"All American Cheese Fest" Saturday 7/3/10 at Little Italy Mercato

To celebrate America's birthday, we decided to break out some American craft cheese. No, not that stringy stuff, nor that orange plastic stuff or that stuff in the green can. Nope, our craft cheeses are made by artisans, many of them dairy farmers, from around the country. In our first-ever "All American Cheese Fest", we are so excited to offer a mix of some of our favorites, with some cheeses that are brand-spanking new to us. We hope you'll plan to come to the Mercato Saturday to discover some real American cheese! Happy Birthday America!

 

This Week's All American Mercato Selection

FEATURED PRODUCER:  ROGUE CREAMERY(CENTRAL POINT, OR)
Rogue Creamery is one of our very favorite domestic producers and the reigning American Cheese Society Champ (the seasonal Rogue River Blue won Best in Show in ’09). The dairy produces consistently great blues and cheddars, primarily using raw milk from their own herd. This week we introduce their newest blue - and it’s indeed a macho one. We tried it up at the Fancy Food Show this past January and we’re excited to finally have it in. We’re also featuring a couple of Rogues tasty cheddars. We introduced the Lavender Cheddar last week and this week it’s joined by one of our longtime faves, the Chocolate Stout Cheddar, infused with beer brewed at nearby (but unaffiliated) Rogue Brewery. Come discover one of America’s best!

• ROGUE CAVEMAN BLUE Assertive, biting blue aged 6-12 months. Great with reds, ports & Barleywines
• ROGUE CHOCOLATE STOUT CHEDDAR Block cheddar made from raw cow’s milk and chocolate stout beer. Pairs with (duh) big stouts. 
  
• ROGUE LAVENDER CHEDDAR Creamy raw cow’s milk cheddar with dried lavender sprigs.


• ROGUE OREGONZOLA Fruity, gorgonzola-style blue, cave-aged120+ days.

BOCCONCINI Mini balls of uber-fresh mozzarella, from Gioia our fave burrata producer (El Monte, CA)

BLACK BUTTE RESERVE Seasonal cheese from Pedroza Dairy in the Sierra foothills. (Orland, CA)

BURRATA FRESH (2 days!) balls of Gioia Burrata - only market available at this market!! (El Monte, CA)

CABOT CLOTHBOUND CHEDDAR One of our all-time favorite cheddars. Won ACS Best in Show in 2008! (Waterbury Center, VT) 

CARMODY Bellwether Farms makes an excellent line of cheeses. This is our favorite! (Petaluma, CA)

COLOROUGE From MouCou Cheese Co., creamy washed-rind rounds (Ft Collins, CO)

DANTE Firm seasonal ewe’s milk cheese from award-winning Wisconsin Sheep Co-op. (River Falls, WI)

ETUDE Firm goat cheese, aged 6+mos from Soyoung Scanlon of Andante Dairy (Petaluma, CA)

HOOLIGAN Incredible washed rind cheese made from raw milk. (Cato Corner, CT)

HUMBOLDT FOG MINI’S The same great cheese you know, but in 1lb rounds sold whole or halved (Arcata, CA)

PLEASANT RIDGE RESERVE Award-winning Alpine style cheese (Dodgeville, WI)

PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)

RED DARLA New (to us!) one from cult producer Estrella Creamery! My distributor (whose opinion is usually cheese gospel to me) says this washed-rind, raw, cow’s milk cheese is “perfect”. Read about Estrella Creamery here.

TILSTON POINT BLUE Washed-rind blue with a grainy texture and nutty flavor (Mineral Pt, WI)

WINCHESTER JALAPEÑO GOUDA Sharp and spicy raw milk Gouda from Winchester Cheese Co (Winchester, CA - near Temecula)

 

Thursday 7/1/10 at the North Park Farmer's Market

It's time for the long holiday weekend and this is the best market in town to stock up early for entertaining. We'll have a few of the tasty new American cheeses in advance of our All-American Cheese Fest. So, if you can't join us Saturday, be sure to get to North Park tomorrow afternoon for some tasty American (and other) cheese!

