Say Cheese! Santa Rosa Cheese Fest features Cal Poly Creamery
Story by Aja Goare
Photography by Dustin Klemann
Standing in line for a slice of pizza and a glass of wine in Sebastapol, Calif., a man turned to neighbor in the que to make a confession: “I came all the way from Wisconsin for this, so you know it’s good.” The man was one of 2,000 cheese connoisseurs from 728 different cities, 28 states, and five countries to pack his bags for the promise of exceptional brie and so much more at the California Artisan Cheese Festival in Santa Rosa.
Now in its 19th year, the annual festival is to turophiles – that’s the official term for ‘cheese lover’ – what Coachella is to a glitter adorned indie rock fan. The multi-day event is an ode to artisan-made cheeses and their delightful pairings, such as chocolate, wine and even coffee. A cheese crawl hosted at The Barlow (a northern California equivalent to Templeton’s Tin City) enticed attendees to visit a dozen different storefronts for unique samplings. A crispy cone of toasted cheese that encased a soft, creamy cheese topped with a fresh berry coulis and chia seeds was among the more unusual – but stunningly good – presentations on offer. The following day, a marketplace on the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds cured appetites with over 100 types of cheese from 21 artisan cheesemakers, who were among the 80 vendors on site.
One such cheesemaker was the creamery at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Student cheesemakers and creamery staff were on hand at the Sunday Market to present their brie and Highland Cheddar. A constant wave of outstretched hands kept the team working around the clock to provide samples to enthusiastic visitors. It was a thrilling event for the young cheesemakers, many of whom were excited to see their product in the hands of consumers. “It’s really rewarding to know how much people appreciate what we produce and enjoy it,” says Jenna, a third-year student majoring in agricultural systems. “I love how people talk about how much they love it.”
The many visitors to this Sonoma County town known for wine and Snoopy of Peanuts fame took their full, rounded bellies back to accommodations scattered across the scenic community. But not all hotels were simply a place to pop a Lactaid pill and crash. One such hotel, the historic Flamingo Resort and Spa, offers guests a memorable experience unto itself. As the name suggests, an onsite spa and gym allows guests to unwind or pump up the adrenaline, while the large heated pool affords a casual swim or float in an inflatable flamingo. An onsite night club with a full calendar of events, like an 80s hair metal cover, keeps the fun going after dark. And the curated entrée and cocktail menu at the poolside Lazeaway Club restaurant provides fuel for the fun.
“I curated the cocktail menu and one of my favorites is the clarified punch,” says Sebastian, Lazeaway Club Manager. “It uses coconut milk to clarify a rum runner cocktail.”
Along with this incredibly smooth yet potent drink is a full page of inspired cocktails, like the banana bread old fashioned. The sober crowd can imbibe on one of the seven alcohol-free drinks while enjoying one of what the restaurant dubs its earth, surf and turf entrees. Try the salmon with green curry or the bibimbap bowl with kimchi for a flavorful bite to eat and wrap up the experience with the signature baked Japan, a matcha take on the classic baked Alaska. A tale told on the back of the menu gives insight into the vibe of the restaurant: Fernando, the restaurant founder, was an oyster pirate who trekked to the Amazon, where he fell in love with a toucan shaman. And the rest, as they say, is history.
The bohemian nature of the Flamingo hotel is illustrated by its classic photography, vintage art, tiki bar and seasonal airstream bar. Mid-day wine tastings and tea time are offered complimentary to guests in the lobby. And an afternoon pick-me-up may be just what the doctor ordered for those winding down ahead of another day of cheese tasting and socializing. Cheese festival ticket holders looking to extend the fun and add even more color to their stay should consider making their nest at the Flamingo.
Visit the cheese festival website for updates about next year’s event and to secure tickets to the frequently sold-out festival, which includes tastings, a bubbly brunch, and cooking demos.
