The Perfect Weekend at Cochon555
Experience a whole weekend of unforgettable culinary events with talented local and international chefs.
This April, discover the delights of Banff and Lake Louise with delicious culinary events, sunny days of world-class skiing, and winter activities in spectacular scenery. Cochon555 is the perfect culinary celebration to embrace Banff as it comes alive for another spring.
Kick off the excitement on Friday with long table dinners at some of Banff and Lake Louise’s best restaurants. Our incredible local chefs have been paired with guest chefs such as Anita Lo (Top Chef Master, Chopped: All Stars, Iron Chef) and Darren MacLean (The Final Table), to collaborate on a multi-course menu to create an unforgettable dining experience. Each plate will highlight local flavours of the region, brought to their fullest potential by each chef’s distinct skills. A communal dining layout heightens the experience as you discover new tastes and flavours alongside your fellow culinary explorers. This journey will be shared alongside the chefs, ready to present, describe, and discuss each serving.
The following morning, it’s time to venture out and explore the backyard of Banff and Lake Louise - the stunning Canadian Rockies. With three accessible ski resorts and unique winter activities to enjoy, the sky’s the limit on how to create your own story with these mountains. Take in the views from atop a summit with the Banff Gondola, or discover a surreal world of ice at Johnston Canyon. At day’s end, the main event, Cochon555, will satiate your well-earned appetite.
Continue your culinary tour of Banff National Park on the Sunday morning and treat your taste buds at the best local brunch spots. Banff Park Lodge and Juniper Bistro are creating special pork-themed brunch menus for the weekend. Highlighting locally-sourced ingredients and traditional fare, this weekend will feature a well-rounded repertoire of the best in local Canadian cuisine.
Check out The Ultimate Foodie Weekend at Cochon555 blog to start planning your weekend.
Collaborative Dinners
Collaborative dinner tickets are now on sale.
Anita Lo x Sebastien Tessier
Prepare your palates and join us for a collaborative dinner between Chef Anita Lo (Iron Chef winner, Top Chef Master) and Chef Sebastien Tessier (Executive Chef - Banff Centre). These two esteemed chefs will collaborate on a special menu to showcase their best savoury servings.
Your ticket includes the opportunity to meet the chefs before enjoying an inspired and thoughtfully prepared four-course dinner with beverage pairings.
Where: Three Ravens Restaurant, Banff Centre
When: Friday, April 5, 2019
Time: Chef’s Reception - 6:15 p.m., Long Table Dinner - 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $175 per person
Darren MacLean x Alistair Barnes
Join Chef Darren MacLean (The Final Table) and Chef Alistair Barnes as they merge old and new school techniques in an innovative way with signature ingredients from each chef.
Enjoy a five-course menu plus two amuse bouche with pairings, served in the Wapiti Longhouse.
Where: Buffalo Mountain Lodge
When: Friday, April 5, 2019
Time: Welcome Reception - 6:30 p.m., Dinner - 7:15 p.m.
Cochon555
Imagine an elaborate 40-course, stand-up, sustainable dinner featuring wine, craft beer and spirits; where you get to help pick the best bite from five competing chefs.
Created in 2008 in response to the lack of education around heritage breed pigs, Cochon555 is a nose-to-tail culinary event taking place in nine North American cities. Banff is the only stop in Canada, taking pride in shining the spotlight on the farmers and chefs that push the boundaries to support safe, honest and delicious food experiences.
At the main "throwdown" hosted at the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, 5 notable chefs will compete to win the title of “Princess/Prince of Pork”. Each tasked with the challenge of winning votes from celebrity judges, the participating chefs have one week to prepare a 200 pound pig and present a “Judge’s Plate” of up to six dishes which is scored on utilization; technique; and overall flavour. Guests also get a chance to vote for the “Best Bite of the Day”. The winner of the local competition advances to the epic national finale, the Grand Cochon, held in Chicago in September.
Rounding out the evening, foodies can indulge in a diverse collection of tastings, including:
- Artisan cheese bar
- Dessert bar
- Alberta spirits cart
Visit the official Cochon555 website
Ticket Information
Individual Cochon555 tickets are now sold out. General Admission and VIP tickets are still available through hotel packages.
Collaborative Dinners
Tickets and hotel packages on sale soon.
Cochon555
General Admission - $135 + tax - Sold Out
General Admission gets you into the main event. Your ticket includes:
- 25+ courses of pork-based dishes, originating from five responsibly raised heritage breed pigs
- Endless rounds of beverages from local breweries, distilleries, and wineries
- Access to 10+ mouth-watering food stations
VIP Access - $195 + tax - Sold Out
VIP Access lets you start celebrating an hour early. Your ticket includes all of the above and allows you to get up close with chefs, winemakers and farmers who make it all happen. Chefs will serve up two preview dishes to entice your palette while professional bartenders and sommeliers bring their best game forward with specialty cocktail punches and reserve wines.
Hotel Packages
If you're planning to attend one of these exciting food events in Banff and Lake Louise, you'll want a place that's going to be the perfect mountain retreat.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Enjoy a luxury stay at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, the host venue for Cochon555 Banff. Cochon555 General Admission and VIP packages available.
SkiBig3 Packages - Sold Out
Find the best hotel deals and plan the perfect weekend with SkiBig3.
Moose Hotel & Suites - Sold Out
Stay in the heart of downtown Banff at the Moose Hotel & Suites.
Banff Ptarmigan Inn - Sold Out
Enjoy mountain views at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn, only steps away from downtown Banff.
Meet the Chefs
Five talented chefs are selected to compete at Cochon555 Banff. The winner advances to the national finale, Grand Cochon, in September. Each chef is paired with an Alberta farm who will be providing them with a 200 pound pig to create their dishes for the event.
Best of Brunch
Treat your taste buds to special brunch menus at some of the best brunch spots in town.
