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

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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.

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