Get ready to PIG OUT on Sunday, April 28th for Cochon 555 as the pig-centric tour returns for its fifth anniversary being held at the Four Seasons Chicago. Touching down in 10 cities across the country and bringing its message of nose-to-tail cooking, breed diversity and family farming to food enthusiasts nationwide, 5 chefs, 5 pigs and 5 wineries gather at each event where the chefs are challenged to prepare a menu entirely from the pig.  Chefs competing for Prince or Princess of Pork in Chicago are Kevin Hickey (Allium); Cosmo Goss (Publican Quality Meats); Matthias Merges (Yusho); Ryan Poli (Tavernita); and Josh Adams (June Restaurant).

Guests will be treated to an epic pork feast alongside wines from five small family-owned wineries including Scholium Project, Elk Cove Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, Buty Winery, K Vintners, plus special tastings from Silver Oak, MacPhail Family Wines, Anchor Brewing, Crispin Ciders, Pig’s Nose Scotch, and Illegal Mezcal. Twenty judges and 400 guests help decide the winning chef, who is crowned the Prince of Pork and will compete against other regional winners at the finale Grand Cochon event at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen on Sunday, June 16. 

VIP guests receive early access starting at 4 p.m. and special offerings including a special tasting with three competing chefs. The VIP hour is filled with experiences that will not be found on the main floor. Cochon added five bourbons to the lineup! All attendees will get samples of Breckenridge Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Templeton Rye, High West, Buffalo Trace and Four Roses in addition to the Perfect Manhattan Bar showcasing Luxardo cherries and Eagle Rare.  Also new in 2013 is the Chupito/Mezcal Bar, a tasting experience featuring Mezcales de Leyenda, Pierde Almas and Fidencio. The infamous Craft Cheese Bar sees a facelift featuring a local cheesemonger, Cypress Grove Chevre, Vermont Butter & Cheese, Spring Brook Farm with an exclusive tasting of blues from Rogue Creamery, and favorites from Kerrygold. 

Tickets: $125 (general admission) and $200 (VIP) PURCHASE HERE

In addition…To kick-off the 5th Anniversary Weekend Celebration, Cochon 555 will curate an intimate “Chef’s Course” Guest Chef Dinner on Friday, April 26 at Sepia. James Beard Award nominated Chef Andrew Zimmerman will open his kitchen to six renowned Chicago chefs including Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat and Little Goat); Rob Levitt (The Butcher & Larder); Patrick and Michael Sheerin (Trenchermen); Jason Vincent (Nightwood); Craig Bell (Sub-Zero and Wolf); and Cochon 555 founder Brady Lowe, as they prepare this special, one-night-only epicurean feast. In addition to wines, each course will be paired with cocktails and spirits, including those from Anchor Brewing, Crispin Cider, Elk Cove Vineyards, Buty Vineyards, Scholium Project and Ridge Vineyards. Tickets and details for this special dinner experience are very limited and can be found on the website or by calling Sepia at 312.441.1920.

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