A very merry festival of cheese, 2 weeks away

Sometimes I say to myself, “I’m so lucky to be living right here, right now, in America during this golden period of good food.” Often it’s when I’m in a restaurant and having bites of something unexpected and luscious. Often it’s right here at Sunset, when one of our lovely and talented food editors (Amy, Elaine, and Stephanie) makes something so good it illuminates the entire day.

And definitely it’s right around this time of year, when my favorite cheese festival approaches. Now in Year 5, California’s Artisan Cheese Festival, held in Sonoma, is better than it’s ever been. There are still a few openings left for seminars and classes on Saturday, March 27 (and I’ll be signing books that day—come say hello!) But the big bang of cheese tasting happens on Sunday. Anyone with a few hours to spare and a craving for cheese can stroll through the festival’s giant white tent, sniffing and munching and buying creamy, crumbly, nutty samples of some of the best cheeses in the state—plus wine, beer, and chocolates, too.

After all the cheeses I’ve made with Team Cheese, I can say that my appreciation for a well-made tomme or chevre or simple spoonful of ricotta is at an all-time high. Naturally, so is my anticipation of this festival. See you there!