Food Fight

Today in the Loop Internet studio, Brian sits down with Mattia Krappa, owner of the TikTok viral smoothie shop, Lucca Fresca. Amidst the traditional Old Forge eateries, Mattia serves up an innovative twist with smoothies and açaí bowls that are as trendy as they are nutritious. But it’s not just about the food – it’s the people, experience, and stories that come with it. Listen in as we recount the viral TikTok fame that catapulted Lucca Fresca to a must-visit destination for fans of Harry Styles from all over the world. And for the Swifties out there, we engage in a playful banter about hosting dream celebrity meet and greets – Taylor Swift included. This episode is a mix of food, entrepreneurship, and viral social media success. Tune in for a taste of how resilience, nostalgia, and a love for good food can come together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   CANN: Cannabis Infused Seltzer: Get 20% your first order with code FOODFIGHT at https://shop.drinkcann.com/   FIT AF: Get 20% OFF your first order of 7 meals or more with code FOODFIGHT at https://fitafnutrition.com/   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Today in the Loop Internet studio, Brian sits down with Adam Horvath, food blogger and Founder of Foodigneous. In this episode, we travel from the peculiar pizza concoctions of Pizzazz Pizza in South Philly to the “Pizza Capital of the World,” in Old Forge, PA. Along the way, we discuss the pivotal role of regional delicacies like New Haven’s clam pies, dissect the influence of sports fandom on food culture, and share stories that celebrate the intersection of life and our culinary passions. For those captivated by the storytelling of food bloggers, we discuss the behind the scenes of food review etiquette, community building, and content creation in the food industry. Discover the bonds formed over a shared love for cuisine and the unexpected lessons learned from engaging with fellow food enthusiasts. Not just a talk about pizza, this episode unwraps the layers of food blogging, complete with stories of local media appearances and the thrill of forging a path in the culinary digital landscape.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   CANN: Cannabis Infused Seltzer: Get 20% your first order with code FOODFIGHT at https://shop.drinkcann.com/   FIT AF: Get 20% OFF your first order of 7 meals or more with code FOODFIGHT at https://fitafnutrition.com/   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Today in the Loop Internet studio, Brian sits down with Pat & Danielle Padula, the power couple behind Carmela’s Restaurant and the renowned ‘Carmela’s’ Pasta Sauces. In this episode, Pat and Danielle take us on a nostalgic journey through their hometown roots of Dunmore Pennsylvania, and the flavorful escapades of their family-run food empire. Our conversation is a rich blend of laughs, tips on perfecting home-cooked classics, and the surprising versatility of their sauces beyond the usual spaghetti. We also peel back the curtain on the restaurant business, discussing the challenges and thrills of running a family-owned business.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   CANN: Cannabis Infused Seltzer: Get 20% your first order with code FOODFIGHT at https://shop.drinkcann.com/   FIT AF: Get 20% OFF your first order of 7 meals or more with code FOODFIGHT at https://fitafnutrition.com/   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Today in the Loop Internet studio, Brian sits down with the Pizza Hulk to unpack the layers of pizza love from New Jersey to Northeast Pennsylvania. We toss around the concept of evaluating pizza beyond a mere scale, touching on how history and personal encounters with a pizza place shape our fondness for their pies. We share laughs over the absurdity of our sweet-tooth confessions and discuss the healthier path of fitness without the dizzying array of supplements. We wrap up with a reflection on how the foods we love, the stories we tell, and the things that make us, ‘us’ – from TV shows and wrestling to comic book art and pizza – are all part of the same deliciously complex pie that is life.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   CANN: Cannabis Infused Seltzer: Get 20% your first order with code FOODFIGHT at https://shop.drinkcann.com/   FIT AF: Get 20% OFF your first order of 7 meals or more with code FOODFIGHT at https://fitafnutrition.com/   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Today in the Loop Internet studio, Brian is joined by Jordan Galasso, owner of FIT AF. Together, we tackle the noise of nutrition and fitness myths, replacing them with solid, scientific principles. Expect to come away with a clear understanding of the importance of a calorie deficit, the role of protein, and why the latest diet fads might not be your ticket to sustainable health. We also share our respective paths from the brink of self-destruction from addiction, to the pinnacles of personal achievement. We speak on the societal pressures and ethical debates that encompass sports and personal well-being, ranging from steroid use in sports to the pressure of performance, to finding purpose beyond addiction, and the joy of food.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   CANN – Cannabis Infused Seltzer: Get 20% your first order with code FOODFIGHT at https://shop.drinkcann.com/   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Today, Brian is joined in the Loop Internet studio by Tom McGuire, co-owner of Good Tree MMA. This episode is the intersection of food, martial arts, and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. From shedding pounds and learning self-defense, to coaching techniques and managing stress, we discuss how mixed martial arts has the ability to reshape every aspect of your life.   