March Blues Redux

I always like the last weekend of the month -- somehow I feel change in the air, and it inspires me to count my blessings. March has been a good month, for all its gray skies and international disasters. The urban farm down the street started selling seeds this weekend, and we bought our first packet of Easter Egg radishes -- I love to eat those ruby-pink heart-throbs with a little rice vinegar and sea salt.

All weekend, little surprises have appeared.

This morning, a new friend dropped by with lemons from a family tree in Florida. I love how earthy and bulbous they look, compared to the waxy ones you find at the store -- I can't wait to pack these in salt to cure. I'll use the brine for Bloody Mary's and grill slices of brined lemons alongside fish.

And last night, an old friend stopped through town for dinner, on his way home from hanging a gallery show. We threw together a spontaneous late-nite cheese party with a few treasures from yesterday's cheese-and-beer tasting at Quince.

The tasting was especially delightful, in part due to Joel Armato (below), who brought such good beer in from Michigan's New Holland Brewery. Our Dragon's Milk and Beemster Gouda pairing was a hit, and there were so many new faces -- many of them secret friends from this blog, cheese lovers I had never met. Stephanie and Robin, I love knowing you are out there!

So, even though I set out to make March all about blues, I'm feeling rather light pink, more in the mood for some Oma or salty feta than the dark wedge lurking in the shadows of my fridge for the last post of the month -- a blue that imparts crustiness and scorn.

You'll meet it soon. Until then, I hope you are sitting near a sun-drenched window, sipping tea, counting your lucky stars and new friends, too.

New Holland Beer & Cheese Tasting

My next cheese tasting at Quince is right around the corner. This month, I am teaming up with Joel Armato, beer ambassador to New Holland Brewing, for a 3-course pairing of cheese and beer. If you’re a Michigander, or a lover of craft brews, come join us. We'll be tasting Dragon's Milk, Charkoota Rye, and a newly released saison called Golden Cap.

When: Saturday, March 26, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Quince Fine Foods, 209 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia 19123

What: Space is limited to 12. Please reserve in advance: (215) 232-3425

How Much: $12 

Like all of our tastings at Quince, this is a leisurely affair – we serve the cheeses one at a time, Slow Food-style, with accompaniments. Meet other food lovers, learn how to pair beer with cheese, and relax among friends. Our last beer and cheese event filled up quickly, so please reserve early. Cheers!  

A Tres Leches Tasting and More

For this month’s cheese tasting at Quince, we're planning a tasting of three milks (or tres leches): goat, cow, and sheep. What distinguishes each one? What constitutes an ideal pairing? I'll talk about the traits of all three and walk you through a 3-course tasting.

Come join us on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 4 p.m. As always, tastings are held at Quince Fine Foods, a small shop near my house in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. We roll out the cheeses Slow Food-style, one at a time with accompaniments. The last selection comes with a complimentary beverage.

Come join us and meet other cheese lovers! Seating is limited to twelve, so please reserve in advance by calling or emailing the shop: (215) 232-3425 or quince@quincefinefoods.com

Tastings cost $12. All proceeds go to the store.

Next month: It's not too early to sign up for the March 26 cheese tasting at Quince. We've paired up with New Holland Brewing from Michigan for a tasting of cheese and craft beer. Come join us for a sip of Dragon's Milk.

Other Tastings around Philadelphia: Don't forget that it's still Winnimere season. The Garces Trading Company hosts a beer and cheese class with Philadelphia Brewing Company and the Cellars at Jasper Hill (the makers of Winnimere) on March 1 ($65). Reservations required.

Di Bruno Bros. offers a series of special Winnimere tastings coming up in March -- the store has ordered an unusual batch of this washed-rind cheese to be washed in Root, a local spirit. Here are the deets on those three tastings, which are free and open to the public:

Di Brun Bros. 9^th Street , March 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Di Bruno Bros. Center City, March 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ardmore Farmers’ Market, April 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday Cheese Tasting, Dec. 18

It’s the last tasting of the year, a time for cranberries and a downy goat crottins! Leave the dishes in the sink, and join me for a 3-course tasting of holiday cheese pairings.

Where: Quince Fine Foods, 209 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia

When: Saturday, Dec. 18, 4 p.m.

How: Call to make a reservation 215.232.3425; $12/person

Here are a few photos from past tastings. As you can see, it’s been a delightful, dairy-filled year. Special thanks to Nicole Marcote, Joan Sauvion, and Marisa McClellan for making these tastings a triple-cream reality.

Cheers!

Idiazabal with quince jelly

Marisa of Foodinjars.com

Humboldt Fog and Walt Wit

David April from Philadelphia Brewing Co.

Pierre Robert with Dried Cherries

"The Blue Cheese Brit"

Madame Fromage (left), Nicole, Joan