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Minneapolis will be the fourth stop on the 2015 tour of the prestigious culinary competition and today they released the full list of competitors. Thomas Boemer of Corner Table, Steven Brown of Tilia, Jim Christiansen of Heyday, Mike DeCamp of La Belle Vie and Gavin Kaysen of Spoon and Stable will be judged on their preparation of a whole hog by the entire crowd in attendance and a panel of invited judges with head judge, local chef turned international celebrity Andrew Zimmern.
Not only will there be over 36 dishes prepared from the heritage breed, locally raised pigs, but guests will be treated to wine, beer and spirits.
The local chef winner will compete for the title of "Kind or Queen of Porc" at the Grand Cochon competition held in Snowmass/Aspen this June. The grand champion wins a four day wine experience in Rioja and kitchen countertops from Wilsonart® Quartz.
But enough about them, what about what's in it for us, the attendees? Guests will be greeted with a Buffalo Trace "Welcome Reception Punch," paired with an initial bite. Snacks beyond the pig includes cheese from Surdyk's, and oysters from Russell Klein of Meritage and Brasserie Zentral.
The Perfect Manhattan Experience will be mixed up with Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace and Breckenridge bourbon, garnished with Luxardo cherries and something they're billing as a "special treat" from Creminelli.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy samples from five bartenders competing to be the Punch Kings.
Notable local chef Erik Sather, who has worked in some of the most beloved restaurants in the Twin Cities, will represent Seward Community Co-op, leading a butchering demonstration.
Just before the winners are announced the Swine and Sweets course will be served. After the winner is announced, attendees are invited to a chef's after part at Cosmos.
Cochon 555's Minneapolis event kicks off at 5 p.m. at Loews hotel at 601 1st Avenue North in downtown Minneapolis on Sunday March 1st. Tickets are $125 for general admission and $200 for VIP.