BOSCHETTO AL TARTUFO Mixed milk (sheep/cow) cheese with white truffles
BLUE d’AUVERGNE Salty, creamy and mildly piquant French blue
CABECOU FEUILLE Leaf-wrapped rounds of chevre with plum brandy & peppercorns
CABOT CLOTHBOUND CHEDDAR One of our all-time favorite cheddars. Won ACS Best in Show in 2008! (Waterbury Center, VT)
CASHEL BLUE Fruity and mildly salty Irish blue from County Tipperary
CHAORCE Soft-ripened rounds of cow’s milk cheese. Chalky when young and oozy with age
DANTE Firm seasonal ewe’s milk cheese from award-winning Wisconsin Sheep Co-op. (River Falls, WI)
FROMAGER d’AFFINOIS The brie-like bloomy rind encases a rich, oozy double creme
HUMBOLDT FOG MINI’S The same great cheese you know, but in 1lb rounds sold whole or halved (Arcata, CA)
MORBIER LAIT CRU Classic French cheese traditionally made from raw morning and evening milk
NOORD HOLLANDER Rich, crystalline Dutch gouda aged 5+ years
PIAVE VECCHIO Hard, tangy cow’s milk cheese from Italy’s Veneto region
PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)
TOMME d’SAVOIE Full-flavored cheese from the Savoie Mountains; made from raw skim milk.
WINCHESTER JALAPEÑO GOUDA Sharp and spicy raw Gouda from Winchester Cheese (Winchester, CA - near Temecula)

See you in North Park!

Adams Avenue Farmer's Market Selection 6/30/10

This week at the Adams Avenue Market we'll be in our new location next to the info booth. We'll be bringing some tasty cheeses including last week's runaway all-star Noord Hollander. Come out and support this growing weekly market!
BUCHERON Tangy French goat encased in a soft, bloomy rind.



CABECOU FEUILLE Leaf-wrapped rounds of chevre with plum brandy & peppercorns


CASHEL BLUE Fruity and mildly salty Irish blue from County Tipperary


CHAORCE Soft-ripened rounds of cow’s milk cheese. Chalky when young and oozy with age


FISCALINI 18MO CHEDDAR Bandage-wrapped and cave aged for incredible flavor (Modesto, CA)


FROMAGER d’AFFINOIS The brie-like bloomy rind encases a rich, oozy double creme


IDIAZABAL Raw sheep cheese from the Spanish Basque. Chimney aging gives a slightly smoky finish.


MIMOLETTE Resembles a cantaloupe, tastes mild and nutty with a rich finish


MORBIER LAIT CRU Classic French cheese traditionally made from raw morning and evening milk


NOORD HOLLANDER Rich, crystalline Dutch gouda aged 5+ years


PECORINO CROTONESE Aged sheep’s milk cheese from Sardinia, Italy


TILSTON POINT BLUE A washed-rind blue with a grainy texture and a nutty flavor.

See you at the market!

North Park FM Selection - Thur June 3rd

It seems more folks are discovering (or rediscovering) this much-improved weekly market. From the redesigned layout to the growing mix of vendors, this Thursday market has developed into the ideal pre-weekend shopping experience. We hope you'll come out and support the many excellent farmers and vendors bringing great food to North Park each week!

North Park Farmer's Market
Every Thursday, 3-7pm
Located in rear part of the CVS parking lot
@ North Park Way/32nd St

This week's NPFM Selection

GRATTE PAILLE Rich, decadent triple crème from French producer Rouzaire

BUCHERON Soft-ripened French goat - excellent with a drizzle of honey

PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)

TAUPINIERE w/HERBS Tangy chevre assortment with herbs, pepper & ash coating

ARDRAHAN Nutty and pungent washed-rind cheese from the Emerald Isle

GARROXTA Excellent Spanish goat with a suede-like natural rind

MAHON Semi-firm cheese aged 4mos from the Spanish island of Menorca

FLOR de ESGUEVA One of the world's finest Manchegos, made from raw sheep's milk

JUNI Tasty Italian cheese made from cow's milk and juniper berries

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO Real DOP Parm, just split this week. This is as fresh as it gets!

BEEMSTER XO Aged Dutch Gouda with great crystals & butterscotch flavors

FOURME d'AMBERT Fruity and mild French blue. Another customer fave!

VALDEÓN Intense Spanish blue made from raw cow and goat milk, wrapped in sycamore leaves.

