Love wine and cheese? Happy hours? Think the Ritz-Carlton is one of the coolest buildings in the city? Then this series of pairing events is just for you. Every Friday, you can taste and learn about artisanal cheeses from global regions known for their cheese. In addition, on the first Friday of each month, the series will feature acclaimed Bay Area cheese makers. Chef de cuisine Michael Rotondo will pair special house-made accouterments inspired by each region, and wines will be poured from the JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset limited collection.
Here’s what’s on the menu for March:
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Friday, March 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. brings their many award-winning cheeses, including original blue, bay blue, and toma, alongside accompaniments such as regional organic jams and preserves, lavash, brioche, charcuterie, and pâte de fruit.
Basque
Friday, March 11, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Explore the cheeses of Basque Country, renowned for its alpine sheep cheeses and described as the most ancient dating back 4,000 years. Taste Idiazabal, Roncal, Ossau Iraty, Garralda, and etorki. Accompaniments will include a variety of pintxos, piperade, arbequina olives, and picada.
French Alps
Friday, March 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Discover the luxurious cheeses produced in the colossal French Alps, including Beaufort, tomme, Comté, raclette, reblochon, and bleu de chèvre. Enjoy with fondue accompaniments, rosette salami, saucisson de Lyon, and baguettes.
Emilia Romagna and Toscana
Friday, March 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Celebrate the cheeses of the Emilia Romagna and Toscana regions of Italy, both renowned for their exceptional cuisine. The cheese presentation will include Parmigiano, ricotta affumicata, taleggio, and ubriaco paired with a Balsamic tasting, piadina, coppiette, and prosciutto.
Cheese Happy Hours at Parallel 37: 600 Stockton Street, 415-773-6168, parallel37sf.com; Fridays, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; $35 (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
