Allen Susser

Early Years

Opened in 1986, Chef Allen's Restaurant is the culinary vision of Allen Susser. Widely accepted as the creator of New World Cuisine, Chef Allen has consistently adapted his training and technique to a dramatic translation of the bounty of South Florida.

Graduating at the top of his class from New York City's Restaurant Management School, Chef Allen received his Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality from Florida International University in 1978. Named Alumnus of the Year from these schools in 1993 and 1996 respectively, he was also awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree from Johnson & Wales University.

With a rich heritage of family celebrations and the importance of food in these celebrations, one of Allen's fondest memories as a child was the discovery of the cultural importance placed in food. New World Cuisine, a coming together of the regional cultural influences and flavors of the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe, is his innovative signature and contribution to American culinary craftsmanship.

Current Projects

The showcase for his New World Cuisine is the 100-seat Chef Allen's Restaurant, where Allen continues to develop his adventurous blend of cultural delicacies. Dishes on the menu include a Caribbean Antipasto, Bahamian Lobster and Crab Cakes with Tropical Fruit Chutney Grilled Swordfish with Sweet Potato Hash, Artichokes, Olives and Roasted Peppers, and a Wild Mushroom Taster with Crimini Quesadilla, Truffled Polenta, Grilled Portabello, Oyster Mushroom Timbale, Shiitake Salad and Mushroom Latke.

The recently opened Allen's 2 Go, an Epicurean market a few doors away from the restaurant, offers gourmet take-out such as Gorgonzola and Zucchini Quiche, Muffaletta with Vegetable Escabeche, delicious pastries, fresh breads, ripe cheeses and interesting wines. In addition, Chef Allen's Restaurant offers cooking classes that guide students through the principles of basic cooking methods to strengthen confidence while emphasizing creativity and imagination.

• Chef Allen's Restaurant is located in Loehmann's Fashion Island at 19088 NE 29th Avenue in Aventura, Florida. Opened for dinner only 7 days a week. Reservations are required. For more information call 305/935-2900.
• ALLEN'S 2 GO is open from 10 am until 8 pm 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. For more information call 305/935-9011.

Special occasion holiday dinners are enthusiastically offered and attended by many devoted customers. Chef Allen also hosts winemaker dinners that benefit James Beard Scholarships that have been established at several area universities and academies. In addition, Chef Allen has headed Miami's Taste of the Nation for the past 10 years, which is the major annual fundraising event for Share Our Strength, America's leading anti-hunger organization.

Recognition

Allen Susser has had two books published, New World Cuisine and Cookery (Doubleday, March 1995) and The Great Citrus Book & Poster (Ten Speed Press, July 1997). Inspired by the lush tropical resources of South Florida, Chef Allen has created New World Foods, his own brand of products, including Papaya Pineapple Barbecue Sauce, Tamarind Chile Spicy Grill Sauce, Hot Mango Cocktail Sauce, and Key Lime Mojo & Passion Fruit Mojo Marinades.

Chef Allen has won accolades from Food and Wine Magazine (Best New Chef, 1991) and from the James Beard Foundation (Best Chef in America/South Eastern Region, 1994). If your travels take you to the Miami area, you'll have the opportunity to taste first hand what New World Cuisine is all about, from where it began and continues to thrive.

To Learn More About Chef Allen's Restaurant, products, and books: www.chefallen.com