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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