Celebrity Chefs Josh Capon and Ellie Krieger Headline Saratoga

Contact:
Carolyn Krupski, 518.584.9330 x 218
ckrupski@spac.org;
www.spac.org
Press Release
For Release 8/10/15
Celebrity Chefs Josh Capon and Ellie Krieger Headline
Saratoga Wine & Food Festival and Concours D’Elegance
Friday – Sunday, September 11-13
Celebrity Chef Zak Pelaccio Brings Farm-to-Fork Flair to Festival
“Best Chef in the Hudson Valley,” Chef Ric Orlando, Brings Innovative Take on Local Food
Saratoga Springs, NY— Celebrity chefs Josh Capon of Spike TV’s popular “Frankenfood” and Ellie Krieger of the
Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite” will headline the 2015 Annual Saratoga Wine and Food Festival
presented by Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13.
Capon will host the highly anticipated Fired Up! Presented by Stella Artois and Certified Angus Beef Grill
Competition on the evening of Friday, September 11 from 7-10PM. The competition will pit five of the Capital
Region’s best chefs against five Manhattan grill masters. On Saturday, September 12, from 12-4 PM, Krieger will
host the Grand Tasting and Concours D’Elegance event – the centerpiece of the festival featuring international
wine, delicacies prepared by the region’s best chefs, cooking demonstrations, connoisseur-led wine seminars, and a
luxury car show.
“We are thrilled to welcome Josh Capon and Ellie Krieger to the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, the famous finale
of the SPAC season” said Marcia J. White, President and Executive Director of SPAC. “Both chefs have captivated
foodies around the nation through their impressive contributions to the culinary arts. They are certain to delight,
entertain, and educate our guests about healthy and delicious contemporary cuisine.”
JOSH CAPON, host of Spike TV's cooking competition show, “Frankenfood”
Josh Capon, best known as the host of Spike TV's first cooking competition show, “Frankenfood,” is the six-time winner of
the People's Choice award at the New York City Wine & Food Festival and South Beach Wine & Food Festival's Burger
Bash event. He is the seasoned executive chef and partner behind Lure Fishbar, B&B Winepub and El Toro Blanco in
New York City, and Lure Fishbar which opened recently in South Beach, Miami. He has appeared on numerous
television shows including The Chew, Rachael Ray Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, CBS Early Show, TODAY and Food
Network and has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, Time Out New York and other media outlets.
Capon is also involved with charitable work including Wellness In The Schools, a non-profit organization dedicated to
making school food healthy.
Capon graduated from Johnson & Wales University and while in culinary school, Charlie Palmer selected Capon as
the culinary "extern" at Aureole, Palmer's acclaimed Manhattan restaurant. After graduating in 1994, Capon
accepted an offer from Palmer to assist in the opening of The Lenox Room. From there, he went on to work for
David Burke at the Park Avenue Café, where he was offered an exchange opportunity to work in Europe. He spent
the next year honing his cooking skills in several different restaurants throughout France, Italy, Germany and Spain
before returning to the US and building his own culinary empire.
ELLIE KRIEGER, host of the Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite”
Well known as the host of the Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite,” Ellie Krieger’s warmth and charisma
have made her the leading go-to nutritionist in the media today. Krieger’s nutrition philosophy is adoptable for all;
her advice excludes the gimmicks and extreme diets that permeate the media today. She is a columnist for The
Washington Post and has appeared as a guest expert on dozens of national television programs including The Today
Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, CNN, The Wendy Williams Show and Dr. Oz. Krieger has also been at
the forefront of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign since the beginning when Mrs. Obama’s team
personally invited her to head up a nutrition education initiative at the “Healthy Kids Fair” at the White House.
Ellie has received both the prestigious James Beard Foundation and International Association of Culinary
Processionals (IACP) cookbook awards and she is a New York Times bestselling author. Her career launching first
book, Small Changes Big Results, is a how-to on easy-to-live-with habit changes that yield optimal results, which
was recently released in a revised and updated format. Her acclaimed cookbooks, including The Food You Crave:
Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life, So Easy: Luscious Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Week, Comfort
Food Fix: Feel Good Favorites Made Healthy, and Weeknight Wonders: Delicious Healthy Dinners in 30
Minutes or Less, all hit what she calls the “sweet spot” where delicious and healthy meet, offering recipes that are
as inspiring as they are achievable.
A registered dietitian, Ellie has a master’s degree in nutrition from Teacher’s College, Columbia University and
completed her undergraduate degree at Cornell University. Ellie was an adjunct professor at New York University
in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health. In her years in private practice, she counseled a
variety of clients, from homemakers and CEOs to notable celebrities.
Highlighting Saturday’s Grand Tasting will be culinary demonstrations by Krieger and two beloved
Hudson-area chefs: Ric Orlando, owner of New World Bistro, claiming two victories on the Food Network series
Chopped™; and Zak Pelaccio, famed for award-winning cookbook, “Eat With Your Hands.”
