tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58197968711768052422011-08-01T21:46:31.463-05:00Here is where you will find news about all the comings and goings at Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. New cheese arrivals and wine pairings, classes and events. We'll keep you in the know-now.Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-12037072539302864012010-10-18T16:58:00.003-05:002010-10-18T17:00:43.794-05:00

From now on we will be posting to our new fancy, schmancy, super-rad new blogspace. Please click on this link to stay updated with all the Pastoral news-now.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-4911110498347174492010-10-18T10:16:00.004-05:002010-10-18T10:24:58.870-05:00

From the mind of Lucy:Once a month, our small shop's shipping table overflows with boxes upon boxes of well insulated cheese, ready to be shipped nation wide to Cheese of the Month members, eagerly awaiting its arrival. Each shipment includes two cheeses, both favorites from our storefront and others we procure in limited quantities especially for our members, as well as a short card of

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-61125674331148667782010-10-15T08:35:00.005-05:002010-10-15T14:12:02.430-05:00

When most people think of Parmigiano-Reggiano they think of it as a cheese from grating onto pasta or salad. While we love the "king of cheeses" on top of a nice bowl of gnocchi or in a Cesar salad it's also fantastic as a snacking cheese.Our cheese comes from the world-famous Cravero family affineurs in the cradle of the slow food movement in Bra, Italy. The cheese is made using raw milk from

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-26834762735448634672010-10-04T19:27:00.012-05:002010-10-06T17:28:52.226-05:00

When I first mentioned to my chef friend Andrew that I wanted to come visit him in Luzern, he said “Oh, perhaps we could drive to Alsace and visit my affineur…” Perhaps we could drive to Alsace and visit your affineur? I booked my plane ticket pronto and asked him to arrange that visit. We hopped in the car at 10 am on a Monday morning and after yet another scenic drive through

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-49376839227734671102010-09-26T09:50:00.013-05:002010-10-04T19:18:13.173-05:00

On the Sunday afternoon of my recent vacation visit to Luzern Switzerland, my hosts packed me and the kids in the car and drove 30 minutes to the postcard-worthy town at the base of Mount Titlis, a beautiful resort called Engelberg. We passed para-gliders and senior citizens frolicking in the glorious September sunshine. Our destination: the Cheese Factory at Engelberg Monastery. Now, I

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-80986305244394794372010-09-24T09:34:00.003-05:002010-09-24T09:40:03.999-05:00

Q: How do you know when it's fall?A: Rogue River Blue is back in stock!That's right, after too many months of waiting the BIG DADDY of the Rogue Creamery line is finally back in the stores! This raw milk blue is made only in autumn, and wrapped in grape leaves that have been soaked in pear brandy. Stephanie and Agela think that in addition to the flavors of berries, hazelnuts and mushrooms that

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-47340271779916179752010-09-22T15:08:00.001-05:002010-09-22T15:19:39.957-05:00

This coming weekend is the Chicago Gourmet at Millenium Park. This coming Saturday and Sunday we will be offering deliciously cheesy samples at our booth in the NASFT pavillion. As a bonus, we're also going to have a few cheesemaker guests.On Saturday 9/25 from 12-2pm Leslie Cooperband of Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign, IL will be offering up samples of her delicious farmstead goat cheeses. But

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-4615069452247745472010-09-17T09:41:00.003-05:002010-09-17T11:06:27.999-05:00

We've kidnapped cheesemaker Jeremy Stephenson for the day. At the ACS conference last month Tarentaise, made on Spring Brook Farm won first place in the farmstead cheese category and third place in the all-around Best of Show competition. For your tasting pleasure, we've kidnapped cheesemaker Jeremy Stephenson for the day. Starting at noon today you can stop by the shops, meet Jeremy, taste

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-36110430616392635972010-09-13T09:01:00.000-05:002010-09-13T09:04:25.036-05:00

This year during the conference held in Seattle the ACS held their 2nd annual Cheesemonger competition. Cesar, our senior buyer and head fromager and myself-Cristi, the store manager at our French Market location- paired up to represent Pastoral.The competition is modeled on the internationally recognized Caseus Competition held every other year in France. Some of the other retailers involved

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-85226655637802235722010-09-10T09:40:00.004-05:002010-09-10T10:34:15.834-05:00

Coming straight off of it's 1st place win in it's category for aged goat cheese and 2nd place Best of Show win at the ACS conference we're tasting the Bonne Bouche from Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery and pairing it with a Viogner blend from South Africa. Bonne Bouche is a young ash-ripened cheese that first made it on the scene in 2001. Translated the name literally means "good mouthful" and is

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-78797347956995107542010-09-03T10:01:00.005-05:002010-09-03T11:09:02.573-05:00

We've got two great products this week with Belgian traditions and American twists. Read on!The Cheese, Bridgid's Abbey is from the mother and son duo at Cato Corner farm in Colchester, Connecticut. This Trappist-style monastery cheese has a smooth consistency and an irresistibly rich, and mild taste. The flavor is slightly milky, with a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.Originally this

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-83434938426318649092010-08-27T13:31:00.004-05:002010-08-27T21:21:19.942-05:00

This week the annual ACS conference is happening in Seattle. In addition to the fantastic seminars, meet-ups, book-signings and Festival of Cheese there was a Cheesemonger competition that took place on Thursday. While the official results won't be revealed until tomorrow we're immensely proud of Cesar and Cristi for the fabulous job they did representing Pastoral. We've got our fingers crossed

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-83870028898032983482010-08-20T09:17:00.004-05:002010-08-20T09:55:13.769-05:00

