**PRESS RELEASE**

 888.com, a leading global online gaming entertainment company, and operator of us.888poker.com and us.888casino.com sites in New Jersey, today announced that it has placed a bounty on the head of Michael Carrino, chef and partner of Montclair’s Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastrolounge – on the poker table that is.  A star of the Garden State culinary scene, 888.com will host a “Bounty Blitz with Chef Mike” online poker tournament and sponsor Carrino’s upcoming participation at The 50 Yard Lounge – the premier VIP destination for food, drink music and football taking place in New York City during the week of ‘The Big Game.’

He can masterfully butcher a 300 lbs. hog, but can he work his magic on the poker table? There’s only one way to find out.  888poker.com’s “Bounty Blitz with Chef Mike” online poker tournament will take place on Monday, January 27, at 9:05 PM EST.  The card shark that knocks Carrino out of the tournament will win two tickets to The 50 Yard Lounge’s “Made in the USA” event on Saturday, February 1.  There is no entry fee, so players can register by logging on to 888poker.com and going to the ‘Tournaments’ tab and clicking on “Bounty Blitz with Chef Mike.”  For information, and other ways to win free tickets to the hottest party in the area, visit http://us.888.com/promotions/the-50-yard-lounge/.

“I am excited to be partnering with 888.com surrounding its Bounty Blitz poker tournament and sponsorship of The 50 Yard Lounge,” said Carrino. “I’ve been playing poker since I was in high school.  Coincidentally, being a chef and a card player are very similar. Both situations are intense and you need to think quickly without showing your emotions. I look forward to competing against some of the state’s best poker players; however, I hope they are prepared to come in second place.”

One of Inside Jersey magazine’s Top Chefs of 2013, Carrino is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. He has made guest appearances on NBC’s Today Show, Good Day New York, CBS 2 Saturday Morning, Today in New York, LX New York, News 12 New Jersey and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, New Jersey Monthly, The Star-Ledger, New York Post and Zagat Dinning Guide and many more. He was declared the winner of his episode of Food Network’s popular cooking competition “CHOPPED” and on five separate occasions, he has been invited to cook for the prestigious members of the world famous James Beard Foundation in New York City.

A-list stars and legends of football, food and music will headline The 50 Yard Lounge’s events with special programming that includes chef and player demos from headliners such as Iron Chef Marc Forgione, the multiple Michelin-starred chef of Marea, Michael White, James Beard Award winner and Top Chef Just Desserts’ Judge, Johnny Iuzzini, acclaimed chef of Butter and TV personality Alex Guarnaschelli and celebrated butcher Pat LaFrieda, as well as players including Joe Theismann, Doug Flutie, and Hall of Famer Cris Carter along with ESPN’s Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg (courtesy of the Almond Board of California). 

Terms & Conditions:

1.       All 888poker Terms & Conditions apply.

2.     Must be over 21 years old to gamble. Real money gaming is only available in the State of New Jersey.

Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and you need help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

About The 50 Yard Lounge

The 50 Yard Lounge is the premier VIP destination for food, drink and football in New York City during the biggest Pro Football week of the year. The 50 Yard Lounge, located at One Penn Plaza, will be open from January 29 - February 2, 2014 and will offer exclusive events for food and football fans alike including the “Jets House,” the team’s main hospitality venue for the week.  New York City’s top chefs will join football legends and top musicians to celebrate food and the big game with demos and activities for VIPS, season ticket holders, fans and all New Yorkers. Tickets are available at www.50YardLounge.com.

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