Chicago’s hometown cheese shop since 2004 makes delicious artisan holiday gift offerings available online and in-store beginning November 1st

Chicago, IL (October 27, 2014) – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will celebrate the upcoming holiday season by introducing various collections and medleys that reflect the spirit of Chicago’s iconic neighborhoods beginning November 1st.  Each contains a variety of artisanal products that pay homage to the communities Pastoral holds dear and its hometown roots.

The following holiday collections and medleys will be available for purchase online at pastoralartisan.com, in-store or by calling 800.721.4781.

Holiday Collections & Medleys

• Lake View Collection ($99.99), shares all-time favorites from the neighborhood that’s home to the flagship Pastoral store and Bar Pastoral
• Lincoln Square Medley ($49.99), inspired by the Northside neighborhood rich in German history, local culture and independent businesses
• Hyde Park Collection ($74.99), takes you on an edible trip around the world, inspired by the home of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, the University of Chicago and the President of the United States
• Best of the Midwest Collection ($69.99), features a bounty of America’s artisans producing phenomenal cheese and accompaniments
• Wicker Park Collection ($79.99), named after Chicago’s hip and artsy neighborhood and featuring artisan treats to please even the most discriminating palate
• Fulton Market Collection ($119.99), home to artisan producers, groundbreaking restaurants and a food community committed to exploring new tastes and concepts with a bit of old school tradition
• Magnificent Mile Deluxe Collection ($169.99), boasts a premium spread of the highest-quality artisanal cheese, wine, charcuterie and more to match the area’s iconic architecture, lush boutiques and swanky residences
• Gourmet Gratitude Collection ($129.99), a bounty of comforting and indulgent treats
• Back of the Yards Medley ($54.99), celebrates one of the most historically significant meatpacking districts in the country with artisan charcuterie
• Sweet Home Chicago Medley ($39.99), shows off the Windy City’s sweet tooth and some locally-produced confections

Pastoral Collections arrive in a signature wooden cheese box, handcrafted in Denmark, Wisconsin.  Pastoral Medleys are packaged in an environmentally friendly kraft box.  Each will include an informative insert, describing every artisan product, the stories and people behind them and how best to enjoy them.

Up to two bottles of wine can be added to any collection for $20 and $40, respectively.  Similarly, up to two bottles of Benchmark, or world-class wines, can be added to any collection for $50 and $100, respectively.  Pastoral’s resident experts select optimal wines to accompany each collection in both theme and flavor.

Monthly Membership Clubs

In addition to the holiday collections and medleys, Pastoral will continue to offer customers another great gift option – monthly membership clubs – including two new options:

• Cheese of the Month (two pieces per month), selected to highlight the best of what the season has to offer
• Wine of the Month (one bottle per month), focused on small production vineyards employing environmentally sustainable practices. Includes information about the wine, its origin and food pairing recommendations
• Perfect Pairing of the Month, showcasing delicious combinations of cheese and wine that take the guesswork out of pairing
• New! Charcuterie of the Month (two pieces per month), ranges from potted meats and whole muscle cures to traditional dry aged sausages
• New! Trio of the Month, featuring delightful combinations of cheese, charcuterie and wine from Pastoral’s resident experts

Each of Pastoral’s cheese, charcuterie, wine and pairing memberships include an educational and insightful narrative to share the unique story, style and origin of each product, how to best enjoy and the inspiration behind them.  Each is available for four, eight or 12-month packages.  Visit pastoralartisan.com for full details, including pricing and shipping information.

“In 2004, we opened Pastoral with a mission to provide Chicago with the highest level of service, education and quality and to make shopping for artisan food and wine enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious,” said Greg O’Neill, co-founder of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine.  “This holiday season, in our tenth anniversary year, we’re thrilled to celebrate the food culture of our hometown Chicago as exemplified by its diverse neighborhoods.”

Pastoral offers delicious, memorable gifts to meet any budget and specializes in corporate and client gifts.  For more information, visit pastoralartisan.com or call Pastoral at 773-472-4781.  A full calendar of holiday events is also available at all Pastoral store locations (2945 North Broadway; 53 East Lake Street; Chicago French Market, 131 North Clinton Street).

