Yonkers native Michael Abruzese owner of Polpettina in Eastchester, New York discovered his passion for cooking after working at Westchester staples Catania’s and Johnnie’s. Dave Portnoy of Barstool sports was recently at Polpettina and gave Mike's Pizza a rating of 8.2 which later Dave retracted and said " I admit this shoulda been mid to high 8.

Mike formalized his training at the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 2000. After an injury-prone semi-pro football career, he pivoted to culinary arts, training under Chef Michael Schwartz and working at renowned restaurants like Il Mulino. Michael was the first to introduces New York-style pizza to Texas with the state’s first coal oven called Coal Vines, in partnership with restaurateur Philip Romano. He's cooked for celebrities like Troy Aikman, Alex Rodriguez and many more! You have to Polpettina out!

https://www.polpettina.com/

Become a BDP Member!

https://www.burndownpodcast.com/