Chef Carlo Lamagna Cooks With Heritage & Heart

Video by Carter Hiyama 

For James Beard nominated Chef Carlo Lamagna, every dish at Magna Kusina and Magna Kainan carries a story—one of heritage, family, and a relentless goal. He doesn’t just want to share Filipino cuisine with the world. He wants you to fall in love with it. 

Chef Lamagna wants the flavors of his father’s cherished adobo recipe to transport you to his family’s table. Inspired by culture, his connection to family, and the nostalgia of the dishes he grew up with in the Phillipines, Chef Lamagna’s cooking has become a bridge between memory and experience.

From his award-winning Magna Kusina in Portland to his new Denver restaurant Magna Kainan, Chef Lamagna establishes his own definition of authenticity. For him, it isn’t a linear interpretation—it’s a reflection of family lessons, time spent in the Philippines, and a commitment to creating food that resonates on an emotional level—not just for him, but for anyone who tries it. 

With support from The Culinary Creative Group, Chef Lamagna’s latest chapter with Magna Kainan in Denver is a love letter to his family, his culture, and every diner who steps through the door.

This isn’t about traditional versus non-traditional. It’s about what feels true, and the unshakeable spirit of Filipino cuisine. And for Chef Lamagna, authenticity is found in every carefully crafted dish, every shared table, and every bite of his beloved late father’s Adobo Fried Rice recipe. 

You can experience the food created by Chef Lamagna and his team at Magna Kainan, or at Magna Kusina.