WHat is Luka’s…
Our team has years of exploring diverse cultures and cuisines under our belts, so we decided to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of nurturing through food. With a passion for authentic flavors and a wealth of experiences, we immerse ourselves in the heart of each dish, learning from local chefs and home cooks alike. We share a love for food that goes beyond taste. It’s about connecting history, traditions, and people behind every meal. Through this adventure, we want to showcase how food is not just sustenance, but a way to nurture the soul, embracing the simple yet profound joy of sharing a meal.
Meals in our households were made with whatever we had. We learned to turn simple ingredients into something incredible, and that’s the heart of Luka’s Lardier. We take dishes with rustic, humble ingredients and elevate them to create flavors that remind people of home, wherever home may be. Our food isn’t just food; it’s about storytelling, connection, and passing down a love of cooking to the next generation.
About the team
Roger Langley - Head CHef
Q: What’s your go-to comfort dish to cook and to eat?
A: I usually end up taking a classic version of a dish and putting a spin on it. For example, instant ramen, my version would add scallions, eggs, meat, herbs, and maybe even make my own stock. When it comes to going out to eat, I lean towards Hispanic or Southeast Asian cuisines.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration for your menus?
A: When it comes to curating menus and piecing ingredients together really depends on the clientele and locations. The years of experience within the culinary world have allowed me to be highly adaptable in most situations and have given me the ability to create dishes with minimal ingredients.
Q: If you could cook for any person (dead or alive), who would it be?
A: Probably early humanoid beings. Imagine: no relatable conversation. just simply the looks on the faces of times past, and seeing them with a haze of satisfaction and disbelief as they try new things. Still happens to me whenever I’ve never tried something before!
Nathan Magellan - Owner
Q: What motivated you to start this pop-up kitchen venture?
A: I’ve always loved cooking and how food brings people together. After working in the corporate world, I realized I wanted to get back to my roots and help provide simple, rustic dishes with fresh, local ingredients and the care they deserve.
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
A: Flexibility is everything. Pop-ups, catering, and private events each come with their own surprises, and you have to be able to adapt
Q: What makes Luka’s stand out?
A: We’re small, but we have deep culinary roots. Roger has nearly 10 years of experience at respected Charleston restaurants, and we both share a genuine passion for hospitality. We’re not just serving food, we have a story for every dish, and we’re willing to experiment while staying true to our comfort-food core.