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Founder, John Lacantore
About
In January 1955, Bronx New York, John Locantore was born to two Italian immigrants. Being raised in an Italian family, John learned early about the love and joys of cooking. Many meals were centered around large family gatherings where the food was endless and so was the laughter and fun a large Italian family created.
As a young adult John started to grow a passion for BBQ. In 1978 John packed up his car and moved to Seattle Washington to start a new adventure in life in this great beautiful emerald city (that ) heard so much about. (John) worked odd jobs with his Pastor (and) developing skills (that) eventually (lead him to opening his own Painting Company) in 1998.
But as time went on, John’s passion for cooking (grew greatly) and he desired to (own his own Restaurant, (so John worked hard, saved up enough money and opened) his dream Restaurant in
March 2003, and Named it, “BAM BBQ & More,” located) in Arlington Washington.
For (5 years), John created his own signature BBQ flavors, however, (those memories) of being around large family functions, eating and enjoying crowds of people and just creating memories, he yearned for.
John decided to “Close the Restaurant” and start “Catering only” for Events small and large Full-time, and this is where he finally found his happiness, were he meet new people for a special Event in their life, which brought long lasting joy, laughter and love.
Whether you’re planning the (Wedding of your dreams, Corporate event, Hosting a Fundraiser, throwing a Private Party or just feeding your Family and Friends, let our experienced Pit Masters impress your Guest on your Special Day.
It can be Easy Pick-up and “Delivery” will depend upon the Order.
We’re located in Marysville, Washington and provide “Catering to Events Buffett Style” to surrounding Snohomish County, but as far as Mt. Vernon since 2007.
We are passionate about “Serving our Classic Smoked BBQ, Side Dishes and Desserts to our Community, and you’re only a few Clicks away and Place your Order for occasion.
Anna Poole
Herald Restaurant Critic
BAM! Barbecue distinctive, tasty
ARLINGTON — BAM! The trademark expression of a high-profile television chef is also the name of a New York-style barbecue restaurant immediately east of the circle at Division Street.
BAM! BBQ and More
526 N. West St., Arlington
360-474-8664
Specialty: barbecue
Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Price range: inexpensive to moderate
Liquor: none available
Smoking: smoke-free
Reservations: not necessary
Disabled accessibility: easy access
Credit and ATM cards: Master Card, Visa
The whiteboard outside the door announced all-you-can-eat ribs for $12.95 on Mondays and a lunch special of shredded barbecue pork or chicken sandwich with a soda and chips for $5.95.
I got hungrier just reading.
The dining room decor uses an Americana theme. Weathered pickets from a fence act as the dining room’s wainscoting. Old tools decorate the walls and railroad lanterns provide lighting.
Although the restaurant’s only been open since March, I was surprised to be the only customer at the beginning of a Saturday night dinner hour. I ordered take out. As owner-chef John Locantore, who’s from the Bronx, prepared my order, another couple also placed an order to go. For me, to-go orders explained the empty dining room.
For our sunset dinner, the friendly counter staff suggested a “Three Way Combo” that includes two side dishes and cornbread. This combination plate ($19.95) includes three pork ribs, two sausage links and one-half of a chicken. I substituted beef brisket for the sausage because the menu describes them as “Cajun style.” I also selected the mild barbecue sauce instead of the hot or intense. A little too much heat in this heat wave.
I chose coleslaw and baked beans as our side dishes. The other choice is potato salad. All are $1.50 and $3. To our order, I added a slice of sweet potato pie ($3.50), which was the last one. Fortunately, it was large enough to split with my dinner companion.
On the edge of Lake Stevens, we discovered our food remained hot because it was wrapped in foil and placed inside Styrofoam containers. The aroma of barbecue sauce heightened our hunger as we unwrapped our order.
Locantore smokes the meats with different combinations of woods. For the chicken, he uses apple and cherry. Hickory and alder flavor the pork, and oak and cherry smoke the brisket. Everything’s served with a brushing of barbecue sauce and served with more sauce on the side. As we helped ourselves to a little of everything, we noted that the chicken and pork ribs were so tender they fell from the bone. The brisket was just as tender and delicately flavored.
The barbecue sauce was distinctive, and Locantore said Hungarian paprika and Thai seasonings plus different soy sauces are the secret.
The beans, cooked with plenty of brown sugar, were creamy and tasty. Unfortunately, the coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage and carrots, was limp and the mayonnaise dressing needed more vinegar.
The cornbread muffins could have doubled as dessert. Whole kernels of corn punctuated the steaming treats.
BAM!
And we said it again after our first bite of rich sweet potato pie.
BAM!
Don Ward
The Arlington Times
BAM! BBQ and More brings New York ribs to Arlington
BAM! BBQ and More owner John Locantore, left, displays his restaurant’s featured dish, a platter of barbecued ribs prepared by head cook Tim Reilly
The Arlington Times
ARLINGTON – BAM! BBQ and More is the genuine article. Born and raised in the Bronx, owner and Chef John Locantore cooks up ribs and much more in the authentic East Coast style.
“Arlington is really starting to come around and support me,” Locantore said. “They’ve never had the good New York stuff.”
BAM!, which has been open since March 15, offers “very tender ribs,” chicken, pork and brisket. The restaurant also features handmade Italian sausage, pastrami and corned beef. “We have the best sweet potato pie,” Locantore added.
BAM! also caters large parties and can roast whole pigs for luaus.
Asked why he chose to open BAM!, Locantore said, “Barbecue has been a passion for me for so many years.” The experience of cooking for a number of churches, Including First Baptist Church in Marysville, gave him the background he needed to pull off the dream of making his passion a career.
Locantore has big plans for his barbecue. In addition to serving Arlington, he said he hopes to bring his products to many local parades, fairs and events. He said he might even eventually open a second restaurant in Marysville.
The tender ribs of BAM! BBQ and More can be found at N 526 West Avenue in Arlington. For more information call 360-474-8664.