Little Italy Mercato Selection - Saturday June 5th

This week stop by and sample a special selection of cheeses from our featured producer, Petaluma's Andante Dairy. In addition, BeemsterXO (everyone's favorite aged Gouda) is back in stock as well as a freshly split wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Little Italy Mercato
Date Street-India to Columbia -North Side
Little Italy/Downtown San Diego
**2 HOURS FREE PARKING!** @ Washington Elementary (enter at Date/Union)

This Week's Mercato Selection

FRESH GIOIA BURRATA While they last...these sell out early! (El Monte, CA)
ANDANTE TRIO A triple crème w/crème fraiche, cow's milk & goat's milk (Petaluma, CA)
ANDANTE TOMME DOLCE Firm goat washed w/plum brandy (Petaluma, CA)
ANDANTE CAVATINA Soft-ripened goat encased in ash (Petaluma, CA)
PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)
COLOROUGE From MouCou Cheese Co., creamy washed-rind rounds (Ft Collins, CO)
BREBICET French rounds of soft-ripened sheep's milk
BAVARIAN LIMBURGER The artisan version of this classic is pungent and full of nutty flavor FLOR de ESGUEVA One of the world's finest Manchegos, made from raw sheep's milk
MAHON Semi-firm cheese aged 4mos from the Spanish island of Menorca
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO Real DOP Parm, just split this week. This is as fresh as it gets!
BEEMSTER XO Aged Dutch Gouda with great crystals & butterscotch flavors
QUEBEC 4YR VINTAGE CHEDDAR Extra-sharp Canadian cheddar with a dense, creamy texture.
PT REYES BLUE Raw milk blue from the San Francisco Bay Area (Pt Reyes Station, CA)
SHROPSHIRE BLUE Classic English Stilton with annatto added for color, from Long Clawson Dairy
SHREDDED BLEND Our tasty shredded blend of 20+ cheeses. Great for sandwiches, eggs & more!

This week at Adams Avenue Farmer's Market

This market is getting better every week and it's still less than a month old. The fun, energetic vibe makes this a wonderful weekly event for vendors and patrons alike!

This Week's AAFM Selection

BUCHERON Soft-ripened French goat - try this tangy treat paired with Meyer Lemon Marmalade from Jackie's Jams!

PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)

TAUPINIERE w/HERBS Tangy chevre assortment with fresh herb, pepper & ash coating. Beautiful & tasty!

ARDRAHAN Nutty and pungent washed-rind cheese from the Emerald Isle. Guinness anyone?

GARROXTA Excellent Spanish goat with a suede-like natural rind. The mild goat flavors give way to a rich, creamy finish.

CARMODY Tangy and rich, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Bellwether Farms (Petaluma, CA)

LAGREIN Customers call this Italian wine & garlic soaked treat "Salami Cheese". We just call it delicious.

FLOR de ESGUEVA One of the world's finest Manchegos, made from raw sheep's milk. Perfect for a summer picnic!

JUNI Tasty Italian cheese w/ crushed juniper berries. Perfect treat with a cool gin & tonic on a hot summer day!

PILOTA Luscious mixed-milk (sheep/cow) cheese from the French Pyrennees

QUEBEC 4YR VINTAGE CHEDDAR Extra-sharp Canadian cheddar with a dense, creamy texture.

UBRIACONE This wine-soaked & injected Italian cheese's name translates to "Great Big Drunk"

FOURME d'AMBERT Mild French blue with fruity flavors and a rich, salty finish. A cheese even non-blue lovers enjoy!

VALDEÓN Intense Spanish blue made from raw cow and goat milk, wrapped in sycamore leaves.

Adams Avenue Farmers Market

Every Wednesday 3-7pm

On 35th just south of Adams Ave (@Adams Elementary School)

Little Italy Mercato Selection - 5/22/10

Little Italy is where it's happening, every Saturday morning. We continue to be blown away by the crowds and the enthusiastic response we've had since launching last month. We love being out in the streets and look forward to seeing more of you each week. Check out all the great cheeses lined up for this week's Mercato including one of our all-time favorite American cheeses, Pleasant Ridge Reserve...

