Looi called the new spot “a marriage” of his Asiatique and August Moon concepts and said it will be housed in a free-standing building.

How’s that for an Asian-food fantasy?

Potential future sites for the bistro concept include Indianapolis, Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Bethesda, Md., and Tampa, Fla.

Evans was the first African-American graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., in 1947.

“It’s very gratifying … and my biggest (one) because it’s a national award,” said the ever-humble Looi. “That somebody from a smaller city, which is not a national dining destination, to be recognized for the work that me and my team from both restaurants have done is incredible.”

The honor places Looi among some of the nation’s best chefs who’ve also received the award, including: Marcus Samuelsson (Aquavit); Douglas Rodriguez (Alma de Cuba and De La Costa); and Robert Okura (Cheesecake Factory)

Looi will receive the award on March 8 during a ceremony at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel in New York City. The award is presented by the Black Culinarian Alliance, a national non-profit, educational and networking group focused serving hospitality and foodservice professionals.