Cheese Wasted

As I am writing this I can't seem to get over how much cheese I have had today; I am so full. But this isn't something I can complain about. I mean, how can I complain? I am in California eating, making, and selling cheese. That's as close as heaven gets for me. 

One thing I can say is that like today, I will never go hungry here in California. As I have not been able to eat out a whole I have had great food here so far. Isn't that one of the best parts of traveling? The food and the culture surrounding the food. Downtown Petaluma (where I live) has many little shops and restaurants that are local and have an artsy vibe to them. It's a very social area with people walking their dogs in the morning and evenings and friends drinking wine on patios. It is a very comfortable and laid back environment, it's easy to fall in love with the scene. 

Wednesday they had the Petaluma farmers market downtown. I must admit, this is my first time "really" going to a farmers market. I know UT Gardens host one back home but I never had the chance to go. After this experience and the one I had earlier today I will continue to go and enjoy all the produce, snacks, and sweets they have to offer. 

Of course there's a lizard at the market...

One of our evening events was grilling out by our apartment. If you know me, you can probably guess who is eating what. But I did have some of the hot dog... I still go with my grilled chicken any day.

Another part of our first week was to go to their Point Reyes retail shop and work behind the cheese counter. This was such a fun experience because we were working directly with the customers. Since my cheese palate isn't as well rounded as I would like, I was allowed to try the cheese with the customers. Obviously I have a pretty good understanding for the Cowgirl Creamery cheeses, but some of the other cheeses were foreign to me. As you can tell there are so many kinds of cheeses, it's amazing how the employees know so much. Becky and I were in great hands.

O' Banon is an awesome goat milk cheese
wrapped in chestnut leaves that have been
soaked in bourbon. OMG!

Now to the REALLY fun stuff...

Working in the cheese shop behind the counter was a blast. The next couple weeks I will be working in processing but will be able to come back to Point Reyes and sell some cheese too! Today was great though. As I have been doing every morning I get up and go on a walk or run around the town. This weather is amazing. Bye bye Knoxville humidity. This place just keeps getting better and better for me.

Today Sue, Co-Founder, took Becky and I into San Francisco where they have a shop set up in the ferry building. On weekends they have this amazing, busy farmers market where local restaurants and shops go to get their fresh and sometimes organic produce, baked goods, and meats. They had everything here!

Represent

Grow your own mushrooms

The Cowgirl Creamery has their Sidekick shop where they highlight their cheeses in their food. If you want some cheese with your meal, or have a cheese for a meal come here! Below is this amazing thing called raclette. It is a swiss dish that heats hard cheese and then scraps it off over bread. They use their Hard aged cheese Wagon Wheel. Told you I was in heaven. This is to die for.

 Seriously if you're in the area, EAT THIS!

Raclette aka melted heaven on bread

Raclette all ready to eat

Spring salad with fresh mozzarella 

It doesn't stop there. I think the highlight of today was getting to do a special event with Sue at the Lasseter Winery. If that name sounds familar it is the winery owned by John Lasseter who is the creator of Pixar. So if you're a fan of Monsters Inc, UP, or Toy Story check out their winery. This event was for their wine month members to come and taste the wine as well as enjoy the food and definitely enjoy the cheese. The people there was so kind and were very enthused about the cheese. What a match made in heaven, cheese and wine. 

This day was made fantastic by Sue who has taken us under her wing and have made these past two days so much fun. I have to keep reminding myself that this is only week one. I can't wait to see what else Sue and Peggy have in store for us. Being away from Knox isn't so bad after all. I'm definitely cheesin in Cali and getting a little cheese wasted along the way. 

"Life is great. Cheese makes it better."