"We had the pig in the cooler," owner Bryan Dayton revealed to the gathered crowd. "But like everything else, it went up in smoke."
He and chef/co-owner Steve Redzikowski wanted to give the tradition another try, though, and they channeled Rioja for this inaugural event because it was culturally appropriate, Dayton says: The Spanish have a tradition of gathering for feasts like these over roasted meats and wine.
Giuliana Imports owner Steve Lewis was responsible for the wine pairings, and he hauled out some exceptional finds for the occasion. Missed the dinner? Here's a serving of food photos that recap the event.
Rosemary-whipped lardo, spicy salami and grilled baguette kicked off the festivities. The first course paired with a 2005 Muga rose. This terrine of pig's head, fried pickle and sweet and sour onions paired with a 2007 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza. Springy calamari and fennel-flecked sausage stewed in oregano sofrito and dusted with citrus-y bread crumbs. The seafood and sausage stew paired to a Sierra Cantabria Reserva Unica 2007. Course four plotted porchetta against padron peppers and potatoes bravas. The star wine of the evening: the porchetta was matched to a velvety, luxurious Muga Prado Enca Gran Reserva 2004, poured from a magnum bottle. The night finished with a take on churros with chocolate -- but the churros were made with maple and bacon, and the chocolate sauce had a kick of spice. And with the check, a hint of what's to come with the next three pig roasts.Follow @CafeWestword on Twitter and at facebook.com/denvercafesociety
