Ex-mob chef's new racket: Selling on QVC

Angelo Lutz wants to make you an offer you can't refuse.

Since getting out of prison, where he served time for charges connected to former boss Joey Merlino, the self-taught chef has made good on his catch phrase: "I'm a cook, not a crook."

Thanks to his successful turn as owner of Kitchen Consigliere Cafe in Collingswood, Lutz has landed a deal with QVC. Starting this month, he'll appear on the shopping network to hawk a series of food products inspired by his Italian BYOB.

During his on-air debut at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, Lutz will offer a specialty cut of prime rib designed for holiday feasting.

Each boneless piece of beef weighs between 3.5 and 4 pounds, fully cooked, and can easily feed eight to 10 people. It will sell for $89, and ship frozen, ready to be thawed and heated to desired doneness.

Just over 1,000 cuts will be available, and they're expected to go quickly, within 10 to 18 minutes after the segment begins. Good money's on the shorter time frame, as Lutz is an energetic, persuasive talker.

After the prime rib, next up in the line of restaurant-quality foods to serve at home is Kitchen Consigliere's signature sausage meatball (date not yet set).

It'll be a busy TV weekend for Lutz. After Friday's stint on QVC, he'll appear as a contestant on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen on Sunday, Dec. 7.