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.

Anush Topakbashian, Event Director of St. John Armenian Church has been planning and decorating events and homes for over 20 years. Anush’s passion, creativity, attention to detail, sophisticated and elegant style enables her to identify each client’s unique look and work together to create the perfect event.

Born in Michigan and raised in Ontario, Anush knew very early that decorating and event planning were her calling. After graduating from St. Clair College in Ontario, Canada in Business, Anush grew in the corporate world utilizing her sales and customer service background working as a General Manager in a home décor company. This enabled her to gain leadership and decision-making skills that made an immediate contribution to the organizations she led. Anush went back to school and graduated as an Accredited Wedding & Event Designer and in 2014 opened her own event design company, Dolce Vita Wedding & Event Design, Inc.

Anush returned to Michigan and became District Visual Manager for Pottery Barn. With a proven reputation of consistent exemplary performance reviews and recognition for driving efficiency, she develops and displays leadership, accuracy, problem solving, analytical and communication skills as well as initiating new procedures globally within the organization.

Described as having a tireless work ethic, big heart, positive smile and impeccable style; Anush’s favorite part is the energy and excitement the few hours before an event building up to a beautiful affair. There are always challenges when hosting an event but Anush manages with the utmost “grace under pressure” and brings her client’s dream to reality, exceeding their expectations.