Where to see Minnesota's 'Top Chef' contestant this week

Want to see our local "Top Chef" contestant on more than your TV this week? Here's where to catch Handsome Hog chef Justin Sutherland around town. (Note: Some of these events are ticketed and may be sold out.)

Monday

Boston-based chef and fellow "Top Chef" contestant Brian Young is in town this week for a pair of events with Sutherland. First up: a Whole Hog Butchering Demo at 2:30 p.m. today, Jan. 14, at Handsome Hog (203 E. 6th St., St. Paul, 651-340-7710, handsomehog.com). Email events@madisonrestaurantgroup.com for $30 tickets.

Tuesday

On Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m., Sutherland joins chef Carrie Summer of Chef Shack Ranch for She+He SMOKES, a family-style "BBQ wintery indulgence." The chefs will be smoking beef, chicken and ribs. Tickets are $55 per person plus fees. (3025 E. Franklin Av., Mpls., 88-844-0017, chefshackranch.com)

Wednesday

Before Sutherland had his own restaurants (and well before he was a rising TV star), he was sous chef at Brasserie Zentral in downtown Minneapolis. That restaurant shuttered three years ago. On Jan. 16, 5 to 9 p.m., it will be remembered at the Brasserie Zentral Tribute Evening at Meritage, where Sutherland will be in the kitchen. (410 Saint Peter St., St. Paul, 651-222-5670, meritage-stp.com)

Thursday

This is the big one: Bourbon & the Beast. An Iowa-grown Duroc pig, raised entirely on walnuts and olive oil, is the star of a six-course tasting menu prepared by Sutherland, Young (of "Top Chef"), and chefs Brandon Randolph and Donald Gonzalez. Each course is paired with – what else? – bourbon. After the dinner, stay for a screening of the week's episode of "Top Chef." The dinner at Sutherland's own Handsome Hog starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are $160. Email events@madisonrestaurantgroup.com for reservations.

Saturday

If the rest of the week wasn't wild enough, Sutherland is doing a Guest Chef Takeover at Xcel Energy Center's Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Club before the Minnesota Wild game on Jan. 19. Dinner is $48.95, or you can book a six-person chef's table for $125 per person. (199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, 651-726-8400)