She built a community around food culture and created the long-running Zestre Culinară (Food Heritage) project, authoring two volumes that document regional recipes nationwide. Her fieldwork and media presence take her across Banat and beyond, from the national TV format Alege Rețeta Națională to frequent features and interviews.
Rooted in Banat, she designs cross-border initiatives that put communities at one table, including Sufrageria Multiculti (The Banat Ethnic Dining Room) and the 2025 Festivalul Păturatei pe Crumpi, a landmark celebration of Banat’s “Queen of the Plain.” She also serves as PR representative for Kikinda’s Pumpkin Days (Dani Ludaje) in Serbian Banat, helping attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
As Ambassador for Banat 2028 – European Region of Gastronomy, Rista connects producers, minority cultures, and institutions, championing seasonality, anti-waste values, and the pantry traditions of the Pannonian Plain—bringing Banat’s bold flavours to European audiences.