This week we're pulling from three of the most important food groups, chocolate, cheese and wine.The chocolate comes to us from Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Sicily, Italy. Founded in 1880 by Francesco Bonajuto, Antica Dolceria, has been recognized world-wide for it's chocolate production. The chocolate begins with a mass of semi-ground cocoa that still contains its cocoa butter. The mass is

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-71638680334707934682010-08-13T10:19:00.002-05:002010-08-13T10:52:04.116-05:00

Have you met Xian yet? In addition to his duties as Assistant Manager of our Broadway location over the past few months he has taken our small beer program and turned it around 180 degrees. Interesting craft beers both domestic and international have been popping up on our shelves lately and it's all due to our beer-passionate Xian. After you try this particular pairing you may want to take a

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-87353496298963074992010-08-06T09:03:00.005-05:002010-08-06T16:40:16.721-05:00

Using the Taleggio-styled Grayson with the Rhone berry nuanced Plume Bleue is a pairing that will take your taste buds on a fantastic journey through both the Old and New Worlds.Washed-rind, seasonally-made and ACS award-winning Grayson from Meadow Creek Dairy is one of our staff and customer favorite cheeses.Meadow Creek Diary is a family farm in the mountains of southwest Virginia. At an

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-36440625639055995432010-07-30T10:04:00.003-05:002010-07-30T11:07:36.663-05:00

This week we're doing a great cultural pairing of Old World wine and New World innovative cheese. Domaine de Beaurenard is a family run estate that has been producing wonderful Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes-du Rhone Villages wines for 7 generations. The estate was originally called "Bois Renard" (wood fox) but the name slowly transformed in Beaurenard over the years, although the Coulon family

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-33869901899537632472010-07-15T22:33:00.008-05:002010-07-16T13:30:40.759-05:00

You asked for it and we've finally gotten in Morbier. This raw cow's milk cheese is superb and has a very interesting history as well.Named after the small village of Morbier in the Jura region-the same region as Comte-and shares an intimate history with Comte as well.Traditionally after making Comte the cheesemaker would have curd leftover, but not enough to make another wheel. They would take

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-75720922766825095162010-07-09T10:04:00.005-05:002010-07-09T16:28:22.104-05:00

Our current pairing is already going gangbusters at all three stores this week. For the cheese we have a new-old addition to our case. Green Hill from Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, Georgia. This cheese is a little delicious disk of creamy goodness. Made in the style of Camembert, this double cream cheese is made from the rich buttery milk that comes from happy Jersey Cown raised on pasture.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-7615126803655735792010-07-05T08:44:00.003-05:002010-07-09T09:18:31.634-05:00

Twice a year the NAFST puts on the Fancy Food Show. In the winter it's held in San Francisco and in the summer, New York. It's three days of aisle after aisle of deliciousness.This was my first time going and I have to tell you, it's a bit overwhelming. Held at the Jacob Javits center every kind of food you could want to try is represented. I tasted all sorts of deliciousness while there. Jam,

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-29155911088930624012010-07-02T10:59:00.003-05:002010-07-02T14:12:51.245-05:00

Our wine for this week is a Pecorino from Barone di Valforte in Abruzzo, Italy. No, that's not a misspelling. The Pecorino grape is a legendary story in the wine world of a variety that has been brought back from the brink of extinction. Not too long ago, just a few vines were discovered in a nearly wild state in a narrow canyon in Italy's Marche region. Clippings were cut, and identified as the

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-16358307862806542882010-06-25T10:47:00.004-05:002010-06-25T11:20:45.346-05:00

This week our featured cheese is Comte in honor of our friends at Essex St. Cheese Co. and Fort San Antoine that visited us yesterday. Essex St. Cheese Co. has a fantastic video on how they select Comte. Although the number of wheels has changed, the process remains the same. Definitely worth a look.Comte is truly one of the ancient cheeses in our case. Not in age, but in it's rich history.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-67860984678856954822010-06-17T10:21:00.004-05:002010-06-17T11:06:32.843-05:00

Sunday is Father's Day and we've got a pairing perfect for all the dads and beer lovers out there.The cheese is Coolea. The current cheesemaker is Dicky Willems whose parents, originally from Holland moved to Coolea, Ireland back in the 1970's and started making a fantastic cheese that highlights the best of two cultures. The flavor of the Irish countryside, lush grass and sweet milk in a

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-62277126017586938182010-06-10T09:55:00.009-05:002010-06-10T12:04:43.492-05:00

I fibbed. There is no pie.We are continuing our "Perfect Pairing" special through June. Today, and every Thursday in June at our Broadway location when you buy cheese and wine (or beer) together on one receipt you will get 10% off your total purchase.This coming Saturday at our Lake Street location we are hosting our quarterly portfolio wine tasting. This quarter we're focusing on summer and

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-82373319344260449282010-06-03T16:56:00.004-05:002010-06-03T18:33:01.531-05:00

The first week of the month means free wine tastings at Pastoral. Our location at the French Market is having theirs as I type. Don't worry if you missed out, tomorrow we've got a free wine tasting at our Lake St. location from 5-7. Letizia from Colterenzio will be pouring a red and a white for your delight. Next Saturday is our quarterly wine portfolio. Our theme this time around is "Summer

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-46179374673929342192010-05-21T09:28:00.003-05:002010-05-21T10:08:50.516-05:00

The most famous cheese using water buffalo milk is Mozzarella di Bufala, but did you know that water buffalo milk is used to make quite a few other cheeses? If you're a lover of blue cheeses you should try the Blu di Bufala in our case, and if you like your cheese a bit strong and earthy, you have got to come in for this week's pairing.Quadrello di Bufala is a washed rind cheese that many people

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-7456911890629259302010-05-20T10:49:00.004-05:002010-05-20T10:49:00.131-05:00

