Punch Kings Finale Comes To Denver On Sunday June 29

Grand Cochon crowned a new King of Porc- chef Ray Garcia of Fig - as the final event of the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen last night, but the Punch King title is still up for grabs. Punch Kings "Last Call," the grand finale of the punch-focused competition, part of Cochon 555, will bring ten of the finest bartenders in the country to Denver on Sunday, June 29.

The second annual throwdown will take place at the Curtis Hotel where barkeeps will compete by preparing their award-winning recipes of punch using Breckenridge Bourbon.

Over 50 bartenders competed in the Punch Kings Competition at COCHON 555 events throughout the year for the chance to represent their city in the finals. The 10 winning bartenders include our own Justin Lloyd of Star Bar, as well as James Menite of Crown Restaurant (NYC), Joshua Holliday of Khong River House (MIA), Paul Sanguinetti of Patina Group (L.A.), Michael Jack Pazdon of Goose & Gander (NORCAL), Erin Goodman of Roofers Union (WDC), Sean Woods of Ribelle (BOS), Jennifer Fink of Fat Rice (CHI), Andrew Meltzer of 15 Romolo (SF,) and Maria Polise of Ela (PHL).

Four top chefs in the Sage Restaurant Group network including Rich Byers of The Corner Office, Jeff Bolton of Kachina, Jason Brumm of Second Home and Jae Lee of The Curtis will prepare 500+ pounds of heritage pigs in a Cochon 555 format.

Guests can attend the event for $55 general admission and $100 for VIP tickets.

· 1200 Pounds of Swine: Grand Cochon's New King of Porc [EDen]
· Dana Cowin's Guide: Eating at the Aspen FOOD & WINE [EDen]