Cochon 555 Approaches, "Secret Location," Revealed

You know about the lineup of contestants for Cochon 555's third annual pig recipe competition/pig-eating orgy. But the organizers have been cagey about the location. Today an inside source tells us the party contest shall take place at the very lovely Julia Morgan Ballroom, definitely a tad nicer than last year's choice. We've also got word on the pigs each contestant has been given to work with. SPQR chef Matthew Accarrino gets a Devil's Gulch Berkshire, Fifth Floor's David Bazirgan has a Red Wattle from Walnut Keep, Michael Mina's David Varley—who the promoters tell us won Cochon 555 in DC last year—was given an Old Spot pig from Clark-Summit, Brandon Jew of Bar Agricole got a Wild Old Spot Cross from McGruder Ranch and Prospect's Ravi Kapur has a Yorkshire from Paul Christian Bros. All of them are about 200 lbs. fat. Chefs out there, do we see any unfair advantages in the match up?

The winner of the San Francisco contest goes on to compete at the Grand Cochon at Aspen Food & Wine. Keep in mind, though the event bills itself as a contest, it is still very much an eating affair. Guests try several bites from all the chefs, Iberico is on hand and there's an ample wine selection from the sponsors: Scott Paul Wines, Peay Vineyards, Failla Wines, Behrens Family Winery and Elk Cove. Tickets are available here. And for what it's worth, we're told the professional judges of the contest will be announced tomorrow.

· All Previous Cochon 555 [~ ESF ~]Coverage

Taken at last year's Cochon 555 event. [Photo: Naseema Khan]