We went to Cochon555 at the Madison Hotel. We snapped Jerry Versace with The Source chef Scott Drewno, BlueCart's Melonie Favorite, and DC Jazz Festival CEO Conrad Kenley.
Guests sampled 40 of the best bites prepared by top chefs, artisan wines selected by celebrated winemakers and sommeliers, and an endless culinary cocktail program from notable mixologists. Here, The List Are You On It founder Nycci Nellis, Sixth Engine chef Kyle Bailey, and Buttercream Bakeshop pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac.
Cochon555 benefited Piggy Bank, a genetic sanctuary providing free heritage breed pigs and business plans to emerging family farms. Here, FireEye's Sanjeev Williams, Graffiato GM Alyssa Hotz, and Know Public Relations' Jen Resick.
Chefs competed with five heritage breed pigs in a friendly competition for a cause, including host chef Rural Society Argentine Steakhouse's Louis Goral, The Hamilton's Anthony Lombardo, Ripple's Marjorie Meek-Bradley, Yona's Jonah Kim, and Requin's Jennifer Carroll. The five chefs prepared six dishes from one whole hog. The winner, the “Prince or Princess of Porc” competes for the national title of “King or Queen of Porc” at Grand Cochon, the tour finale, in Aspen June 18.
Yona chef Jonah Kim was mobbed by the crowd, including celebrity chef Mike Isabella, Jonah's business partner, the moment he was declared the winner.
Heather Mahoney, Richelle Castillo & Alfredo Flores contributed to this issue.
