Chef Allen Evans

Chef At Home In Charlotte

A proud graduate of Johnson and Wales University, Chef Allen honed his skills in the heart of the culinary world. With ten years of culinary mastery in Charleston, SC, he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Southern flavors and techniques, refining his craft with each dish.

Chef Allen's dedication to culinary innovation and commitment to excellence have garnered prestigious accolades, including a sold-out James Beard Dinner in NYC, a testament to his culinary prowess and creativity.

As the former Chef Partner of Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen Uptown, Chef Allen delighted diners with his inventive interpretations of classic dishes, earning acclaim for his bold flavors and impeccable execution.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking isn't just a hobby; it's a journey of self-expression and discovery. It's about connecting with others through the universal language of food.

I learned to cook at...

Many incredible restaurants with a decade in Charleston, SC. Global Restaurant, Corkbuzz, Rooster's Wood-Fired Grill in Charlotte since 2008.

A cooking secret...

Use the best and freshest ingredients I can source. Nothing tastes better than a vegetable that was on a plant 12 hours earlier.

My menus

Hors d'oeuvres

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Caper Cured Tuna, radish, fennel, lemongrass caesar

Pimento Cheese Sausage Bites

Open Faced Tamales, Lamb, Lime Crema, Hot Sauce

Crab Dip, Sourdough Focaccia, Candied Lemon Coulis

FIRST COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Smoked Salmon Salad, Cucumber, Bagel Crumble

Marinated Brie, Candied Walnuts, Apple Jam

Spinach & Goat Cheese Hand Pie, Herbs, Hot Honey

Chilled Shrimp, Fennel, Butter Lettuce, Alabama White Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Smoked Beef Wellington, Pastry Cups, Mushroom Duxelles, Fine Herbs

Confit Pork Belly, Almonds, Banana Guacamole

Black Pepper Biscuit, Andouille Sausage, Artichoke Relish, Garlic Oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate Budino, Vanilla Cake, Strawberries, Orange Whipped Cream

Strawberry Panna Cotta, basil-orange marmalade, candied almonds, shaved chocolate

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Cici's Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Wagyu Beef Tartare, Crispy Rice, Togarashi, Radish Salad, Barrel Aged Shoyu

Smoked Salmon, Fermented Vegetables, Furikake, Crispy Onions, Miso Broth

Tuna Tartare, Cucumber Salad, Avocado Toast, Yuzu

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Crispy Wontons, Crab Rangoon Dip, Charred Scallion Oil, Bourbon Hot Sauce

Shrimp Sausage, Soy Beans, Pickled Peppers, Grilled Onion, Wasabi Mustard

Braised Pork Fried Rice, Smoked Oyster Mushrooms, Pickled Celery, Cauliflower Curry

Charred Chicken Thigh, Sweet Potato Cake, Lemongrass, Arugula, Black Bean Puree, Cilantro

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Poached Cod, Udon Noodles, Baby Bok Choy, Mushroom Dashi, Chili Crunch

18 Hour Duck Confit, Roasted Summer Squash, Ginger Shishito Peppers, Lime

NY Strip Steak, Charred Broccoli, Sesame Cabbage Salad, Southern XO Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Pudding, , 5 Spice Cake, Mint Syrup, Oat Crumble, Banana Cream

Japanese Cheesecake, Matcha White Chocolate, Brown Sugar Crumble, Lychee Butter

Honey Doughnut, Chocolate, Candied Nuts, Strawberry Custard

Japanese Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Wagyu Beef Tartare, Crispy Rice, Togarashi, Radish Salad, Barrel Aged Shoyu

Cured Salmon, Fermented Vegetables, Furikake, Crispy Onions, Miso Broth

Chilled Blue Crab, Daikon Radish, Turnip, Prawn Crackers, Lime

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cabbage Pancake, Pork Belly, Pickled Jalapeno, Scallion, Fresh Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing

