A graduate from the internationally acclaimed California Culinary Academy, chef Bob Allen put his talents to use at many top restaurants over the past 20 years, including Postrio in San Francisco and Roy’s in Maui. When he’s not prepping behind Wolfgang Puck on his Food Network show (true story), he’s the brains and talent behind the unique dishes of Ode to Food & Drinks. Here is a peek into his life outside of the kitchen in Sioux falls.

You can find me exploring the bike trails [1] often. I was ecstatic when they completed the loop. In my younger days when I had more free time, I enjoyed triathlons. Now biking is enough to keep me satisfied!

I love watching my daughter and all her performances she’s a part of. Next up is Seussical Jr. with DAPA and the Nutcracker at the Orpheum Theatre [2].

I’m obsessed with old school pinball at the Western Mall [3]. My kids will learn to see just how awesome it is one game at a time.

Kayaking is always a good time. There are so many great places nearby, including right outside of Cherapa Place, and it’s such an easy escape. While it’s not exactly surfing or sailing in Hawaii where I used to live, it gets me on the water!

I love seeing all of the smiling faces of guests enjoying their meal at Ode to Food & Drinks [4], like our pan-seared fresh sea scallops, served atop prosciutto and mascarpone stuffed herb crepes with a lemon thyme pan sauce, and a side of grilled asparagus.

You can find me hitting the 18th Amendment [5] for football Sunday. Go Niners!

I’m obsessed with watching live music [6] any time, any place. Foo Fighters on November 11 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center can’t get here soon enough!

I love barbecuing while camping or in my backyard. And also while tailgating. Yep, my Weber Grill and I are in a serious relationship.

It’s always fun in South Dakota to hop in the car and go on a random road trip.

When I can, I’m always down for sleeping in. It doesn’t happen often with two kids.

Don’t miss Ode to Food & Drinks 5 Course Wine Dinner November 13 for $75 (all inclusive). For more information, visit odetofoodanddrinks.com.

Random Facts:

I cooked for President Bill Clinton twice. There’s no pressure like the kind when Secret Service is watching every slice and dice.

I was born and raised in San Francisco. Third generation.

I lived in Hawaii for five sunshine-filled years where I met my wife (who grew up in Sioux Falls). Her family only knew me as “Surfer Bob” for the first four years of our relationship. Yes, I had the blond surfer hair.

I never owned a car until I was 30, as I didn’t need to in San Francisco or Honolulu.

I met Joe DiMaggio and the earth shook. Literally. I was a security guard and drove him to the center of the field. a few minutes later was the 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake.

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