For personal chef and caterer Marissa Fisk, food is an experience, an art, and a fusion of past and present. Exploring food through memory, tradition, and innovation, Fisk invites others to get out of their comfort zone and embrace unexpected flavors.
Growing up, Fisk was enchanted by her Argentinian grandmother’s way of cooking from scratch. She savored the ritual, from the slow, intentional preparation to the joining of family to share a long, unhurried meal and hours of conversation.
“What I loved about the culture was the gathering of people and the slow food movement,” she says. “It was important to my grandparents to be conversationalists and mentors.”
Now, Fisk brings this same sensibility to Dripping Springs, inviting clients to explore and experience food in fresh, meaningful ways. “Food can be such a delight for people,” she shares. “It can be such an expression of joy.”
Rooted in the traditions of her upbringing, Fisk cooks with a nostalgic touch and a colorful, Argentinian flair. Her rich collection of vintage cookbooks and treasured family recipes inspire many of her wholesome, home-cooked dishes. “It’s food that speaks to the soul,” she says. “It’s aromatic, delicious, and comforting.”
But she’s not stuck in the past. Her style constantly evolves as she blends tradition with creativity. Social media and trending food cultures spark her imagination and motivate her to adapt. She appreciates the younger generation’s influence, with its focus on health-conscious choices and time-saving techniques. “I’m constantly reading and educating myself,” she says. “I want to hear what the newer voices are saying.”
The Austin restaurant culture also contributes to Fisk’s repertoire. “Our food scene is moving really fast,” she notes. “The history here is interesting and there are good finds right in our backyard.”
Complementing the big-city trends, the Hill Country supplies Fisk with an abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients. She works closely with regenerative farms and sustainable producers in the area, grounding her cooking in place and purpose. “Texas really teaches people to be self-sufficient—growing and harvesting reconnects us to the land,” she notes.
For Fisk, sourcing locally is essential, and she takes advantage of the clean, nutrient-rich ingredients available nearby. “They make me better,” she says of the growers and producers with which she partners. “There’s nothing like a candied beet grown here in Wimberley, or a French radish, a bright yellow beet, or a beautiful microgreen. That’s just going to elevate my food; it elevates the art and it helps the palate.”
While many clients come to her for comfort food or special-occasion catering, Fisk sees every dish as an opportunity to broaden someone’s tastes. “I’m a little fierce in that department,” she laughs. “If I know the boundary, I push it.”
Fisk encourages her clients to try something new, like lamb, scallops, or blue cheese: “Being willing to walk off the beaten path, you’ll come upon really cool culinary experiences,” she says. “It’s an adventure.”
And for Fisk, adventure is half the fun. “With flavors, I just go all-out,” she says. With this bold approach, along with a deep respect for heritage and relentless curiosity, Fisk reminds us that life can be delicious, and food is an ever-evolving experience that invites us to create, connect, and explore.
MarissaFiskCatering.com | @modernmomchef