Cheesaholics Anonymous

Seattle knows cheese

Seattle is hosting its fourth annual Cheese Festival from May 18^th – 20^th, bringing cheese makers and cheese lovers together at the Pike Place market downtown. Some of my favorite cheese people in the world will be there, including the Brits from Neal’s Yard, the masters of American blue from Rogue River, and one of my dearest mentors Daphne Zepos, fromager and affineur extraordinaire who will be speaking as a panelist. While the festival turns 4, I turn the big 3-0 that weekend, and my only plans at the moment involve copious amounts of wine and close proximity to my husband and loved ones in NYC. But I urge you, my fellow cheesaholics, to go west and explore what the Seattle Cheese Festival has to offer. For more info click here.

I heart cheese

Everything about Valentine’s Day screams “hearts” – they are all over the place, splashed on every card and gift intended to convey the subtle expression of love. But why, oh why, did the heart-lovers have to mess with cheese? I never understood this idea, and am even more perplexed in realizing this is probably a fairly old thing. According to my sources, the heart-shaped cheese hails from France. The French are pretty traditional about their food, especially cheese, which leads me to believe this notion has been around for a while. I can only imagine, a century ago, a lonely French cheesemaker pining for the lovely maiden that frequents his cheese shop. Unable to summon the courage to tell her how he feels, he whips up a heart-shaped Camembert and presents it to her, hoping his intention is loud and clear. Ah, l’amour. I personally have never tried a heart-shaped cheese. But for those of you willing to take the plunge, there is plenty to chose from: Coeur de Berry, Coeur d’Arras, Coeur d’Avesnes and a few American versions as well. Remember, you can always get out your heart-shaped cookie cutter and take it to any cheese you like (maybe you’ll get points for being creative too).

Bringing sexy back

It can be hard to think of original things to give your loved one for Valentines Day. Chocolates, scented oils, promise of intimate dinners, all so predictable. So if your sweetheart happens to be a cheese lover who likes women, give the gift of Les Calendrier des From’Girls (Cheese Girl’s Calendar). This kinky 2007 wall calendar is the creation of Véronique Richez-Lerouge, who is trying to overhaul cheese’s image as a stodgy and fattening food. Mademoiselles Adeline Camembert and Clara Chaource (pictured left) are among the dozen French beauties that pose saucily with their featured cheese of the month. For only 15 euros you can send your lover soaring to new heights of gastronomic (or was that sexual?) arousal. Bring the sexy back, one fromage at a time. To order: http://www.fromages-de-terroirs.com/

¡Viva Navarra!

FREE EVENT! Saturday February 3rd

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Located in the north of Spain, Navarra boasts a long and rich history of agriculture and gastronomic culture. This ancient kingdom has captivated all who visit, from the pilgrims who traversed the mountainous El Camino de Santiago, to Hemingway running the bulls in Pamplona. Join us for a tasting of artisan cheeses and wines from the region, and find out why people are falling in love with Navarra. This event is free and open to the public! Cheeses provided by Despaña Brand Foods and wines provided by Astor Wines & Spirits. Waldemar and Nadia will serve the cheese and will answer all your cheese questions! Guests will be offered 15% off the featured wines for purchase.

Astor Wines & Spirits is located at 399 Lafayette Street (at 4th St), New York, NY 10003. (212) 674-7500.