08/22/2026
You’ve gathered around our tables for years, and this October, we’re inviting you to join us for an entirely new one.
On October 9, Meraki Hospitality Group and Indiana Grown are bringing the Whole Hog Invitational to Bulldog Park—a new culinary competition celebrating Indiana agriculture, regional chefs, and the relationships connecting our farms, restaurants, and communities.
Five Northwest Indiana chefs will take on the challenge, each creating an original dish featuring heritage pork from Howe Farms alongside ingredients sourced from Indiana producers:
Ramen District | Crown Point — Chef Nick Idarraga
Tavern on Main Craft Bar and Eatery | Crown Point — Chef Matt Stewart
Lincoln & Wicker | Schererville — Chef Jay Ruff
Bon Vie | Hobart — Chef Caesar Cicala
Burn 'Em Brewing | Michigan City — Chef Blake Murray
You’ll taste all five competition dishes, cast your vote, and help crown the inaugural Whole Hog Champion. Beyond the competition, the evening will feature the Indiana Grown Farmers’ Market, live music, family-friendly activities, local food and more.
Tickets are officially on sale—but this is only the beginning.
Whole Hog Invitational also gives us the perfect opportunity to introduce the new Meraki page, where we’re bringing together the restaurants, events, people, partnerships, and stories that make up Meraki. Follow the new Meraki Hospitality Group page to stay connected as we count down to October 9 and for your chance to win Whole Hog tickets this week. 🎊
You can also join At The Table, our Meraki email newsletter, at merakihg.com to be first to hear event announcements, ticket news, and more from across the Meraki family.
Friday, October 9 | 5–10 pm
Bulldog Park | Crown Point, Indiana
Presented by Indiana Grown
The Farm Behind the Table: Howe Farms
Stewardship Partner: Centier Bank
A portion of proceeds benefits NWI No Child Hungry
We can’t wait to share The Inaugural Table with you.
🔗 https://merakihg.com/whole-hog-invitational