In 1982, when I was wasting time by watching Knight Rider and Dynasty a woman in Texas was embarking on a career that would not only change her life, but would touch the lives and tummies of millions of people. The woman is Paula Lambert of the Mozzarella Company. Paula had spent some time living in Italy and was disappointed upon her return to Texas that all the fresh mozzarella she could find

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-79810794707759048972010-05-14T10:02:00.003-05:002010-05-14T10:40:28.547-05:00

Good morning everyone in cheese land! We're going to Ireland for the cheese and then back to the U.S.A. for wine. Normally this post would have a mouth-watering picture of the pairing for you, but due to camera and user malfunction (I take horrible pictures when on antihistamines) , there is none. You're just going to have to come into the store to look, smell and taste it for

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-984235154944694862010-05-06T10:26:00.004-05:002010-05-14T09:57:16.747-05:00

This week we're visiting a B&B. Cheese from Britain and Beer from Belgium.Harbourne Blue from Devon is a pasteurized goat's milk blue. Currently it is the only goat blue in Britain. Our wheels of Harbourne have a rich floral flavor with slight sweetness. A little bit of pepper flavor with a long finish, a spiciness that comes with blue cheese, and a tang that comes from goat's milk. Easily one of

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-42751080506173599682010-05-03T08:11:00.000-05:002010-05-03T09:42:26.013-05:00

Wine tastings and discounts and salumi!For our French Market customers, this Thursday (5/6) we are having a free wine tasting from 5-7pm. In addition to tasting some delicious wines, our wine buyer Jamie will be on hand to answer any wine queries you may have.Are you loopy for the Loop location? Friday (5/7) from 5-7pm we're having our free wine tasting at our Lake St. store. Tasty treats to

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-32701313151089910662010-04-29T13:01:00.004-05:002010-04-30T07:01:23.568-05:00

Week number two of the bad almost-pun title. I'm just feeling a bit squirrely I guess. This week we are introducing two brand new products to our shelves.First up is the Cantal Entre Deux. Brought from the Auvergne Mountains to our friend Soyoung at Andante Dairy. She then selects extra aged wheels for us. Made from the milk of French Salers cows this raw milk cheese is usually aged for 4-6

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-67116856259325610402010-04-23T09:04:00.005-05:002010-04-29T13:00:18.420-05:00

I can't believe I'm trying to pun on Gouda. I'm slightly embarrassed, but clearly not enough to change the title.On Saturday 4/24 from 1-4pm at our Lakeview store the fine folks from Oakvale Farmstead Cheese will be stopping by to demo their fantastic cheese-Oakvale Gouda. We have paired their cheese with red and white wine in the past, this Saturday we'll be trying it with some locally made jams

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-47586605982493254652010-04-16T09:35:00.005-05:002010-04-16T11:18:22.194-05:00

So, what are you doing this coming Tuesday, April 20? I guess it all depends on which store you visit.We're kicking off our lunch hour at Lake St. with a demo starring Andy from Uplands Cheese in Wisconsin. Trivia time: Pleasant Ridge Reserve is the only cheese to have twice won the "Best of Show" award from the ACSAndy Hatch will be stopping by to demo Pleasant Ridge Reserve and to answer any

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-38032289225078154422010-04-09T08:59:00.004-05:002010-04-09T09:32:32.748-05:00

Technically it's springtime in Chicago. Apparently this week that means heavy sweaters, thick blankets and nights of freezing temperatures. Never fear. We've got a great combo for you to nibble on while you wait for warmer days.Our cheese this week is Dante from the Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative. Aged for a minimum of six months, this seasonally made sheep's milk cheese is rich and slightly

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-44986315015711356762010-04-05T08:20:00.006-05:002010-04-05T08:44:30.604-05:00

This past weekend my friends and I finally made the trip to Ann Arbor to immerse ourselves in all things Zingerman.After chowing down a few of their famous deli sandwiches, we headed to the Creamery (with a quick stop at the bakery and coffee roastery) to get a quick tour of their cheese-making facility with Michael Baptista, Retail and Wholesale Manager. Pastoral sells lots and lots of Lincoln

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-48098605005009878872010-03-19T13:39:00.005-05:002010-03-19T14:41:01.339-05:00

We've got a fantastic pairing to help celebrate the beginning of spring. This week we're highlighting a bright, flavorful Gewurtztraminer from Monterey County, CA and a delectable triple cream from Point Reyes Station, CA.Our cheese of the week is Mt. Tam from Cowgirl Creamery. The organic milk from the Straus family gives this cheese a subtle yet complex flavor. This signature, award-winning

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-2359333869140753332010-03-04T18:20:00.004-06:002010-03-05T15:35:38.641-06:00

We've got another great pairing for you all this week. Our cheese of the week is Oakvale Gouda from London, Ohio.Oakvale Farmstead Cheese is located just outside of Columbus, OH. The family has been milking since the mid 1800's and use a Holstein-Friesian breed of cattle that give a richer taste and higher protein content than their American Holstein cousins. Oakvale Gouda is aged for less than

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-87009843029058776542010-03-03T17:33:00.004-06:002010-03-03T18:22:27.334-06:00

We've got a lot going on this month. Wine tastings, St. Patrick's day treats and events galore.Starting on March 11th from 4:30-6:30pm at our French Market location join us as we do a free pouring of our "Voluptuous Winter Whites" featuring selections from Glunz. The following Thursday (same time and location) we'll be doing another tasting featuring selections from Wine Cru "Out Like a Lion

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-73392008335808082012010-02-26T07:44:00.005-06:002010-02-26T09:24:22.746-06:00

