Celebrating An Enduring Family Tradition: The Bacon Elegance Dinner by Jones Dairy Farm at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar

Imagine the best bacon and ham from Wisconsin transformed as the base for an elegant feast. In a creative culinary collaboration, three chefs transform bacon and ham into a lavish multi-course feast unlike any other for a one-time only dining experience. It's the Bacon Elegance Dinner by Jones Dairy Farm at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar...

Known as America's Dairyland, Wisconsin is also home to other iconic staples from the American Midwest with its  famous line of all-natural bacon, ham and sausages. And when it comes to bacon, ham and sausages, one name stands above the rest. For over 136 years, Jones Dairy Farm continues a proud family tradition with its growing range of pork products made with the Jones Difference. That means no fillers, binders, preservatives, nitrites and MSG with only pork, salt, spices and water as the primary ingredients with absolutely no artificial additives or antibiotics. The result? Pure, clean and richer flavors with every bite just the way it should be (for more on Jones Dairy Farm, see my earlier post Let's Talk Bacon. And Ham And Sausages Too By Jones Dairy Farm... from a few months back). The enduring brand's storied history is celebrated in a lavish feast featuring modern, creative and contemporary renditions of bacon and ham honoring tradition with The Bacon Elegance Dinner, a one-time culinary experience at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. Love bacon and ham? Then, read on...

And there's no grander setting than Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar for the elegant all bacon and ham feast. Named after the grandparents of one of the original founders, Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar led the first wave of upscale high-end steakhouses in the country a full decade ago paving the way for the classic steakhouse dining experience in the local culinary scene (you can check out my posts from 2015 here and here). That evening, Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar was the proper stage for the famous bacon and ham from Wisconsin's Jones Dairy Farm. 

Inside Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar, the dark muted tones and pristine white linens topped with crystal glassware and silver cutlery recreates that familiar old world elegance of the classic steakhouse. As the final touches are applied to complete the table set up, the open kitchen slowly comes to life... 

...for The Bacon Elegance Dinner showcasing the signature bacon and ham by Jones Dairy Farm. From starters to mains and dessert and a cocktail, The Bacon Elegance Dinner reimagines the bold yet rustic and nostalgic flavors of bacon and ham into creative and exquisite expressions by CCA Culinary Director Philip John Golding, acclaimed chef and Iowa based restaurateur Dom Iannarelli of Des Moines' fine dining Prime & Providence and Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar's Chef Dustin Abella supported by CCA Manila culinary students. 

The scale of the evening's feast becomes evident when the prized pork products from Wisconsin's best are laid on the open kitchen counter. Whole slabs of bacon from Jones Dairy Farm are carefully prepped for the feast...

...with each slab bearing the Jones Difference. Few things have changed since Milo C. Jones created his first classic breakfast sausage inspired by his mother's cherished recipe in Fort Atkinson way back in 1836. Seven generations later, the same recipe for their bestselling bacon, ham and sausages remain unchanged anchored on three ingredients: all-natural pork, salt and water. No artificial additives or chemicals you can't even pronounce are included in the timeless recipe staying true to the family tradition. 

The specialty All Natural Extra Thick No Sugar Center Cut Hickory Smoked Uncured Bacon of Jones Dairy Farm leads the family company's trifecta of offerings along with their signature hams and sausages in a growing line of products. Through the years, the company has successfully introduced new additions to the expanding product line including Canadian Bacon, Meatballs, Liver Sausages, Turkey Bacon, Ham Steaks, patties and Scrapple. Tradition and family values are at the core of Jones Dairy Farm's philosophy and vision for the future, reflected in each product bearing the familiar farmhouse that remains the family home to this day and included in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Jones Dairy Farm also offers Dry Aged Center Cut Cherrywood Smoked Bacon, Dry-Aged Center Cut Cherrywood Smoked Extra Thick Bacon and Dry Aged Center Cut No Sugar Extra Thick Hickory Smoked Bacon in its savory arsenal of pure bacon goodness. And don't forget the Canadian Bacon. Trays of thick and crisp Jones Dairy Farm bacon are set aside warmed by the heat lamps on the counter...

...while sous-vide slabs of bacon are fired up on the grill. The back and open kitchens come to life with a blur of activity as more guests arrived for The Bacon Elegance Dinner at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. 

On one side of the kitchen, the award-winning ham of Jones Dairy Farm makes its grand entrance. The All Natural Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Ham has been recognized with the highly coveted Master Chefs' Institute Seal of Excellence and one bite will tell you why. Made from whole muscle boneless pork with no fillers and naturally hickory smoked following a 136 year old tradition, the flavors are elegantly refined yet rich and deep with a juicy finish. The mild salty hints and gentle whisper of smoky notes complements without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the pork unlike the usual commercial ham products with its overbearing saltiness and sweetness. 