FRESH GIOIA BURRATA While they last…these sell out early! (El Monte, CA)
PIERRE ROBERT French triple crème from producer Rouzaire
HUMBOLDT FOG Artisan goat cheese from Cypress Grove (Arcata, CA)
PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen (Arcata, CA)
CROTTIN d’CHAMPCOL Small rounds of goat cheese from France’s Loire Valley
CHAORCE Soft-ripened rounds made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Chalky & rich!
CAMEMBERT Perfectly ripe & stinky rounds from France’s Le Pommier
IDIAZABAL Smoky Spanish Basque cheese made from raw ewe’s milk
SALLY JACKSON RENATA Another incredible cheese from SJ! (Oroville, WA)
JP GRANDE REBLECHON A twist on the classic - firmer texture, terrific flavor
MIMOLETTE Resembles a cantaloupe, tastes mild and nutty with a rich finish
PLEASANT RIDGE RESERVE Award-winning Alpine style cheese (Dodgeville, WI)
EWEPHORIA Sheep’s milk Gouda, back by (very) popular demand!
BARELY BUZZED Rich cheddar hand-rubbed with coffee & lavender (Uintah, UT)
ROARING 40s BLUE Tangy Aussie blue, another customer fave.
OREGONZOLA From Rogue Creamery, lush blue with a nice bite (Salem, OR)
SHREDDED BLEND A shredded mix of 20+ different cheeses.
PEPPADEW South African sweet peppers. Try stuffing with Purple Haze!

See you at the Mercato!

Mary & George

North Park FM Selection 5/20/10

Things are really starting to click at this market and we're enjoying seeing you regulars stop by for a weekly cheese fix. Here's what's in store this week...

NORTH PARK MARKET SELECTION (Thu 5/20 3-7pm)
FLORETTE Soft-ripened, lush d’Affinois rounds made from tangy goat’s milk
BUCHERON Soft-ripened French goat. Excellent with a drizzle of honey
CHAORCE Soft-ripened rounds made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Chalky & rich!
JP GRANDE REBLECHON A twist on the classic - firmer texture, terrific flavor
TOMME de SAVOIE Rustic French cheese with earthy, mushroom flavors
ANDANTE ETUDE Tasty hard goat - another Andante winner! (Petaluma, CA)
BELLWETHER CARMODY Tangy semi-firm cow’s milk cheese! (Sonoma County, CA)
RLM CANTAL (AOC) One of France’s best cheeses, rarely available in the US
MIMOLETTE Resembles a cantaloupe, tastes mild and nutty with a rich finish
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO The real deal…DOP Parmigiano Reggiano!
OLD AMSTERDAM Rich, buttery Gouda aged 18+ months
BOSCHETTO AL TARTUFO Mixed milk (sheep/cow) cheese with white truffles
FOURME d’AMBERT Fruity, salty, creamy French blue. A customer fave!
SHROPSHIRE BLUE The annatto herb gives this classic Stilton its orange hue
SHREDDED BLEND A shredded mix of 20+ different cheeses.

Let us know if there's something you'd like to see us bring in.

North Park Farmer's Market
Thursdays, 3-7pm
CVS Parking Lot (North Park Ave/Herman Street)

See you at the market!
Mary & George

AdamsAvenue FM - 5/19/10

This week the Adams Ave market moves to a NEW LOCATION at 4721 35th Street, south of Adams Ave. at the Elementary School. Same time - 3-7pm. Come out and support this new market and help it grow into one of San Diego's best!!

Here's the selection we're bringing out...

FLORETTE Soft-ripened, lush d’Affinois rounds made from tangy goat’s milk
BUCHERON Soft-ripened French goat. Excellent with a drizzle of honey.
CHAORCE Soft-ripened rounds made from pasteurized cow’s milk. Chalky & rich!
LA SERENA Spanish torta made from raw ewe’s milk & cardoon thistle
ANDANTE ETUDE Tasty hard goat - another Andante winner! (Petaluma, CA)
BELLWETHER CARMODY Tangy semi-firm cow’s milk cheese! (Sonoma County, CA)
RLM CANTAL (AOC) One of France’s best cheeses, rarely available in the US
MIMOLETTE Resembles a cantaloupe, tastes mild and nutty with a rich finish
TOMME de SAVOIE Rustic French cheese with earthy, mushroom flavors
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO The real deal…DOP Parmigiano Reggiano!
BOSCHETTO AL TARTUFO Mixed milk (sheep/cow) cheese with white truffles
WINCHESTER JALAPEÑO GOUDA From Winchester Cheese (near Temecula)
FOURME d’AMBERT Fruity, salty, creamy French blue. A customer fave!
SHROPSHIRE BLUE The annatto herb gives this classic Stilton its orange hue
SHREDDED BLEND A shredded mix of 20+ different cheeses.

See you there!

Mary & George

**NEW** Adams Avenue Farmer's Market Wed 5/12/10

We're excited to be a part of the launch of this brand-spanking new neighborhood market. Given the great vendor & farmer mix, it promises to quickly become one of San Diego's top markets for foodies. Come be a part of the fun tomorrow afternoon!

Here's the selection we have lined up this week...

