A michigander all his life, Chef Steve Allen started his career after graduating from high school by joining the American Culinary Federations Apprenticeship Program under the famed Master Chef Milo Cihelka. His unique talents and determination for perfection was quickly recognized by Milos. What stood out was Steve’s sophisticated palate that made him the perfect candidate to receive a six month cooks externship at the renowned restaurant of Chef Michel Guerard, Les Press d’Eugenie, France where cuisine Minceur, lean cuisine, is practiced. Upon his return to the United States, Steve Allen became Chef de Cuisine and soon after became the Chef of the Golden Mushroom. Chef Allen spent a total of 15 years at the Golden Mushroom, the first 10 working directly under the mentorship of Chef Cihelka and eventually taking over as Executive Chef for 5 years after Chef Milos’ retirement.. His passion and talent continued with the success of Steve and Rocky’s in Novi, Michigan, which recently celebrated a twenty-five year anniversary.

Steve together with his wife and family manage their farm where they grow organic Heirloom tomatoes, corn and a variety of squash to name a few. He also raises an average of 1,000 turkeys for the Thanksgiving season as well as steers, pigs and harvests all natural eggs from their chickens.

Chef Allen has won many American Culinary Federation (ACF) Gold and Silver medals during his years of competition. A Grand Prize winner of the “Pritikin Culinary Classic” as well as winner of several local food competitions in the Tri-County area. Steve Allen is considered by his peers to have one of the most discriminating, knowledgeable and well trained palates in the industry. Chef Allen’s passion, devotion and talent ensures that the culinary offerings at St. John Armenian Church is the highest level of quality and service.