News From The Cheese Caves

This week has been full of a number of cheese musings, from enjoying Artisanal’s cheeses with the Finnish Ambassador and his wife to thinking about “perfect pairing” between cheeses and wines and cheeses and pickles. It was great fun and quite delicious to be at an event with Artisanal cheeses and a number of embassy chefs in Washington DC this week. I enjoyed both domestic and imported cheeses, including the Wabash Cannonball and the specially made for Artisanal Roquefort. The perfect pairing concept is one that I will continue to explore, as it can be very rewarding.

(more…)

Wednesday, May 16
6:30PM – 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE SICILIAN CHEESE & WINE CLASS!

Famed restaurateur and food critic Sam Gugino, author of four popular books and numerous articles for The New York Times and Wine Spectator, joins Fromager Daphne Zepos in this very special class sampling the ancient flavors of Sicily. Rising out of the blue waters right in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has the rare gift of a multi-cultural identity, from the Ancient Greeks to the Venetians and Arabs. Take an exclusive cheese and wine tasting journey of this great island, guided by the renowned palates of Sam and Daphne as they reminisce about their delicious discoveries from their Sicilian travels together!

Monday, March 12
6:30PM – 8:30PM

SIGN UP FOR THE GREAT GIFTS OF THE BASQUE CLASS!

The Basques are one of the world’s most resilient civilizations. They have never really been conquered and have always fiercely guarded their culture, with its unique language and tremendous craftsmanship. It is no wonder that their cheeses are utterly unique and simply magnificent. In this class, we will be pairing some of our favorites with some of the culture’s more unusual wines – definitely a night to remember.

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.