Chef Nancy Allawos

Chef At Home In Raleigh

I have been in food and beverage, cooking and chefing my entire adult life. My parents owned restaurants so I started young both serving and cooking. I attended the Kushi Institute, a natural foods culinary school, as well as The Natural Cookery School in NYC. I taught at The Culinary School of the Rockies for 10 years. I have catered and taught cooking classes in every imaginable kitchen, from very high end luxury to a table with multiple burners. I am a pro in the kitchen, yours or mine.

I have done private chefing in home for the last 20 years, small and larger catering jobs. I recently moved from Boulder, Co where my business was all word of mouth to Raleigh where I don't know too many people but eager to get busy! I can cater to all dietary needs especially gluten free.

For me, cooking is...

A beautiful and tasty service that I offer with joy and excitement.

I learned to cook at...

Cooked at my family restaurants. Trained in natural foods cookery at the School of Natural Cooking in NYC and The Kushi Institute.

A cooking secret...

I have years of experience and tenure. I'm great under pressure and focus on creative, seasonal scrumptious food.

My menus

Japanese

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Salt and Spiced Fresh Edamame in Shell

Gyoza, Pan Fried Dumplings, either Veggie, Chicken or Pork

Yakitori, Savory Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Traditional Miso Soup with Tofu and Nori Shavings

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Salted Chicken Wings

Savory Steamed Egg Custard

Traditional Salad with Ginger Dressing

Sake Steamed Clams

Vegetable Sushi Roll

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Yakisoba, Japanese Stir Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Beef, Chicken or Pork

Traditional Fried Rice with Shrimp, Beef, Chicken or Pork

Teriyaki Salmon with Rice and Assorted Seasonal Vegetables

Tonkatsu, Japanese Pork Cutlet with Noodles and Seasonal Vegetables

Variety of Sushi and Hand Rolls

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese Cheesecake with Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream and Cookies

Japanese Custard Pudding with Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Sorbet and Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Mediterranean Delight

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Charcuterie Board with Savory Meats, Cheeses, Dips, Veggies and Crackers, Vegetarian option available

Roasted Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Bruchetta, Gluten Free optional

Fresh Tzatziki and House-Made Hummus with Gourmet Crackers and Veggies

Sauteed Herbed Shrimp with Feta Stuffed Olives on Grilled Baguette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pancetta and Herbed Escarole and Bean Soup with Warm Pita Bread

Romaine and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Garlic Croutons

Savory Prosciutto and Slow Cooked Tomato Tapenade on Grilled Olive Oil Bread

Mediterranean Lettuce and Seasonal Veggie Chopped Salad with Fresh Shallot Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Salmon with Pistachio Pesto over Pasta with Seasonal Vegetables

Traditional Beef Rolled Grapeleaves with Lamb and Fresh Herbed Yoghurt

Roasted Lemon Chicken with Herbs and Tomato Spiced Rice

Seared Shrimp and Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Black Olives, Garlic and Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream

Italian Chocolate Torte with Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Dusted in Sugar

Assorted Homemade Cookies and Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Creamy Chocolate Parfait with Whipped Cream

Mediterranean Splurge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Lamb Kofka - Spiced ground lamb skewers served with tzatziki and warm pita bread

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki - Marinated chicken skewers with tzatziki and a side of pickled purple onions

Spanakopita - Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta and herbs, served with a yogurt sauce

Stuffed Grape Leaves - Grape leaves filled with herbed rice, pine nuts, and golden raisins, served with lemon-dill yogurt sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Avgolemono Soup - Classic Greek lemon and chicken soup with rice and fresh dill

Lobster Bisque - Creamy lobster bisque with saffron and a touch of brandy

Mediterranean Caesar Salad - Romaine, white anchovies, shaved pecorino, and za'atar croutons

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad - Local heirloom tomatoes, creamy buratta, basil oil, and aged balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon and Truffle Polenta - Grilled filet with a red wine reduction, served over creamy truffle polenta

Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass - Beautifully seasoned and grilled, served with lemon-herb potatoes and sauteed greens

Slow-Braised Lamb Shank - Served with saffron infused couscous and roasted seasonal veggies

Mushroom and Truffle Risotto - Arborio rice cooked with wild mushrooms, black truffle and aged Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Olive Oil Cake - Light and airy citrus-infused cake with a dusting of powdered sugar

Dark Chocolate Torte - Flourless chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream

Orange Blossom Creme Brulee - Silky custard infused with orange blossom and caramelized sugar crust

