Baconfest Draws 4,500 People in 8th Year

This weekend, bad-eating habits continued to develop as the eight-annual Baconfest took place over at the UIC Forum. Organizers said about 4,500 people showed up —the same as last year— while 150 chefs showcased their creativity with pork products.

The folks from Osteria Langhe and chef Cameron Grant were gunning hard for the festival's Golden Rasher, recognizing the most creative use of bacon. Grant and his team spent numerous hours hand-rolling their pastas, stuffing it with bacon and adding jalapeño and serrano peppers. Grant made his dream come true as he took home the award for the Saturday dinner session.

There was even a celebrity sighting. Chicago native Hannibal Buress and friends strolled around on Saturday night, keeping a low profile. Check out the winners below.

[Photo: Ashok Selvam]

Osteria Langhe's entry

Saturday Lunch

Most Creative Use of Bacon

Honey Butter Fried Chicken (Joshua Kulp & Christine Cikowski): Bacon Chicken and Grits

Best Front of House Presentation
Mity Nice Bar & Grill (John Chiakulas): Pigskin Wings

Le Bouchon's entry

Le Bouchon & La Sardine: Bacon Forest Sundae

Saturday Dinner

Most Creative Use of Bacon

Osteria Langhe (Cameron Grant) Bacon Plin with smoky dijon serrano jus

Best Front of House Presentation

GingerSnap Sweets' entry

GingerSnap Sweets & Such (Jen Templeton): Bacon Opera Cake

The Bad Apple (Craig Fass): Baconthology, The smokey and tasty history of bacon

Sunday Brunch

Most Creative Use of Bacon

Mercat a la Planxa: Arroz de Iberico pancetta

Italian Village: Beer and bacon pancakes

Pork & Mindy's: Fire-rubbed pig candy BLT