PIERRE ROBERT French triple crème from producer Rouzaire
PURPLE HAZE Soft chevre blended with lavender & fennel pollen
HUMBOLDT FOG Artisan goat cheese from Cypress Grove (Arcata, CA)
BANON de CHALAIS Soft cow’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves
COLOROUGE Washed-rind cheese by MouCou Cheese Co (FT Collins, CO)
PILOTA Mixed milk (cow/ewe) cheese from the French Pyrenees
SILVER MTN CHEDDAR Clothbound cheddar from CA’s Central Valley
PECORINO CROTONESE Hard, tangy sheep cheese from Sardinia, Italy.
PARMIGIANO REGGIANO The real deal…DOP Parmigiano Reggiano!
CAVE-AGED GRUYERE Great flavor and texture from 15+mos aging
MORBIER Traditional French cheese made from raw cow’s milk
BALARINA Hard goat gouda with intense nutty flavors, aged 4+ years
BARELY BUZZED Rich cheddar hand-rubbed with coffee & lavender (Uintah, UT)
LONG CLAWSON STILTON Classic English blue with a distinct, piquant bite
PEPPADEW South African sweet peppers. Try stuffing with Purple Haze!

ADAMS AVENUE FARMER'S MARKET
Every Wednesday Rain or Shine
3-7pm
Located (temporarily) in the Rite Aid parking lot
3650 Adams Avenue (at Cherokee)

Little Italy Mercato Selection - May 8th

FEATURED PRODUCER!
SALLY JACKSON LEAF-WRAPPED CHEESES
This is a great chance to discover one of our very favorite domestic artisan producers! We’ll feature all 3 of Sally Jackson’s fine varieties, each encased in a beautiful leaf-wrap. Most of her cheeses are sold to restaurants near her Eastern Washington farm. Learn more about Sally Jackson Cheeses at http://www.sallyjacksoncheeses.com/

We’re fortunate to have grabbed up a wheel of each of her fine cheeses but they won’t last long so be sure to visit the TasteCheese booth early or you’ll miss out on these featured cheeses:

SALLY JACKSON GOAT

SALLY JACKSON SHEEP

SALLY JACKSON RENATA

FRESH BURRATA We have another fresh batch of incredible burrata on order. We ran out by 11am last Saturday so don’t miss out!

PIERRE ROBERT Serving up a Mom’s Day brunch? Make it extra-special with this lush, delectable and guaranteed to be Mom-approved French triple crème!

BUCHERON Tangy French goat cheese with a bloomy rind. Great with a drizzle of your favorite honey.

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO If you’ve never had freshly split Parmigiano Reggiano, then you haven’t lived. Be sure top by for a taste on Saturday!

PIAVE VECCHIO Hard cow’s milk cheese from Italy’s Veneto region. A great cheese for a spring picnic!

SILVER MOUNTAIN CHEDDAR We’re excited to introduce this excellent American cheddar from Bravo Farms in Traver, CA. It won gold at the ’08 ACS contest.

BALARINA 5-year aged goat Gouda from Holland. The earthy and caramel flavors pair well with big, jammy red wines.

BEEMSTER XO A customer favorite, this Dutch cow’s milk Gouda is amazing with great butterscotch flavors and nice crystallization.

BARELY BUZZED Another American original, this one from Utah’s Beehive Cheese Co. This award-winning flavored cheddar is rubbed with lavender infused coffee giving it an rich, almost chocolate-like flavor.

CASHEL BLUE From Ireland’s County Tipperary, this fruity blue is one of our all-time favorites.

This week’s North Park Market Selection

Week two of being at the Thursday market in North Park. We think it's going to get better every week and we hope you'll come help in that effort. Here's what we have lined up for this week...

BUCHERON Tangy French goat cheese with a bloomy rind. Great with a drizzle of your favorite honey.

PIAVE VECCHIO Hard cow’s milk cheese from Italy’s Veneto region. A great cheese for a spring picnic!

PILOTA Semi-firm cheese made from a blend of sheep & cow’s milk. From French Pyrenees region.

SILVER MOUNTAIN CHEDDAR We’re excited to introduce this excellent American cheddar from Bravo Farms in Traver, CA. It won gold at the ’08 ACS contest.

BLACK BUTTE RESERVE From Pedroza Farm in Central, CA, the is an excellent seasonal cheese made from raw cow’s milk.

