Cochon555, the epic annual food, wine and spirit celebration, returns to Dallas on Sunday, February 9, 2020.
This year’s all-inclusive feast will feature a prestigious group of chefs who are at the top of their game when it comes to whole animal cooking as well as farmers who are responsibly raising heritage breed pigs. One hundred-plus prominent chefs, farmers, sommeliers, distillers, brewers and barkeeps will join together in creating an unforgettable experience that educates and entertains in the name of safe, honest and delicious food.
Cochon555 began as a culinary competition to promote local family farming and whole pig cookery through the eyes of notable chefs. Five chefs in each city of the tour are tasked with the goal to win votes from celebrity judges and participants, with one week to prepare a 200 pound (90 kilogram) pig and present a plate for judgement.
The winner of each local competition is announced the Prince or Princess of Pork and advances to the national finale in September. Grand Cochon spotlights the “Best 3 Bites” from all Cochon555 regional events in a head-to-tail, winner-takes-all showdown for the crown.
This year’s competing chefs for the Dallas event include Chef Lance McWhorter of Culture ETX, Chef Rich Vana of The Heritage Table, Chef Andrea Shackelford of Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, Chef Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman of José and Chef Christof Syré of LAW at Four Seasons Resort Dallas at Las Colinas.
Each will receive a heritage breed pig sustainably sourced from Black Hill Meats, Chubby Dog Farm, Blackland Prairie Pork, Whitehurst Heritage Farm and Augustus Ranch to create a maximum of six dishes for competition.
Additionally, bites and beverages from a curated crew of local chefs, boutique distillers and artisan winemakers will ensure an array of culinary creativity and inventive libations for guests to savour.
Fourteen local celebrity judges ranging from key culinary and media personalities will weigh in on the friendly competition for a cause, scoring on utilisation, technique and overall flavour. Attendees will also cast their votes for “best bite of the day” to help determine Dallas’ Prince or Princess of Pork who will advance to The Grand Cochon in the fall.
To further drive home the “knowing where your food comes from” mission, each event features an educational whole animal butchery program called the Pop-Up Butcher Shop as well as a charitable silent auction. Dallas attendees will experience a butchery demonstration by returning personality Nathan Abeyta of Deep Cuts Dallas.
Together with gifts from chefs and sponsors, Cochon555 will raise money to benefit Texas’ Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance, a national organization that supports independent family farmers and protects a healthy and productive food supply for American consumers, and The Council for Healthy Food Systems, its sister organization that provides science-based information to help consumers make choices that improve their health and that of the Earth.
Throughout Cochon555’s national tour, a satellite beverage competition runs to complement the whole-animal festivities; Somm Smackdown is a face-off of five top sommeliers pairing the best wine with heritage pig.
In addition, Citibank will be returning as Cochon555’s Official Financial Partner.
“We are excited to be bringing Cochon555 back to the vibrant culinary community in Dallas,” says Brett Friedman, CEO of Agency 21 Consulting. “Together, with some of the best chefs and partners in hospitality, we strive to garner more awareness and conservation of endangered, heritage breed pork in an effort to support sustainable farming. We are committed to maintaining a socially responsible message, as we strive to effectuate change in the farming industry and improve food practices among consumers.”
- Official Host and Hotel: Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, 4150 N. MacArthur Blvd, Irving, Texas
- When: Sunday, February 9, 2020
- Time: 4:00 pm for VIP entry (USD 185), 5:00 pm for General Admission (USD 125); tickets are available for purchase online
VIP Access USD 185
Start celebrating early with an extra hour of extravagance before the doors are opened to the public. Get up close with chefs, winemakers and farmers eager to share their specialties. Chefs serve up two extra preview dishes while professional bartenders and sommeliers bring their best game forward with reserve wines from Somm Smackdown and specialty cocktails.
General Admission USD 125
The signature two and a half hour, all-inclusive culinary experience. Feast on responsibly raised heritage breed pig, ethically sourced food, a variety of beverages from craft breweries, distilleries and wineries, all created by some of city’s most forward-thinking food and beverage leaders.
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