Baklava - Layers of phyllo dough filled with honey, walnuts and cinnamon

Southern and Local

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fried Green Tomatoes - Crispy, cornmeal breaded, fried and served with a tangy remoulade sauce

Deviled Eggs - Classic Southern-stye deviled eggs with a hint of paprika and mustard

BBQ Meatballs - Juicy homemade meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce

Pimento Cheese Dip - A creamy, cheesy spread with a touch of heat, served with crackers and fresh veggies

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Collard Greens and Black Eyed Pea Soup - A hearty smoky soup with slow cooked collards, black-eyed peas and ham (vegetarian option available)

Tomato and Cucumber Salad - Fresh garden tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a shallot vinaigrette and served with crispy garlic bread

Southern Corn Chowder - A creamy chowder with corn, potatoes and a touch of bacon (vegetarian option available)

Classic Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine lettuce with cornbread croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp and Grits - Southern-style shrimp sauteed in a rich Creole sauce, served over creamy cheese grits

Pan-seared Chicken thighs or breast served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes

Smothered Pork Chops - Tender, pan fried pork chops smothered in onion gravy, served with rice and collards

Tofu Country Fried Steak - A crispy, battered tofu steak, smothered in a creamy gravy and served with seasonal veggies and potatoes

DESSERT

All inclusive

Warm Peach Cobbler - Cinnamon spiced and served with vanilla ice cream

Banana Pudding - Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas and vanilla wafers topped with whipped cream

Pecan Pie - A rich, gooey pecan -filled pie with a flaky crust, served with whipped cream

Mexican Magic

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Beef or Chicken Flautas, Pan Fried Tortillas Fried with Meat and Cheese

Cheddar and Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

Cheese and Avocado Quesadilla with Pickled Veggies and Salsa

Citrus Seafood Ceviche with Tortilla Chips

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Carne Asada Sopes with Avocado

Mexican Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

Baja Salad with Romaine, Avocado, Black Beans and Feta Cheese

Warm Refried Bean Dip with Sauteed Peppers served with Fresh Chips

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Savory Chicken, Shrimp or Beef Fajitas with Peppers and Avocado Crema

Slow Cooked Chicken or Pork Pozole with Tangy Lime Slaw

Veracruz Style Whitefish with Olives and Capers over Seasoned Rice

Classic Shrimp and Grits with Garlic Sauteed Greens

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Spiced Hot Chocolate Brownies

Mango or Seasonal Fruit Sorbet with Cookies

Traditional Caramel Flan

Mexican Chocolate Pie

Italian

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Ripe Tomato, Fresh Basil and Aged Parmesan Bruschetta

Eggplant Caponata on Crusty Bread Grilled to Perfection

Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Roasted Tomatoes on Grilled Baguette

Antipasto Platter with Savory Meats, Cheeses, Olives and Seasonal Veggies

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

Flatbread Mini Pizzas with Seasonal Veggies and Cheese

Whipped Ricotta with Honey, Creamy, Salty and Sweet with Baguette

Fresh Herbs, Bread Crumb and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Florentine Butter Chicken with Herbed Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables

Pork Chop Milanese with Parmesan Pasta and Sauteed Greens

Bolognese Tomato or Meat Sauce over Fettuccine with Seasonal Veggies

Tuscan Grilled Trout with Wild Rice and Seasonal Veggies

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Divine Flourless Chocolate Torta with Raspberries

Luscious Lemon Meringue Pie

Creamy Delicious Tiramisu

Refreshing Seasonal Sorbet and Fresh Fruit

Japanese

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Salt and Spiced Fresh Edamame in Shell

Gyoza, Pan Fried Dumplings, either Veggie, Chicken or Pork

Yakitori, Savory Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Traditional Miso Soup with Tofu and Nori Shavings

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Crispy Salted Chicken Wings

Savory Steamed Egg Custard

Traditional Salad with Ginger Dressing

Sake Steamed Clams

Vegetable Sushi Roll

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Yakisoba, Japanese Stir Fried Noodles with Shrimp, Beef, Chicken or Pork

Traditional Fried Rice with Shrimp, Beef, Chicken or Pork

Teriyaki Salmon with Rice and Assorted Seasonal Vegetables

Tonkatsu, Japanese Pork Cutlet with Noodles and Seasonal Vegetables

Variety of Sushi and Hand Rolls

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Japanese Cheesecake with Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream and Cookies

Japanese Custard Pudding with Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Sorbet and Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Mediterranean Delight

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Charcuterie Board with Savory Meats, Cheeses, Dips, Veggies and Crackers, Vegetarian option available

