What do 1,327 cheeses in every creamy variety imaginable look like displayed in a large hotel ballroom? In a word: Heaven. Or at least that’s the first word that came to mind when I took a sneak peak of the American Cheese Society’s Festival of Cheese on Saturday. I love cheese. Probably more than I should. Everything from standard cheddars to nutty Parmesans and the stinkiest of Stiltons and Blues, I love it all.
So when I heard that this annual festival had chosen Austin as its host, I couldn’t wait to check it out. Little did I know that 1,300 cheeses in one room stack up to be a rather awe-inspiring wonderland of dairy delight.
You could smell the bounty from the lobby of the Hilton Hotel downtown, which is saying a lot considering the event was hosted on the 4th floor. Just the night before, 314 of these cheeses were awarded as some of the best in North America and despite the aroma in the lobby, which sort of reminded me of a smelly old shoe, I was excited to taste a few of the greats.
I was fortunate enough to snag an early preview of the mountains and cascades of lovely cheeses on display before the public masses descended to pick and nibble their way through it all. Despite my undying love, I knew there was no way I could sample everything in this ocean of washed rinds, triple creams, fetas, spreads, and more. I’m no where near being lactose intolerant, but I’d rather not tempt fate… I did, however, manage to find a handful that won my heart.
Rogue River Blue Takes #1
I loved the “Best In Show” award-winner Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery in Central Point, Oregon. As blues go, it was creamy and strong and left just the right punch at the back of the throat after the first bite. I found a tasty raclette, a couple of goodies from the beloved Cowgirl Creamery outside of San Francisco, some delicious camembert, and of course, some excellent local selections…
(Texas winners included selections from Pure Luck Farms in Dripping Springs and Latte Da outside of Dallas.)
The Sheep Stole My Heart
As cheese goes, I’m pretty fickle when it comes to what type I love best… (Although a triple cream can often send me right over the edge of ecstasy.) This time, I found an almost hidden crock of sheep’s milk cheese blended with honey and lavender that took my breath away. That delicate texture in sheep’s milk, the floral lavender, and the hint of sweetness from the honey was, well, special. Something I look forward to savoring again.
Caught With My Hand In the Chocolate Jar
I should also note that the room wasn’t entirely filled with cheese. There were breads, jams, fruit, and other appropriate accoutrement for your average cheese plate. I particularly loved the artisan salamis from Creminelli fine meats. (http://www.creminelli.com/lli.com) They had a wild boar selection that was dreamy and their somewhat fruity salami cacciatore was a definite match for a nearby crumble of Wisconsin cheddar.
I also stumbled on a table of TCHO chocolates. (www.tcho.com) There were lovely dishes spread out with varying samples to taste. The San Francisco-based chocolates are produced from beans that come from farms across the globe so that they'll attain particular flavor profiles. The chocolates are all labeled “chocolatey,” "nutty," "fruity," or "citrus," TCHO chocolates all had a subtle, yet appealing taste that made me want to snatch a bar right from the table… Actually I did snatch a bar. I honestly thought they were for the public as they were displayed in abundance on the table. Turns out I was wrong. One of the owners made sure to point that out as he saw me nab one form the table!!! I was horribly embarrassed… So visibly so that I think he took pity on me and let me keep the coveted bar. I still haven’t brought myself to eat it…
All in all, I maybe tasted 30 out of the 1,300. And though I probably should have indulged, at least I can be proud of having self control???
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