Shield your eyes, Jews, Muslims, vegetarians and vegans! Passion for Pork Restaurant Week is kicking off on Monday, October 15!

Alberta Pork is partnering with a dozen restaurants (plus Sunterra Market) to highlight this versatile product. Being a dietitian, I’m always a little hesitant when it comes to promoting pork. It is, after all, despite what some people may say, red meat. Worse yet, pork is often enjoyed in its more processed forms – ham, sausage, pepperoni, prosciutto and who can forget… BACON (!)

But of course, there are leaner cuts too, like tenderloin or roast, and aside from being a source of protein, pork is rich in B vitamins (niacin, thiamine, vitamin B₆, B₁₂) and zinc – all helpful in boosting our immune systems for the upcoming flu season!

More importantly, I can’t help but salivate over some of the dishes that are going to be featured next week – the Risotto Carbonara with Model Milk Guanciale (pork cheek) from Model Milk, Confit Pork Shoulder Poutine from Blue Star Diner and Quince Braised Pork Belly from Wurst all sound super-rich and decadent. Taste is even doing Smoked Pig Ears! (And we all know how I feel about pig ears from CHARPOP.)

Local food writer/blogger (and friend) Dan Clapson has been blogging for Passion for Pork, sharing some of his recipes and some of the featured recipes from the chefs so you can re-create the dishes at home.

To help you along, Passion for Pork has generously donated a $100 gift certificate from Sunterra Market for us to give away! Just shoot me an email at vincci.calgaryisawesome [at] gmail.com and I will pick a winner at the end of the pork fest on Sunday, October 21.