Big Ang: A “Slice” of Anthony Cracchiolo

I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Cracchiolo, who appears on The Big Ang show and is one of the very hot bartenders at the Drunken Monkey, at the opening of his new pizza place "Anthony’s Pizza Pasta Perfect," located  in Staten Island, back in June. We got to taste several dishes on the menu and meet and greet with some of the Mob Wives. Renee, AJ and Big Ang were in attendance for autographs and pictures. This week I spoke to Anthony on the phone and asked a few questions that I was curious about.  

Carmela: Hi Anthony, thank you for taking the time out to talk with me.

Anthony: No problem

C: Tell me, where did you grow up?

A: Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

C: I read that you were in Florida, did you live there also?

A: I grew up in Brooklyn and worked in pizzerias here. I worked with family my whole life. I took a vacation with my girlfriend, to Florida, and saw how cheap things were down there. I feel in love with it and came back home, and told my parents that I wanted to move there.

C: What were you doing in Florida?

A: I owned a pizza place and then tried my hand in a night club. I had some friends who lived down there that were in the mortgage/real estate business, so I sold my pizza place and went into business doing that. Once the real estate market dumped down there I realized Florida got the best of me and decided to move back to NY.

C: How did you end up being part of The Big Ang show?

A: When I was back to NY, Big Ang came to me and said that the Drunken Monkey wasn't doing well. She felt since I am familiar with the bar business maybe I could help boost business. I told her I hadn't bartended in 10 years, but I decided to help her out. I started bartending one night a week, got a DJ and ran some drink specials. The bar was renovated as I was knee deep in construction on my own place, and then I was busy filming. I’m happy the Monkey is doing well now.

C: How is your pizza place doing?

A: We're doing alright. It’s a little slow, but that’s because it’s summer and school is out.

C: Yes, I know it too well. Summer is a tough time. Tell me the best thing on the menu.

A: The Margarita or Grandma Pie. Its made with fresh mozzarella, basil, sauce and pecorino romano cheese. They are the same except the Grandma Pie is Sicilian style, with a thinner crust.

C: Sounds good. What is your relationship with Big Ang?

A: I don't want to say she's like a mother figure, but more like an aunt. I look up to her and ask her for relationship advice. She wants me to do well and settle down. Sometimes she talks serious to me and then the next minute she's like, let’s do some shots. (we laugh).

C: Are you known for a special drink?

A: Yes! It's called the Panty Dropper.

C: (Thought in my head not out loud)  I have to tell you for a minute since the connection wasn't that clear I thought at first he said Jenny Dropper. Oh my I thought...but no-I def heard wrong, lol! So I ask, Oh...what is it?

A: It’s Patrone cafe, Kahlua and Baileys served as a shot.

C: Are you dating?

A: Well....lets just say I’m seeing a few different girls.

C: (another thought in my head) I think its best I shortened the answer above. Do you see yourself settling down?

A: Yes, with someone with the same roots. Someone I can trust. I don’t want a trophy wife or a girl that wants to party all night. Like the girl next door.

C: Maybe you should review some of the girls you went to high school with that were the nice girls? Maybe a neighborhood girl?

A: Yeah, I passed up a few good ones.

C: Do you have any hobbies or what do you like to do when you're not bartending or at the pizza place?

A: Oh, I like to sport fish, jet ski, I like quadding and I like to hunt. I follow the seasons.

C: Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

A: Owning a chain of restaurants and a sports bar. I'd like to settle down and have a couple of kids.

C:Wow that's a big wish list for 5 years.

A: Yeah.

C: Will I see you back on the Big Ang show?

A: Yes! I'm in the next five episodes! I only missed the last show because I was in Florida.

That concludes the interview with Anthony. He was great to chat with. I tell you, this guy is a good catch and he can cook too!! 

Be sure to visit Anthony's Pizza Pasta Perfect on Hyland Blvd. They are open Tuesday - Sunday from 11am-11pm.

And, be sure to follow me on twitter @carmelacorleone

Tune into The Big Ang show that  airs on VH1 Sunday nights at 9PM ET following Mob Wives Chicago.

Interview Written By: Carmela Corleone

Picture Credit: Anthony Cracchiolo

Big Ang: Meet Frank Russo, Bartender at Drunken Monkey

Frank Russo, bartender and cast member.

We all know the “Big Ang” show is premiering tonight at 9:00 pm on VH1 following the  Mob Wives Chicago. I’m not the only one getting ready for this night, but the cast from the Big Ang show are also preparing themselves for the red carpet in Manhattan. I got the chance to meet with Frank Russo, one of the bartenders at the Monkey and asked him a few questions. 

Hi Frank, so nice to meet you! Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

Oh, no problem, I was looking forward to it. 

First of all, I must ask your age.

25

I guess there goes my crush because I set the age limit from the age of my nephew, who is 28.  Where did you grow up? 

Right here on  Staten Island. 

How long have you worked at the Drunken Monkey? 

Since I was 21. I was off and on for a short time but then I returned. 

How did you learn to bar tend? 

Big Ang taught me everything I know. I came here as a kid and she taught me how to bartend. 

Explain what Big Ang means to you? 

Ah...shes like a mom, sister, friend and of course a boss. But not really like a boss. 

Besides bar tending a few days a week, what else do you do and what are your other interests? 

I am part-owner and trainer at Dolphin Fitness on Forest Avenue, right here on Staten Island.  When I am not working, and have time off, I like to spend it with my friends relaxing.

Speaking of friends, I know Anthony is also a bartender here at the Monkey, what's your relationship with him? 

Anthony is like a mentor to me and we became very good friends. 

Tell me a little bit about your personality and what you like about it. 

I like that I have the  ability to work well with people. I am very sociable and people are drawn to me. I can easily build relationships with them. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? 

Definitely in business. I have some goals, whether it be in a gym or another business but def in business. 

Besides Big Ang what other mob wives are you closest to? 

Renee, she comes in here and also Jenn, who isn' t really a mob wife, but the great mind behind the show. We have gotten very close since the connection to the show. 

Do you watch Mob Wives Chicago? 

Yes, of course! 

Do you like it? 

Yeah! 

Are you dating? 

Nope, I'm single. 

Well thank you so much Frank. I look forward to watching you on Sunday nights. 

Yeah,  thank you and don't forget to send me the links to the blog! 

That concluded  my interview with Frank. 

Renovated Drunken Monkey!

If you would like to meet Frank Russo, he tends bar on Wednesday and Friday nights at the Drunken Monkey. I did stay of course, and mingled with Big Ang and her brother, Steve, along with his wife, Maria. They are very warm people and we had a few laughs. There were a lot of family members there, but I would need to do a  family tree to put it all together. The Drunken Monkey is a meeting place for not only the reality stars and their families, but they welcome the locals and of course fans, who make a trip in to see them. The bar has been recently renovated and has a sleek look to it. Each of the lamps are different and ornate and provide warm lighting.  Behind the bar are Miami blocks, lit with a nice touch of  blue lighting. The bar has a DJ and a dance floor to make everyone happy. There's also a photo machine, where you can take your picture and have it personalized with a Drunken Monkey logo. Just across the street from the bar, is the now famous Big Ang mural, which I have been told is in every borough. Good Luck to Big Ang, her cast and her family. 

Written By: Carmela Corleone

Remember to watch the Big Ang Show tonight and come back tomorrow for my recap!

Please follow me on twitter @carmelacorleone 

Picture Credit: Carmela Corleone