COCHON 555 - Washington D.C.
“5 Pigs, 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers”
May 31st, 2009

WHAT: Cochon 555 is the only national chef competition promoting heritage pigs and breed diversity. Guests and professional judges will determine a winner based on utilization, presentation and overall best flavor. The winner will be crowned the “Prince of Porc”. In addition, five family-owned wineries will showcase their wines. We are proud to announce Bev Eggleston from EcoFriendly Foods will be featuring his fine line of heritage swine.

WHO: Taste Network presents
Brian McBride, Blue Duck Tavern
RJ Cooper, Vidalia
Nicholas Stefanelli, Mio
Jamie Leeds, Commonwealth Gastropub
John Manolatos, Cashion's Eat Place

Wineries: Miner Family Vineyards, Patz & Hall, Arcadian Winery, Pax Winery and Bonny Doon Vineyards.
VIP Chef: Vaughn Skaggs, Market Salamander
VIP Cheese: Cowgirl Creamery
VIP Wine: Patz & Hall

Judges include: Vickie Reh of Les Dames d’Escoffier Green Table, Bev Eggleston of EcoFriendly Foods, Will Sullivan of D.C. Examiner, Eric Ziebold of CityZen, Lars Rusins of Baltimore Foodies, Robert Weidmier of Marcels, Scott Reitz of District Plates, Vaughn Skaggs of Market Salamander, Jeff Johnson of iCompassion.org, Kevin Walsh of iProBBQ.com, Jose Marty of iProBBQ.com, Renee Catacalos of Edible Chesapeake, Alexandra Greeley of Slow Food DC, Dean Gold of Dino, Linda Lombardi of Current Newspaper, Don Rockwell of DonRockwell.com, Robert Weland of Poste Brasserie and more to be announced...

WHEN: Sunday, May 31st, 5:00 p.m. 
Chef & Judges VIP Reception 3:30 p.m. photo opportunity/rsvp required

WHERE: Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. - 1330 Maryland Ave SW

WHY: To promote heritage pigs and breed diversity in local and national communities. Also, to raise awareness for ICompassion, an organization that works to reduce the number of individuals who die from kidney disease each year through providing support with a national live donor registry.

HOW: The cost is $125 per person and is open to the public. For tickets or more info visit www.amusecochon.com. Advance ticket purchase required (industry discount available).

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Cochon 555 began in Atlanta and is national in scope. Other cities include Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Chefs and judges from each city are selected by Taste Network to participate in the event. www.amusecochon.com