Farm to Tray Stories: Chef Laurence Edelman, Left Bank

05.11.18 | Donor Stories, Food for the Soul, Volunteer Stories

Biography:  LAURENCE EDELMAN, Executive Chef/Owner, Left Bank

Laurence grew up in South Orange, New Jersey. Laurence began cooking as a child, at the knee of his father, emulsifying olive oil into egg yolks. He had an inborn interest in food, and was encouraged to develop it.

As a young adult he worked away in tiny hot kitchens for five Mardi Gras and five Jazz Fests, while studying philosophy at Tulane University.  Laurence graduated with a B.A. and left New Orleans for Boston.  Restaurants like Upstairs at the Pudding and Sel de la Terre were his first forays in to the world of fine dining.

After four years in Boston, Laurence returned to New York and took the position of sous chef at The Red Cat. For Laurence, working under Jimmy Bradley and Bill McDaniel at The Red Cat was a transformative experience.  During his years there, the restaurant earned two stars from Frank Bruni and The New York Times.

Laurence worked a few months at Jonathan Waxman’s Barbuto before opening up The Mermaid Inn on the Upper West Side for Danny Abrams, an ex-partner at The Red Cat.  For two years Laurence led The Mermaid Inn and then opened The Mermaid Oyster Bar.  

With his business partner and longtime friend Micheline Gaulin, Laurence opened Left Bank in 2011.

Laurence’s food is inspired and prepared using humanely raised and naturally-treated animals and vegetables, and seasonal, healthy populations of freshly caught fish. He thrives cooking simply, without much pretense.

 

Giving back to the community has always been a priority for Laurence. He has worked with organizations such as City Harvest and Share of Strength’s No Kid Hungry. He looks forward to sharing his food and company with all the supporters of this year’s From Farm to Tray event.

Nick

Nick

THE LATEST

Stay current on activity at the Soup Kitchen, guest stories, thoughts from Clergy, news and events.

Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, volunteer opportunities, and more — right to your inbox.

Church of the Holy Apostles

We are an open, inclusive Christian Church celebrating in the Episcopal tradition.

Sunday Service is held 11AM (on site and via livestream). Weekday services are held on Zoom.

LEARN MORE

For Newcomers

Learn about our faith community and explore ways to connect with our work and worship.

Sermons

Reflections on Holy Scripture from our Clergy.

History

Founded in 1844, with a focus on social activism and the desire for social justice.

Clergy, Staff & Vestry

The Vestry is the governing body of the Church of the Holy Apostles.

MUSIC

Music commands a strong presence at the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Space Rental

Host your next meeting or event in our landmark building.

Soup Kitchen & Pantry

Nourishing hungry New Yorkers since 1982 in an atmosphere of respect and hospitality.

LEARN MORE
Daily meal service

Serving a free, nutritious meal every weekday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Meal outreach

Distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches throughout Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen.

About the soup kitchen

Learn more about our mission, our history, our performance, who we are, and what we do.

Pantry Program

Providing fresh and nutritious groceries to food-insecure New Yorkers.

Sunday Supper

Bridging generations and building community over a monthly family style meal.

Give Layers of Love this Winter

Help Keep Our Guests Warm this Winter.

Social Support

Meeting basic needs, stabilizing lives, and supporting individuals and families to achieve their goals.

LEARN MORE
SOCIAL SERVICES

Addressing the needs of the whole person through basic needs, counseling, and referrals.

Classes

Offering learning and skill-building opportunities.

Community Partnership

Partnering with others to expand the services offered to our guests.

Get Involved

Holy Apostles is a great place to channel your time, talents and generosity for good.

LEARN MORE
Volunteer

Make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger.

Partner

Join our efforts to serve others and provide for people who are vulnerable.

Donate

Your gift provides food, community, and hope to New Yorkers in need.

The Latest

Stay up-to-date on all happenings at Holy Apostles.

VIEW ALL
Food For The Soul

The official blog of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen.

Voices of Our Community

Guest stories, poetry, and more.

EVENTS

See our calendar of events.

Church Pulpit Posts

Read weekly meditations written by our clergy.

Newsroom

Holy Apostles in the news.