Pork Inspiration Cafe: I Wished I Knew You

Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais.

(all images: Diane Bondareff/AP Images for National Pork Board)

The marketing gimick of a pop-up store once more appeared in NYC last month albeit and sadly for just one day. Called the Pork Inspiration Cafe, it's an eatery where I would have likely tried every dish. This statement is from a guy who eats pre-cooked bacon straight out of the bag. The adage that everything is better with bacon could be one of my mottos.

For the launch of the Pork Be Inspired campaign from the National Pork Board, Top Chef All-Stars Richard Blais joined the opening to serve up 'inspired pork dishes' free of charge. He also demonstrated how pork can be part of any menu, time of day, cuisine or lifestyle. Each pork dish served contributed to America's pork producers' donation of 125,000 servings of fresh pork to Feeding America.

Bacon Ice Cream 

Pear-Brined Pork Chops

The eatery served pork lovers on April 14th and was located at 470 park Ave South. Combine three of my favorite things: bacon, NYC and Top-Chef and I believe this place would be a winner in my book. I definitely would have tried the bacon ice cream. Other dishes served included a ham and herb schnitzel with 6-minute egg, pearl-brined pork chops, ginger ale pork ribs, malta and agave braised pork shoulder and pork bolognese.

Visit porkbeinspired.com for more information including recipes, pork basics, and nutrition. Visit pork.org to learn more about the National Pork Board. Visit feedingamerica.com to learn how to help to feed America's hungry.

Customers lining up for the first serving.

Customers receiving their pork inspiration dishes from Chef Blais.

Display of pork at the cafe.