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!

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.

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)

**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