The creative culinary collaboration is a masterclass in itself where tradition and innovative renditions from different culinary perspectives come together in a harmonious and seamless blend. As CCA Culinary Director Chef Philip John Golding briefs his team of CCA Manila culinary students...

...Chefs Dustin Abella of Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar and Iowa-based Dom Iannarelli get to work in the open kitchen. 

Each action kicks-off a string of seemingly choreographed moves in the open kitchen at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar...

...with each station playing its assigned role like a well-oiled machine with multiple components. 

Alongside seasoned veteran chefs, the team of students from CCA Manila make their own contribution...

...while gaining much-needed relevant experience in a real world setting fulfilling one of many goals set by CCA Culinary Director Philip John Golding. 

Chef Dom Iannarelli shows how the starters are prepared and plated to Chef Dustin Abella and his team...

...as Philip H. Jones, representing the sixth generation of continuous family leadership and chairman of Jones Dairy Farm welcomed guests to The Bacon Elegance Dinner at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. Jones Dairy Farm remains a model and benchmark for successful family businesses. Family-owned businesses in the US are estimated at 5.5 million employing roughly 63% of the total workforce based on a Grand Valley State University research. The study also indicated a harsh reality where less than two-thirds of family-owned businesses last through two generations with an even smaller figure that lasts through four generations. Jones Dairy Farm is a rarity in the competitive world of business with the family's seventh generation already involved in management. And the eighth generation is groomed to ensure continuity. And timely too as Jones Dairy Farm slowly explores new markets for their famous sausages, bacon and ham increasing their presence around the world. 

Could the Philippine market be in Jones Dairy Farm's sights? Only time will tell. In the meantime, enjoy a soothing Bloody Mary Shooter garnished with crispy bacon (yup, forget the usual celery stalk) to open up the palate for the feast to come paired with Ciabatta bread and whipped bacon butter...

...as the kitchen's assembly line starts to hum plating the first course. 

The trio of Canadian Bacon Monte Cristo, Bacon & Egg Salad on Toasted Baguette and Wisconsin Sushi teases both the eyes and palate for the perfect start to The Bacon Elegance Dinner at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. 

The Canadian Bacon Monte Cristo draws inspiration from the classic variation of the croque monsieur with cheese and Canadian bacon on perfectly crisp and buttery toast. The bite-sized rendition recreates the familiar notes and textures of the timeless sandwich...

...with the Canadian Bacon by Jones Dairy Farm providing the savory punch. Uncured with clean and natural flavors, the Canadian Bacon stays true to the natural notes of pork uncluttered by excessive spices, seasonings or salt for real flavor. 

The Bacon & Egg Salad on Toasted Baguette is another elegant rendition of a familiar sandwich style highlighted by the famous bacon of Jones Dairy Farm. Each bite becomes a delectable play on contrasting flavors and textures...

...from the bold savory notes of bacon to the light crispness of the buttery toast elegantly smoothened by the richness of the creamy egg salad. The sharp hints and crunch of the pickled radish cuts through the richness for that balanced finish. 

Sushi in Wisconsin? While Wisconsin may be thousands of miles away from both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, it does have the Great Lakes. It's also known for a particular style of sushi, the Wisconsin Sushi that comes with many names such as Midwest Sushi, Pickle Wrap, Iowa Sushi and Ham and Pickle Pinwheels. Chef Dom Iannarelli brings this Midwest staple with cream cheese and a crisp pickle with that burst of sweet tartness wrapped in thinly sliced ham... 

...for a taste of pure Americana. All three components of the Wisconsin Sushi just works together for that triple dose of savory, creamy and sour sharp goodness in one bite completed by bits of crisp bacon. 

The flavorful trifecta becomes a tasty snapshot of the American Midwest, and each bite becomes an exquisite expression of the famous bacon and ham by Jones Dairy Farm. 

In between bites, Ralph's Wines Spirits shared their selection of wines with each course...

...in time for the next dish, the Fig & Arugula Salad with crisp strips of bacon. The subtle spicy hints of the arugula are tempered by the sharpness of the balsamic vinaigrette, the creamy notes of the cheese and sweetness of the fig. And the icing on the proverbial cake? Why, it's the crisp bacon of course. 

