Cochon555 exploded all over Banff, with chefs, sommeliers and barkeeps bringing world-class food and drink to an avid crowd of over 700 guests at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

Nestled in stunning Banff National Park, gourmands were treated to over 40 courses at one incredible party, with sustainable heritage pork on tap and as much local wine, beer and cocktails as they could drink. Oh, and a 450 lb chocolate pig.

Cochon555 is all about celebrating the farm reared experience and championing quality local meats and ingredients. This ethos was well met by the Fairmont Banff Springs, which has a strict zero waste policy across its dozen kitchens.

While the atmosphere was buzzing with the highlights of Cochon555’s plentiful offerings, there were three key battles being fought in the halls of the historic Fairmont. Peter Walters of Banff’s beloved Park Distillery won the coveted title of Punch King, fending off close competition from Chateau Lake Louise’s Kai Brooks who created a crowd pleasing milk punch. The Sommelier Smack-Down was tied between Seamus Dooley of the Fairview Bar and Jackie Cooke of Avec Bistro in Calgary. The big winner of the night, however, was Chef Scott Hergott of Sky Bistro who won the foodie’s vote with a pig from Bear and the Flower Farm in Irricana, Alberta.

Among the judges was Calgary Chef Darren Maclean, star of The Final Table, and Chef Anita Lo, who personally told us she would champion pork forever more. Cochon555 will be travelling to her home city on April 14th with 1500 lbs of heritage breed pork in tow! The Banff edition was a sell out, so grab your tickets now. – Rebecca Felgate