We've got a bunch of new products in the store this week.For those of you who have been asking , we are pleased to announce the return of truffle honey, truffle oil and truffle salt. We spent a lot of time tasting truffle products and think we've got the best. Deeply aromatic infused products that are the truffliest you've ever tried. We're also starting to bring in new cheeses. Pecorino from

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-23343568043262169792010-02-21T14:50:00.009-06:002010-02-21T15:16:49.785-06:00

Last week I was lucky enough to visit a cheese-loving friend at her Winter home in Gulf Shores Alabama. One morning she asked me if I thought that one hour was too far to drive to get decent cheese. I looked at her and said, "Let's GO!"We drove north through Foley to Elberta, and landed here: at Sweet Home Farm, a tiny Farmstead Dairy and Creamery. We entered their tiny cheese shop and were

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-32612788860482338612010-02-18T17:48:00.007-06:002010-02-19T10:17:56.043-06:00

We've got a lot of yummy goodness this week. Every year in January one of our staff and customer favorite seasonal cheeses, Winnimere comes back to the shop. "Winni" is a raw cow's milk cheese coming to us from the folks at Jasper Hill Farm in the NEK (NorthEastKingdom) of Vermont. Available from January until June this lambic beer washed cheese has big strong flavors that change during the 6

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-5204267744980653262010-02-05T09:17:00.004-06:002010-02-05T09:52:51.076-06:00

This week we're doing a trio of flavors. Pleasant Ridge Extra Reserve, Marmalade from Quince & Apple, and a lovely old world Riesling.Pleasant Ridge Extra Reserve is from Uplands Cheese Co. out of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. This is a seasonally made farmstead cheese. Pleasant Ridge Reserve is an eight month aged cheese with grassy pastures along with sweet and tangy notes. So what makes this cheese "

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-30606125930418549412010-02-04T15:14:00.003-06:002010-02-04T17:19:27.070-06:00

A lot of fun events coming up in the next few weeks. Coming up this Saturday at the French Market we are super excited to be part of the Raclette Event. From 2-4pm join Hans Aeschbacher (chef, not the painter) as he demonstrates the simplicity and complex flavors of traditional Raclette.Looking for our free wine tasting this weekend? Well, we've changed things a bit this year. Starting the

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-78177473151451899742010-01-27T14:44:00.004-06:002010-01-27T16:00:30.919-06:00

Hello cheese aficionados, it's Xian the Guest Blogger here subbing in for Agela the Normal Blogger.We've got a fresh and exciting pairing for you to taste this weekend. We're pairing Pholia Farm's Hillis Peak with Graham Beck's "The Game Reserve" Chenin Blanc.Let's talk about the wine. I typically have an irrational stigma against people whose full name consists of two last names, but Graham Beck

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-11917375130638719562010-01-22T08:50:00.005-06:002010-01-22T09:24:47.481-06:00

Today, Friday Jan. 22 from 4:30-6:30pm please join us at our location at the French Market for a free wine tasting. With the influx of so many new wines on our shelves during the past week we'd look forward to introducing you to some of the new additions. One of our new wines destined to be one of your favorites is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend from Mexico. Will we be pouring that one

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-63402697604524808662010-01-19T14:18:00.003-06:002010-01-19T15:26:09.033-06:00

Here at Pastoral we have a strong commitment to helping out our communities. Gift Certificates, catering, and the time and knowledge of our staff are things we gladly give. During this time of anguish and heartache for the nation of Haiti and her people a lot of people in the food community are coming together to help in whatever way they can. There is a fundraiser on Thursday January 21 from 6

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-13532873810076556652010-01-14T09:18:00.004-06:002010-01-14T10:59:20.560-06:00

This week our pairing is Aderkase Blue from award winning Seymour Dairy (great video on their home page) of Wisconsin and Ballet of Angels (awesome story about the label) from Connecticut.This cheese is a young creamy blue with a nice lingering full flavor. A rich, creamy mouth feel with just the right balance of salt makes this a great cheese for blue fans, and novices alike.The wine has just a

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-1267869441658857932010-01-07T06:58:00.000-06:002010-01-07T06:58:00.307-06:00

Happy New Year to you all! We're starting off the new year with a great local cheese, a winemaker who gives back, and a tasty demo.This Friday at the French Market we will be doing a demo with Potter's Crackers. Stop by from 3:30p-6:30p to sample some of these fantastic, handmade, locally produced, seasonally inspired treats. Great on their own, or when paired with all types of cheese.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-60359695936860698982009-12-30T11:03:00.003-06:002009-12-30T13:43:19.175-06:00

Special New Year's Eve Hours:Broadway and Lake St. locations are open until 7pm. The French Market will be closing at 6pm. All three locations will be closed on New Year's Day. This coming Saturday, January 2nd the French Market will be closing at 4pm and our stores on Lake St. and Broadway will be open regular business hours (11am-6pm and 11am-7pm respectively).The new school term is upon us.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-70382413122753392032009-12-22T13:11:00.004-06:002009-12-22T13:57:45.068-06:00

Please note that all three of our locations will be closing at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and will be closed on Christmas Day. Give us 24 hours and we'll take care of any of your last-minute catering or gift basket needs for local pick-up only (delivery schedule is completely booked).Our pairing this week is a new working on a classic. Stichelton and Port (no picture available)Stichelton is a blue

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-32034326661044211472009-12-18T23:17:00.005-06:002009-12-19T00:11:43.467-06:00

For this pairing we're going Old World. First to France for the Champy Cote du Beaune Village Burgundy. An earthy wine with medium to soft tannins and a long complex finish. A wine that changes throughout the bottle, getting more complex and reveling new complexities as you enjoy.Then let's take a trip to Spain for the cheese. Leonora is a young goat's milk cheese. Aged for at least three

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-21544457597406857352009-12-11T09:01:00.003-06:002009-12-11T11:52:49.821-06:00

