Don Ward The Arlington Times
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
BAM! BBQ and More brings New York ribs to Arlington
By Thom Rose
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.
