EVAN FUNKE, two-time James Beard-nominated chef, is a culinary storyteller, a custodian of Italian tradition, and a master of the old world techniques of handmade pasta. Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1978, Evan Funke was raised in the Pacific Palisades. He is one of five children of Oscar winning special effects photographer Alex Funke and his wife, Emy.EVAN FUNKE, two-time James Beard-nominated chef, is a culinary storyteller, a custodian of Italian tradition, and a master of the old world techniques of handmade pasta. Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1978, Evan Funke was raised in the Pacific Palisades. He is one of five children of Oscar winning special effects photographer Alex Funke and his wife, Emy.