Monday, August 7, 2017

The Cochon555 2017 D.C. Prince of Porc is...


On Sunday, August 6th, Kosta Kontogiannis was announced the Prince of Porc at the Watergate Hotel in Washington D.C. Pork lovers came together once again to raise awareness on heritage brand pigs at the thirteenth Cochon555 culinary competition and experience of the year. Kosta Kontogiannis, of the Watergate's Kingbird was crowned winner with his delicious pork menu options, including his savory pig ice cream and delicious steamed buns filled with juicy pig head. 



When entering the event, guests first checked in and indulged in small bites, including cheese in a cone, charcuterie tastings, dozens of spreads and breads, and sweet cocktails and wines. From the starter bar you could hear Master Butcher Marc Pauvert butchering a large black pig in front of guests in the main event room to raise money for the Piggy Bank Foundation,  a 501(c)(3) charity that practices open access agriculture. Pauvert raised over $4,000 to help family farmers and heritage brand pigs. 


The event featured dozens of stations with interesting pork dishes, craft cocktails, and boutique wines. Chef Pflaumer of Osteria Morini prepared one of my favorite dishes--an amazing ravioli with a cheese fondue and braised pork shoulder. He also made large platters of beautiful macaroons! 


One of the most shocking dishes of the night for me was the infamous pig ice-cream by the Prince of Porc, Kosta Kontogiannis, because the chef did not tell us it was not a sweet ice cream! Boy was I surprised. The dish included pig blood ice cream, candied bacon crumbles, and leaf lard! 

There is only ONE MORE competition in Austin TX before the Final Grand Cochon in Chicago on October 1st! For more information, go to: Grand Cochon




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