Chef Nekia

08/07/2024

We are pleased to announce a series of cooking and nutrition classes made possible under a grant from the USDA through the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health and the Prevention Research Centers.

While this program is designed for recipients of SNAP (food stamp) benefits, the classes are free and open to the general public. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. For more information about registration, please contact Elaine Velazquez at 719-672-3346 or email

There is no registration fee. The 2024 program opens with Chef Nekia Allen this Saturday, July 13, 1-3pm at the San Luis Peoples Market Annex, 303 vega St.

Chef Nekia describes herself as "a Black Woman, born to 2 young entrepreneurs in the 80's and raised in Southern California. I have been working with food since I was 8 years of age.⁣⁣⁣..I love exploring culture through food, music, and art in its many expressions.

21/11/2023

As promised....
The infamous turkey brine!
This brine never fails me!
Is it extra? Yep.
I'm a Chef, duh!
But you can do this!
Read the WHOLE recipe BEFORE you start!
DM me any questions. Good luck!

16/11/2023

Here comes the holiday menu ....
Visit chefnekia.com or click the link in my bio.

26/07/2023

Did anyone go see the Barbie movie this past weekend?! Throw your very own Barbie party and send our Barbie invite to all your guests! 🩷🎀👙👛🎟️

Photo:
Design:
Cake and Desserts:
Cookies and Cupcakes:
Balloons, Backdrops, and Barbie Box: .pop.shopllc
Florist:
Acrylic Details:
Logo and Paper Details:
Tents:
Churros, Cotton Candy, and Popcorn:
Perfume Bar:
Rentals and Glitter Station:
Yoga and Paint Activity:
Bounce and Bubble House:
Catering:
Besties Tees:

13/07/2023

Had the pleasure of preparing a beautiful family style dinner for the Black Girl Empowered Cohort for the Y.M.A.N. Group in their Summer Kitchen.

Thank you to my incredible team: Stephanie + Gracie

Always grateful for Tommy behind the camera 📷.

11/07/2023

While being a chef on-site at events can be very stressful, I am always looking for a reason to laugh or spread joy. Listen, I smile with my whole face. All my stained teeth and gums showing! 🤣
📷:

08/06/2023

Meal Prep Menu this week!

01/06/2023

This week's Meal Prep Menu

31/05/2023

Tis the season for grazing, am I right?

Pictured: Lemony Roasted Garlic Hummus

I'm a grazer myself.
While I occasionally enjoy sitting down to a beautiful meal. I more often than not periodically nibble throughout the day. I like to savor the ingredients, appreciate the way it was thoughtfully prepared and perfectly picked in its prime and artfully arranged on the plate.

25/05/2023

This weeks menu!
Get in to it!

24/05/2023

Head down. In the zone.
That's how we do it.

18/05/2023

Chicken Shawarma Inspired Pita Pockets
Served with a Citrus Salad.

17/05/2023

This weeks meal prep menu

04/02/2023

Plenty of time to order the custom Graze Box! Just $30!

Available for PRE-ORDER ONLY, for Superbowl Weekend and Valentine's Day!

This custom butcher shop graze box features cheese and charcuterie directly from Mario's shop!

Call 949-316-4318 to pre-order your graze box today!
Pre-orders due no later than close of business FEBRUARY 8th!

Pick Ups available at Mario's Butcher Shop February 10th-14th.

Order yours today!!

02/02/2023

Get to collaborate with my friends at Mario’s Butcher Shop

We are running a collaboration with for Super Bowl weekend. Charcuterie boxes will be available at the store all weekend . $30 each, enough for 2 ppl. Large boards call the store and ask for Andrew. Call ahead to reserve one .

31/01/2023

Attention Newport Beach Area!!!!

Introducing a special collaboration for custom Graze Box!

We've teamed up with Mario and his team to bring you a custom butcher shop graze available for PRE-ORDER ONLY for Superbowl Sunday and Valentine's Day!

This custom butcher shop graze box features cheese and charcuterie directly from Mario's shop!

If you're in the Newport Area, call 949-316-4318 to pre-order your graze box today!

Pre-orders due no later than close of business FEBRUARY 8th!

Pick Ups available at Mario's Butcher Shop February 10th-14th.

Order yours today!!

31/01/2023

Do you have your Valentine's Day plans yet?

You still have time to place an order for your Charcute for 2 graze box!

Click the link in the bio and place your order today!

Delivery available.

28/01/2023

Date night graze boxes are available for your Valentine's Day plans.
2 sizes available.
Click the link in the bio to order yours today!

