Big Kitchens: A New Culinary Lifestyle Series Featuring El Pinto Released on FYI Network

For Release Sept 10, 2015

El Pinto Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico is the focus of the a new culinary-themed lifestyle series, Big Kitchens, airing on A&E's FYI Network. The 30-minute episode, “Massive New Mexican,” goes behind the scene at El Pinto Restaurant and the salsa manufacturing facility to reveal some of the tricks that keep this 1,000 seat restaurant humming.

The program is launching this month in the United States, and El Pinto is hosting a free celebratory screening event on Tuesday September 15th at 5 p.m. Free appetizers and rock bottom margarita specials will be going on from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. during the screening. Numerous patrons to El Pinto are interviewed in the new episode that celebrates New Mexican cuisine and all things chile.

Jim Thomas, owner, explains “It is an amazing to understand the ten tables my parents started El Pinto with have organically grown into one of the largest family owned restaurants in the U.S. It is an honor to have Big Kitchens take our story around the world.”

Co-Owner John Thomas describes the filming, “The Big Kitchen's team did an amazing job capturing our kitchen, the heartbeat of El Pinto, and the communication required from the front of the house to the back of the house as staff followed us through our massive house.”

“We were sought out because of El Pinto's massive kitchen, but Big Kitchens is going to be big for Albuquerque tourism as it expands the love of New Mexico green chile around the world,” states Douglas Evilsizor, Marketing Director. He continues, “This is the most widely distributed culinary lifestyle program focusing on Albuquerque the State has ever seen.” In addition to reoccurring broadcast in the U.S on A&E, the program has been purchased by Scripps Networks for Travel Channel UK, as well as Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Shaw Media is taking it to the Food Network in Canada and Seven is broadcasting in Australia.

“The incredible culinary feats combined with the larger-than-life characters lend global appeal to this major new series and we're delighted to work with a raft of high quality broadcasters across international territories,” said Carlo Massarella, creative director and executive producer for U.K based Windfall Films which produced the series, in a statement.

Over the 52-year tradition of El Pinto, the restaurant has helped to put New Mexican cuisine on the map as it has prepared green chile based cuisine within the White House presidential kitchen and provided “take-out” direct to Air Force One on the tarmac in Albuquerque. In addition to serving presidents, cabinet secretaries and military generals, local residents continue to independently voted El Pinto Restaurant the Best New Mexican Restaurant for multiple years running as well as its patios as the Best in the City in the annual Albuquerque The Magazine readers poll.

El Pinto Restaurant and Salsa Co. continues to expand in its 52nd year with an emphasis on serving nutritious, locally raised, and organic foods. El Pinto Restaurant has grown from a few tables in one room started by John and Jim Thomas' parents, to become the most famous restaurant in New Mexico with beautiful patios, natural wood burning fireplaces, and healthy New Mexican cuisine. El Pinto Salsa has recently expanded with the addition of a convenient single serving 4oz chopped green chile cup. The restaurant and salsa manufacturing facility are co-located on property in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

About El Pinto Restaurant & Salsa Co:
Established 50-years ago, El Pinto is a quintessential icon for New Mexican cuisine. Conveniently located in the North Valley of Albuquerque just off I-25, the serene patios located under beautiful cottonwood trees provide an iconic experience. El Pinto is known nationally for its fire-roasted green chile and fresh flavorful salsa distributed across the nation in local grocery stores. The salsa and green chile factory is located on the same grounds as the restaurant. For an authentic taste of New Mexico, visit El Pinto for its fresh iconic food, traditional margaritas, and award winning chile. www.elpinto.com