BY JULIA DI MARCELLO
Despite all of the ‘boss energy’, passion for food, and stylish outfits MadeByTony has to offer - there is more culture to us behind closed doors. Our brand is made up of Italian-Americans just like Mike Maffucci and Eddie Sisca. For October’s Italian Heritage Month, we decided to showcase the Italian-American bosses that are behind MadeByTony. We hope the interview gives you an insight on their love and appreciation for the Italian culture.
A Presto,
-The MBT Team
Where in Italy is your family from?
Eddie: My mother's side is from Bari and my father's Naples, Calabria, and Sicily.
Mike: Mom’s side is from Calabria. Dad’s side is from Naples.
How would you describe the Italian culture in three words?
Eddie: Family, Food, LOUD
Mike: Family, Food, Wine
What is your dream vacation spot in Italy?
Eddie: San Cassiano
Mike: Lake Cuomo
What does being an Italian-American mean to you?
Eddie: The American Dream and Family
Mike: Work hard, spend time with family, and don’t miss a Sunday Sauce.
What is your go to Italian dish?
Eddie: Rigatoni Bolognese or Penne Vodka - one of the most difficult decisions I need to make at any Italian restaurant
Mike: Vodka Chicken Parm with Rigatoni
Favorite Italian dessert?
Eddie: A Cannoli
Mike: Napoleon Cake
What holiday do you love to celebrate within an Italian family? Why?
Eddie: Christmas Eve - we do a big party at my uncle's house. Mike and I have a large family that usually ends with drawing straws for who dresses up as Santa Claus for my younger cousins, and oh is that a sight after a few martinis.
Mike: Christmas Eve - I come from a big family and we always have a Christmas Eve Party. Italian tradition to eat seven fishes, and madone my Mom can cook!
You can only bring Sopressata, Prosciutto, or Salami to a deserted island. What are you bringing?
Eddie: Can i throw in some Fresh Mozz??
Mike: Hot Sopressata hits different - could live off that and Italian bread for weeks.
Which mob boss are you also bringing to this deserted island with you?
Eddie: Uncle Junior, he may be the only guy that can talk to a wall longer then I can.
Mike: Fat Tony Salerno - if the food runs out, I could always take a chunk out of Fat Tony.
What mob boss movie do you find yourself referencing often?
Eddie: A Bronx Tale, THROW EM IN THE BATHROOM
Mike: Goodfellas “To me, being a gangster was better than being President of the United States”
Red or white wine?
Eddie: White
Mike: Red on Sunday, White on Wednesday
Favorite Italian song?
Eddie: Te Amo - Umberto Tozzi
Mike: Mala Femmina - Jerry Vale
Where does your inspiration come from for MadeByTony?
Eddie: It really comes natural to me growing up in a Italian Household. Kind of gives the audience a first hand look of what it's like to feel Italian.
Mike: I’ve always been attracted to the styles in classic gangster movies, and God do I love Italian food. Most of the time growing up, these two things went hand-in-hand, especially on a Sunday. When indulging in classic gangster movies and eating cavatelli and meat sauce, only a fool would be wearing anything but loungewear. So, the aim of Made by Tony was to highlight that classic Sunday vibe all the time via clothing and instagram mood.
Would your younger self be impressed by how far you came with building a brand like MadeByTony?
Eddie: My younger self would probably ask me why it took so long.
Mike: My younger self would have definitely loved to rock a prosciutto sweatshirt when eating prosciutto - so yes, I think he would be impressed we made that a reality.
What is the best advice you would give to your younger self?
Eddie: Be Different
Mike: Do things that you are passionate about & don’t just go through the motions.