About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shop offering the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, perfectly chosen accompaniments and small production wines, along with hand-crafted, cheese-loving beers and spirits. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral is committed to providing the highest level of service and education for customers, striving to make shopping for and consuming artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Pastoral welcomes customers at three Chicago store locations, and ships nationwide at www.pastoralartisan.com. Pastoral was named Outstanding Retailer of the Year in 2007 and 2012 by the Specialty Food Association.  In 2013, the Company opened Bar Pastoral, an award-winning, Michelin Guide recommended cheese & wine bistro serving shareable fare, in a cozy, inviting neighborhood setting.

Key West, Florida (October 1, 2014) – Papa’s Pilar^®, the super-premium rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s spirit of adventure, announced plans today to support U.S. Sailing hopefuls Sarah Newberry and John Casey in their quest to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Newberry/Casey are the top ranked U.S. Olympic Nacra 17 (performance catamaran used for racing) Team, and multiple-time National and North American Champions in a variety of high-performance, high-speed, multihull classes.  John is one of the most accomplished multihull sailors in the U.S. as both helm and crew, and Sarah is the top ranked female helm (driver) in the Western Hemisphere.

From October 19-24, the duo will compete in the National Championships in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Then, it’s off to Miami for three important events: the U.S. Training Camp (December 16-21), North American Championships (January 17-19, 2015) and ISAF World Cup (January 27-31, 2015).  Papa’s Pilar will join Newberry/Casey on their Olympic journey at these and other events, speaking engagements and regattas.  As part of the partnership, the team’s boat and uniforms will bear the Papa’s Pilar logo as they compete, travel and explore the world.  Along the way, the award-winning rum hopes to inspire the team to live as Hemingway did.

“Papa’s Pilar is proud to support Sarah and John as they embark upon their biggest adventure to date,” said Lindsey Kops, brand director for Papa’s Pilar.  “Like our award-winning rum, they are bold, well­-traveled, and uniquely American.  These tremendous athletes truly embody the brand’s ‘Never A Spectator’ mentality.”

“The way we live and compete is a reflection of our sense of adventure,” said John Casey.  “With a deep love of the ocean, we immerse ourselves into each event and challenge on and off the water.  Like Hemingway, we don’t spectate…we live.”

PAPA’S PILAR RUM

Papa’s Pilar Rum is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all.  “Papa” as Ernest Hemingway was known, was possibly the world’s greatest adventurer.  Papa’s Pilar was crafted to be near that same adventure, accompanying rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life.  Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.

Papa’s Pilar Dark and Blonde are born of the finest rums and pay homage to Hemingway’s exploits on land and sea, respectively.  Each is hand-selected from ports-of-call throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age and distinct character.  Once brought to the U.S.A., the Papa’s Pilar team of Master Blenders artfully marry the rums in a unique solera aging and blending process, using American Oak Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and finishing in Spanish Sherry casks.

Papa’s Pilar Dark, which was awarded “a Double Gold” Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, is a bold and complex rum.  At 86-proof, it is both pot and column stilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old, and a long, velvety finish.  Papa’s Pilar Blonde is a crisp and nuanced rum, which includes column stilled aged rums 3-7 years old.  At 84-proof, it has a layered and exceptionally smooth finish.  Papa’s Pilar Blonde was awarded “Best in Class” White Rum at the 2013 Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami, Florida.

Every aspect of Papa’s Pilar is thoughtful and purposeful.  The distinct bottle evokes Papa’s exploits through a form factor reminiscent of an iconic WWII canteen.  The etched compass closure reflects that same sense of adventure on either land or sea, and the chain link makes it practical for any excursion.  The lion heads represent nobility while the Rooster on the Medallion pays homage to Key West, an island where Hemingway and his boat Pilar once resided and remain celebrated fixtures within the community.

Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate.  The Hemingway family will donate 100 percent of their royalty profits to organizations that embody the likes of adventure, literacy, and conservation, causes dear to Hemingway and his heirs.  In 2013, the Family made a $30,000 donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a highly reputable worldwide organization that embodies many of Ernest Hemingway’s core values, from sport and adventure to protection of natural resources.

Papa’s Pilar rums are currently available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in California, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, DC.  The suggested retail price of the Dark and Blonde are $39.99 and $29.99, respectively.  Prices may vary by market.

Papa’s Pilar plans to break ground on a new distillery and experience center in 2014 in Key West, Florida.  For more information, visit www.papaspilar.com, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on twitter and Instagram @papaspilar.  Rum enthusiasts can also search for #papaspilar, #papawouldbeproud, #neveraspectator, #hemingwayday, #livethelegend

About Hemingway Rum Company, LLC

Hemingway Rum Company, LLC is a distilled spirits company based in Florida that’s dedicated to producing super-premium multi-sourced solera blended artisanal rums. The Company’s inaugural offerings are Papa’s Pilar™ Dark and Blonde rums, incepted and crafted by a seasoned team of best-in-class partners. The Company encourages consumers of legal drinking age to Live Courageously and Drink Responsibly and proudly supports local organizations that serve Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous, literary and conservational legacy.

Papa’s Pilar® is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

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Chicago, IL (October 1, 2014) – Together with the American Cheese Society, Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will celebrate American Cheese Month 2014 throughout the month of October.  The fourth annual national event celebrates American artisan cheese and the farmers, cheesemakers, purveyors and chefs who bring American artisan cheese to the table.  Throughout October, Pastoral, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in Chicago this year, will promote all American produced cheeses, but highlight the following four:

Capriole Cheese’s “O’Banon” from, Greenville, IN

– Cheese Makers: Judith Schad (founder) & Chris Osborne

– A fresh goat’s milk cheese wrapped in Woodford Reserve Bourbon soaked Chestnut leaves.  2014 ACS 1st Place Winner for its category

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese’s “Bay Blue”, Point Reyes Station, CA

– Owners: The Giacomini Family; Cheese Maker: Kuba Hemmerling

– A cows milk fudgy blue cheese full of layers of amazing flavor, this cheese won 2nd best in show among 1,700 cheeses at this year’s prestigious ACS judging and competition (1st place in its category)

Alemar Cheese’s “Good Thunder”, Mankato, MN

– Owner: Keith Adams; Cheese Maker: Craig Hageman

– A washed rind cows milk cheese in a French Reblochon tradition, this more robust version of its award winning sister Bent River Camembert

LaClare Farms’ “Chandoka”, Malone, WI
Owners/Cheese Makers: The Hedrich Family

– A cheddar-like mixed milk cheese of goats and cows milk this mild, fruity firmer cheese is a crowd pleaser

These four featured cheeses will be served at all Pastoral retail stores, at Bar Pastoral, and as a gift medley, which will be available both in store and online.

There will be a variety of in-store offerings, including an “American Cheese Month Retail Cheese Plate” for $15 (including tax), featuring the four cheeses and served with seasonal accompaniments and a baguette.

An “American Cheese Month Medley” will retail for $64.99 and include cuts of the four featured cheeses, along with Quince and Apple Fig and Black Tea Preserves from Wisconsin.  The medley is beautifully arranged in a Pastoral Medley Craft Box and includes a write up about the contents and their producers.

Pastoral will also host free in-store tastings at all three store locations throughout the month featuring Indiana’s Capriole Cheese, Wisconsin’s Clockshadow Creamery and Georgia’s Many Fold Farm among others.  Visit pastoralartisan.com for a full list of in-store demos/tastings from American artisan cheese makers.

Bar Pastoral will introduce an “American Cheese Month Cheese Plate” in October for $20, highlighting the aforementioned four cheeses and served with seasonal accompaniments, beautifully arranged on one of Pastoral’s signature slate presentation boards.

