News From The Cheese Caves

Chef Terrance Brennan established the record for the World’s Largest Fondue on the Today show in Rockefeller Plaza this morning! In the presence of a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records, Chef Brennan and colleague Chef John Folse stirred up 2100lbs of fondue in a two-ton cast-iron sugar kettle brought from Louisiana by Chef Folse.

For Chef Brennan, this is an exciting and climactic achievement - something he has envisioned doing for a long time. Fondue from the event is being donated to City Harvest, the world’s first and New York City’s only food rescue program. Plus, for the entire month of March, 20% of all proceeds of fondue and fondue-related products at both the Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro and Artisanal Premium Cheese will be donated to Share our Strength.

The video is currently available at the Today Show Web site. Congratulations, Chef!

Tuesday, April 17
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE FRENCH CHEESE & WINE CLASS!

Traditional yet timeless, the cheese course is the essence of France’s culinary excellence. Join industry expert and acclaimed Affineur Daphne Zepos on an exciting journey through the French countryside, sampling the finest examples of luscious cheeses and delicate wines. Discover why exquisite cheeses and wines from the same terroir are such harmonious partners, why luscious triple creams are perfect with Champagne, and many more of Daphne’s tried-and-true rules of the “Service de Fromage”. The indispensable foundation of all cheese knowledge, the French fromage is illuminated in this class in all of its delicious glory.

Tuesday, March 27
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE CHEESE BASICS CLASS!

This unique, hands-on exploration of the world’s finest artisanal cheeses is the perfect overview for any beginner. From the history of its accidental creation to its intricate styles and complexities, cheese is back, and no one knows it better than our vivacious Fromager Waldemar Albrecht, manager of the acclaimed cheese counter at Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro. Follow Waldemar as he unravels the intricacies of milk types, ripening processes, flavor profiles, and effortless wine pairings. With delicious wines and cheeses to practice, this class will set you on your way to creating the perfect tasting for friends!

Monday, April 30
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE CHEESE & WINE 101 CLASS!

In this single session class, Max provides a roadmap for matching various cheese types with the wines that best suit them. He introduces cheese basics, including milk types, textures and flavors as well as how to shop for, care for, and serve fine cheeses. Then he guides you through choosing wines that complement each cheese type. You’ll be invited to sample some of the cheese and wine pairings and discover marriages that suit your own personal taste.

Friday, April 20
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE CHEESE & WINE 101 CLASS!

In this single session class, Max provides a roadmap for matching various cheese types with the wines that best suit them. He introduces cheese basics, including milk types, textures and flavors as well as how to shop for, care for, and serve fine cheeses. Then he guides you through choosing wines that complement each cheese type. You’ll be invited to sample some of the cheese and wine pairings and discover marriages that suit your own personal taste.

Tuesday, April 3
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE CHEESE & WINE 101 CLASS!

In this single session class, Max provides a roadmap for matching various cheese types with the wines that best suit them. He introduces cheese basics, including milk types, textures and flavors as well as how to shop for, care for, and serve fine cheeses. Then he guides you through choosing wines that complement each cheese type. You’ll be invited to sample some of the cheese and wine pairings and discover marriages that suit your own personal taste.

Wednesday, May 2
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE CHAMPAGNE & CHEESE CELEBRATIONS CLASS!

Champagne comes in a large variety of styles, colors, bottles, fashions and, of course, prices. In the course of the evening, Cheese expert Daphne Zepos and Champagne expert Jean-Louis Carbonnier will look at the factors that make Champagne special, from vineyard to flute glasses, and will pair them with the delicious, pungent flavors of creamy, handcrafted, Artisanal cheese. Daphne and Jean-Louis will present you with the why’s and how’s of entertaining with Champagne & Cheese, and propose several selections that range from the rare and luxurious to the surprisingly low budget.

Tuesday, May 29
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE AMERICAN WHISKEY & ARTISANAL CHEESE CLASS!

Bourbon, Rye, Corn Whiskey, Wheat Whiskey, even Moonshine - America has as wide and varied (not to mention fantastic) a whiskey tradition as any culture the world over. And American Whiskey makes a wonderful pair for Artisanal Cheese! This Memorial Day, make it a four-day weekend - join Artisanal Manager Jon Lundbom and Whiskey expert LeNell Smothers from LeNell’s Wine & Spirit Boutique in Red Hook (home to New York City’s largest Bourbon selection) for a unique tasting covering a variety of America’s finest spirits paired perfectly with artisanal cheeses from around the globe.

Friday, March 16
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE ERIN GO BRAUGH: IRISH CHEESE FOR ST. PATRICK’S CLASS!

Irish? Wish you were Irish? Just for an evening? Well what better way to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit then by sampling a full range of Irish Cheeses…and washing them down with a few Irish beverages, of course? On the eve of the big day, Artisanal’s John J.Grogan, certified “Irish Cheese Lover” and frequent traveler to the old sod, will take you on a very special journey through the cheeses of Ireland. John has had a chance to visit with a number of Irish cheese makers over the past year and has arranged for some special cheeses to be sent to the Artisanal cheese caves for this class. Join us as we taste such Irish delicacies as Durrus, Cooleeney, and Cashel Blue while learning about their dairies and their production, firsthand. Whether you’ll spend your St. Patrick’s Day marching up 5th Avenue, watching the parade from the sidewalk, or curling up in front of your TV, an evening of Ireland’s best cheeses will set the tone for a wonderful Saturday!

Tuesday, April 10
6:30PM - 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE FROM MILK TO CHEESE AND BEYOND: A VERTICAL TASTING CLASS!

Have you ever heard the saying, “Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese” It’s certainly true that cheeses age and transform with a unique elegance. Join Affineur Daphne Zepos for an exciting exploration of taste and aging. We’ll be dividing the cheeses by milk - cow, goat and sheep – and by age, from milk to young to old, and tasting cheese along its subtle, elegant procession from milk to curd and beyond! This is a fun and wonderful opportunity to taste the aging process itself and learn a great deal about the life of your favorite cheeses.