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: Recap “Big Spender,” Episode 104

Never enough botox?

Excitement, excitement and more excitement in this episode. Lil Jenn and Linda come by Big Ang's to discuss the Florida trip. Big And says, “Me and my ladies are going to Florida and I'm gonna spend all the money.” And don't think she’s kidding! Lil Jenn says that she thinks they should get a case of champagne, so every morning they can wake up to mimosa's and get wacked and re-wacked. And don't think they didn't. First the girls say no tequila, because Linda may wake up married, and Lil Jenn adds and I may have sex. But don't think they didn't…because yeah, they did. Big Ang says she deserves a condo on the beach cause she’s old and freezing. Now there are 2 qualifications for condo-living. And if the wise guys can have one, so can she. After all she’s a mob doll and she deserves it.

Big Ang takes a trip to Dr. Ledermans' office for some more botox. The doctor thinks Big Ang looks fine and doesn't want her to overdo it. Big Ang says she's addicted to anything that makes her look good! The doctor stresses that she has sun damage and needs to be careful. She gives Big Ang some filler shots and tells her to come back in 6 months.

Trying on bathing suits is exhausting!

Big Ang is home bathing suit shopping. She can't find any of her suits and needs some custom suits made. I had no idea this was a service! Big Ang may want to give Carla a call. Carla measures Big Ang and she thinks her measuring tape is a wee bit short. But Big Ang tries on some great suits and looks damn good. Gimme, gimme, gimme Big Ang says, and she sure got plenty. She tells Carla about her spending problem. She says she went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and dropped $2600.00. Now that’s a lot of towels!

So off to Florida the girls go. They are staying at the Ocean Manor. Why stay anywhere else Big Ang says, when her Uncle Sally use to hangout there. She says she got upgraded to the Penthouse Suite. Wow! It’s gorgeous! Linda is excited and looks at a room and decides she can hang from the pole. After all, it wont be the first time she broke a bed. Lil Jenn says everything in that room is getting humped.

I only see dollar bills, that won't buy much

Guess who shows up? Anthony! Wow! As I'm writing this I just got extra excited. I wonder why? Well, never mind. Big Ang is happy because Anthony is going to bring around his hot friends. Can they get any hotter than him? He has a great smile! Big Ang gives out some gifts, “Pink Flasks,” to house the Patron - so cool. She chats with Anthony, the two discuss how they're gonna make it rain and Big Ang throws money up in the air and says…“I don't care.”

The next day they are on the beach and Big Ang is in a red hot bathing suit. She tells the girls she needs to find a condo on the beach and she's not leaving without one. She tells them about the annual cocktail party she is going to have. It’s gonna have a DJ and lots of liquor. Linda asks, “Is there gonna be Patron?” Cause that’s all she cares about. Don't doubt it Linda.

Neil arrives and Big Ang says he just better give her some space. Lil Jenn is overly excited to see Neil and gets very touchy feely.  She says he is looking good. Oh boy,  Big Ang says; we better get Jenn laid on this trip because she even thinks Neil is looking good. Well the party goes on. It seems that the Patron may have had Linda acting like she has a chemical imbalance, as Big Ang says, cause she is squishing her breasts into some guys face!  I scan the room, always looking for that certain someone to be in a scene. Not there. As usual. Everyone is drinking, everyone is dancing, Lil Jenn’s dancing on the kitchen counter, Linda's doing a hump dance and states, "There’s no shame in my game baby.” Sandy, the plumber, and Big Ang talk about going to the casino. Big Ang wants to try to win back all the money she spent on the party.

Anthony joins the fun!

The next day the girls are hung over. Lil Jenn tells Linda she straddled everything. Linda wants to know if she was good. They go down to the pool and Linda spots some hot looking guy. “Wow, who's that?” she asks. As he walks closer, she realizes it’s Anthony! Boy, maybe Linda is still drunk?  Lil Jenn wants to talk about her having sex. Anthony says he may have someone for her, and introduces her to Joe. He tells Joe she hasn't had sex in 6 years and Joe wants to know if she’s been in jail!

Big Ang goes condo shopping. The first 2 condos were horrible. Actually, I think Big Ang called the condos “skeevotz.”  She sees a third condo and she likes it. A view of the ocean. She gives it her thumbs up and says, “Neil has no say cause he has no money.”

