Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino Attempts World Record For Largest Pierogi

Celebrate National Pierogi Day on Oct. 8 at Pittsburgh’s Casino

PITTSBURGH — Oct. 6, 2014 — Something big is cooking at Rivers Casino—really big. That’s because Pittsburgh’s casino will host a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® official attempt for the largest pierogi. And what better day to cook this colossal cuisine than on National Pierogi Day, Wednesday, Oct. 8.

This is a record that has never before been attempted. Prepared by Rivers’ Executive Chef Richard Marmion and Assistant Executive Chef Adam Tharpe, this delicious dumpling will need to weigh more than 110 pounds and three ounces to secure the record. The ingredients to make a record-setting pierogi include: 60 pounds of potatoes, 25 pounds of flour, 16 eggs and five pounds of cheddar cheese.

Chef Marmion and his team have been cooking practice pierogies to prep for the big day. Promptly at 10 a.m. on National Pierogi Day, a representative from Guinness World Records will be supervising the chefs in Rivers’ kitchen to verify the weighty dish, and then the celebration—and eating—will begin.

“Pierogies traditionally are a famous Pittsburgh favorite, so it’s fitting that Pittsburgh’s casino is the first to ever attempt this record,” said Craig Clark, general manager of Rivers Casino. “It’s important to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage of our city, and it’s going to be a very exciting moment for our guests.”

The History of National Pierogi Day

While this attempt will be history-in-the-making for Rivers Casino, these delicious dumplings already have a rich tradition in Western Pa. Thanks to Eastern European immigrants, pierogies first arrived in the U.S. at the beginning of the 20th century. Most often, pierogies are made with a mixture of pasta, potatoes and cheese. In Pittsburgh, pierogies have a tried-and-true fan base, and these perfectly tasty pockets are found on menus throughout the city. 

On Oct. 8, 1952, Ted Twardzik, Sr., founder of Mrs. T’s® Pierogies, produced the company’s very first pierogi samples and delivered them to a local grocery store in Shenandoah, Pa.. And with that, Mrs. T’s was born. More than 60 years later, Mrs. T’s is still a family-owned company and sells more than 600 million pierogies each year. 

Party with the Rivers’ Pierogi Prize Patrol

A pierogi celebration would not be complete without an appearance from Pittsburgh’s hometown pierogies. Sauerkraut Saul, Cheese Chester, Jalapeno Hannah and Oliver Onion, the famous Pittsburgh Pirates Pierogies, will be joining the celebration and posing for photo opportunities with guests.

Following the record-setting attempt, players will be treated to a free tasting of world-famous Mrs. T’s pierogies from noon to 1 p.m. in Levels Lounge. Rivers Casino Rush Rewards members have the chance to win Free Slot Play, prizes or a year’s supply of Mrs. T’s pierogies with “hot seat” drawings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 8. And don’t forget to have your picture taken with Pittsburgh’s hometown pierogies, who will be on hand to help with the festivities.

For more information about the pierogi festivities at Rivers Casino, please visit riverscasino.com.  

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ABOUT RIVERS CASINO
Opened in 2009, Rivers Casino has been voted a 2014 “Best Place to Work” in the Pittsburgh Business Times, "Best Overall Gaming Resort" in Pennsylvania by Casino Player magazine and "Best Overall Casino" in Pennsylvania by Strictly Slots magazine. The casino features more than 2,900 slots, 83 table games, a 30-table poker room, nine distinctive restaurants and bars, a riverside amphitheater, a multi-purpose event space, live music performances, free parking and multiple promotions and giveaways daily. Already, more than $406 million in jackpots have been awarded to players at Rivers Casino. For more information, visit riverscasino.com. 

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS:

• Michael Empric, adjudicator, Guinness World Records
• Wayne Hoben, director of public relations, Mrs. T’s
• Richard Marmion, executive chef, Rivers Casino

MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Watts
For Rivers Casino
717.507.3754
[email protected]