CAVE-AGED GRUYERE Rich and full-flavored, this is one of favorite Alpine cheeses for snacking, mac-n-cheese and grilled-cheese sandwiches.

BEEMSTER XO A customer favorite, this Dutch cow’s milk Gouda is amazing with great butterscotch flavors and nice crystallization.

STILTON From one of England’s finest producers – Long Clawson, this is truly a classic Stilton with a piquant bite and a rich, creamy texture.

POINT REYES BLUE From Point Reyes Station near San Francisco, this raw cow’s milk blue is tangy and sharp - an American original!

Little Italy Mercato "A Foodie's Dream"

Ok, we've said it before but it bears repeating...Little Italy's Mercato is simply the best farmer's market in town - at least for foodies. But don't take our word for it, check out this article that ran last week in the SD Union Tribune's food section ("Little Italy Farmer's Market a Foodie's Dream" )

And after your tastebuds are sufficiently aroused, head downtown and visit the TasteCheese booth! We're located on Date St. right next to Bread & Cie, on the block between Columbia & India.

Every Saturday 9am-1:30pm
Date Street-India to Columbia -North Side
Little Italy/Downtown San Diego
**2 HOURS FREE PARKING!**
@ Washington Elementary (enter at Date/Union)

LITTLE ITALY MERCATO SELECTION - SATURDAY MAY 1st

Fresh Burrata (Made by Gioia in El Monte, CA 2 days before the market, as fresh as it gets!)
Humboldt Fog (Soft goat with a line of ash from Cypress Grove in Arcata, CA)
Purple Haze (Chevre flavored with lavender & fennel pollen also from Cypress Grove)
Andante Acapella (Blended goat's milk & creme fraiche by Petaluma's Andante Dairy)
Selles Sur Cher (Perfectly ripe rounds of ashed chevre from France's Loire Valley)
Cabot Clothbound Cheddar (Best in Show @ACS in '08. This Vermont cheddar is amazing!)
Black Butte Reserve (Seasonal cheese from raw cow's milk made in the Sierra Foothills of CA) Pecorino Crotonese (Aged raw ewe's milk cheese from Sardinia, Italy)
Morbier (Classic French cheese from raw cow's milk)
Pilota (Semi-firm cheese made from blend of cow/sheep's milk. From French Pyrenees)
Cave-aged Gruyere (Swiss classic made from raw cow's milk and cave-aged for 15+ months)
BeemsterXO (Like butterscotch, this aged Dutch gouda is a customer favorite!)
Truffle Noire (Semi-firm Dutch gouda studded with black truffles)
Long Clawson Stilton (Classic English Stilton with a tangy, blue bite and a lasting finish)
Gorgonzola Dolce (Creamy and rich Italian blue with a slightly sweet finish)
Peppadew Peppers (Stuff these sweet & mildly piquant peppers with PurpleHaze - fantastic!)

Hope to see you at the Mercato!

TasteCheese Launches @ North Park FM This Thursday!

We're really excited to be back in our old hood (or at least just up the road from it). The North Park Farmer's Market has been around for a couple years now, and it's definitely had challenges. However, there have been a couple of recent developments that make us very, very optimistic about the market's future and eager to be a part of it.

First, the market has previously been limited by daylight since the lot it's located in did not have power for vendors to add lighting. Recently, that problem was fixed and the market can now offer set hours into the early evening so folks can visit after work. The other development was the recent appointment of Catt White (manager of Little Italy and the upcoming Adams Ave markets) to manage and grow the market. Catt has been a key player in San Diego's food scene for a number of years and with her connections and tireless energy, we expect North Park's weekly market to soon become one of the best in town.

We hope you'll be a part of the growth of this market and will visit TasteCheese often!

North Park Farmer's Market
Every Thursday, 3-7pm
Located in rear part of the CVS parking lot @ University Ave & 32nd Street

NPFM Weekly Selection - Thursday April 29, 2010

Humboldt Fog (soft goat from Cypress Grove in Arcata, CA)
Purple Haze (goat w/lavender&fennel pollen also from Cypress)
Pecorino Crotonese (raw ewe's milk cheese from Sardinia)
Morbier (Classic French cheese from raw cow's milk)
Chimay Biere (Beer-washed cheese made by Belgium monks)
Tipperary Cheddar (Tangy cheddar from the Emerald Isle)
Cave-aged Gruyere (Swiss classic made from raw cow's milk)
BeemsterXO (Like butterscotch, this Dutch gouda is a fave!)
Truffle Noire (Tasty Dutch gouda studded with black truffles)
Roaring 40's Blue (Everyone loves this tangy Tasmanian blue!)
Peppadew Peppers (Stuff these w/PurpleHaze - fantastic!)

