Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Mob War: Philadelphia vs. The Mafia’ includes firsthand accounts and interviews with individuals connected to the Philadelphia mob scene. It offers insight into the city’s turbulent underworld. Among those featured is Angelo Lutz, a longtime associate and close friend of reputed mob boss Joey Merlino. Once deeply involved in organized crime, Lutz became a recognizable name during the height of mob activity in the 1990s. His inclusion in the documentary provides his perspective on loyalty, survival, and the turbulent years that defined the Philadelphia mafia during one of its most violent eras.
Angelo Lutz Often Cooked for Joey Merlino and His Associates
Angelo Jenaro Lutz was born and raised in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended St. John Neumann High School. He later went to graduate school alongside Michael Ciancaglini and Joey Merlino, where his friendship with Merlino first began. Over time, he became one of Merlino’s close associates. Lutz carved out a career as an actor and pasta salesman while maintaining a close friendship with Merlino and his circle. He recalled their frequent meetups at Avenue Cafe and shared a vivid memory of the day Michael Ciancaglini was shot.
Merlino had sent him to get food, and upon returning, Lutz was met with police everywhere and learned of Michael’s death. He also reminisced about cooking for Merlino and his associates, often making pork chops with baked beans and cherry peppers, offering a glimpse into life in Philadelphia’s mob scene during the 1990s. Lutz candidly admitted to struggling with a gambling problem at the time. Following Merlino’s arrest, he and the group faced increased scrutiny from law enforcement and the pressures and dangers that came with their ties to organized crime.
Angelo Lutz Served a Seven-Year Sentence in Federal Prison
In 2000, Angelo Lutz was one of seven defendants, including Joey Merlino, named in a 36-count case encompassing numerous charges. He was the only defendant out on bail and used the opportunity to give multiple interviews on television, radio, and in newspapers. During his trial in July 2001, he chose to represent himself, and by December 2001, he was convicted on charges of racketeering, gambling, and extortion. The trial established that he was not an officially inducted member of Merlino’s organization. Lutz was sentenced to nine years in prison, though reports note that the night before beginning his sentence, he hosted a party and cooked for his friends. His sentence was later reduced by one year, and in 2008, he was released. Following his release, Lutz started on a new chapter and left behind the shadows of organized crime and focused on rebuilding his life as a free man.
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Angelo Lutz is the Owner of a Famous Restaurant in New Jersey Today
Angelo Lutz, also lovingly known as “Fat Ange,” transitioned into a professional culinary career following his release from prison. While incarcerated, he pursued education at Lewis College of Business from 2004 to 2005, laying the foundation for his post-prison ventures. In 2010, Lutz opened The Kitchen Consigliere, a Mafia-themed Italian restaurant in Collingswood, New Jersey, inspired by recipes from his grandmother. The restaurant quickly became popular, attracting a loyal clientele. By 2012, he sought to expand but was initially denied a conventional loan. Undeterred, Lutz raised more than $34,000 from private investors to fund renovations and growth. The Kitchen Consigliere remains operational, with Lutz as the owner.
The restaurant follows a BYOB model and offers signature dishes such as Stuffed Fresh Figs with Mascarpone and Prosciutto di Parma over spring mix, Gorgonzola with balsamic glaze, as well as themed nights like Parmesan Night, Chicken Tuesdays, and Ravioli Mondays, ensuring a rotating menu that keeps customers coming back for more. Lutz’s growing reputation led to television appearances in December 2014, when he featured on the Food Network’s ‘Cutthroat Kitchen’ episode titled ‘Sabotage is Coming to Town’ and appeared on QVC to bring products from his restaurant to customers.
Currently, Angelo Lutz continues to operate The Kitchen Consigliere, managing day-to-day operations and expanding his presence in the culinary community. His focus remains on crafting high-quality Italian cuisine while maintaining the unique Mafia-themed concept that has become the restaurant’s hallmark. Some of his interior decoration choices, like sconces shaped like nine-millimeter handguns and a mural that has him standing next to Don Corleone and Tony Soprano, continue to be a point of attraction.
