Cochon 555, a national culinary competition promoting heritage breed pigs, announces the celebration of its finale event, Grand Cochon, presented by Sur La Table, at this year’s FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen. On June 19 at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado, winners from each city or regional event on the 10-city tasting tour will prepare a snout -to-tail’ menu created from heritage breed pigs.
Grand Cochon is among the finale events at the 29th annual FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, the nation’s premier culinary festival, and will determine the 2011 “King or Queen of Porc.” The winning chef will be chosen by the audience and a panel of 20 expert judges. In addition, guests will be treated to Joshua Applestone’s whole pig breakdown demonstration, presented by Wi¼sthof, reserve wines, artisan cocktails, dessert and the award ceremony.
Competing chefs and winners of Cochon 555 in their respective cities include Brad Farmerie of Public (NYC), Matt Jennings of Farmstead (Boston), John Sundstrom of Lark (Seattle), Duskie Estes & John Stewart of Zazu (Napa), Scott Drewno of The Source (DC) and Michael Fiorello of Mercat a la Planxa (Chicago), Alex Seidel of Fruition (Denver) and more winners will be selected soon in Los Angeles, New Orleans and San Francisco.
“Through this six-month long friendly competition, we have been championing family farms raising heritage breed pigs and connecting them with passionate, supportive chefs,” says event founder and Taste Network principal Brady Lowe. “Plus, pork-avores from Boston to Seattle have discovered the flavor benefits of supporting dedicated chefs and family-run wineries.”
Lowe adds, “Grand Cochon is the crowning event of the national tour – celebrating heritage pigs has helped tilt the scales in favor of a better food system. ”
Cochon 555 also celebrates family-operated wineries at Grand Cochon, presented by Sur La Table, with appearances from Charles Smith of K Vintners; West Sonoma Coast Vintners, including Andy Peay of Peay Vineyards and Ehren Jordan of Failla; Red Car; Sokol Blosser; and Ladera. Additionally, Domaine Serene will host a special tasting featuring Oregon wines paired with the coveted Spanish pork, Iberico De Bellota by Fermin and Wagshal’s Market.
Posted by Lauren 05/20/11
