Epic Culinary Event in Banff – April 28: Cochon555 2018

Banff will be the first destination in Canada to host US-based Cochon555, an epic culinary event, on April 28. Bringing nose-to-tail excitement to the Canadian Rockies, Cochon555 and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism invite ticket holders to feast all Saturday afternoon on 1,500 pounds of heritage-breed pork and more local culinary creations during an elaborate three-hour dining experience. More than 35 courses will be served to hundreds of roving diners enjoying wine, local craft beer and spirits alongside ethically sourced heritage pork. The five local chefs competing will create a chef’s menu incorporating a 200-pound heritage breed pig that they have prepped and cooked for one week. Twenty celebrity judges will evaluate the chefs utilization, technique, and overall flavour by guests who vote to determine the “best bite of the day.” The winning “Prince or Princess of Pork” from the Banff competition will advance to the North American finale: Grand Cochon. The local chefs include: Host Chef JW Foster of The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and its Vermillion Room Brasserie & Bar Chef Shelley Robinson of Banff Hospitality Collective Co-Chefs Connie DeSousa and John Jackson of CHARCUT and charbar Chef Randy Luft of the Rimrock Resort Hotel Chef Matthias Fong of River Cafe Running in tandem are two satellite beverage competitions to complement the whole-animal tilt: Punch Kings, a whole bottle, large-format spirit competition featuring five top barkeeps in a hand-crafted punch challenge; and Somm Smackdown, a face-off of five top sommeliers pairing the best wine with heritage pig. For an in-depth look at the Cochon555 movement, watch the overview video, and purchase tickets here https://www.banfflakelouise.com/cochon555-tickets. Tickets are available as follows: General Admission $129 + tax A unique signature three hour culinary experience of delight and wonderment. Feast on responsibly raised heritage breed pig, ethically sourced food, a variety of beverages from local craft breweries, distilleries and wineries, all created by some of Alberta and BC’s most forward thinking food and drink leaders. VIP Access $189 + tax Start celebrating the night early and treat yourself to the VIP area. With an extra hour of extravagance, get up close with chefs, winemakers and farmers who make it all happen. Chefs serve up two preview dishes to entice your palate while professional bartenders and sommeliers bring their best game forward with specialty cocktails and reserve wines. Cochon555 Banff hotel packages are available at the Fairmont Banff Springs, Moose Hotel & Suites and Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa. The ultimate aim of Cochon555 is to provide education to chefs and consumers and create experiences that guests can sink their teeth into: honest food from real farmers. The goal is to raise the bar on building a sustainable and profitable relationship for brands and chefs participating in culinary festivals.