Stop by the Chicago French Market on Saturday 12/12 from 3-6pm for a wine tasting. Lawrence Mawby will be there pouring some of his delicious Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir. Sam Simpson of Good Harbor will also be there pouring some of his Trillium and Fishtown White.We've got a really special pairing this week. Queso de la Serena and Illahe Gruner Veltliner. Queso de la Serena is a big, full

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-17835003421283966752009-12-02T16:26:00.009-06:002009-12-02T23:16:07.404-06:00

We are all a-twitter! After months of planning, carpentry, licensing, glass work, goods ordering and tearing out a hair or two we are pleased to announce that Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be opening at the Chicago French Market tomorrow (Dec. 3) at 10 am.The outside awning of what promises to be a food extravaganza in Chicago! Making our presence knownWe've got a great location and

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-8047900900388273302009-11-27T11:50:00.003-06:002009-11-27T12:05:30.649-06:00

This past Tuesday I had the honor of escorting Zoe Brickley from the Cellars at Jasper Hill to visit some of Pastoral's restaurant accounts. Zoe is an accomplished cheese-monger who moved to Greensboro VT last summer to work with our friends Mateo and Andy and their crew. She brought samples of a new cheese from their caves called Landaff, which is a cow's milk tomme inspired by Caerphilly that

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-34632366842827763412009-11-20T09:58:00.005-06:002009-11-20T11:10:00.684-06:00

The Chicago Loop Alliance, in partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository has come up with a "Winter Wonderloop" project. Please help us help others this holiday season with your donation of any non-perishable foods.This Saturday we will be offering another free tasting at our Broadway location from 3pm-6pm. Stop by for a taste of some delicious wines and beer and get your holiday

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-66823833698839089012009-11-13T18:31:00.004-06:002009-11-20T09:29:09.464-06:00

We are proud to announce that our Conspicuous Consumption collection has been named as one of Oprah's favorite things in the holiday issue of O Magazine. After much anticipation we are thrilled to tell you that our shelves have a few new additions. Here's a teaser of some of the new artisan products that Cesar found on his spring tour of Italy. Rustic chocolates, nougat, spreads both savory and

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-57543971665065169292009-11-06T09:17:00.000-06:002009-11-06T09:17:16.923-06:00

This Saturday is our free Saturday wine tasting at the Loop location from 6:30-8pm. The theme this month is holiday wines. Wines not just great for the season, but ones that will make your holiday feast even more delicious.This Saturday we're also trying a new event at our Lakeview location. We are going to be doing a free tasting this Saturday from 3-6pm. We will be pouring samples from four

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-10997866939708570842009-10-27T13:05:00.005-05:002009-10-27T13:41:43.804-05:00

After a lot of thought and tasting, a lot of going back and forth with proofing and photo editing we are proud to announce a new Pastoral gifting catalog! We have new collections featuring cheeses and products exclusive to Pastoral, cheeses of the Midwest, fantastic cheesemakers who are making a difference, and an Italian collection filled with some of the great finds Cesar discovered while in

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-37654191752953463772009-10-21T18:11:00.004-05:002009-10-21T18:37:35.926-05:00

Come and join us this coming Friday, October 23 as we celebrate the second anniversary of our Loop location. Of course there will be lovely cheeses to nibble and we'll be pouring tastes of the Domaine Saint-Vincent from New Mexico. The celebration starts at 4pm and ends when the cheese tray and bubbly samples are gone.We've got a new pairing this week also. Our featured cheese is the Stichelton

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-16843477044156014272009-10-20T08:28:00.002-05:002009-10-20T08:50:03.900-05:00

First, we are proud and grateful to LTH Forum for awarding GNR awards for both of our stores in our first year of eligibility. We were in great company and would like to give kudos to the wonderful staff. The passion for what we do is evident in the knowledge and expertise of our employees.Next up we want to give a boisterous congratulations to the folks at Death's Door Spirits for their award

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-23292003897400323162009-10-15T21:02:00.000-05:002009-10-15T21:39:25.425-05:00

This coming Saturday we've got two great events going on. At our Broadway store from 1-3pm we have a special event with Mike and Carol Gingrich of Uplands Cheese Company in Dodgeville, WI. Then, later that same night we have our Oktoberfest Tasting from 6:30-8pm at the Lake St. store featuring local beers and cheeses. If you saw our bit on "1st look" you know that beer and cheese are very good

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-16003598116299300062009-10-12T15:49:00.005-05:002009-10-12T16:50:02.718-05:00

So Thursday we had an event featuring Allison Hooper of Vermont Butter & Cheese, one of the pioneers in bringing goat cheese to the American cheese board. This coming Saturday we are continuing what I'm now calling our "Meet the Maker-Masters edition".This time around it's Mike and Carol Gingrich two of the owners and cheesemakers of Uplands Cheese Company-makers of Pleasant Ridge Reserve in

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-58945035703178382202009-10-08T17:03:00.004-05:002009-10-08T17:24:20.049-05:00

This week we are taking a favorite cheese of both staff and customers alike and pairing it with one of our new wines.For cheese this week we have the Five year Gouda from The Netherlands. After five years of aging this cheese has a crystalline texture with pleasing notes of honey, caramel and scotch whiskey. Lovely on a cheese board or grated into your favorite dish.But what to pair with this big

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-60995867204945550252009-10-08T14:12:00.000-05:002009-10-08T14:15:18.256-05:00

This Saturday Night (After SNL) and Sunday Eve the late news---check local listings.Pastoral is slated (and ELATED!!) to be featured nationally on LX.TV 1st Look this Saturday night, October 10, and again on Sunday night, October 11 If you're in one of the following markets, check your local listings! LX.TV 1st Look airs on the NBC network, typically after Saturday Night Live and again on Sunday