Back at the Ocean Manor, the crew and Frank, the owner of the hotel, are having lunch together. Frank cheers to Big Ang for being a great customer and friend. During lunch, Big Ang's sister, Janine, calls. Big Ang tells her about the condo that she likes. Janine gets a little excited and asks Big Ang how is she going to pay for a condo? With her good looks? She's going over Big Ang's bills and tells her she got a $11,000 furniture bill for just 1 room! Big Ang states she doesn't want to save money. After talking to her sister, Big Ang takes a big hard swallow.

Her trip to the casino doesn't pay off!

The girls go to the Mardi Gras casino and Big Ang is determined to win money to buy the condo! She thinks Sandy, the plumber, is her lucky charm. Big Ang is betting everything on number 17, but doesn't end up winning. So they'll be no condo to buy...at least not that night.

Big Ang is bigger than life!

The next day, Big Ang and the crew take a ride on a 73 foot yacht. She's loving it. Champagne is flowing, there's wind in her hair and she's happy.  Lil Jenn is boasting about the bathroom having a window that looks out in the water. She says she took the best dump of her life!  She talks to Sandy about buying the condo. Sandy tells her to just wait it out a few months, cause Big Ang always gets what she wants.  Big Ang tells everyone she has an announcement. She's made a decision. Oh boy...they don't know what to think. She says she's buying the condo! “I do whatever the F**K I want, even if I go broke.” So there you have it. Another great party hosted by Big Ang. She couldn't have said it better herself, but this is one of my favorite quotes from Big Ang, "I've been broke a million times, but I’ve been on top of the world 2 million times.”

Stay tuned next week when Big Ang goes to Atlantic City!

Written By: Carmela Corleone

Follow me on twitter @carmelacorleone

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

Big Ang: Recap “Big Shots” Episode 101

Big Ang behind her bar!

Wow, wow and wow! I enjoyed this party oops, I mean first episode of the Big Ang show. We start off by listening to Big Ang telling us how she has lived her life, what she has been through and that she has had relationships with the wise-guys.  She loves everything big! Big boobs, big jewelry, a big house and has the best parties. She has been through it all - even house arrest. I can't help but wonder how many times that ankle bracelet went off. But now she states, "I'm gonna do whatever the f**k I want.” And for just that short time, I find myself agreeing with Big Ang and I think I’m gonna take on that F**K it all attitude. Big Ang spends all her time with her monkeys at the bar. She loves her crew and she loves her psychotic family. This is her life and it’s what she knows. 

Big Ang, Lil Jen and Linda

Big Ang meets up with Lil Jen and Linda. They have been friends forever. Never mind how many years because their history goes way back. Big Ang says Linda is a lunatic and Lil Jen is a maniac. And that's what Big Ang likes - wackos that are loyal. They reminisce about their past and Big Ang says back in the day they were known as the sixth family. Now I' m not sure if I missed a family member, but all the names I got that are part of this family was Big Ang, Lil Jen, Crazy Linda, Patty Slaps and Wild Thing. I must say the last 2 young ladies better make it on one of the episodes because you don't get handed a nickname with slaps or wild in it for nothing. Lil Jen says she was always knows as Lil Jen until she almost died. She was in a coma for 5 months and during that time she was known as Drop Dead Jen. I'm happy to see that the nickname has dissolved. Big Ang calls Lil Jen a big baby because she's afraid to be alone. She’s 53 years old and she's afraid of the dark. Damn...so am I sometimes......

Crowd at Drunken Monkey!

Big Ang is at the Monkey and is so happy about the makeover. Dom, her brother in law, did the work and it looks great. Big Ang says the old bar was worn out. She's hoping the renovation will bring in people from out of the neighborhood. And I can personally vouch for that. When I visited the bar, there were locals, but there were a lot of people that came from afar, including myself. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of Big Ang. Big Ang talks about having a re-grand opening and wants to blow up the bar. She wants the monkey to be known all over the world, including Brooklyn. 