This Week's Little Italy Mercato Selection

Every week we plan to introduce a completely new menu of 12-15 great artisan cheeses from around the world. While this week's selection was dictated in part, by the Spring Beer & Cheese Class schedule for THIS SUNDAY at O'BRIEN'S PUB, our goal going forward will be to dedicate much of our selection to featuring smaller producers from farms around the US. That's right - American Cheese! We think some of the world's finest cheeses are being produced right here in the good old USofA and we hope to make you all converts too!

But as I said, this week's selection is loaded with beer-friendly cheeses, but we managed to squeak in a few other tasty favorites. After all, it's the Grand Opening of TasteCheese!

THIS WEEK'S MERCATO SELECTION

Crottin d'Champcol

Andante Trio

La Tur

Le Pommier Camembert

MouCou Colorouge

Arrigoni Taleggio

Chimay Biere

Pantaleo

Mimolette

Flor de Esqueva

Tipperary Irish Cheddar

Old Amsterdam Gouda

Ewephoria

Ubriacone

Roaring Forties Blue

Point Reyes Blue

Valdeon Blue

We hope you'll plan to stop by and say hello! Here are the Mercato details...

Little Italy Mercato

Saturday 9-1:30

Date/India in Little Italy

**FREE PARKING FOR 2 HOURS @ WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY** (Enter at Date & Union)

Cheers,
Mary & George

Taking TasteCheese to the Streets!

It's been 15 days since we closed our beloved Taste Artisan Cheese & Gourmet Shop. In that time, we've been busy ramping up for our first Farmer's Market launch. We're excited to announce our first market - Saturday, April 17th we'll become a part of San Diego's most exciting Farmer's Market, the Little Italy Mercato. We hope you'll plan to stop by and say hello, maybe pick up a cheese or two for the weekend.

Little Italy Mercato
Saturdays 9am-1:30pm
Date Street at India (Downtown San Diego)

We're working hard to lock down a Sunday market and we'll be launching 2-3 mid-week markets by mid-May.

And we're still available for Cheese Platters, Gift Baskets, Special Events, In-Home Tastings & Parties...and more. Just send us an email and let us know what you need!

We've missed seeing our wonderful customers and look forward to seeing you all soon at your favorite weekly farmer's markets!

Cheers,
Mary & George Palmer

An Afternoon with Stone Brewing

We were invited to participate in a pair of classes up at Stone Brewing World Bistro this past Sunday and it was a great time.

Our friend Marnie Clarke (who is planning to open her own cheese shop up in LA County later this year) joined us for the classes and also added a great dimension of her own. She recently spent time making cheese at Winchester Cheese Co. up near Temecula and also hails from an extensive line of dairy folk – her grandfather founded Alta Dena Dairy – so her insights on the process of making of cheese were a great addition.

Stone’s Education Director Ken Foster and our favorite cheese monger George Palmer were miked up and gave introductions to each of the six tasty flights. The groups were raucous and made for a grand time. The first class was joined by the ‘Arrogant Bastard’ himself, Stone founder Greg Koch, who had some nice words to share and took a few snaps he then tweeted to his massive group of Twitter followers. Always spreading the love!

With the beautiful backdrop of Stone’s lush gardens, the setting was almost as perfect as the menu! Here’s what you missed…

1) Stone Sawyer’s Triple paired with Winchester Cumin Gouda
2) Stone Pale Ale paired with Bellwether Carmody
3) Stone IPA paired with Piave Vecchio
4) Stone Smoked Porter paired with Pecorino Nocino
5) Arrogant Bastard Ale paired with Purple Haze Stuffed Peppadew
6) Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale paired with Noord Hollander

Malheur & Cheese Tasting with O'Brien's Pub

We are thrilled to join our friends from O'Brien's Pub for a very exclusive event featuring a lineup of incredible beers from Belgium's Malheur Brewery. If you've attended a few of our beer and cheese classes with O'Brien's, then chances are, you've sampled at least one of these rare, bottle-conditioned brews. As it happens. O'Brien's is the #1 Malheur account in the western US and as such owner Tom Nickel has been able to pull together an unprecedented lineup of 5 distinct Malheur brews for this event including the rare Malheur 6, as well as the 10, 12, and the champagne-style Brut, and Dark Brut. The brews will be paired with an equally exceptional menu of fine artisan cheeses from Taste. Add the lively and informative discussion lead by Tom and Taste cheese monger George Palmer and you have an incredible evening in store. Don't miss out - we expect this to sell out quickly! Sign up at either O'Brien's or Taste.

