Smile and say “cheese” for the second annual Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival, Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Seattle Design Center. A tasting of nearly 80 local artisanal cheeses paired with gourmet spreads, flattering craft beverages and more make this event the largest and most celebrated cheesemakers gathering in the state.
Showcasing more than 21 different cheesemakers, guests will enjoy the wide selection of cheeses available, including soft-ripened, raw milk and washed rind cheese varieties, as well as gourmet butter, yogurt and cream cheese options to try. Enhance your experience by pairing artisan cheeses with gourmet spreads and sides from BigSpoon Jam’s Blueberry Balsamic Jam to Boat Street Pickles’ French Plums. La Panzanella provides a selection of lightly seasoned Croccantinis, while Tease Chocolates deals out their Honey Goat Cheese Truffles.
Pike Brewing has been busy concocting a specialty brew for the occasion: the “cheese-friendly” Petite Pike. Head brewer Dean Mochizuki describes this Belgian style Pale Ale as a good compliment for fresh and soft cheese varieties. Other beverage pairing options include Odin Brewing Company’s Freya’s Gold and Odin’s Gift, Tieton Cider Works’ Wild Washington Apple, Apricot Cider and Tieton Blend, a selection of wines from Gilbert Cellars and more.
As for the cheese? Among the 21 featured creameries guests will enjoy can sample from Alpine Lakes Sheep Cheese, Cascadia Creamery, Kurtwood Farms and more. Want to brush up on your knowledge? New for 2013, guests will enjoy informative seminars including “Washington Cheese Past and Present” hosted by Tami Parr, and “Washington’s Bountiful Harvest of Cheese and Islands to Deserts and Mountains to Gorge,” presented by Julia Powers.
Come enjoy a day indulging in artisan cheeses paired with gourmet goods at the second annual Washington Artisan Cheesemakers Festival. The festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 12, with two available tasting sessions, noon to 3 pm. and 4 pm to 7 pm. Proceeds benefit the Cascade Harvest Coalition.
Saturday, Oct. 12 ll noon – 3 pm/4 pm—7 pm ll 5701 Sixth Avenue S, Seattle ll Tickets: $35 advance, $40 door