“We eagerly await Grand Tasting culinary demonstrations with Ric Orlando and Zak Pelaccio, two of upstate New
York’s most innovative and creative culinary artists,” added White. “All of the remarkable talent on display at this
year’s Festival will enhance our legacy of showcasing the most celebrated international wines, the best local foods,
and a luxury car show to please every auto enthusiast!”
ZAK PELACCIO, Chef & Co-Founder of the Hudson Valley’s Restaurant Fish & Game
Adding culinary expertise to the festival will be celebrity chef Zak Pelaccio, chef and co-founder of Hudson Valley
restaurant Fish and Game. He is best known for his award winning 2012 cookbook, Eat With Your Hands, featuring
recipes that combine Asian flavor, local ingredients, and American gusto. To New Yorkers everywhere, and the food
community worldwide, Pelaccio is well known as a champion of Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisines and as founder
of Brooklyn’s Chickenbone Cafe and the Malaysian-inspired Fatty Crab in Manhattan and Fatty 'Cue in Brooklyn.
Emerging on New York City’s dining scene in 2003, Zak Pelaccio quickly earned recognition among New York's foodie
insiders as one of the city’s most innovative chefs. Recently located to the Hudson Valley, his restaurant Fish and Game is
characterized by an emphasis on locally grown food and locally raised livestock and nearly everything is made in-house,
including its vinegars, vermouth, butters and sauces. In concert with the local growing season, the menu changes almost
daily and a nose-to-tail ethos means that the restaurant orders only whole animals locally sourced, and then uses every
possible piece from each one.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Pelaccio was also the Executive Chef at Manhattan’s 5 Ninth where he earned
critical praise from New York food critics including New York magazine that praised the restaurant as “an exercise in
authentic, simple excellence.” Pelaccio is also the author of Eat with Your Hands, recognized by both Gourmand and
Eater.com as one of the best cookbooks of 2012.
RIC ORLANDO, Owner of New World Home Cooking Co., New World Catering, and New World Bistro Bar
Also contributing to the culinary demonstrations at the Grand Tasting will be Ric Orlando, who has been voted Best Chef
in the 2015 Albany Times Union Readers Poll and Best Chef in the Hudson Valley 2014 by the readers of Hudson
Valley Magazine. His restaurants New World Home Cooking Co. in Woodstock, NY, New World Catering in the
Hudson River Valley and New World Bistro Bar in Albany, NY, have won numerous accolades including:
Metroland's 25 year anniversary #2 Most Beloved Restaurant, Restaurant most worth taking a drive to, Best
American, Best International, and Top 3 Vegetarian Restaurants. The Albany Times Union gave New World Bistro
Bar Top Vegetarian Restaurant and the NY Beef Council awarded Orlando’s Northeast Family Farm Burger Deluxe
the award for Best Burger in the Capital Region for 2011.
Guided by the words “We Want Clean Food,” Ric Orlando brings an inspired blend of lust for life, outspoken
passion for the flavors and ingredients of the world community, and nationally renowned cooking prowess to his
roles as chef, lecturer, author, and media source. Orlando has been preparing and promoting both global and local
food for over 20 years. His recipes and commentary are consistently in demand by the regional media. His tireless
work in promoting the products, people, and beauty of the region has made him one of the Hudson Valley’s leading
culinary spokespeople.
“I look forward to presenting at the SPAC Food and Wine Fest because there is no better setting than SPAC to bring
out my tastiest surprises,” Chef Ric Orlando commented. “I get to display my best work to the best crowd in New
York! I love presenting great food to a knowledgeable crowd and this audience is so engaged, it makes me do my
best. This year we will feature the sweetest local watermelons is a variety of surprising ways!”
ABOUT FIRED UP! GRILL COMPETITION | Friday, Sept 11, 7:00PM -10:00 PM
At Fired UP! Presented by Stella Artois and Certified Angus Beef Grill Competition, the kick-off event to the
weekend’s events at SPAC, five chefs from the Capital Region’s finest restaurants will compete against five New
York City grill masters. Local chefs will represent favorite area restaurants: Angelo’s 677 Prime; Druthers Brewing
Company; Hattie’s; Henry Street Taproom; and Mingle Saratoga. New York City chefs come to Saratoga from famed
restaurants: Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse; Black Iron Burger; Dukes Original Roadhouse; and Milk Burger. While
watching the competition, guests will also enjoy great music, gourmet food, BBQ, a cold refreshing Stella Artois,
wines and spirits. Ultimately, guests will sample the inventive grill-off creations, helping judges to name the 2015
Saratoga Grill Master. Event price: $85
ABOUT GRAND TASTING AND CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE | Saturday, Sept 12, 12:00PM – 4:00PM
Saturday’s Grand Tasting and Concours D’Elegance event is centered on unparalleled wines, spirits, local foods, and
the region’s top restaurants. All guests will have the opportunity to savor exquisite foods created by more than 30
chefs in the Capital Region; a live auction, a mystery wall, and cocktails, wine and beer. In addition, The Saratoga
Automobile Museum will present a show of luxury collector cars including classes of Shelby Cobra, Alfa Romeo,
Porsche, Lancia, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, among others. Event price: $75. A VIP Grant Tasting ticket, which
allows earlier entry to the Grand Tasting and exclusive access to the Connoisseur’s Tent, is available for $175.