Malheur & Cheese Tasting $40
Sunday, July 19th, 6:30pm
***Second Class Just Added!***
Sunday, July 26th, 6:30pm
O'Brien's Pub
4646 Convoy Road, San Diego

Summer School for Your Tummy

Who says summer school is a drag? Not us! Our Cheese101@ Taste Summer Series of classes is designed for maximum enjoyment. No homework or tests required, just a guaranteed good time spent savoring artisan cheeses, craft beers and fine wines. With such a great lineup of classes, we know it'll be tough to choose which to attend. Why limit yourself? With our special Summer Series pricing, the more classes you attend, the more you save!

Individual Class $45
Any 2 Classes $80 (Save $10!)
Any 3 Classes $115 (Save $20!)
All 4 Classes $140 (Save $40!)

Discounts require advance registration and full payment at time of enrollment.

Summer Series Schedule

Knights & Whites

Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:30pm

We're excited to kick off our Summer Series with a special even featuring our friend Rey Knight, owner/producer of San Diego's own Knight Salumi Co. join us for this fun first class of summer. We'll pair a selection of tasty white wines and artisan cheeses with the complex, spicy flavors of the different varieties of Knight Salumi. Definitely a non-vegetarian class!

All American Wines & Cheeses
w/Special Guest Michelle Keller of Sonoma's Keller Estate

Tuesday, 6/23 6:30pm

July 4^th is just around the corner and to help you get ready for your Independence Day celebration, we've planned a special All- American evening featuring some of the country's finest artisan cheeses and wines. We're excited to welcome a very special guest, Michelle Keller of Keller Estate, a winery her family founded more than 20 years ago. Originally produced for the enjoyment of family and friends, Keller Estate wines have only been publicly available since 2001. With her family's second generation now at the winery's helm, Michelle has spent most of her life amid the fascinating world of winemaking. Although she recently relocated to Southern California, she remains an active participant in the family business from harvest to market. We're looking forward to learning more about her rich heritage and sampling some of her family's award-winning wines. We'll feature these and other fine domestic wines, paired with exceptional cheeses from some of America's finest artisan producers.

Perfect Picnic Pairings

Tuesday, 7/21, 6:30pm

The third class in our Summer Series features our favorite wines and cheeses for picnics in the park, backyard barbeques, beach parties and other summertime gatherings. With June gloom a distant memory, July's warm summer days are just too inviting to stay indoors. This class will offer some great tips for selecting cheeses and wines perfectly suited for summertime gatherings. And of course we'll sample some of our favorites and discover a few new ones too. Unlike the weather outside, class will be held in a cool, climate controlled room. Summer school was never this cool!

Beer v. Wine II

Tuesday 8/18, 6:30pm

A few months ago in our first-ever beer versus wine challenge, we featured six cheeses that we felt went equally as well with the wine and beer we paired with each of them. Students discussed the differences and debated their preferences before voting at the conclusion of each flight. Much to our surprise, the final tally was a tie with each beverage winning 3 flights. Despite the even split, the debate over which beverage is best with cheese continues so we've decided to try again. And this time, we guarantee a winner will emerge! To make sure, we've added another flight making a tie is impossible! Join us as we weigh through a whopping seven flights of excellent artisan cheeses, each expertly paired with a beer and a wine and collectively decide which beverage is the superior match. Be a part of history as we finally bring an end (at least a temporary halt) to the great cheese pairing debate!

First Brew Part III - tasting

Finally cracked a bottle of our first brew May 4. Surprisingly good! Tasted like a poor man's Orval or Duvel, moderate alcohol level, some sweetness on the finish, mildly carbonated, with some hint of cardomom/spice on the finish. Drinkable. So, with that under our belt, on to the next beer.

Monday 5/18 we brewed an ESB style beer. Started by steeping some English dark crystal and dark carastan grain, then this time used a malt extract rather than the dried extract. Much cleaner and swifter process this time around. Tuesday it was bubbling madly through the airlock, today not so mad but still bubbling well. I'm optimistic. Bottling in about 10 days I expect. Then two weeks before sampling. This process is difficult for those who demand immediate gratification (like me).