Lawrence LaPianta: A BBQ Maestro and Culinary Visionary
Lawrence LaPianta is not just a pitmaster and chef; he is a culinary virtuoso whose passion for BBQ has shaped his illustrious career spanning over two decades. Since 2009, Lawrence has dedicated himself to perfecting the art of BBQ, training under esteemed pitmasters and traversing the United States to hone his skills.
Staying true to tradition, Lawrence adheres strictly to the use of all-wood-fired cookers, eschewing gas or electricity in his BBQ preparation. His unwavering commitment to the craft extends beyond the kitchen as he crisscrosses North America to participate in sanctioned contests and events while also managing multiple restaurant locations.
In 2019, Lawrence unveiled a new concept close to his heart - Elm Street Italian Deli. This establishment serves as a sanctuary for classic Italian American sandwiches meticulously crafted with deli meats prepared in-house or over wood fires at Cherry St. Inspired by his childhood and his family's culinary heritage, all the recipes and menu items at Elm Street Italian Deli bear the imprint of Lawrence's deep-rooted love for food.
The pinnacle of Lawrence's dedication was recently recognized with the highest honour when Cherry Street Bar-B-Que received the prestigious Bib Gourmand Award from the international Michelin Guide for both 2022 and 2023. This accolade celebrates the restaurant's unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional comfort food that delights the palate and warms the soul. Cherry Street Bar-B-Que stands as the sole Michelin-recognized barbecue establishment in Canada, a testament to the unparalleled quality and care that Lawrence infuses into every dish he creates.
Lawrence LaPianta's journey from BBQ enthusiast to culinary luminary is a testament to his boundless creativity, unwavering dedication to tradition, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. As he continues to push the boundaries of flavour and innovation, Lawrence remains a shining example of how a deep love for food can transform into a legacy that inspires and delights diners around the world.
We cannot wait to savour his smoked creations at Sunday’s Grilling in the Garden event! See you there BBQ lovers.
