Humanizing Myself.

Name — Anthony Laquatra (@heardbehind)

Where do you Cook? — The Pickled Pig

Favorite Food(s) — Korean Anything, extra banchan please

Favorite Chef(s) — My dad, Gary, Mason Hereford

Favorite Cincy Restaurant(s) (Past or Present) — Virgils in Dayton KY. I also miss Sung’s on Elm. Miss those spots.

Favorite Food Memory or Meal — When I was maybe 10 my dad was the Executive Chef of a restaurant called La Villa D’este. I would come in when he couldn’t find a sitter for me and help the crew prep things that weren’t too complicated or in a rush. I remember dipping lady fingers in coffee and helping make tiramisu. I remember laughing with the cooks and having fun. It sticks out in my head till this day.

I first knew I wanted to be a chef when — I’m a big protonate of not calling myself a chef yet. I don’t feel I’ve put in the hard-work and lifetime of dedication it takes. I look up to all of the chef’s I feature and follow here. Maybe one day. I’ll revisit in the next 10 to 20 years ☺️

If I weren’t a cook, I would be — Graphic designer. It was and still is my main career. Creativity and being disciplined has helped my cooking career however.

My first job was — Computer Salesman and Circuit City. RIP

Why I love my job, in three words — Trying New Things

If I could have dinner with anyone, past or present, it would be — Fez Whatley from the Ron & Fez radio show or Comedian Patrice Oneal, as scary as that sounds.

My favorite book is — Post Office, Bukowski

Favorite thing to cook after a busy service — Newman’s Own Margherita Stone Fire Crust Frozen Pizza, trust me.

Favorite Movie(s) — Airplane!, Blazing Saddles, History of the World PT 1

Favorite TV show(s) — I think you should leave, Impractical Jokers

Favorite Song(s) — Disappearing Syndrome, Hail the Sun

Favorite Band or Musician — The Acacia Strain, The Felix Culpa, Hail the Sun

Favorite Place to travel — Arizona, After monsoon season.

Favorite Hobby(s) — I try to thrift around town for weird finds when I have the cash. I watch too much UFC and spend a lot of time with my son, Gavin and my Girlfriend, Lydia.

Favorite Quote — “Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.” — Bukowski

Biggest pet peeve — Not being a person of your word.

My advice to future culinary pros — Don’t be afraid to look stupid. Ask stupid questions. Ask all the questions. It’s the only way to learn.