Interview: Big Ang

The mega fabulous VH1 reality star dishes the T!

We were saddened to learn of Angela “Big Ang” Railoa’s passing this morning. The bar owner and star of VH1’s Mob Wives, and later spinoffs Big Ang and Miami Monkey, died at age 55 after battling throat, lung, and brain cancers. We now share our memories with the larger-than-life star.

This season of Mob Wives includes some new ladies from Philly. How was it bonding with them? I happen to like them! I think they come from a very different world than New York – they think it’s the same but it’s not. They also have very strong accents.

On the first episode of the new season, you mention having a baby. Are you going to move forward with those plans? My husband is forty years old and wants a little boy. I’m really considering doing it!

You’ve become a true gay icon over the last two years. Can you describe your relationship with the community? I love the gays! I just have that way about me. I’ve been in the bars for thirty years and I’ve been around gays my whole life. I think they’re the most fun people. The gay guys are all so handsome, so good looking – it’s no fair. They dress with style. I also think they’re good spenders – very generous. They never have any drama – the only thing they want is a good time just like me.

Congratulations on Big Ang Wines! How did this project come about and which is your favorite within the line? I love Prosecco. I make my mimosas all the time. Also, I’ve been drinking red wine with cream soda since I was twelve years old. Then, every time I go out to dinner, when I order seafood I’ll have white wine. My favorite is the Prosecco, I’m a champagne kind of girl.

The packaging is really great. Are those your lips on the bottles? Yes! And the hot pink foil! Gotta have hot pink! Have you seen the cases? They are beautiful.

How’s everything going at The Drunken Monkey? I heard you recently say that it’s become a sort of tourist trap. It’s out of control! People come from every part of the world. My bartenders are constantly calling me asking “Are you around? Someone’s here from Okahoma. Are you around? Someone’s here from California.” I go every Tuesday [LGBT night] to be with the gays.

What do you love most about New York – in particular, Staten Island? Oh, I’m a Brooklyn kind of girl! I’m from Brooklyn. I love everything about it but it’s changing too much. It’s very trendy now. You’ve got to go to Ignazio’s under the bridge, directly across from River Cafe – delicious!

Have you received any wacky fan mail? Oh my god, I get presents. I get beautiful wine glasses, I get pocketbooks, jewelry, all sorts of crazy t-shirts. I even get incarcerated men asking me for money!

Are you looking forward to the holidays? Oh, it’s my favorite time of the year. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – I used to take my kids out but now I want to stay home with everyone. My family is growing rapidly!

Do you make any New Year’s resolutions? I never do because I never can keep them!

What do you have in store for 2014? I’m planning to have a drink recipe book. I’m also going to do a cookbook – I’m a very good cook!

Lastly, what’s your secret to the perfect Bloody Mary? Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, salt, pepper, celery salt and a splash of beer!

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Mob Wives: New Blood premieres on VH1 Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.

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