Then in an unexpected and surprising twist, Chefs Philip, Dom and Dustin present the Jones Ham & Mongo Soup adding yet another layer in the tapestry of flavors at The Bacon Elegance Dinner. The familiar and comforting local dish is usually flavored by pork or smoked fish for that subtle salty component. Imagine one with Jones Ham. And a crisp strip of Jones Bacon. This one works and both the ham and bacon are the perfect finishing touches elevating a classic local dish with an indulgent savory richness. Playfully inventive, creative and even unapologetically non-traditional, the versatility of bacon and ham by Jones Dairy Farm opens up exciting new possibilities.

The first of three hot dishes were served next starting with the Grilled Canadian Bacon & Fruit Skewers. The contrasting sweetness from the fruits and clean savory notes from the grilled Canadian Bacon combine for another balanced play on flavors elegantly plated for The Bacon Elegance Dinner. 

All the courses served so far exceeded expectations but Chef Dom Iannarelli pulls all the stops with the second hot dish that night with the Triple-Cooked Bacon with Wholegrain Mustard Grits. That's a thick slab of bacon, sous-vide then grilled and laid on grits for another showstopper of a dish. Exquisitely elegant yet there's a rustic and nostalgic vibe that threads all the dishes at The Bacon Elegance Dinner weaving both familiar and new flavors for a unique dining experience. 

Like butter, each fork-tender slice of the bacon just melts in your mouth draping the palate with a lingering savory richness. The pronounced mustard hints from the grits completes the flavors for a bite of bold American notes and tradition on a plate. Not just an extra thick strip but a massive slab, this is the bacon we all dream of at the dining table. And Chef Dom Iannarelli brings it with all the hearty Midwestern flair built around real and honest unrestrained flavors.

As you enjoy that last slice of Triple-Cooked Bacon with a spoonful of Wholegrain Mustard Grits, Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar prepared their signature sides of Mashed Potato, Sautéed Shimeji Mushrooms and Cream Corn with Cheddar Cheese for the next course. That's right, there's one more main course...  

Meanwhile, the All Natural Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Ham is prepped at the carving station...

...for another taste of Jones Dairy Farm's legacy products in a final course. 

The final course of Roast Glazed Ham & Chilled Ham presents two renditions of Jones Dairy Farm's flagship ham product, each with their own savory and delicately nuanced all natural richness. Fork-tender and juicy, the All Natural Hickory Smoked No Sugar Uncured Ham brings a refined play on flavors and textures unlike the usual commercial options in the local market. Not too salty or sweet, not dry and tough to the bite just tender, juicy and pure all-natural pork goodness. 

A few more slices of the Roast Glazed Ham & Chilled Ham with all the sides is the proper finale celebrating more than 136 years of the inspiring Jones Dairy Farm story. 

But save room for dessert, made richer and more indulgent with bacon. The decadent duo of Auro Chocolate Cake Bars Topped With Candied Bacon and Pistachio and Peanut Butter & Jelly Banana Bread Bacon Crumble rounds out the epic bacon and ham feast at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. Could there be a more fitting sweet ending? Chefs Philip, Dom and Dustin along with the CCA Manila students have created something truly special that evening with The Bacon Elegance Dinner by Jones Dairy Farm at Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar. 

But that's not the end of the story. Jones Dairy Farm Chairman Philip H. Jones ushers a new chapter in the family-run company as it sets sights on expanding its global presence and opening new markets. The Bacon Elegance Dinner is just a preview of even more flavorful stories yet to come. Later this year, the Philippine Bacon Festival is already in the pipeline showcasing the brand's signature products. 

For guests and diners that evening, The Bacon Elegance Dinner with its fresh and innovative take on bacon and ham provided a glimpse and taste of pure and all-natural flavors celebrating one family's history and tradition... 

...and the spirit of creative collaboration. What began with a mother's cherished recipe for breakfast sausages back in 1836 is now a true American story anchored on family values and tradition. And the world will soon have a taste built over generations from the Midwest with its impressive and growing product line that bears the image of the familiar farmhouse that's home to an enduring family legacy. 

Ruby Jack's Steakhouse & Bar is located at the 2nd Floor, The Shops Ayala Triangle Gardens, Tower 2, Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. You can also visit their FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/rubyjacksmanila and https://www.instagram.com/rubyjacksmanilaph/ or call 7118 1025 for reservations. 

For more on Jones Dairy Farm and their specialty line of sausages, bacon and breakfast meats, visit their website at https://www.jonesdairyfarm.com/ and their socials on FB and IG at https://www.facebook.com/jonesdairyfarm/, https://www.instagram.com/jonesfoodservice/ and https://www.instagram.com/jonesdairyfarm/.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, check out these social media accounts for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.