Deb your Personal Chef

About Me

Personality in the dishes, authenticity in the flavors.

I’m Deb, Debora Russi, an expert Personal Chef, who I hope will soon become your Chef.

I love cooking because it allows me to be in the present moment. When I’m in the kitchen, past and future fade away. I focus on the here and now: the sound of the knife on the cutting board, the scent of spices, the texture of the dough in my hands.

Apulian tradition and innovation meet in my kitchen to create surprising combinations and give you and your guests an unexpected gastronomic experience.
My cuisine is born from the desire to satisfy every palate through the excellence of local and seasonal ingredients: from succulent local meats to the catch of the day, to vegetables picked directly from my garden.
Each dish is enhanced by the fresh pasta I prepare myself, combining tradition and creativity in a culinary experience that is always varied and authentic.
I am also an expert in gluten-free and lactose-free cuisine.
I’m originally from Lombardy but live in San Vito dei Normanni, and I’m available to cook whatever you desire right at your home.

Contact me: I’ll take care of everything you need to create unique moments and precious memories to share with your loved ones.

How it works

Fill out the form at the bottom of the page and wait for a confirmation message via WhatsApp.

How to choose your preferred service: You’ll receive a questionnaire to choose your preferred menu (but we can arrange one together if you prefer) and the time of your dinner/lunch. If you have any specific requests (allergies, intolerances, small children, or other), please fill out the appropriate box at the bottom of the page.

On the day of the event, I will arrive at your residence (a helper may also be present) approximately one hour before the scheduled time.

My Services

Family Style

The menu consists of appetizers (up to 4 different dishes of your choice), main courses (up to 4 different dishes of your choice), and a dessert, which will be served in the center of the table in sufficient quantities for all guests.

The menu you choose will be the same for all guests, except those with food allergies.

Special Event

Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a private party, or a themed dinner (barbecue, Spanish/Thai/Japanese cuisine, a cooking class followed by dinner), I’m sure to leave you and your guests speechless.

Serving Style

The menu consists of 2 appetizers, 1 first course, 1 second course, and 1 dessert. The courses are served by the waiter to each guest individually.

The menu you choose will be the same for all guests, except those with food allergies.

Family Style

The menu consists of appetizers (up to 4 different dishes of your choice), main courses (up to 4 different dishes of your choice), and a dessert, which will be served in the center of the table in sufficient quantities for all guests.

The menu you choose will be the same for all guests, except those with food allergies.

Serving Style

The menu consists of 2 appetizers, 1 first course, 1 second course, and 1 dessert. The courses are served by the waiter to each guest individually.

The menu you choose will be the same for all guests, except those with food allergies.

Special Event

Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a private party, or a themed dinner (barbecue, Spanish/Thai/Japanese cuisine, a cooking class followed by dinner), I’m sure to leave you and your guests speechless.

“Mai dire Mais” meatballs

Not your average meatballs, but a true embrace of flavors and textures designed to enhance the contrast between the savory meat, cannellini bean hummus and the sweetness of marinated onions.

Baked sea bass nests and creamed potatoes.

Tender fillets of the freshest sea bass, shaped into nests and gently baked to preserv their juiciness. Served over a velvety creamed potato sauce drizzled with extra vergin olive oil, for the perfect balance of Mediterranean textures and flavors.

Ricotta meatballs and aromatic tricolor sauces

Soft, delicate and fragrant: ricotta meatballs served with a trio of fresh sauces that celebrate the colors and flavors of sauthern Italy.

Mussels au Gratin

Mussels au Gratin. Baked mussels au Gratin are a dish that offers a complete sensory experience, blending the flavors of sea and land in an irresistible balance.

Mixed fried fresh fish

Mixed fried fresh fish, crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, tasty but not salty.

Parmesan risotto with saffron cream

Parmesan risotto with saffron cream. Velvety on the palate, the intense flavor of saffron knocking discreetly on the surface.

Spaghetti with confit tomatoes and roasted red mullet

Spaghetti with confit tomatoes and roasted red mullet. A dish of land and sea, with the freshness of the ingredients melting in your mouth.

Seafood risotto

Seafood risotto is a triumph of marine flavors that requires fresh ingredients and careful preparation.

Fava beans and chicory

Fava beans and chicory, a classic of Apulian cuisine. The enveloping fava bean cream embraces the authentic, bitter flavor of chicory, a perfect combination.

Friselle

Friselle: the bread that tells the story of Puglia. Delicious and versatile, they're the queen of appetizers.

Millefoglie di Parmigiana

Forget the usual pan; This lyered version showcases each slice of eggplant, topped with tomato puree, flavored with basil, and delicious caciocavallo cheese. A tue culinary experience.

Sporcamuss, a dessert from Bari

Sporcamuss, a dessert from Bari, served hot so that as soon as you take a bite you inevitably get your “muss” (face) dirty.

Roasted octopus on cream of potatoes and olives.

The crunchiness of the octopus meets the velvety softness of the potato cream and the savoury touch of the olives.

Testimonials

What People are Saying

“A Great Experience”

“A delicious dinner featuring Apulian specialties: gratinated stuffed mussels, tender octopus, fresh seafood salad, exceptional burrata… and finally, the inevitable sporcamuss!
Relaxed atmosphere, authentic food, and great attention to detail.
An experience we wholeheartedly recommend!”

John, 07 July 2025 “Le ali bianche” Ostuni

“We couldn’t ask for more!”

“Having notified the chef just 12 hours in advance, she prepared excellent vegetable appetizers, traditional cheeses, and homemade focaccia. We then ate homemade orecchiette with eggplant sauce and cacioricotta, and a potato, rice, and mussel tiella. As a vegetarian, I enjoyed a trio of stuffed vegetables. And to finish, the melon ice cream…delicious!”

Helen, 02 August 2025 “Casa Badra” Martina Franca

“I highly recommend Chef Deb.”

“The Chef proved attentive and available from the very first planning emails. With her advice, she was able to create a truly customized menu that fully reflected our wishes.”

Julian, 11 September 2025 “Casa Amore” Monopoli

Hours of Operation

MON – SUN
12:00am – 15:00        19:00 – 22:00

Request information