Month: October 2019

George Anastasia Tells All About the Philly Mob

October 22, 2019 Crime, Entertainment, Writers 41:05

This episode is tailor-made for any fan of true crime. George Anastasia probably knows more about the Philly Mafia than any other civilian. He covered the Philly Mob and local organized crime for over thirty years for the Philadelphia Inquirer and is currently doing video updates with Dave Schratwieser for PhillyVoice.com.

George discussed how a guy from Dartmouth with a degree in French and no journalism education ended up at the Philly Inquirer and how covering the Atlantic City beat led him to a career covering organized crime.

George sheds light on the history of the Philly Mob as well as what he knows about power struggles and specific incidents. We discuss the future of the Italian mafia and competition from other organized crime groups like the Russian mob and what their differences are.

We recorded this one at the Kitchen Consigliere in Collingswood, New Jersey. Kitchen Consigliere is owned by chef Angelo Lutz, who is George’s friend and ended up doing some time for incidents of his past life.

LINKS:

George Anastasia: Philly Voice

Kitchen Consigliere: www/facebook

Ange Branca – Bringing Malaysian Food and Tradition to South Philly

October 7, 2019 Food & Drink 44:34

This Episode we sit with Ange Branca owner-chef of Sate Kampar on East Passyunk. Ange tells her story of growing up in a small village in Malaysia and coming to the states to pursue a career in business. Unable to find any authentic Mayalsian restaurants in the area and growing disinterested in the corporate world, Ange decided to drop out, gather a bunch of family recipes, and open a traditional Malaysian restaurant in South Philly. It wasn’t easy at first. Ange had to educate Philly on Malaysian traditions such as sharing the meat portions and not the rice bowls and that not all rice dishes come with chop sticks. Apparently some folks are really adamant using chopsticks for any cuisine remotely Asian.

Philly Mag considers Sate Kampar a top 50 Philly restaurant. Previous Philly Blunt guest, Inquirer writer Craig LaBan said of Sate Kampar: There are a few places in the city where crossing the threshold is like traveling across the globe. Saté Kampar is one, transporting on the ambrosia of Malaysian skewered meats sizzling over coals. In 2017 Sate Kampar was a James Beard Semifinalist for best new restaurant in the country.

Reef was unable to make this recording so another The Philly Blunt alum, Fergie, sat in as a guest host since Ange selected his pub, Fergie’s as the location for this episode.

LINKS:

Sate Kampar: Instagram
Fergies: www/Instagram