We also get into the tactical and psychological aspects of martial arts, from overcoming competition anxiety to strategizing weight cuts. Tom, a Masters World Champion, shares his wisdom on managing overtraining and balancing the rigors of training with recovery and diet. We even lighten the mood with our top meal picks, proving there’s more to life than the grind of training!   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to Ep.006 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! Today, Brian is joined by Andy France, owner of Brasi’s Pizzeria. Pepperoni, pineapple, and the art of pizza-making — it’s not just about what goes on top but the stories underneath. This conversation takes an affectionate look at the slices of life that pizza represents, from the local ‘Valley Style’ to the controversial ‘bee sting’ pizza, born out of a collaborative innovation. We share laughs and heartwarming stories, discussing the emotional rollercoaster of starting a business and the quirky debates that only true pizza aficionados can appreciate. We also explore local restaurants that bring our dining experiences to life, adding a personal touch in a world dominated by chain restaurants.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to Ep.005 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! Cosmo Salerno, the mastermind behind Cosmo’s Cheesesteaks, joins me today for a flavor-packed episode into the heart of our local food scene and the personal journeys that shape a restaurateur’s life. We start by slicing into Cosmo’s own story — the unforeseen challenges that nearly toppled his business and his unwavering enthusiasm for the perfect meatball, a dish curiously absent from his menu. We also discuss the world of online food criticism, where the spicy opinions of armchair critics mix with the sweet success of a well-favored dish. Cosmo and I swap war stories of menu innovation, the allure of Cheese Whiz, and our path from taking every comment to heart, to serving up humor with a side of satire in response to less-than-stellar reviews — a reminder of the resilience it takes to thrive in the food business.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to Ep.004 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! This week, Brian is joined by Russell Rinaldi, owner of Cafe Rinaldi. In this episode, we talk about the birth and history of Old Forge pizza, speakeasies in the prohibition ear, and culinary tradition. But this episode isn’t just about pizza; we’re talking about the heart and soul of a small town, the pride of our Italian heritage, and the enduring legacy of a town that continues to inspire the food industry beyond our Northeastern Pennsylvania region.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to Ep.003 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! This week, Brian is joined by fellow Good Tree MMA teammate, hypnotist, author, and Judo black belt, Eric Mina. Together, we chew on the challenge of creating viral social media content and the parallels between social media savvy and martial arts mastery. We discuss the differences in belt promotions between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, exploring the importance of competitions, and the varying criteria across martial arts disciplines. Eric also opens up about his transition from social work to becoming a hypnotist with his mesmerizing stage performances. Hear how hypnotherapy can foster swift, transformational growth, and often yield quicker results than traditional talk therapy.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to episode 2 of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! In this episode, Brian is joined by Lauren Gorney, Co-owner of NEPA’rogi. In our discussion, Lauren offers a peek behind the curtain of NEPA’rogi, where passion for authentic Polish cuisine meets the trials and tribulations of running a food business. We swap stories of our culinary beginnings, from family kitchens to restaurant chaos, reveling in the shared experiences that shape our food philosophies. But it’s not all buttered noodles and cottage cheese – we get down to business discussing marketing, the role of social media in today’s food landscape, the importance of community over competition, and how genuine engagement with customers elevates the dining experience.   Thank you to our Show Sponsors:   Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/   Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/   Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/   T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/   Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS   Friends of the Show:   Tom Munley Law, Brute’s Barbershop, & Brasi’s Pizza

Welcome to the first episode of the Food Fight Podcast in the Loop Internet studio hosted by Brian DiMattia! In this episode, Brian is joined by fellow food creator and Founder of NEPA Pizza Review, Jim Mirabelli. Dive into our debut episode as we share a delicious blend of stories from our food tasting escapades, to the twists and turns of building a unique brand in the pizza review world. We even take on a saltine cracker challenge live during the show! So grab a slice and join us as we share laughs, lessons learned, and a mutual love for pizza, celebrating the launch of the Food Fight Podcast in true foodie fashion. Thank you to our Show Sponsors: Dino’s Pizza & Restaurant: Taste the Tradition at Dino’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant! https://dinospizzaandrestaurant.com/ Visit Luzerne County: Join the Pizza Trail! Eat pizza. Earn points. Turn those points into prizes! Sign up for FREE at https://www.visitluzernecounty.com/ Genoa Wholesale Foods: Servicing the Pizza & Restaurant Industry Since 1947! https://www.genoafoods.com/ T-Shirts in 24: Create your own custom apparel online at https://tshirtsin24.com/ Sweat Tent Portable Sauna: Get $100 OFF with code OTS at: https://www.sweattent.com/discount/OTS