Janine talks sense to Big Ang

Big Ang stops by her sister Janine's house. Janine is questioning Big Ang about paying some bills and going to the doctor. Big Ang thinks Janine is strictly business. Janine complains to Big Ang about breaking her appointment with her accountant and she better not do it again to go out drinking with her friends. Big Ang completely changes the subject and asks Janine if she has seen the new monkey yet? Big Ang tells her how she wants to plan a BIG grand opening and how she wants to hire shot guys. I see an eyeroll from Janine, but she gives Big Ang advice on how to cast for the shot guys.  She tells her sister to limit her to only 4 guys so Big Ang doesn't hire everyone and go broke. So we see that Big Ang certainly has a big heart. She says she loves money, but I think she loves to spend it on everyone else. 

The interviewing!

Big Ang and Linda go to interview the shot guys. Big Ang seems to like and want to hire everyone! A very young good looking guy interviews, his name is Ricardo, and Big Ang's face lights up. I must confess I have about 15 photos of Ricardo myself. One is for the blog and the rest are for me! Big Ang says he has got swag. Her little latin lover. Linda gets a hug and confesses she's a cougar.  They finish interviewing and Big Ang decides that she can do this for a career. Well...me too if there's an actually job out there for interviewing hot shot bods! I mean boys! 

Meet Ricardo!

Big Ang and Neil on a date

Big Ang goes out on a date with Neil, her so-called husband. They have been living apart. Big Ang says he has been a cheater, stay out all night, drunk. Neil says he has been behaving and would like to come back home. He has a bank acct and a new truck. Big Ang looks very surprised. He says he has changed and thinks Big Ang may like the new Neil. She tells Neil it's a good thing he’s not drinking. She claims it was no joke putting up with him for 4 years! My favorite line during this little chat was when Big Ang tells the waiter, when he asks if she would like water for the "table," she says, "water is for fish"! I wonder if she was asked that question again that night. 

Big Ang goes over to visit her son AJ and his dogs.  She says she has to visit at least once a week because he’s always getting into some mess. AJ gives his mom a bag of laundry to do and Big Ang says she’s sick of laundry. Funny thing, AJ says he’s sick of it too! She tells AJ about meeting up with Neil and says she thinks Neil is rushing her. She wants AJ to come back home and live with her so he can work and buy himself designer clothes. AJ seemed to be content for now where he is.

Big Ang and Ricardo, nice!

Big Ang gets spray tanned for her big night. This woman has a body! Being tanned makes her feel young. Well the big night finally arrives. The bartenders Frank & Anthony are there, along with the  shot boys. Big Ang does shots, Linda does shots, Lil Jenn does shots, the crowd is doing shots, its just one big party. Out comes a "drunken monkey" dancing on the bar and the crowd goes crazy. 

Big Ang has on a dress that is right out of the old Laugh-In show, with glasses to match. The shot boys are selling shots left and right and cashing in. Last, but not least, how can you end a night out without male dancers on the bar? There's a contest of who can collect the most dollar bills. Not surprised at all when Ricardo wins! Big Ang seems to have a big crush on Ricardo and her sexy latin dancer is making the moves. Big Ang is dancing, the crowd is hollering, Neil comes walking in, he takes a few looks, walks out and the night seems like its just about to end. 

Neil trying to worm his way back into Big Ang's heart

In the last scene Big Ang, Janine, Lil Jenn and Linda are sitting outside the monkey on a bench. They are all claiming to have had a lot of fun and it was one of their best nights! At that moment, Big Ang realizes she has a husband. Big Ang says she needs to tell them all something. She says she's thinking about letting Neil move back in. Janine is delighted! Being the big/little sis she is, I'm not surprised she's happy. She only wants the best for her sister and likes Neil. Lil Jenn seems happy too, but Linda says Big Ang needs a man and Neil hasn't manned up. There's lots of shut-up Jennifers, as the girls are all voicing their opinions, and finally Big Ang decides she better sleep on it.  She says she’s always making decisions on Patrone. I think that was a good idea. So the show ends. I guess Big Ang gets some rest and well see what happens next week. Will there be another party just as big? I think so. Tune in to VH1 next Sunday for some more fun with Big Ang and her crew. 

Written By: Carmela Corleone     Follow on Twitter @carmelacorleone

Picture Credit: VH1 and Carmela's camera