Highlighting the afternoon will be culinary demonstrations by Ellie Krieger, Ric Orlando, and Zak Pelaccio, followed
by a book signing with Ellie Krieger.
Local restaurants featured at the Grand tasting will include: All Good Things Juice Bar; Capital City Gastropub;
Carney's Tavern; Dinosaur BBQ Troy; Druthers Brewing Company; FIFTY SOUTH; Harvey's; Healthy Living Market
& Café; Henry Street Taproom; Maestro's; Marrello Restaurants & Catering Jacob & Anthony's American Grill &
Bellini's Italian Eatery; Mingle Saratoga; New World Catering by Ric Orlando; Nove Italian Restaurant; Prime at
Saratoga National; Saratoga Juice Bar; Tavern at The Desmond Hotel; Texas de Brazil; The Fresh Market; The
Hollow Bar + Kitchen; The Wine Bar; We Do Fondue-Chocolate Fountain Rentals; Wings Over Saratoga; and
Wheatfields Restaurant and Bar.
OTHER FAVORITE EPICUREAN EVENTS RETURNING TO SARATOGA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL INCLUDE:
ADIRONDACK ROAD TOUR & GOURMET LUNCHEON | Friday, Sept 11, 10:30AM – 3:00PM
This spirited 1 ½ hour, professionally-led road rally for auto collectors winds through beautiful Adirondack roads
to finish at the historic Lake George Club, where a gourmet lunch includes library-quality wines and imported fine
foods. Event price: $75.
IN THE GROOVE JAZZ BRUNCH | Sunday, Sept 13, 11:00AM – 2:00PM
This sumptuous Sunday Brunch will feature gourmet offerings from six of Mazzone Hospitality’s finest restaurants
in Saratoga National’s idyllic setting. Live jazz, culinary delights, delectable Mimosas, Bloody Marys, Old
Fashioneds, and the Best in Show Auto Awards highlight the event. Event price: $75.
ABOUT SARATOGA WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL
The Saratoga Wine and Food Festival is Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s primary fundraiser for its educational
programming, including Classical Kids, a collaborative program in which SPAC works with local schools to teach
elementary and middle school aged children about the classical performing arts. SPAC both designs and teaches
dance and music curriculums that educate young students about the compositions and arts organizations
presented at SPAC. Following classroom studies, SPAC hosts students at a summertime performance of the work
that they studied. Graduates of Classical Kids receive two free tickets to a SPAC classical performance annually
until they graduate from high school.
“At the end of the day, the Festival is designed to be a true community event as proceeds directly benefit our
children through SPAC’s educational programming,” said Marcia J White. “Our education programs bring the best
artists in the world to our kids’ schools. Exposing the next generation of SPAC audiences -- and maybe even future
performers for the SPAC stage -- to world-class art is fundamental to who we are at SPAC.”
Sponsors of Saratoga Wine and Food Festival include: Adirondack Appliance, Certified Angus Beef, Key Private
Bank, SaxBST, Saratoga Eagle, Stella Artois, Southern Wine & Spirits, MVP Healthcare, Barritts Ginger Beer,
Bouchey Financial Group, Ltd., Fingerpaint, Fodor’s Travel, Healthy Living Market & Café, Tri City Rentals,
Woodford Reserve, Sysco, Chubb Personal Insurance, Mionetto, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Wine Worldwide, Inc.,
Heaven Hill, Capital Luxury Car Company, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, New Country Porsche, Wide World
Ferrari Maserati and Trinchero Family Estates.
SARATOGA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PACKAGES
Packages for the weekend are also available:
Grand Tasting Package (one ticket to Fired Up!, Grand Tasting, and Jazz Brunch): $210
VIP Grand Tasting Package (one ticket to Fired Up!, VIP Grand Tasting, and Jazz Brunch): $285
Tickets to the festival and more information about the complete festival schedule are available at spac.org; by
calling 518-584-9330; or in person at the SPAC Box Office.
Ellie Krieger, host of the Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite” (credit Nigel Barker)
Josh Capon, host of Sike TV’s “Frankenfood” (credit Spike TV and Matthias Calmer)
Zak Pellacio, Chef and Co-Founder of Hudson Valley Restaurant Fish and Game
Ric Orlando, Owner of New World Home Cooking Co., New World Catering, and New World Bistro Bar (credit David
Chernis)