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-48717752425915510402009-10-07T22:12:00.003-05:002009-10-07T22:34:28.194-05:00

A CALL TO ACTION!HELP! Join With Illinois' Prairie Fruits Farm to Save Their Threatened FarmlandTHE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER TO US ALL FROM OUR FRIENDS LESLIE COOPERBAND AND WES JARRELL OF CHAMPAIGN'S OWN PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM--Makers of delicious, sustainably produced cheeses & organic fruits we love & proudly sell.Dear Friends of Prairie Fruits Farm: Thank you to those of you who have already hand

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-30723584796935005572009-10-05T10:10:00.006-05:002009-10-05T11:51:46.117-05:00

This coming Thursday we are honored to be hosting a book signing and meet and greet with Alison Hooper one of the premier cheesemakers in the country.Allison Hooper is the chairman of the board of the ACS and one of the co-founders of the Vermont Butter & Cheese Company in Websterville, VT (just a bit east of Montpelier). Starting out as an American college student in France she used

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-57130763509366161362009-10-01T11:38:00.003-05:002009-10-01T12:04:18.977-05:00

As the seasons change, our cheese case and wine wall do as well. This week we're showcasing Queso de la Serena from Spain and 2006 Vinaceaous "Red Right Hand" from Australia.Queso de la Serena is a bold creamy cheese from Extremadura, Spain in the southwest of the country. Rich and buttery, it has notes of grasses, fruits and even roast lamb. Interesting fact: The rennet used in this cheese

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-38706322120219860342009-09-23T14:35:00.002-05:002009-09-23T14:44:45.723-05:00

This week we're showcasing Montegrappa from Veneto, Italy and the 2006 Horsley Vineyards Syrah from Dunnigan Hills, California.Montegrappa is a cows milk cheese that has been around for centuries. Just like it's namesake, the imposing Mount Grappa this cheese is impressive. After aging for eight months the cheese takes on a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. This cheese is great for a cheese

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-7565012515924558982009-09-22T07:45:00.000-05:002009-09-22T07:45:00.378-05:00

This city is full of great things to do and this week we're showcasing a few that we're particularly excited about.  This Thursday you can explore the world of beer pairing at the "A Taste of Fall Event" being held at Goose Island Brewery from 6:30-10:30.  Proceeds benefit the Lincoln Park Community Shelter.Looking for something creative?  Why not head over to the Lakeview East Festival of the

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-42575272651877172222009-09-16T13:01:00.004-05:002009-09-16T13:29:24.709-05:00

This week we've got a new pairing, and a new addition to our cheese case! We'd like to introduce you to "Big Eds" from Saxon Homestead Creamery in Cleveland, WI. Side note: Did you know there are 5 towns with the same name of Cleveland in WI? ConfusingThis cheese is made in an Alpine style. A bit nutty, and grassy, but instead of the tang you get with say an Emmenthal or Gruyere, this cheese

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-37270323216590556362009-09-10T08:34:00.000-05:002009-09-10T08:34:00.404-05:00

We had the blues for the past two weeks, but this week we've got the greens. One of the superstars of the Green Mountain State is Tarentaise from Spring Brook Farm in Reading, Vermont. Spring Brook Farm Tarentaise won 1st place for Open Category Cow's Milk Cheeses (aged 60 days or more) in the farmstead cheese category a few weeks ago at ACS.Please go to their website and read about the program

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-76346300445561533262009-09-08T22:52:00.005-05:002009-09-10T11:28:46.485-05:00

As you may know, some of the taxes for food and drink in IL recently changed. These changes do affect some of the products that we carry, and we wanted to let you know how the change may affect you. On September 1, the State of Illinois redefined the term “candy” as it applies to state taxes. Any item containing a mix of chocolate, fruit and/or nuts is now defined as “candy.” These items used to

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-49061709300974989632009-09-04T08:54:00.003-05:002009-09-04T09:18:22.271-05:00

This week we're working blue. Blu di Bufala to be specific. Everyone knows that water buffalo milk makes a delicious mozzarella, but this week we've got a rare find!New to our case is the Blu di Bufala from Bergamo, Italy (just east of Milan). Distinctive, and full-bodied, this cheese is a balance of sweetness and the tangy flavors that blue cheese always imparts. A big flavored semi-firm cheese

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-21633665057494248792009-08-31T11:01:00.002-05:002009-08-31T11:08:20.041-05:00

As a special for all of our readers we are offering a sneak peek at our upcoming fall class schedule before it goes live to the general public. Of course we're offering the classics, like our first class of the season, Cheese 101 on September 19 at the Loop. We've also got some new and exciting classes for this "term" like Cheese 102 for the more advanced turophile and a special Oktoberfest

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-57038432152919002682009-08-26T21:13:00.000-05:002009-08-26T21:48:10.685-05:00

This week we are featuring Big Woods Blue from Shepherd's Way Farms in Minnesota and Matilda from Goose Island Brewery right here in Chicago.A Belgian-style pale ale, Matilda has a clean, hoppy and slightly spicy flavor profile with an almost floral aroma. Good with Gouda, washed rind cheese, and of course our blue cheese feature.Big Woods Blue is a big, beefy, creamy blue cheese made from

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-19151804078257298552009-08-25T13:16:00.008-05:002009-08-25T15:06:10.663-05:00

I just came back with a cooler full of goodies from the Vermont Cheesemaker's Festival which was held at Shelburne Farms this past Sunday. You didn't make it out this year? Don't worry, I ate enough cheese for all of us. Vermont has more artisan cheesemaker's than any other state and those cheesemaker's make some very fine products.If you think Vermont is just about Cheddar, you've got another

