Lusi Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria, a recently opened restaurant in Calgary’s Killarney neighbourhood, tells a special story about food and family. The executive chef of this restaurant is Michael Scarchelli. His road to becoming a chef is quite surprising and heartwarming.
Family Roots
Chef Scarchelli learned cooking from his family. His mother and grandmothers taught him early on. They showed him that cooking is more than just following recipes.
“When I was younger, they were my biggest influence for actually working in the kitchen. Whether that was helping with Christmas baking or doing dinners with them, it was always the highlight for me.”
He elaborates on the emotional connection to cooking:
“Watching how my mom and my nonna would cook with so much love and care, like it was a part of them giving themselves to us to eat. I do that when I cook. It’s a part of me making sure you’re taken care of when you come and eat one of my dishes.”
Scarchelli fondly remembers his grandmother’s spaghetti and meatballs. She would make fresh sauce and bread from scratch. Her simple ingredients and careful cooking created a meal he still treasures.
Restaurant Ownership
Ervin and Michelle Bushi, a married couple, own Lusi Italian Kitchen. They also own the popular restaurant Broken Plate. The name Lusi comes from their children, Luca and Sila. The logo features a boar and two baby boars, which symbolize protection and strength.
Chef’s Career Path
Scarchelli did not plan to pursue this career at first. He intended to work in the field of information technology (IT). However, his older brother saw a different passion in him. He noticed Scarchelli often watched cooking shows and enjoyed cooking at home. Encouraging him to follow his dream, his brother urged Scarchelli to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Scarchelli eventually studied culinary arts at SAIT and worked in some of Calgary’s top restaurant groups. He was the executive chef at Modern Steak before leading the Lusi Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria.
The Menu
Scarchelli adopts a cuisine philosophy emphasizing the importance of cooking with the seasons. He tries to use ingredients when they are at their very best. For autumn and winter, his menu features hearty dishes such as lasagna and saltimbocca. The restaurant has several signature dishes.
The braised boar pappardelle is made with meat from Manitoba and prepared to highlight the quality of local ingredients. Tiramisu is another specialty, combining his grandmother’s and aunt’s recipes, making it a personal favourite.
Kitchen Philosophy
Scarchelli runs his kitchen like a team, supporting each member and working closely with them. He believes that when the team succeeds, so does he, and he wants everyone to grow together.
Tips for Budding Chefs
Scarchelli offers honest advice to young chefs. He says that cooking on TV is very different from real life. He reminds them that hard work and mistakes are part of the job, and that learning from those mistakes is how one improves.
The Calgary food scene is collaborative, as Scarchelli notes:
“Calgary’s food scene is like a melting pot. Everyone works so closely as a community that we all want to make sure each other succeeds. Sure, we’re competing, but it’s almost a friendly competition.”
Restaurant Details
Lusi Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria honours family traditions. Chef Michael Scarchelli makes dishes using local ingredients. His menu reflects personal memories. The restaurant is located at 1772 33rd St. SW in Calgary’s Killarney area. Lusi is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