Steelhead Trout Crudo, Shaved Onion, Sweet Rice Vinegar, Mint, Squash Puree

Shrimp Sausage, Soy Beans, Pickled Peppers, Wasabi Mustard

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Poached Cod, Udon Noodles, Baby Bok Choy, Mushroom Dashi, Chili Crunch

Charred Chicken Thigh, Scallion Fried Rice, Baby Carrots, Black Bean Puree, Cilantro

Pork Yakitori, Sweet Potato Cake, Beech Mushrooms, Sweet Soy

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese Cheesecake, Matcha White Chocolate, Brown Sugar Crumble, Lychee Butter

Milk Bread Toast, Nutmeg, Berry Relish, Cultured Cream

Honey Doughnut, Chocolate, Candied Nuts, Strawberry Custard

Italian

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Caper Cured Tuna, radish, sweet onions, caesar pesto

Crispy Eggplant, Smoked Tomato, Marinated Mozzarella

Beef Cruda, salted egg yolk, dried olive, cucumber, brown butter brioche

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Short Rib Lasagna, Bechamel, Tomato, Mushrooms, Mozzarella

Braised Pork Shank, Saffron Rice, Charred Green Beans, Natural Jus

Flank Steak, Baby Potatoes, Broccoli, Swiss Chard Pesto, Prosciutto Oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Strawberry Panna Cotta, basil-orange marmalade, candied almonds, shaved chocolate

Chocolate Budino, Vanilla Cake, Strawberries, Orange Whipped Cream

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Local

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Marinated Shrimp, cucumber salad, corn vinaigrette

Mushroom Dumplings, green tomato, andouille, spiced crawfish gravy

Black Pepper Biscuit, Pork Belly, Pistachio Pesto

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Smoked Duck, collard greens, bacon, heirloom tomatoes, pimento cheese fondue

Braised Monk Fish, Seared Butter Bread, Blackeneing Spice Potato Chips, Pickled Vegetables, Dill Aioli

Sauteed Shrimp, Charred Scallion Grits, Andouille Gravy

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Grit Spoon Bread, pecan pudding, banana

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Chocolate Custard, Macerated Apples, Candied Peanuts, Orange Chantilly

Seafood Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Cured Salmon Tartare, Cucumber, Pickled Squash, Bagel Crumble, Yuzu Oil

Crab Cake, Asparagus Slaw, Crispy Potatoes, Dill Aioli

Artichoke Salad, Cucumber, Radish, Baby Kale, Crab Vinaigrette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sauteed Shrimp, Charred Scallion Grits, Andouille Gravy

Crawfish Stew, Carolina Gold Rice, Braised Peppers

Bacon Cured Scallop, Fennel, Baby Carrots, Radish, Apple

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Caper Rubbed Tuna, White Beans, Swiss Chard, Black Truffle Butter

Seared Mahi, Baby Carrots, Herb Salad, Crispy Potatoes, Dill Veloute

Rainbow Trout, Roasted Potatoes, Collard Greens, Cucumber Yogurt

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Key Lime Custard, Macerated Berries, Candied Almonds, Graham Cracker Chantilly

Citrus Pound Cake, Macerated Blueberries, Candied Peanuts, Creme Anglaise

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Italian Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Caper Cured Tuna, radish, fennel, lemongrass caesar

Crispy Eggplant, Smoked Tomato, Marinated Mozzarella

Beef Cruda, salted egg yolk, dried olive, cucumber, brown butter brioche

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Asiago Pappardelle, Crisp Pork Belly, Butter Peas, Lots of Herbs, Preserved Lemon, Asiago

Short Rib Lasagna, Bechamel, Tomato, Mushrooms, Mozzarella

Gluten Free Gnocchi, Pancetta, Shrimp, Preserved Lemon, Spinach Pesto

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

NY Strip Steak, Baby Potatoes, Broccoli, Swiss Chard Pesto, Prosciutto Oil

Steelhead Trout, Swiss Chard Risotto, Gremolata, Smoked Cultured Butter

Braised Veal Shank, Saffron Rice, Charred Green Beans, Natural Jus

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate Budino, Vanilla Cake, Strawberries, Orange Whipped Cream

