Pig Extravaganza, Booze Conference, Food Summit: The Ten Events Not To Miss In March

LOCAL FOOD SUMMIT
When: Monday, March 3, 2014, registration at 9 a.m. Sessions are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: McNicols Civic Center Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue.
What: Denver's largest gathering of local food producers, manufacturers, growers, retailers, and restaurateurs. This conference-style event will provide industry-specific opportunities for engagement, community-building, education, and problem-solving.
More info, tickets, reservations: Admission is t $45 standard or $35 for Mile High Business Alliance Members. Details at the Mile High Business Alliance website.

COCHON 555
When: Sunday, March 9 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: the Ritz Carlton Hotel, 1881 Curtis Street
What: An all-star lineup of five chefs, five pigs and five wineries to celebrate breed diversity and family farms. This year's competing chefs include Paul Reilly of Beast & Bottle, Bill Greenwood of Beano's Cabin, Justin Brunson of Old Major, Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja, and Steve Redzikowski of Oak On Fourteenth and Acorn. The five chefs will compete by preparing a maximum of six dishes, each from one whole heritage breed pig, to win votes from the crowd.
More info, tickets, reservations: Tickets for general admission are $125, and VIP tickets for early admission are $200. Click here for tickets and more details.

BAD APPLE POP UP
When: Sunday, March 9 at 6 p.m.
Where: Corner House, 2240 Clay Street
What: Six courses from chef Jon Mendoza with drinks included- showing off some of Colorado's best produce and purveyors through our interpretation of Colorado Cuisine.
More info, tickets, reservations: The dinner costs $65 per person. Details and tickets available here.

DSTILL
When: March 10 through 16, with the showcase event on March 13.
Where: Multiple locations.
What: A series of panels, workshops, and tours with distillers,bartenders and industry experts. These programs provide an informative look at the craft of distilling and a unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with the pioneers and innovators of the American craft spirit industry, including distillers, bartenders, journalists, and other supporting cast. These educational programs lead-up to the Showcase, the signature tasting event on Thursday, March 13.
More info, tickets, reservations: Tickets for the showcase cost $50 and can be purchased online.

HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
When: March 14 through 16
Where: the Grand Court of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center
What: A custom luxury kitchen as the centerpiece for the event that includes chef demonstrations from some of Denver's top chefs, including Jennifer Jasinski of Rioja, Tyler Wiard of Elway's, and Scott Parker of Session Kitchen.
More info, tickets, reservations: The event is free and open to the public. Bonus: seminars and kids cooking lessons from Sticky Fingers. For details, go to the event's website.

DISHCRAWL
When: March 19 at 7 p.m.
Where: LoHi
What: An experience tour of three LoHi eateries where guests get to taste and smell the local food specialties from this vibrant neighborhood and chefs.
More info, tickets, reservations: Drinks are not include in the price of the tour. Tickets start at $45 and can be purchased online here.

HIGH WEST OYSTER FEST
When: March 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street, Boulder
What: Sip, slurp, and suck oysters. There's an oyster eating contest and a shucking championship.
More info, tickets, reservations: VIP admission at 6 p.m. is $75 and general admission at 7 p.m. is $25. For details, check the High West Oyster Fest Website.

COLLABORATION FEST
When: Saturday, March 22 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: the Curtis Hotel, 1405 Curtis Street
What: Breweries both large and small, from in and outside of Colorado, teaming up to concoct a collaborative beer exclusively for the festival. Dry Dock is pairing with Steamworks; Epic with Elevation; Oskar Blues with La Cumbre; Twisted Pine with Swamp Head; and Great Divide with Crooked Stave. There are nearly 40 beers in total, a few of which combine the efforts of more than five breweries.
More info, tickets, reservations: Tickets prices are from $50 to $80 and can be purchased online here.

HOPS & HANDRAILS BEER FEST & RAIL JAM
When: Saturday, March 29 from 12 to 6 p.m.
Where: Left Hand Brewing Company, 1270 Boston Avenue, Longmont
What: A hybrid winter event featuring the finest craft breweries alongside a 25' high ski ramp at Left Hand Brewery. It's a family friendly winter wonderland loaded with snowboards and craft beer!
More info, tickets, reservations: Tickets: are $30 for the Beer Fest & Rail Jam and $10 for the Rail Jam only. More info and online tickets available here.

UNSUNG HEROES DINNER SERIES
When: Monday, March 31
Where: Harman's Eat & Drink, 2900 East 2nd Avenue
What: Sous chefs, chef de cuisines, strong line cooks, pastry chefs host a multi-course dinner showcasing their cuisine. This first event features Kyle Foster of Colt and Gray, Zach Ohli of Coohills, Liz Farral of Mizuna, Josh Seltveter of Jax and Ian Mair of Harman's.
More info, tickets, reservations: The dinner costs is tbd. For more information, call 303.388.7428.