CAROLYN ALLEN
Owner
Paolo's Restaurant

Carolyn Allen-Samavarchian — daughter of Paolo's founder, Jack Allen — carries on her father's legacy as Paolo's general manager and executive chef. As a young woman pursuing her interests in philosophy, journalism, English literature and travel, she had no intention of following in the family business, but she also inherited her father's passion for cooking.

Fate intervened in 1979 when her mother, Geri Allen, died, leaving the day-to-day management of Paolo's to Carolyn and her sister, Jenny. Jenny eventually left the family business, but Carolyn has remained at the helm of the venerable local institution. Over the years, Carolyn has continued to travel, especially throughout Italy, bringing home her culinary inspirations from abroad.

Carolyn is on the board of directors for the California Culinary Academy Educational Foundation. She is also a freelance food writer and regular contributor to the San Jose Mercury News. Carolyn is an enthusiastic concertgoer and loves all types of music, from rock and bluegrass to mariachi and opera. She adores singing while she drives and entertaining family and friends at home.