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Grand Cochon - GA Ticket

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    Sun, September 30, 2018 (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)

City Winery Chicago
1200 W Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60607
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Cost: $150

General Admission ticket includes all-inclusive tastings of food and beverages

Grand Cochon - Ten Year Anniversary - More than Another Chef Competition

This September 30 in Chicago, eleven winning chefs from cities across the U.S. and Canada will compete for the ultimate prize of the “King or Queen of Porc”. That date will also mark the 10th anniversary of Cochon555’s first chef competition in Atlanta. It started with a simple idea: let’s start a conversation about how our food is raised and connect stakeholders in the industry more directly. This food festival included heritage breed pig farmers, chefs and wine makers. Five of each were brought together to put on an event that invited consumers into the conversation and demonstrated what our food could be.

Over the past 10 years, Founder Brady Lowe has had a lot to say, and provided a platform for others to join the discussion. “When we started, ideas like nose-to-tail cooking, and eliminating food waste were in their infancy (or were yet to come). It was important to create an environment that brought farmers, chefs and consumers together in an inviting and fun place where they could hear, see, and learn about the importance of these food systems.”

Grand Cochon is the tour’s annual finale. Chefs who make it to Chicago have already won their city’s competition besting four other chefs. City Winery will host the event for the first time and tickets are now available on Cochon555.com. Chicago’s own Cory Morris, chef at Boleo at the Kimpton Gray Hotel will compete against 10 other chefs coming to town for this epic whole hog showdown. Chefs in other cities include Ginger Pierce and Preston Madson (Jams by Jonathan Waxman, NYC), David Uygur (Lucia, DAL), Ayesha Curry and Jeremy McMillan (International Smoke, SFO), Brian Redzikowski (Kettner Exchange, LAX), Karyn Thomlinson (Corner Table, MSP), Mitch Mayers (Sawyer, SEA), Jw Foster (The Vermillion Room at The Fairmont Banff Springs), Gabriel Erales (Dai Due Taqueria, ATX), Jose Mendin (Habitat, MIA), and Kyle Foster (Julep, DEN).

In addition to serving up some of the best pork bites on the planet, the drinks will be flowing as the event will also hold the finale of Punch Kings. Eleven top barkeeps will come with a bottle, a bowl, and a dream. Judging will take place at the event, and attendees will have the chance to taste finalists’ entries along with a host of other pop-ups and unique experiences delivered by the event’s host of supporters.

“It’s always an honor to see all the incredible talent and good food movement support in one place,” says Brady Lowe, Founder of Cochon555. “We’re putting the spotlight on heritage species, responsible agriculture, and amazing chefs and producers. As one of this country’s premiere dining cities, we’re proud to have Chicago as the centerpiece of Grand Cochon. Guests can expect an epic culinary experience that’s not just about quality, but wines, spirits, cheeses, pork dishes and much more, all created with purpose and passion. This is eating and drinking for a cause.”

In 2015, Piggy Bank was established. It is a “Noah’s Ark” of heritage breed pigs promoting open access agriculture providing access to genetics, business plans and knowledge for small and family farms. What’s next for Cochon? How about seeding the next generation of passionate farmers? With the average age of a U.S. farmer approaching 60, Brady Lowe is launching the “Grow a Farmer” initiative that will help young aspiring agrarians to find apprenticeships and opportunities to learn the craft.

You can support all of these initiatives and people by attending Grand Cochon. As always, a pop up butcher will do a live demo followed by an auction of cuts that will raise money for Piggy Bank. More information will be announced as the date draws near.

Tags

  • Event
  • wine
  • City Winery Chicago
  • Chicago
  • Things to do in Chicago, IL
  • Western Wine & Food Events
  • Chicago Wine & Food Events