You really have to hand it to these guys for making the quintessential foodie pipe dream into a reality. Not going to lie; I really thought this was a cruel joke. Yet over a year in the making, Baconfest Preview Cook-off tickets have officially gone on sale (get them here), delighting pork enthusiasts everywhere. My love of pig (especially eating them) almost brings feeling to the place in which there used to be a heart. Thank you.

If a celebration of brunch’s best sidekick isn’t enough reason to lay down $75, check out the all-star line up:

The Chefs

Troy Graves – Eve
Rick Gresh – David Burke’s Primehouse
Gil Langlois – Chalkboard Restaurant
John Manion – Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub
Michael McDonald – one sixtyblue
Chris Pandel – The Bristol
Jason Paskewitz – Gemini Bistro
Nathan Sears – Vie
Patrick Sheerin – The Signature Room
Giuseppe Tentori – Boka

Additional deets: Admission includes one tasting portions of each of the 10 bacon dishes, tasting pours (10 samples, 2 oz. each) of a beer selected by Paul Kahan and his beer director to match each course, and bacon gift bag, care of Yelp.com. A portion of each ticket purchase will be donated to charity. Valet parking will be available at The Publican for $10.00 per vehicle.

— Carly Fisher