“With such a rich history, food is a culture – it creates stories and forges relationships.” – Stasha Toncev, Chief Soulkitchen Officer.
Something exciting is coming up at 21grams!
21grams is a homegrown neighbourhood bistro, nestled within the cosy suburban centre of Umm Suqeim. Since it opened in 2018, 21grams has made a name for itself as a soul-led, community-friendly restaurant serving the most-loved Balkan food in the region.
Exciting developments
- Starting a new chapter, the bistro has appointed a new Head Chef, Operations Manager (Chief Rainmaker) and Events & Catering Manager (Chief Wavemaker) to champion the bistro moving forward.
- Stasha Toncev, the owner of 21grams, is up for a monumental accolade – the Caterer Middle East Restaurateur of the Year Award.
- 21grams will be taking part in the ‘Riyadh Reaction’, the inaugural King Abdullah Financial District x The Gathering Supper Club. It aims to bring people together in a sleek and sophisticated setting to celebrate food made by international and local culinary talents, artists and content creators.
Meet Milan Jurkovic, Head Chef at 21grams
“We have big announcements coming this year including a new menu and a series of collaborations with region-leading personalities. Watch us as we’re about to elevate the 21grams brand and cannot wait to share it with the world as we continue stamping Balkan cuisine on the regional and international map.” Milan Jurkovic, Head Chef at 21grams
A fascination from childhood
Milan has been enthralled by the world of food since childhood. He fondly recalls making “food” with a friend at one of many playgrounds in Novi Sad (his birthplace). Amongst the food made was his famous mud pie complete with actual sand, mud, grass and any fruit they could land their hands on around the playground- all elegantly decorated with flowers. Cooking then got a lot more serious as he grew up. Following in the footsteps of those who raised him including his grandmother, Mira, Milan’s culinary emblem is directly influenced by the recipes and cooking techniques from his childhood.
As a teenager, he found his new idol and a lot of inspiration in watching Jamie Oliver on TV. Milan would spend holidays and weekends preparing barbecues and inviting friends and family over. He realised that he enjoyed the art of food a lot more than preparing an occasional meal.
A new found passion
Following the completion of his culinary arts academy in Novi Sad, Serbia, Chef Milan kicked off his career with his first work experience at an infamous barbeque joint. He quickly rose through the ranks and joined a national restaurant in his hometown, allowing him to explore his love of the diverse local ingredients, dishes and cultures that make his homeland unique.
Milan prides himself on learning a great deal from other chefs that he meets along the way. Learning from his peers has developed his culinary skill, which is reflected in his craft in the kitchen, a truly collaborative culinary experience.
Making his way to the Middle East
In 2017, 21grams presented an opportunity to him, joining as a chef representing Balkan food in the Middle East. Milan grew with the 21grams brand and is now taking over in the kitchen at a crucial moment for the restaurant. This was a major shift in his career and a great opportunity for him to expand his curiosity and learn new cuisines. It also presented a challenge to him, allowing him to elevate humble Balkan cuisine to another level in the Middle East.
Chef Milan executes traditional and family recipes by combining emotions and modern techniques. Each dish has four aspects embedded into its values: simplicity, integrity, creativity and sustainability. These values drive him to develop a new story – as he firmly believes that a dish without its roots or a story has no experience. The very experience is what sets 21grams apart. His interpretation of that journey starts with looking for locally grown produce, which are then elevated to exceptional recipe level, and perfected through meticulous attention-to-detail. Chef Milan ensures to capture the experience of all guests and interpret them into the book of life, he adoringly continues to write.
The Balkan bistro has received various international accolades such as Gault&Millau.
Meet Branimir Radosavljevic, Operations Manager at 21grams
“I’m excited to join a team of dedicated professionals that love working with soul, authentic Balkan roots and take the lead in spreading 21grams love. Soon you will experience your favourite Balkan Bistro in a whole new way” Branimir Radosavljevic, Operations Managers at 21grams
The Origins
From Serbia, he realised his desire to be in the food industry at the early age of 11. With his outgoing character and love of meeting people, he knew he needed a job that allows him to do this for a living.
A highly experienced food professional
With over 15 years of hospitality and food service experience, Branimir (or Bane as his family and close friends call him) is a force to be reckoned with. Right after graduating in Hospitality and Tourism, Bane was inspired to work and travel internationally where he worked in the neighbouring Balkan country, Montenegro.
He then set sail all over the world as a young adult where he expanded his horizon in the hospitality industry. He was able to learn different cultures, meet new people from all over the world, and adapt and learn the importance of a diverse and inclusive working environment.
Touching down in the Middle East
In 2014, Bane moved to Dubai, after being hired for Cut by Wolfgang Puck, as part of their pre-opening team in the Address Downtown. It was an opportunity he could not pass up. He’d be working for a world-renowned chef and brand. Another opportunity came knocking, to join the pre-opening team at folly by Nick and Scott (which then became one of the most awarded European restaurants in Dubai).
Bane went on to join one of the biggest hotel chains in the region, Jumeirah Group, where he led the pre-opening team of its French Brasserie outlet in Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
A look to the future
Bane has now returned to his roots and heritage by joining 21grams and looks forward to bringing Balkan cuisine and soul food to the Middle East. Brimming with a wealth of skills and knowledge, he’s ready to bring them to the ultra-sleek bistro.
Meet Miljana Zvicer, Events & Catering Manager at 21grams
“While we continue creating soul-full in-house events, we’re excited to bring something new to all our dedicated diners, the 21grams home edition. It’ll be a first-in-the-region personalised Balkan experience direct to your door. Watch this space as we bring authentic Balkan cuisine to wider audience in the region” Miljana Zvicer, Events & Catering Manager at 21grams
After 16 years of holding various key roles within the hotel industry (including commercial and operational departments), Miljana decided to shift her energy back to her original love – creating unique dining experiences and events.
Her earlier career
Miljana studied Tourism and Hospitality Management in Serbia before venturing to Dubai to work at Park Hyatt Dubai in the food and beverage department. She then went on to lead the events team as Director of events planning at Grand Hyatt Dubai. This is where she combined three of her main passions F&B, sales and event planning. She then went on to lead the pre-opening team as Assistant Hotel Manager at Hyatt Place Dubai Jumeirah and from there she underwent “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training Program’ upon which she trained over 200 middle to top management associates across several Hyatt hotels in Dubai.
Bringing years of experience to 21grams
With over a decade of experience in event management and f&b industry, Miljana aims to bring the authentic food concept of 21grams closer to the Dubai’s ever-growing circle of adventurous food lovers.
Having led a multicultural workforce, Miljana is passionate about genuine connections with people and identifying key ingredients for unique and personalised events. Armed with this, she’s thrilled to raise the bar of community-centred dining experience and further grow 21grams community.