Larry Canepa: Chef, Educator, Tea Master, Writer, Culinary Enthusiast

When Larry P. Canepa reflects on his 35 years in the dining and hospitality industry, even he is surprised at how fast the time has gone by. With a background in the culinary arts which includes teaching, hospitality management, etiquette training, wine expertise and even a certificate of tea mastery, Canepa’s portfolio is as flavorfully diverse as the menu where he currently teaches at the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Phoenix.

Originally from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Canepa sharpened his culinary chops in Phoenix, the city he has called home since moving to the Valley of the Sun 40 years ago. After earning a B.A. in Integrated Studies from Arizona State University, Canepa quickly began his foray into the dining and hospitality world, honing his skills at respected Valley establishments such as Missouri’s on Seventh, Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa and The Boulder’s Resort.

In 1985, Canepa’s passion and knowledge of wine lead him to Sportsman’s Fine Wines & Spirits. Here he spent five years educating patrons and refining palates through Sportsman’s extensive collection of domestic and international wines before launching his own venture, the award-winning Dinner at Eight Catering, which Canepa owned and operated for 10 years. Wanting to share his decades of culinary experience with others, Canepa joined the instructional staff at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2001 where he taught students on a variety of subjects including restaurant operations, beverage operations, culinary French, management and wine and spirits.

Eternally dedicated to his craft, Canepa has traveled the globe, furthering his wine and food education throughout Paris, Champagne, Belgium, Italy, Spain, England, Oregon, Washington, Central California and Napa and Sonoma counties. He also received his Certificate of Tea Mastery from the Specialty Tea Institute in 2005.

Canepa remains actively involved throughout the Valley, holding professional memberships with the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Fifth Avenue Merchant’s Association, American Marketing Association, American Personal & Private Chef Association and the American Red Cross from which he was awarded the “Humanitarian of the Year” award. Canepa also dedicates his services to community and philanthropic organizations such as the American Humane Society, Scottsdale Boys & Girls Clubs, Arizona Miniature Schnauzer Rescue and St. Mary’s Food Bank.

In his spare time, Canepa can be found gardening and restoring his historic Central Phoenix home which he shares with a quartet of rescue miniature Schnauzers and a pond full of exotic Koi- for contemplation, not for dinner.