Photos: Rioja chef Jennifer Jasinski wins Cochon555

Last night, Cochon555, a nationwide traveling swine tour that celebrates heritage breed pigs, returned to the Ritz-Carlton in Denver, pitting five chefs against one another in a quest to become the "Prince or Princess of Porc." Along with 1,200 pounds of pig, there were bourbon cocktails and punch, tons of...

By Lori Midson

March 10, 2014

We’re $5,500 away from our summer campaign goal,
with just 4 days left!

We’re ready to deliver—but we need the resources to do it right. If Westword matters to you, please take action and contribute today to help us expand our current events coverage when it’s needed most.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$11,500

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Last night, Cochon555, a nationwide traveling swine tour that celebrates heritage breed pigs, returned to the Ritz-Carlton in Denver, pitting five chefs against one another in a quest to become the "Prince or Princess of Porc." Along with 1,200 pounds of pig, there were bourbon cocktails and punch, tons of Goose Island beer and bacon, a pop-up butcher shop and a tartare bar, and an endless parade of wine and cheese.

The winner was none other than Jennifer Jasinski, chef-owner of Rioja, Euclid Hall, Bistro Vendome and the forthcoming Stoic & Genuine, whose menu pimped everything from a pork-intensive posole to a salad that utilized just about every part of the pig, including the ears, liver, heart and kidneys.

Jasinski, a James Beard Award winner and contestant on Top Chef Masters, had some formidable competition, going snout to snout against sausage king Justin Brunson (Old Major and Masterpiece Deli); Paul Reilly (Beast + Bottle); Steve Redzikowski (Acorn and Oak at Fourteenth); and Bill Greenwood (Beano's Cabin).

Her triumphant victory earns her a spot in the Grand Cochon, which takes place in June during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. And if she wins the whole kit and kaboodle, she'll be crowned the "Princess of Porc."

Flip the page to see all the pig porn from yesterday's epic showdown.

Follow @CafeWestword

Lori Midson

A message from Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today