HITS Congratulates Pfizer Million Chef Ric Orlando's Win On Food Network's Chopped

HITS, Inc. would like to congratulate our own Pfizer Million Chef Ric Orlando, of New World Home Cooking, Co., following his spectacular victory on Tuesday night on the Food Network's popular and highly competitive program, Chopped.

Those attending the Pfizer Million will get to experience Orlando's incredible talents first hand, as he will prepare the special Grand Prix Luncheon on Sunday in The Pfizer Million Clubhouse. Continental breakfast will be served Wednesday to Saturday, and lunch will be served buffet style from Wednesday to Saturday, but then on Sunday, Orlando will take center stage to present an exclusive and delicious Pfizer Million luncheon in his infamous "Chef Ric" style.

"I'm excited to be a part of the Pfizer Million event at HITS," said Orlando, just 12 hours after being crowned Chopped Champion. "I'm planning an extra special 'Hudson Valley menu' for the VIP Club that will include some of my signature dishes as well as a couple of surprises. One thing I can promise is that the food in the VIP will be befitting of the biggest Grand Prix in the world and a concert by one of the greatest musicians of our time!"

VIPs will not only partake in fine dining, but also be able to take advantage of a cash bar Wednesday to Saturday and enjoy complimentary Champagne, wine and beer on Sunday.

Orlando, who owns, New World Home Cooking in Saugerties, NY, and oversees the kitchen and management of New World Bistro Bar in Albany, NY, won the Chopped episode titled "Wok This Way" on Tuesday night.  Using bold flavor combinations and fearless culinary creativity, Orlando surprised and ultimately wowed the judges. In fact, judge Mark Murphy declared that Ric's Rum Raisin Jerk Quail "might be the best dish I've ever had on Chopped".

Orlando commented on the judges challenging his use of so many ingredients, saying, "Complex and exciting flavors like Thai Curry, Jamaican Jerk, Mole Oaxaca, these blew me away the first time I tried them. The magic of spices really made me want to learn to be a chef," he smiled.

Orlando captured the victory on "Wok This Way" with his dishes "Misty Mountain Trout," "Rum-Raisin Jerk Chicken," and "Papaya-Lemon Curd with Stinky Cheese."

The dishes Orlando cooked up for Chopped will be incorporated into the menus at both New World Home Cooking, Co. in Saugerites and the New World Bistro Bar in Albany for a limited time, so patrons interested in tasting the meals that helped crown him Chopped Champion will get their chance.

In addition to Orlando's cooking, The Pfizer Million VIP Clubhouse and the Chalets-on-the-Finish Line, and will be run by the talented VIP hospitality team of Bobby Drennan and Chris Pace. HITS Saugerties, welcome Drennan and Pace from the Thermal Oasis Club in Thermal, CA, where they are known for their superior VIP services.

Located directly in between the two respective stages for the aforementioned events of the Sunday spectacular, The Pfizer Million Clubhouse offers VIPs the opportunity to watch the Pfizer Million in the stunning and expansive stone-enclosed Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Arena, and then simply turn their chairs to watch the John Fogerty concert that will take place in the Main Hunter Stadium, another exquisite stone-enclosed arena on the other side of The Pfizer Million Clubhouse.
 
Tables for eight are priced at $2,500 for the entire show week, and include every amenity you could imagine!