Chefs Hosea Rosenberg, Bill Miner Headline 2017 Edition of Cochon 555

The ninth edition of Cochon 555 brings its porky whole-hog competition-for-a-cause back to the Mile High City on Sunday, March 19 at The Curtis Hotel. Winemakers, distillers, chefs, farmers, brewers, and bartenders will bring their best products, dishes, and creations to pork-crazed revelers. Last year's event crowned chef and restaurateur Troy Guard the Prince of Porc. In a month, these five chefs will compete for the same title:

Chef Bill Miner of il Porcellino Salumi - Colorado-Cured Meats

Chef Will Nolan of Eight K at Viceroy Snowmass - High Mountain Cooking with Southern Roots

Chef Darrel Truett of Barolo Grill - Contemporary Northern Italian

Chef Hosea Rosenberg of Blackbelly Market - Ingredient-Driven American

Chef Burton Koelliker of Osteria Marco - Regional Italian Cuisine

How does it all work? Each chef is given one whole, heritage breed pig of 200 pounds and one week to prepare the whole animal. Each chef must present a "Judge’s Plate" of six dishes scored on utilization; global influences; cooking techniques; and overall flavor. A panel of 20 notable judges selects a winner, who will then be crowned the "BBQ Prince/Princess" of Denver.

For the price of admission, attendees will feast on 30 chef-competitor dishes –some 1,500-plus pounds of heritage pork –and they will also get to sample and experience beef tartare with the wines of Antica Napa Valley; farmhouse cheeses; a pop-up bakery from La Brea; a Salami Snack Bar from Creminelli and Divina; a ramen noodle soup bar paired with the wines from Twomey and Silver Oak Cellars; organic pâté offerings from Les Trois Petit Cochons; a Luxury Butter Bar featuring Sabatino truffle butter, foie gras, and more; and an innovative take on classic pastry presented by Perfect Puree of Napa Valley.

Need more? There will be welcome punches featuring Buffalo Trace and DRY Sparkling, Smoked Old Fashioneds with Breckenridge Bourbon, a Tiki Bar featuring Angostura Rum; a Courvoisier Cognac ‘neat’ tasting with hand-crafted caramels; and a Heritage Rum Cart, among other things.

Tickets for general admission start at $125; VIP tickets (early admission + exclusive sommelier and cocktail competition tastings) are $200. A portion of all proceeds will go to Cochon555’s sister charity, Piggy Bank.To purchase tickets, visit http://www.cochon555.com/2017-tour/denver.