In a world increasingly dominated by screens and fast-paced lifestyles, Elena Martinez is on a mission to bring families back to the kitchen, one child at a time.
As the founder of Little Chef Academy, a cooking instructor, author, speaker of five languages, and television personality, we’re still trying to figure out what Elena can’t do.
A Childhood Steeped in Culinary Traditions
Elena’s journey began in Moldova, a small but culturally rich country and former Soviet Union state nestled between Romania and Ukraine. Growing up, she was surrounded by the comforting aroma of dishes that were traditional to the region like zeam (a Moldovan traditional chicken soup), borscht (a Russian beet-based soup), holubtsi (Ukranian cabbage rolls stuffed with a mix of rice and meat, slow cooked in tomato sauce), and pierogis (dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese, meat, mushrooms, or fruit). Gatherings and celebrations were built around these dishes and of course wine.
Talking with Elena, you realize that she has a deep appreciation for life that this built on top of unique experiences, one of which is growing up while Moldova was part of the Soviet Union.
“When the Soviet Union collapsed, it was a very difficult time, politically and economically,” Elena said. “There were constant protests, a lot of violence, and severe food shortages. Even traveling was difficult—coming to the United States back then required going through so many steps. It was definitely not easy. I remember my grandparents being deported to Russian camps, which was heartbreaking. Families were separated, some never seeing their children again. My grandparents suffered from hunger, they lived through the war—it was a painful time. And now, seeing what’s happening between Russia and Ukraine, it’s devastating. We’re in 2025, and yet war is still taking lives. It’s unbelievable. There’s no reason for world leaders to keep repeating history like this.”
In 2008, Elena eventually did come to the United States as an exchange student to study psychology at the University of Utah, and, as fate would have it, she met the love of her life, so, she stayed and married him.
“When I first moved here, I had drifted away from my traditional cuisine. I cooked a lot of Puerto Rican dishes for my husband, but my own culture’s food wasn’t something I made as often,” Elena said. “That changed in 2015 when my mother visited. She cooked every dish from home, and when I shared these meals with friends, they were amazed. They kept asking, ‘Why haven’t you cooked this for us before?’ That moment changed everything for me.”
This moment inspired Elena to start a catering business in Dickinson, ND, specializing in Eastern European cuisine. Which, according to her, was an easy process because of the businessfriendly nature of the United States.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t say I’ve faced many challenges here in the United States,” Elena said. “If anything, the real challenges are back in my home country. There, you have to go through so much just to get things done—registering a business, for example, is much harder. Here, the process is so much easier, and the resources are available. Everything is so expensive, and that part isn’t easy. But as far as paperwork and setting things up, I’d say the U.S. makes the process fairly simple.”
Her catering business, and her return to traditional cooking, was such a success within the community and with her friends, family, and in-laws who kept asking for her recipes that she decided to author her first cookbook titled “Moldova Cuisine: Eastern European Dishes,” which introduced readers to the flavors of her homeland. The book’s success led to a second publication focused on desserts, and she is now working on a third book which will feature delicious breads from all over the world!
My approach is very handson. I instruct and guide them, but I really want the kids to engage with the dish, to feel and experience the process of cooking.”
Her deep-rooted love for cooking carried on to her four children who became her first “students” in the kitchen. “I wanted to detach them from screens and get them involved in something hands-on,” Elena said. Seeing their excitement and engagement, she realized the power of cooking as an educational and bonding experience. This realization planted the seed for what would later become Little Chef Academy.
The Birth of Little Chef Academy
While Elena enjoyed her catering business, life had other plans. After nine years of living in Dickinson, she relocated to Bismarck, where rather than restarting her catering business, she found herself drawn to a new passion—teaching kids how to cook.
“I started by inviting my children’s friends over for weekend baking sessions,” Elena said. “It became a tradition, and soon, the idea for Little Chef Academy was born. I wanted to create a space where kids could learn real cooking skills while having fun.”
For the past three and a half years, Little Chef Academy has introduced children ages six to fifteen to the joys of cooking. The program isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about engaging with food, understanding ingredients, and building confidence in the kitchen.
“Some kids come in shy or hesitant, but after just one class, they’re begging to come back. It’s all about giving them the opportunity to try something new in a supportive environment,” Elena said. “My approach is very hands-on. I instruct and guide them, but I really want the kids to engage with the dish, to feel and experience the process of cooking.”
Did you Know?
You can sign up for an adult cooking class with Elena Martinez? Elena offers courses through Bismarck Sate College!
When working with her classes, Elena starts with simple questions to gauge a child’s experience and comfort level: Have you ever turned on a stove? Have you ever cracked an egg? From there, she builds their skills, while focusing on safety, creativity, and the joy of making something from scratch.
For younger children, she offers private lessons and Mommy and Me classes, which allow parents to be part of the experience. She also hosts private birthday parties and group classes, where kids make new friends while learning to cook.
A Cultural Ambassador Through Food
Elena’s impact in the community doesn’t end there. Two and a half years ago, she got the opportunity to share her cooking knowledge on North Dakota Today— even though she had no experience with television, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“When I started on TV, I wondered, ‘Who’s going to watch me?’ But I was amazed by the response,” Elena said. “People called in, curious about who I was, and they were excited. Now, I’ve been on TV for two and a half years.”
Recently, Elena filmed an episode for America the Bountiful, a PBS food series hosted by former Ohio senator Capri Cafaro. Her episode, which focuses on North Dakota’s honey production, is set to air in the coming months.
She also teaches adult cooking classes at Bismarck State College where she introduces students to global cuisines. “I love learning about different cultures through food,” Elena said. “One of my absolute favorites is Indian cuisine—I even included naan bread in my upcoming cookbook!”
You can also be sure to find her at local food festivals around town like the Pride of Dakota shows.
“I sold my homemade salsa, along with desserts like cakes and pavlova—which is actually the most famous Australian dessert,” Elena said. “I make things like empanadas at the adult cooking classes and people are like ‘How do you know how to make these? You’re not Argentinian.’ But when you love cooking, you just want to learn everything.”
Elena’s Advice for Entrepreneurs
“If you love something, go for it. It won’t always be easy, and there will be risks, but it’s worth trying. Don’t settle for something unfulfilling.”
Looking Ahead
Elena’s dream is to continue traveling, cooking, and sharing her love of food with the world. “If the right opportunity comes along, I’d love to host a show where I explore different cultures through their food,” Elena said. “Food brings people together—it’s one of the most beautiful ways to connect.”
Until then, she remains dedicated to her students, her books, and her family. “Cooking isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s my life. It’s how I show love, how I connect with my kids, and how I keep my culture alive.”
Author Extraordinaire
Elena Martinez has already published two books: “Maldovan Cuisine: Authentic Eastern European Dishes” and “Sweet Escape: International Desserts” and she is working on a third!
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