Roasted Heirloom Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Bruchetta, Gluten Free optional

Fresh Tzatziki and House-Made Hummus with Gourmet Crackers and Veggies

Sauteed Herbed Shrimp with Feta Stuffed Olives on Grilled Baguette

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Pancetta and Herbed Escarole and Bean Soup with Warm Pita Bread

Romaine and Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Garlic Croutons

Savory Prosciutto and Slow Cooked Tomato Tapenade on Grilled Olive Oil Bread

Mediterranean Lettuce and Seasonal Veggie Chopped Salad with Fresh Shallot Vinaigrette

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Salmon with Pistachio Pesto over Pasta with Seasonal Vegetables

Traditional Beef Rolled Grapeleaves with Lamb and Fresh Herbed Yoghurt

Roasted Lemon Chicken with Herbs and Tomato Spiced Rice

Seared Shrimp and Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Black Olives, Garlic and Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Mini Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream

Italian Chocolate Torte with Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Dusted in Sugar

Assorted Homemade Cookies and Fresh Seasonal Fruit

Creamy Chocolate Parfait with Whipped Cream

Mediterranean Splurge

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Lamb Kofka - Spiced ground lamb skewers served with tzatziki and warm pita bread

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki - Marinated chicken skewers with tzatziki and a side of pickled purple onions

Spanakopita - Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach, feta and herbs, served with a yogurt sauce

Stuffed Grape Leaves - Grape leaves filled with herbed rice, pine nuts, and golden raisins, served with lemon-dill yogurt sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Avgolemono Soup - Classic Greek lemon and chicken soup with rice and fresh dill

Lobster Bisque - Creamy lobster bisque with saffron and a touch of brandy

Mediterranean Caesar Salad - Romaine, white anchovies, shaved pecorino, and za'atar croutons

Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad - Local heirloom tomatoes, creamy buratta, basil oil, and aged balsamic

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Filet Mignon and Truffle Polenta - Grilled filet with a red wine reduction, served over creamy truffle polenta

Grilled Mediterranean Sea Bass - Beautifully seasoned and grilled, served with lemon-herb potatoes and sauteed greens

Slow-Braised Lamb Shank - Served with saffron infused couscous and roasted seasonal veggies

Mushroom and Truffle Risotto - Arborio rice cooked with wild mushrooms, black truffle and aged Parmesan

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Lemon Olive Oil Cake - Light and airy citrus-infused cake with a dusting of powdered sugar

Dark Chocolate Torte - Flourless chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream

Orange Blossom Creme Brulee - Silky custard infused with orange blossom and caramelized sugar crust

Baklava - Layers of phyllo dough filled with honey, walnuts and cinnamon

Southern and Local

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Fried Green Tomatoes - Crispy, cornmeal breaded, fried and served with a tangy remoulade sauce

Deviled Eggs - Classic Southern-stye deviled eggs with a hint of paprika and mustard

BBQ Meatballs - Juicy homemade meatballs smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce

Pimento Cheese Dip - A creamy, cheesy spread with a touch of heat, served with crackers and fresh veggies

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Collard Greens and Black Eyed Pea Soup - A hearty smoky soup with slow cooked collards, black-eyed peas and ham (vegetarian option available)

Tomato and Cucumber Salad - Fresh garden tomatoes and cucumbers tossed with a shallot vinaigrette and served with crispy garlic bread

Southern Corn Chowder - A creamy chowder with corn, potatoes and a touch of bacon (vegetarian option available)

Classic Caesar Salad - Crisp romaine lettuce with cornbread croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp and Grits - Southern-style shrimp sauteed in a rich Creole sauce, served over creamy cheese grits

Pan-seared Chicken thighs or breast served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes

Smothered Pork Chops - Tender, pan fried pork chops smothered in onion gravy, served with rice and collards

Tofu Country Fried Steak - A crispy, battered tofu steak, smothered in a creamy gravy and served with seasonal veggies and potatoes

DESSERT

All inclusive

Warm Peach Cobbler - Cinnamon spiced and served with vanilla ice cream

Banana Pudding - Layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas and vanilla wafers topped with whipped cream

Pecan Pie - A rich, gooey pecan -filled pie with a flaky crust, served with whipped cream

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Chef Nancy's reviews

4.5

•

2 services

Nancy provided an exceptional private chef experience. Her communication was clear and timely from start to finish, and she arrived right on time. She was warm, engaging, and clearly passionate about her craft. The food was absolutely delicious—beautifully presented and perfectly cooked. To top it off, she left the kitchen spotless. Highly recommend her services!