Our Story

Pasta Lorenzo is named for Guiseppi Lorenzo Tricarico, the father of Chef Joe. In order to solidify his patriotism, Guiseppi changed his name to Joseph Lorenzo Carei, while serving as a marine in Korea. What he didn’t change was his love for his heritage, his commitment to family, his affection for people and his passion for food. He passed these traits on to his six children and in his honor Pasta Lorenzo was created.

The menu is inspired by early morning fishing trips, summer days spent in the backyard garden and great meals created in the evenings. The commitment to quality, freshness and fun has also been passed down through the generations. Incidentally, Lorenzo is also the patron saint of cooks.

The building is inspired by Guiseppi’s ancestral Basilicata Region of Italy. Arches, stone, tile and earth tones have made this a small detour from Southern Italy. We have also captured the essence of the Laurel Highlands. The cantilevered deck, envisioned by Frank Lloyd Wright several generations ago at Fallingwater, the Laurel Highlands stack stone and the wood fired oven, reminiscent of the Coke ovens that made this area prosperous, are homage to our region.

It is no coincidence that our address is named after the Norse god of Craft, Wayland Smith. Evident in the building is the craft of iron, presence of wood, plaster finishes and trompe l’oeil created by local craftspeople.

We have certainly taken every step to make your experience memorable and hope to become part of your heritage, too.

“You are what you eat, be Italian,” Chef Joe Carei