Strawberry Panna Cotta, basil-orange marmalade, candied almonds, shaved chocolate

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Local Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Marinated Tuna, cucumber salad, corn vinaigrette

Mushroom Dumplings, green tomato, andouille, spiced crawfish jus

Chilled Blue Crab, Radish, Turnip, Prawn Crackers, Lime

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pan Seared Mahi, Carolina Gold Rice, Charred Broccoli, Honey Vinaigrette

Sauteed Shrimp, Charred Scallion Grits, Andouille Gravy

Black Pepper Biscuit, Pork Belly, Pistachio Pesto

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Smoked Duck, collard greens, bacon, heirloom tomatoes, pimento cheese fondue

Seared NY Strip, White Wine Braised Potatoes, Peperonata, Arugula Pesto

Braised Monk Fish, Seared Butter Bread, Blackeneing Spice Potato Chips, Pickled Vegetables, Dill Aioli

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Grit Spoon Bread, pecan pudding, banana

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Chocolate Custard, Macerated Apples, Candied Peanuts, Orange Chantilly

Hors d'oeuvres

STARTER

Choose 3 dishes

Caper Cured Tuna, radish, fennel, lemongrass caesar

Pimento Cheese Sausage Bites

Open Faced Tamales, Lamb, Lime Crema, Hot Sauce

Crab Dip, Sourdough Focaccia, Candied Lemon Coulis

FIRST COURSE

Choose 3 dishes

Smoked Salmon Salad, Cucumber, Bagel Crumble

Marinated Brie, Candied Walnuts, Apple Jam

Spinach & Goat Cheese Hand Pie, Herbs, Hot Honey

Chilled Shrimp, Fennel, Butter Lettuce, Alabama White Sauce

MAIN COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Smoked Beef Wellington, Pastry Cups, Mushroom Duxelles, Fine Herbs

Confit Pork Belly, Almonds, Banana Guacamole

Black Pepper Biscuit, Andouille Sausage, Artichoke Relish, Garlic Oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Chocolate Budino, Vanilla Cake, Strawberries, Orange Whipped Cream

Strawberry Panna Cotta, basil-orange marmalade, candied almonds, shaved chocolate

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Cici's Menu

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Wagyu Beef Tartare, Crispy Rice, Togarashi, Radish Salad, Barrel Aged Shoyu

Smoked Salmon, Fermented Vegetables, Furikake, Crispy Onions, Miso Broth

Tuna Tartare, Cucumber Salad, Avocado Toast, Yuzu

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Crispy Wontons, Crab Rangoon Dip, Charred Scallion Oil, Bourbon Hot Sauce

Shrimp Sausage, Soy Beans, Pickled Peppers, Grilled Onion, Wasabi Mustard

Braised Pork Fried Rice, Smoked Oyster Mushrooms, Pickled Celery, Cauliflower Curry

Charred Chicken Thigh, Sweet Potato Cake, Lemongrass, Arugula, Black Bean Puree, Cilantro

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Poached Cod, Udon Noodles, Baby Bok Choy, Mushroom Dashi, Chili Crunch

18 Hour Duck Confit, Roasted Summer Squash, Ginger Shishito Peppers, Lime

NY Strip Steak, Charred Broccoli, Sesame Cabbage Salad, Southern XO Sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Vanilla Pudding, , 5 Spice Cake, Mint Syrup, Oat Crumble, Banana Cream

Japanese Cheesecake, Matcha White Chocolate, Brown Sugar Crumble, Lychee Butter

Honey Doughnut, Chocolate, Candied Nuts, Strawberry Custard

Japanese Indulge

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Wagyu Beef Tartare, Crispy Rice, Togarashi, Radish Salad, Barrel Aged Shoyu

