Chicago is About To Get Cheesy

One of the things I actually abhor is anything called National ________ Month/Day. We all know these special occasions simply serve to promote a food product (peaches, ice cream, nuts, etc.) that is in need of a sales boost. Kind of like a Groupon, but sponsored by a large consortium of producers rather than just a small mom-and-pop restaurant. But the thing I do like about American Cheese Month is that consumers can actually learn something about their favorite curds and whey.

Over the next few weeks, several special dinners and classes will be held around the city, with the first major one happening on Tuesday, at The Purple Pig. Even better, an intensive class will be held later this month at Kendall College, featuring both cheese and beverage experts. So while the temptation at first is to write this special “month” off as yet another marketing ploy, kudos to those involved – including Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine and Marion Street Cheese Market – for making sure that promotion is mixed with a healthy dose of education.

Meet the American Cheesemaker

Dinner with Saxon Creamery’s Jerry Heimerl

Tuesday, October 11, 6:00 p.m.

The Purple Pig, 500 North Michigan Ave.

Cost: $95 (all-inclusive, with wine pairings)

$5 from each ticket goes to the American Cheese Education Foundation

Limit 24 people

MENU:

Charred Broccoli with Anchovy-Herb Vinaigrette, Breadcrumbs,‘Saxony’ (Alpine Style)

Salad of Frisee, Crispy Jowl, Sunchokes, Poached Egg, Honey-Cider Vinaigrette, ‘Big Ed’s’ (Gouda Style)

Bone-In Beef Tenderloin with Fried Brussel Sprouts, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, ‘Greenfields’ Fonduta (Washed Rind)

Grilled Cheese with Spiced Apple Butter, Almonds, Charred Grapes, ‘Pastures’ (cheddar)

Great Wisconsin Cheese and the Beverages That Love Them

Sunday, October 16, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Kendall College, 900 North Branch St.

Celebrate the first ever national American Cheese Month with a Wisconsin artisan cheese and beverage pairing event to benefit the American Cheese Education Foundation (ACEF). Activities include a guided tasting featuring cocktails by Death’s Door Spirits, beers by Goose Island Brewery and Wisconsin artisan cheeses such as the award-winning Pleasant Ridge Reserve (Uplands Cheese Company), Bandaged Cheddar (Bleu Mont Dairy), Casa Bolo Mellage (Carr Valley), Dunbarton Blue (Roelli Cheese Haus) and Tilston Point Blue (Hook’s Cheese Company) among others which are all available for sale throughout October at Pastoral. $20 per person. For ticket information, contact Pastoral at pastoralartisan.com or 773-472-4781.