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-78580506450320611552009-08-21T22:52:00.002-05:002009-08-21T23:21:03.936-05:00

This week, fresh of of an ACS win we have Marieke Gouda with Foenegreek. From Holland's Family Farm in Wisconsin. Foenegreek is a seed native to Holland where Marieke is originally from. It has a nutty flavor with a distinct maple aroma and taste. Don't let the aromas fool you, this buttery, creamy , sweet nutty cheese is good anytime, not just a breakfast food.Jan suggest the 2007 Trace

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-72839194469548482302009-08-19T14:27:00.002-05:002009-08-19T14:46:29.722-05:00

You might have been hearing some whispers around town. The question on everyone's mouth is "Is Pastoral opening a new location?" Well, today we can tell you, the answer is YES! We are excited and pleased to announce that we will be opening a third location at the French Market late this October. For more information and to read the official Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine press release

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-29834475106919407902009-08-16T16:20:00.000-05:002009-08-16T16:21:13.906-05:00

The Pastoral 5th Anniversary Grand Prize Winner is....drum rolllllll please......Chris Comerford!!! 6 mos cheese & wine---congrats!!Thanks to all of you who participated and helped make our anniversary fun-and possible. Here's to another five!

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-56326169248986752922009-08-14T21:19:00.003-05:002009-08-14T22:29:47.819-05:00

What goes with bubbly? The answer is the rich mouth-feel of a triple cream cheese.This week we have two. Fist we have the Mt. Tam from Cowgirl Creamery in California. This organic, slightly sweet, milky, buttery, mushroomy cheese is a staff and customer favorite. This cheese also won 2nd place in it's category at the ACS competition in 2008.The second cheese is also a triple cream cheese from

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-34993184081367725472009-08-13T21:51:00.010-05:002009-08-13T22:00:45.575-05:00

CELEBRATE PASTORAL'S 5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 16: Free Mini-Baguettes at Broadway to the First 100 Customers! Stop in For a Nibble Follow Us On Twitter For a Chance to Win Our Grand Prize: Sign Up Now-Don't Miss Out!

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-33359309703040861002009-08-12T07:40:00.001-05:002009-08-12T07:40:00.183-05:00

A lot is going on with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine in the upcoming weeks. First, we have our 5th anniversary of the Broadway location coming on Sunday, August 16. Five years! As a thank you to you our loyal customers and members of our community we would like to to invite you to come celebrate with us*. We will have a few trays out filled with tasty morsels from our shelves and

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-84200517470718363602009-08-07T17:30:00.004-05:002009-08-08T15:28:06.389-05:00

Hello, internet friends! If you're looking for our usual blogger, Agela, you can find her at the American Cheese Society convention in Austin, TX. Apparently she's off the grid, probably locked in her hotel room with a nasty cheese headache. I've been lucky enough to be appointed guest blogger for this week's pairing, and let me tell you, it's a real doozy.Judging by the past posts, I think I'm

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-71704972558769278712009-07-31T08:18:00.000-05:002009-07-31T08:18:00.324-05:00

Before we get into this week's pairing just a reminder that this coming Saturday from 6:30pm until the last drop is poured, we are doing our monthly free wine tasting at our Loop location. This month's theme is "Hot Summer Whites". Jan has selected some great wines to pair with any summer outing you have planned. Going to Ravinia for a show? Or bringing a picnic to Millenium Park? We've got

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-68014320994401855882009-07-24T15:40:00.006-05:002009-07-24T16:24:58.245-05:00

This week we are featuring cheese from Cobb Hill Cheese in Hartland, VT called Ascutney Mountain. Made from Jersey Cow's milk this cheese has a buttery, rich, nutty, grassy flavor with a slight sweetness to it. Like many Vermont cheeses this one is aged at the Jasper Hill Cellars in the Northeast Kingdom of the state. Adam and I are especially happy to have another representation of our "homeland

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-68683596295263679162009-07-21T11:49:00.004-05:002009-07-21T12:05:39.655-05:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough, along with several of my co-workers and wholesale customers, to attend a professional cheese seminar led by Dave Lockwood and Raef Hodgeson from Neal's Yard Dairy.Every cheese that passes through this British cheese institution is like gold--the cheeses are carefully selected and aged with an incredible amount of care. Neal's Yard works with traditional cheesemakers

Pastoral Artisan staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08213101491590433726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-83348081092622897282009-07-17T08:00:00.003-05:002009-07-17T15:15:03.156-05:00

So, a couple weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of visiting two farms in Lincoln, Nebraska. The experience that I had was like no other. I had the pleasure of helping Charuth Loth, of ShadowBrook Farm and Dutch Girl Creamery, and Krista Dittman, of Branched Oak Farm, sell cheese at the wonderful farmers markets in Lincoln. I also had the privilege of spending two days helping, or at least I hope

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-57429993248421423642009-07-16T22:54:00.008-05:002009-07-17T15:19:31.333-05:00

This week we are featuring the Roxanne from Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign, IL and the N.V. Gran Sarao Cava Rosao from Spain.Roxanne is a raw sheep milk cheese from our friend Leslie. Named for one of her does on the farm and not for the song by the Police, Roxanne is a nutty, grassy cheese with a natural rind and a round mouthfeel.Perfect with the Cava Rosado. This is an exquisite pink wine.

