about feelings, stories, and the memories people want to create. From allergies to anniversary songs, we want to know what matters to you. And then we build the experience around that.

Our brand also carries deep personal meaning. Our logo was inspired by Chef Alex’s Mexican heritage — a nod to the roots, warmth, and cultural pride that shape everything we do. It’s more than a symbol; it’s a thread that runs through every part of our story.

What has surprised us the most — and what we hope readers take away — is that we never expected to be on the receiving end of the experience. But time and time again, we are. In the comfort of someone’s home, people open up in ways they rarely do elsewhere. We’ve shared tears, laughter, prayers, and toasts. We’ve seen love stories, new beginnings, and healing moments unfold around the table. That kind of closeness is something we never imagined we’d be gifted in return — and it’s what makes all of this so worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re such an outdoor-loving family, so if my best friend were visiting for a week, we’d definitely start by heading north to soak in some of Georgia’s natural beauty. One of our favorite hikes is Blood Mountain by Neel Gap — it’s a bit of a climb, but the views at the top are worth every step. Spending a day or two in North Georgia is a must, and while we’re there, I’d plan a visit to Montaluce Winery & Restaurant. The ambiance is absolutely stunning — their terrace overlooks the rolling vineyards and offers one of the most peaceful sunsets you’ll find in the South. Great wine, beautiful food, and that calming hush that only nature can bring.

Back in the city, we’d spend time on the Atlanta BeltLine — it’s such a vibrant, energetic space that gives you a taste of the city’s heart. There are endless places to eat, drink, explore, and just let time slow down. You can go from a casual coffee stop to cocktails with skyline views, all in one afternoon stroll.

And for a truly unforgettable evening, I’d recommend dining at one of Atlanta’s four Michelin-starred omakase restaurants — a must for anyone who loves refined Japanese cuisine. But honestly? An even better way to experience it is to host an In-Home Omakase surrounded by friends and family. Chef Alex has a very special way of connecting with guests — part artist, part entertainer — and when the night unfolds among loved ones, the energy becomes absolutely electric. Laughter flows, conversation deepens, and it’s a kind of joy you’ll want to bottle up and keep forever.

It’d be a week of movement, memory-making, and shared joy — and that, to me, is the best kind of Atlanta welcome.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no question — my biggest shoutout goes to my partner in life and in this beautiful adventure, Chef Alejandro Garcia Candelas. HomemakaseATL wouldn’t exist without the trust we placed in each other from day one. It takes a lot to leave behind the comfort of what’s known — in my case, stepping away from the corporate world — and pour everything into a dream. But I knew I wasn’t just trusting the vision… I was trusting the person beside me.

Chef Alex has always had a deep reverence for tradition, an extraordinary gift with food, and the kind of humility that makes people feel instantly at ease. Watching him work, witnessing the care he puts into every course, every interaction — it’s inspired me every single day. Together, we dreamed of creating something intimate, meaningful, and lasting — and it’s only been possible because of the unwavering belief we’ve had in each other.

This journey has been fueled by partnership in the truest sense — built on trust, shared responsibilities, and a love that extends from our own family table to every home we have the honor of stepping into. For all of this — the magic, the growth, the joy — I have him to thank.

Website: https://homemakaseatl.com/

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