Accord Social: Veteran Chef Ric Orlando Returns with New Restaurant on Route 209 |
The Hudson Valley's Living Room' Brings New Wave Italian Cuisine to Accord |
After years away from a full-time restaurant kitchen, celebrated Hudson Valley chef Ric Orlando is making his return with the opening of Accord Social. The newly built restaurant and lounge at 4977 U.S. Route 209 in Accord is being billed as "the Hudson Valley's living room" — a place where shared dishes, conversation, and community take center stage.
A Familiar Name in Hudson Valley Dining
Orlando is best known for New World Home Cooking, the influential restaurant he owned and operated from 1993 to 2018, first in Woodstock and later in Saugerties. That establishment helped define Hudson Valley farm-to-table dining and earned Orlando a reputation as one of the region's most respected chefs.
Since closing New World Home Cooking, Orlando has hosted monthly supper clubs at Oriole 9 in Woodstock and consulted on various projects. Accord Social marks his return to the daily rhythm of restaurant life.
New Wave Italian: The Menu
At Accord Social, Orlando is calling the menu "New Wave Italian" — an approach that respects Italian traditions while adding global influences. The concept emphasizes shared plates and communal dining experiences.
Planned offerings include:
The Self-Pour Wall: A New Concept for the Area
One of Accord Social's most distinctive features is its self-pour wall, offering guests the ability to sample and pour their own beverages. The wall features:
The self-pour system allows guests to try small tastes before committing to a full glass, making it ideal for those who want to explore different options without waste.
The Space: Designed for Gathering
The restaurant's design reflects Orlando's vision of a communal gathering space. The interior features comfortable seating arrangements that encourage conversation, warm lighting, and an open kitchen where guests can watch the culinary team at work.
The lounge area provides a more relaxed setting for after-dinner drinks and dessert, while the main dining room accommodates both intimate dinners and larger group gatherings.
Location and Accessibility
Accord Social's location on Route 209 places it conveniently between New Paltz and Ellenville, making it accessible to residents throughout central Ulster County. The restaurant offers ample parking and is easily visible from the highway.
The location also positions Accord Social as a natural stop for those traveling through the Hudson Valley, whether heading to the Catskills, exploring the Shawangunks, or making the drive up to Woodstock and points beyond.
Opening Timeline
Accord Social is slated to open in early August 2026. The restaurant will operate with full dinner service, and Orlando has indicated that lunch service may be added after the initial launch period.
Reservations will be accepted, though Orlando has emphasized that walk-ins will always be welcome — consistent with his vision of the restaurant as a community gathering place rather than an exclusive destination.
What This Means for the Hudson Valley
Orlando's return to full-time restaurant operations is being welcomed by diners who have missed his presence in the local culinary scene. New World Home Cooking's closing in 2018 left a gap in the region's dining landscape, and Accord Social promises to fill that void while offering something distinctly new.
The restaurant also represents a vote of confidence in the continued vitality of Hudson Valley dining. Despite the challenges of the past several years, Orlando's investment in a new build suggests strong optimism about the region's restaurant future.
Contact InformationAccord Social |
10 Comments
Join the conversation
Went to one of his supper clubs at Oriole 9 a couple years back and the food was incredible. If Accord Social is anywhere close to that level it will be worth the drive from Kingston.
carolinew_upstateThose Oriole 9 supper clubs sold out so fast every time. I only made it to one but yeah the food was on another level. Kingston is totally driveable for this, I'm coming from there too.
New Wave Italian with global influences sounds like it could go either way. Hope they keep it grounded and do not try too hard to be clever with the menu. The short rib brasato sounds promising though.
Mike DelgadoTotally agree on not overthinking it. The best Italian food is usually the simplest anyway. Short rib brasato is a good sign, sounds like he's keeping some soul in it.
Route 209 between New Paltz and Ellenville needed something like this. There really is not much to stop for along that stretch. Good location pick.
Gina FerraroExactly. Coming from the Ellenville side there's almost nothing between here and New Paltz worth stopping at. This could be a real anchor for that whole stretch.
The self-pour wall is a cool idea but I wonder how they handle the billing for that. Do you just swipe a card at the tap or does someone track it? Curious how it works in practice.
tom_hvMost self-pour places use a card you load credit onto at the start and the taps deduct by the ounce as you pour. Seen it at a few spots in the city. Works pretty smoothly once you get the hang of it.
New World Home Cooking was my favorite restaurant in the whole valley. We went every year for my birthday when it was in Saugerties. So glad Ric is back. August cannot come soon enough.
Debbie KraussSame, we did New Year's Eve there one year and it was just perfect. The Saugerties location had such a great vibe. Really hoping Accord Social brings that same warmth back.