Show 672, March 28, 2026: Restaurateur Katie Lee, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta and Katie’s Fine Foods, St. Louis

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Adam Bell

Katie Lee of Katie's Restaurant and Frozen Foods

“St. Louis’ Chef Katie Lee is a multiple-unit restaurateur, entrepreneur, author and innovator. “Katie Lee’s journey from high school dropout and recovering addict to successful founder of Katie’s is the embodiment of resilience and passion. She launched her first restaurant in 2008, igniting the artisan Italian pizza movement in the Midwest. Today, Katie is leading a transformative shift in the frozen food industry, blending authentic artisan techniques with national-scale ambition.” She is our guest.

“What began as a single neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a celebrated culinary institution. Katie’s now operates three award-winning restaurants in St. Louis. As a 100% woman-owned business, the brand has become a pillar of excellence in the Midwest food scene, earning titles like Best Pizza in St. Louis for ten consecutive years, Best Pasta for seven, and Best Restaurant for the past three. Katie herself has been honored as St. Louis Chef of the Year for six years running, a testament to her leadership, culinary vision and relentless devotion to quality, creativity, and soul.”

“Katie’s is more than food — it’s a philosophy. Every Pizza, Pasta Bake, and Sauce is a testament to real ingredients, honest artisanal techniques, and the belief that meals should nourish both the body and the soul. In a time when consumers are requiring authenticity and quality, Katie’s stands as a beacon for those who demand more from their meals. We are redefining the grocery aisles with artisan products that bring restaurant-quality experiences into homes across America. Inspired by Katie Lee’s story and her relentless pursuit of excellence, Katie’s is transforming what convenience can mean in modern food.”

In SoCal Katie’s gourmet pizzas (frozen) are available at Gelson’s and Target. Target will soon be carrying the full line of Katie’s Fine Foods products including pasta sauces, pasta and olive oil. Availability at Walmart happens in the 4th Quarter.

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Adam Bell

Italian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook.

Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices. They are slow-simmered for six hours before bottling.

In the L.A. area they are available at Gelson’s with other retailers on the way.

Steve shares his struggles in initially getting his pasta sauces taken seriously by retail grocery store buyers. Because there are so many celebrity pasta sauces out there on the shelves that are mediocre, the buyers are resistant. Even the late Frank Sinatra had a line of jarred pasta sauces that didn’t survive the rigors of the marketplace. Schirripa’s key to success is simply getting them to try the sauce and judge it for the quality in the jar! This is why he’s resisted the temptation to put his image on the label.

“Growing up in Brooklyn, Sunday was the day you would wake up to the aroma of tomatoes, garlic and olive oil simmering on Mom’s stove as she prepared the sauce for Sunday dinner. My fondest memories are from those day, my Italian heritage and the comfort of family that I wish to share.” – Steve Schirripa

Show 127, June 20, 2015: Steve Schirripa, Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties. Continues…

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Adam Bell

Italian-American character actor Steve Schrripa is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos.” He’s also a serious home cook. Taking his mother’s recipe for pasta sauce he created a collection of popular sauces including Marinara, Tomato Basil and Arrabiata in the Steve Schirripa’s Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties line. The pasta sauces (cooked in small batches) are each hand-crafted with organic whole, imported Italian peeled tomatoes, fresh onions, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, sea salt and spices.

Uncle Steve’s Italian Specialties is about a year-old. The pasta sauces are already in some 2,000 retail stores across the USA with more outlets being added every week.

Schirripa is also the author of The New York Times bestseller, A Goomba’s Guide to Life. This humorous book includes chapters on growing up in Brooklyn, great Goomba’s in History, Goomba recipes and Goomba’s Do’s and Don’ts.

Steve had a popular TV series in 2007, “Steve Schirripa’s Hungry.” In the episodes Steve visits New York City restaurants and homes of various guests including an Italian grandmother’s for cooking lessons from the pros. “What’s round and very popular? If you’re talking about me you’re only partially right. I’m talking about the meatball. I’m Steve Schirripa and I’m hungry,” proclaims Schirripa at the start of one episode dedicated to the art of the Italian meatball.