Reconcile Goes Hog Wild!
It’s not every day that we see a full-grown pig in our Cafe, but thanks to Reconcile graduate Michael Lewis, our students were able to watch the pig-roast process from start to finish.
Mike graduated from Reconcile’s program last year and is already moving up the ranks in John Besh’s Restaurant August. On Friday, Mike returned to the Cafe with a whole Mangalista pig that he had purchased to donate to Reconcile. He then spent the morning masterfully demonstrating how to appropriately butcher the meat and prepare it for roasting. He returned this week to finish preparations and, after six hours in the oven, Mike removed a beautiful golden-brown, Jambalaya-stuffed Cochon de Lait with Sweet Mae Sauce.
Not only were our guests treated to a delicious special, but our students were able to witness a graduate in action. With both masterful knife skills and a generous heart, Mike is certainly someone for current Reconcile students to emulate!
On a related note, before Mike purchased the pig, he was unaware that he had already been chosen by Chef John Besh to accompany him to the Super Bowl. It’s amazing how kindness is repaid in kindness. Congrats, Mike!!
Some students are more squeemish than others. Laquante and Victoria dive right in!
Graduate Michael Lewis poses with Chefs Joe and Curtis before the first cut!
Michael works with great precision
success!
The final product!