03/01/2023

Updates went out today!

13/10/2022

Pomegranate + Beet Root Hummus
Photog:
Shoot Director:
Mise en place: + Me

04/10/2022

This has become one of my newer favorites amongst my clients. Even my non-vegan and vegetarian friends and clients LOVE it!
Photog:
Table:
Foods: + ME +
Rentals:
Shoot Art Director:

03/10/2022

Looking forward to a fun week of travel.
Dreaming up this weeks menu.
Packing for an overseas trip.
Coordinating delivery drivers.
All in a days work.

16/09/2022

Roasted Bell Pepper + Guajillo Chile Hummus
with Salsa Macha
Photog:
Shoot Director:
Rentals:
Mise en Place: + Me

15/09/2022

When I do SWEETS they're still a bit Savory. 😅

These pair well with my Cardamon Mascapone Whipped Cream, garnished with fresh mint. You can easily sub in a Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream or Sorbet.
Photog:
Table: +
Foods: .jpg + ME
Rentals:

13/09/2022

SALT

People really underestimate the power of SALT or great seasoning in general.

There are so many varieties, structures and sources of salt in any given dish.

They all serve a different purpose and have different health benefits.

I think people are fascinated and mystified by salt.

What kind of salt do I use for this or that?
How much is too much?
Do I put salt in the pasta water or not?
Do I salt before, during or after?
These are all valid questions and have a myriad of answers.

If you'd like a clear guide on how to use salt and learn more about the salty best practices, check out "Salt Fat Acid Heat" by Samin Nosrat () or even her DocuSeries on Netflix of the same title. Such a easy, digestible and fun way to learn about salt!

On any given day you will find Maldon salt, Pink Himalayan salt, Fleur de Sel or Sea Salt in my kitchen.

Sprinkle a little salt magic on your dishes today.

Pictured (Maldon)

What kind of salt do you use mostly? Comment below!
Photo:
Make-Up:
Hair:
Rentals:
Shoot Director:
Stylist:

08/09/2022

Avocado Lime Hummus Saved My Business in 2020!!!

I had just embarked on my entrepreneurial journey as a solo private chef focusing mostly on grazing in January 2020. When March rolled around and shook all of us up in the food industry. Talk about the worst time to start a business!! I was trying not to be discouraged.

As every week passed I lost upwards of 75% of my income from cancelled weddings, birthdays and mitzvahs.

My whole business model was built around GATHERING and GRAZING COMMUNALLY. With COVID all of that was out the door! I had to think fast figure out a way to pivot my business.

So I did what I always do when I need inspiration. I walked into my kitchen opened all the cabinets and the refrigerator and just stared waiting for ingredients to call out to me. (I do this at the store sometimes. I know, I'm peculiar. I've accepted it.) I wanted to figure out a way to keep close to the theme of grazing and maybe make something a la carte that would go on one of my huge grazing tables anyway.

There they were starring at me. Perfectly ripe Avocado, Left over limes from the Mezcal Margs I had the night before. Half a container of Tahini from some sauce I made. Cumin (grandma Loretta was speaking to me). Olive Oil, confit garlic, Half a bunch of green onion and a massive can of chickpeas. I still don't remember why I had that. lol.

I was gifted a food processor from Chef Meg . It was her mother's, Mrs. Mary Hall. When she passed she just couldn't muster the strength to throw it away. It became my blessing. I vaguely remembered how to do a basic hummus and decided I was going to workshop an avocado lime hummus.
To this day it is the most popular flavor humus I sell. Thus...

Avocado Lime Hummus saved my business.

Always Grateful,

Chef Nekia

Photog:
Art Director:
Rentals: +

07/09/2022

Everything I do is a labor of love.
You can taste it in my food.
See it in the ex*****on.
Feel it when we're in the same room.

I LOVE taking care of people.
It should come as no surprise that my hospitality gifting tested sky high at a young age; and my love language is "acts of service".

When working with clients I take copious notes.
Down to every minut detail.

I want to make sure the love can be seen, felt, heard, experienced at in all levels of ex*****on within my realm of responsibility.

If you've ever sat at a table that I've prepared you would know that this gospel that I'm preaching is the TRUTH! (Testimonials are always welcomed in the comments lol).

If you haven't yet, what are you waiting for?
Every day is a great day to celebrate LIFE and LOVE.

So let me prepare a table for you, so you can see ...

Love is in the details.

Gratefully,

Chef Nekia