Savor 5 Tasty Local Cheeses for Your Summer Al Fresco Feast
Artisanal Cheeses Take Centre Stage in New York's Picnics
New York City, known for its vibrant food scene, offers a diverse range of artisanal cheeses that make for an exceptional picnic experience. One of the city's most renowned cheese shops, Murray's Cheese in the West Village, stocks a vast selection of cheeses sourced from around the globe [1][3].
Cheese Varieties for Every Taste
The selection includes a variety of cheeses, such as the classic aged Cheddar with its firm texture and sharp flavour, often sourced from England or local artisan producers in the U.S. [1][3]. For a lighter, tangy option, there's the fresh Goat Cheese, originating from France and perfect for summer pairings [1][3].
Blue Cheese, known for its strong aroma and taste, is another popular choice, with its roots traditionally in French or Italian regions [1][3]. Brie or Camembert, soft and creamy cheeses with edible rind, hail from France and are a delightful addition to any picnic [1][3].
Pairing Perfection
Picnic cheeses are best enjoyed with suitable accompaniments. Crispy baguettes complement soft cheeses like Brie or fresh goat cheese [5]. When it comes to beverages, Pale Ale pairs well with aged Cheddar, Witbier complements fresh goat cheese, IPA is ideal with blue cheese, and Saison pairs nicely with Brie or similar creamy cheeses [5].
Seasonal Delights
Some cheeses, like Dancing Ewe Farm's Fresco pecorino, are seasonal, aged for two months before being sold and pair well with a fruity white wine like Vermentino or Ansonica [2]. Mettowee goat cheese from Consider Bardwell Farm, only available in the summer months, is included in the Murray's Cheese Book, a list of the world's best 300 cheeses [2].
New Arrivals on the Cheese Scene
Valley Shepherd Creamery is planning on opening a second store in New York that will focus on the More Beer cheese and a special selection of microbrews [2]. The More Beer cheese, a cow milk-based cheese with an earthy undertone due to the vegetable ash line, is formed into a wheel and can be found in Valley Shepherd Creamery's market stalls around the city and in their Park Slope storefront [2].
The Shushan Snow camembert-style cheese from Three Corner Field Farm, made from pasteurised milk, has varying textures, making it a key choice for those who appreciate full flavors [2]. This cheese pairs well with hard ciders [2].
The Cheese Reporter
Meghan Keneally, a reporter based in Manhattan whose food writing has appeared on Gothamist and Food Republic, fills her travel journals with detailed reports of her daily meals [6]. A graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism, Keneally works as a reporter for The Daily Mail's MailOnline and has a restaurant review blog called Let's Eat Out [6].
Sources:
[1] Murray's Cheese: https://www.murrayscheese.com/ [2] Valley Shepherd Creamery: https://valleyshepherd.com/ [3] Three Corner Field Farm: https://threecornerfieldfarm.com/ [4] Consider Bardwell Farm: https://considerbardwell.com/ [5] Beecher's Handmade Cheese: https://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/ [6] Meghan Keneally: https://www.letseatoutnyc.com/
Cooking a picnic with artisanal cheeses from New York's food-and-drink scene can enhance one's lifestyle, as the diverse selection of cheeses available at shops like Murray's Cheese offer a range of flavors and textures, such as the classic aged Cheddar, fresh Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese, Brie, and Camembert. Accompaniments like crispy baguettes and suitable beverages, such as Witbier for fresh goat cheese or Pale Ale for aged Cheddar, can elevate the overall food-and-garden experience.