Cured Salmon, Fermented Vegetables, Furikake, Crispy Onions, Miso Broth

Chilled Blue Crab, Daikon Radish, Turnip, Prawn Crackers, Lime

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Cabbage Pancake, Pork Belly, Pickled Jalapeno, Scallion, Fresh Cheese, Thousand Island Dressing

Steelhead Trout Crudo, Shaved Onion, Sweet Rice Vinegar, Mint, Squash Puree

Shrimp Sausage, Soy Beans, Pickled Peppers, Wasabi Mustard

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Poached Cod, Udon Noodles, Baby Bok Choy, Mushroom Dashi, Chili Crunch

Charred Chicken Thigh, Scallion Fried Rice, Baby Carrots, Black Bean Puree, Cilantro

Pork Yakitori, Sweet Potato Cake, Beech Mushrooms, Sweet Soy

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese Cheesecake, Matcha White Chocolate, Brown Sugar Crumble, Lychee Butter

Milk Bread Toast, Nutmeg, Berry Relish, Cultured Cream

Honey Doughnut, Chocolate, Candied Nuts, Strawberry Custard

Italian

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Caper Cured Tuna, radish, sweet onions, caesar pesto

Crispy Eggplant, Smoked Tomato, Marinated Mozzarella

Beef Cruda, salted egg yolk, dried olive, cucumber, brown butter brioche

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Short Rib Lasagna, Bechamel, Tomato, Mushrooms, Mozzarella

Braised Pork Shank, Saffron Rice, Charred Green Beans, Natural Jus

Flank Steak, Baby Potatoes, Broccoli, Swiss Chard Pesto, Prosciutto Oil

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Strawberry Panna Cotta, basil-orange marmalade, candied almonds, shaved chocolate

Chocolate Budino, Vanilla Cake, Strawberries, Orange Whipped Cream

Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberries, Mint, Cookie Crumble, White Chocolate Milk

Chef Allen's reviews

4.73

•

20 services

Allen was excellent and I would highly recommend

The most creative cuisine we have had in any restaurant in a long time. Every course was bursting with flavors. An amazing treat for anyone lucky enough to get Allen Evans.

Chef Allen did a phenomenal job with our private dinner. I hosted a dinner for my best friend who is joining the Peace Corps for two years. Chef Allen was so intentional and enjoyed the evening with us. The food quality was top tier. I also really appreciated that he used local produce and told us the preparation for certain ingredients in all of the courses. He brought beautiful dishes that even paired nicely with the colors in the meals. He set up and cleaned up in a timely manner. 5 course meal that shared with me prior to the dinner, then printed to have for each guest with a special note to my friend leaving for Uganda. I also asked what wines would pair well with the course - he provided all his suggestions which paired so well with each course. His 6 week balsamic marinated tomatoes were to literally die for... crackers that would melt in your mouth, smoked duck that was so tender and juicy and a desert that was just the right of sweetness! 100% recommend. He even brought us an extra treat that was a cheese and berry pairing and it was perfect.

We had a party of six for a Valentines Dinner. Chef Allen created an amazing five course dinner for us! Some of my guests are not “food explorers” and Chef Allen’s menu, that I approved, was definitely something that they would never try! They absolutely loved it! We had crepes with trout roe, halibut civeche , prawns with truffle aioli and root vegetables , butter poached lobster with potato purée and spinach. And an out of this world dessert! We all were so impressed and to top it off, he left our kitchen spotless! We will definitely be hiring him again!!

Allen was excellent and I would highly recommend

The most creative cuisine we have had in any restaurant in a long time. Every course was bursting with flavors. An amazing treat for anyone lucky enough to get Allen Evans.

Allen was excellent and I would highly recommend

The most creative cuisine we have had in any restaurant in a long time. Every course was bursting with flavors. An amazing treat for anyone lucky enough to get Allen Evans.