Denver, the ultimate ski commuter town, is hosting an epic event at the Ritz-Carlton downtown in homage to all things pig and a few big shots from the high country are joining in. On March 9, Cochon 555 will see five all-star chefs cooking five heritage-breed pigs in a battle for the title of Queen or King of pork. The Denver-based chefs are some serious industry heavyweights (Jennifer Jasinski from Rioja, Paul C. Reilly from Beast & Bottle, Justin Brunson from Old Major, and Steve Redzikowski from Boulder's Oak at Fourteenth), but mountain-favorite Bill Greenwood from Beaver Creek's Beano's Cabin is also vying for the title. Each chef will cook six nose-to-tail dishes in hopes of securing a spot at the Grand Cochon competition at this year's Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Brian Busker and Toru Watanabe from Matsuhisa Vail will also prepare an additional whole pig in a late-night Asian Speakeasy style. But enough with the details, what does a $130.95 general admission or $208 VIP ticket get you? Guests will get to eat all 30 dishes as well as premium wines, beers, and spirits, and a chance to sample Goose Island vintage ales paired with Hudson Valley foie gras. Highlights include "the perfect Manhattan," a cheese bar, and different ages of Proscuitto di Parma ranging between 14 and 30 months. It doesn't start till 5:00 pm (4:00 pm for VIP) so we're thinking of catching some powder turns in the morning and stuffing our faces with pig and bourbon that evening. A perfect day. Full details and ticket sales, here.
· Cochon 555 [Official Site]
· All Eater Ski Coverage [Curbed Ski Archives]
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