On Sunday, October 26, Bar Pastoral will host a special Brunch/Book Signing with Legendary “Breakfast Queen” Ina Pinkney in celebration of her new book “Taste Memories.”  Bar Pastoral Chef Brooks Hart will re-create some of her signature dishes, which will incorporate American Artisan Cheesy goodness.

Throughout October, Pastoral will make their Monthly Wine Focus amazing American-produced wines that are a great compliment to the four featured cheeses.  On Saturday, October 25 at 3:30pm, Pastoral’s beverage buyer and resident expert, Mark Wrobel, will host the monthly Afternoon Explorations Guided Wine Tasting.  The $5 cost will be credited toward store purchases afterward. 

Pastoral will donate a portion of sales from these products to support the Daphne Zepos Teaching Award, an annual scholarship awarded to a USA-based cheese professional to further his or her education on cheese.  The scholarship was created in memory of Daphne, who was an industry legend and ACS Lifetime achievement award winner, the founder of Essex Street Cheese Company and the owner of the Cheese School of San Francisco.  The scholarship is funded by the Daphne Zepos Endowment, which is held in the American Cheese Education Foundation.

“The burgeoning artisan cheese movement in North America inspired us to open Pastoral back in 2004, and we continue to be motivated by the growing number of American artisan cheesemakers from regions throughout the U.S.,” said Greg O’Neill, co-founder of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine and Chair of the American Cheese Society.  “During this fourth annual American Cheese Month, we’re especially eager to spread the word on the quality and craftsmanship of American cheesemakers and create dialogue on sustainability, eating locally and supporting traditional cheesemaking practices.”

For more information on American Cheese Month 2014, visit pastoralartisan.com or call Pastoral at 773-472-4781.  A full calendar of local events to celebrate American Cheese Month is also available at all Pastoral store locations (2945 North Broadway; 53 East Lake Street; Chicago French Market, 131 North Clinton Street).

About Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine is a trio of national award-winning neighborhood cheese, specialty foods and wine shop offering the highest quality, cut-to-order domestic and international specialty cheeses, freshly baked breads, perfectly chosen accompaniments and small production wines, along with hand-crafted, cheese-loving beers and spirits. Pastoral also offers custom gift collections, gourmet sandwiches and salads, picnics and catering. Pastoral is committed to providing the highest level of service and education for customers, striving to make shopping for and consuming artisan goods enlightening, approachable, fun and delicious. Pastoral welcomes customers at three Chicago store locations, and ships nationwide at www.pastoralartisan.com. The company was named Outstanding Retailer of the Year in 2007 and 2012 by the Specialty Food Association.

About Bar Pastoral

Recommended in the prestigious 2014 Chicago Michelin Guide, Bar Pastoral is an award-winning cheese & wine bistro and the first sit-down extension from Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, Chicago’s lauded gourmet retailer.  Serving shareable fare, in a cozy, inviting neighborhood setting, Bar Pastoral celebrates the idea of “grazing as dinner” with an expertly crafted selection of fine cheeses, hand-made charcuterie, as well as small and large composed plates, all thoughtfully paired with small production wines, craft beers and spirits.  Bar Pastoral also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and is a welcoming place to relax and enjoy meals that reflect the finest ingredients and flavors of the season. http://www.barpastoral.com

About the American Cheese Society (ACS)
The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation and promotion of farmstead, artisan and specialty cheeses produced in North America.  More than 1,500 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development and networking opportunities to cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts and extended industry.  ACS strives to continuously raise the quality and availability of cheese in North America.  Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts North America’s foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition.  For more information, visit cheesesociety.org

About American Cheese Month
American Cheese Month is an annual celebration of America’s diverse artisan, farmstead and specialty cheeses—and the farmers, cheesemakers, distributors, retailers, cheesemongers, chefs and educators who bring them to the table.  Created by the American Cheese Society, American Cheese Month will be held annually each October, with special events and promotions in cities across the country.  The goal of the month-long celebration is to raise awareness of the quality and diversity of American cheeses, as well as to increase support for family farms, traditional cheese production methods and sustainable production models.  Revenue from select American Cheese Month events will support the American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF).  For more information, visit americancheesemonth.org

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