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-63657187116690707432009-07-09T14:43:00.007-05:002009-07-09T23:25:18.371-05:00

It's finally starting to feel like summer here in Chicago. The Grant Park Music Festival is going strong along with Ravinia and music in the park. This week we've got another great pairing for you. Saint Felicien for the cheese, and a 2008 Domaine du Salvard for the wine.Saint Felicien is a natural-ripened cow milk cheese from Lyons, France. Creamy, runny and spreadable she has a well balance

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-3949962249454837192009-07-08T08:16:00.001-05:002009-07-09T14:43:32.681-05:00

Greetings and Salutations,Having just returned from Oregon Pinot Camp, I’m filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the wines of the Willamette Valley, both red and white, and a greater understanding of the people who make such great wine.It began on Saturday evening with a reception at the Dundee Bistro (The owner and chef, Mr. Stoller-Smith, worked hard to make amazing nibbles)borrowed from

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-53578790745557779902009-07-06T08:48:00.012-05:002009-07-09T23:07:35.867-05:00

How do you know when summer is truly here? The farmer's market tomatoes start looking really good, and Pastoral starts carrying Buffalo Mozzarella and Burrata once again! What is Burrata? Besides being ridiculously tasty it is also a cow's milk Mozzarella with a cream filled center. On the outside it looks just like regular Mozzarella, but inside it is filled with a combination of Mozzarella and

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-53307459464978101292009-07-01T14:12:00.005-05:002009-07-01T14:54:36.050-05:00

It's officially summer! I know that it doesn't feel like it today, but I have Tom Skillings' assurance that the sun will shine once more.This week we are pairing some summery staff favorites. For the cheese, we have the Leonora, a goat's milk cheese from Leon, Spain. This cheese is bright and exciting with a creamy interior and an explosion of citrus and earthy flavors. One taste of this cheese

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-15983530209715890232009-06-27T06:06:00.002-05:002009-06-27T08:07:27.934-05:00

The event on Wednesday with Daphne Zepos and Giorgio Cravero was awesome! Cheesemonger extraordinaire Marty opened up a huge wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano with his lovely assistant Adam. More on that coming up this week complete with video and photos.For the present it's time to get into this weeks Perfect Picnic Pairing. Grayson, Demolition, and Pineapple.First up is the cheese. Grayson is a

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-36138725522732582122009-06-18T08:39:00.003-05:002009-06-18T09:15:54.933-05:00

Before we get into the pairing, I wanted to let you know of a special we have going on. The spring and summer seasons mean more entertaining. A great way to keep it no fuss, no muss is to have someone else do the food. Here at Pastoral we have a great catering menu and if you order a tray by July 31, 2009 you will receive an 10% discount.This promotion is only valid with orders placed at our

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-71619399087921711692009-06-12T10:29:00.004-05:002009-06-12T10:54:35.195-05:00

This weekend we're going down under. The cheese is a Persian style feta from Yarra Valley in Victoria Australia. What makes this feta different? Well, it's hand-packed in olive oil infused with garlic, herbs and spices. This marinade makes it the creamiest feta you've ever tried. Smear it on bread, toss it into a salad, or do like some of our employees, open the can and grab a spoon.The wine

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-15387227815143227032009-06-10T15:50:00.003-05:002009-06-10T16:08:24.953-05:00

In today's issue of Red Eye we were mentioned in the "Random Acts of Greatness" feature specifically for our new sandwich the Smokey Finnochi. The Smokey Finnochi is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our new menu. A completely new salad lineup that includes one salad offered at half-size. The B.L.T.A and the Ciao 'Bello are new and are quickly becoming customer favorites. Our

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-91788926270287581372009-06-04T09:29:00.003-05:002009-07-16T23:46:46.742-05:00

Every month the employees of Pastoral get together for a meeting. Last night our focus was on new wines and our upcoming picnic menu.Once again Pastoral is the picnic partner of the Grant Park Music Festival. If you are a member and show us your card on the day of a performance you will receive 10% off of your purchase. Don't forget your tickets for the show, or your member card for discounts

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-13144930053748048192009-06-03T12:18:00.007-05:002009-06-03T23:28:45.536-05:00

In the Sun-Times today there is an article on culinary tourism, highlighting Pastoral. As many of you have experienced first hand, once a year we arrange for a field trip. It is open to the staff, and to the public. Last year we went to the Champaign-Urbana farmer's market, and then onward to visit Leslie Cooperband, her goats, and her amazing chef at Prairie Fruits Farm.This year we've got

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-59227313157744816542009-05-29T15:56:00.005-05:002009-06-10T16:47:53.821-05:00

Wrapping up our "Go Local" month, this weekend we are pairing Oakvale Farmstead Gouda from Ohio with Potter's crackers and one our favorite beers, Matilda from Goose Island right here in Chicago.Matilda is a great Belgian-style pale ale. Clean, hoppy and a great pairing for washed rinds, and our lovely Gouda. If you've tried Winnimere cheese from Jasper Hill in Vermont you've already had an

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-50390684743631896272009-05-29T10:02:00.004-05:002009-06-10T16:48:13.706-05:00

We've got a lot going on this week and it all involves wine!Today at our Lakeview store from 6:30-8pm we are proud to have Michael de Schaaf of Hickory Creek Winery in Michigan pouring some tasty samples and answering any questions you might have.Monday, 6/1 from 5-7pm at our Loop location Albert Jane of Acustic Cellars in Spain will be pouring. On Thursday 6/4 from 5-7pm at our Loop location

Pastoral Artisanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03394988435713267532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5819796871176805242.post-19995018654474318722009-05-26T09:42:00.002-05:002009-06-21T13:50:21.220-05:00

A few months ago we did an in-store demo of opening a new wheel of Montgomery's English Farmhouse Cheddar. It's easy to tell why this cheese is a staff favorite with it's big flavors and acidity that keeps you coming back for "just one more nibble". Well, earlier this month I was on a short holiday to London, and I had the great opportunity to meet some of the folks over at Neal's Yard Dairy.We

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