How was your weekend? Cold? Hot? Rainy? Full of ice cream and sprinkles and hamburgers and craft brew?
Our weekend started at lunchtime on Friday when we headed over to Whole Foods for a little treat.
I received a press release a few weeks ago that our store’s cheesemonger Nadjeeb Chouaf had won second place in the fourth annual Cheesemonger Invitational. He competed against more than 50 cheesemongers for the honor. Upon meeting Nadjeeb, I could see why. He knows a ton about cheese!
Nadjeeb put together a cheese plate for us to taste (Matt joined me on his lunch bread break) and Mazen enjoyed a few samples as well!
- Landaff by Landaff Creamery and aged by Cellars at Jasper Hill. This cheese had a wonderful texture with a mix of sweet and sour flavors. We enjoyed it with sour cherries which brought out the flavors with their sweetness.
- Esmontonian by Caromont Farm in Esmont, VA. A local cheese (I love everything Caromont makes, especially their Bloomsbury, which I eat all the time). This was an aged raw goat cheese washed with viognier vinegar. Loved the feta-like texture. We tasted it with some local Potter’s Craft Cider.
- Reblochon. A French stinky cheese that was my favorite of the day! Kind of brie-ish in texture with a really smooth buttery mouthfeel. We tasted the Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale by Boulevard Brewing alongside and loved the pairing.
- Cabot Clothbound Cheddar made by and aged by Cellars at Jasper Hill. This was a classic amazing white cheddar – slightly bacony with notes of caramel. Served with Virginia Chutney Co. Pepper Jelly.
- Grayson made by Meadowcreek Farm in Galax, VA. Another local cheese with a soft texture served on Cranberry Hazelnut Raincoast Crisp with Spicy Plum Jelly from Virginia Chutney Co. It was nutty and slightly sweet and is up for a pretty famous cheese award!
- Caveman Blue by Rogue Creamery in Central Point, OR. Ahhhh I love blue cheese!! Nadjeeb had me at “vanilla butterscotch flavor with a butter texture.” We tasted it atop a chocolate cover fig and a sip of Bell’s Porter. An amazing end to the tasting!
Look for these at your local cheese shops. Thanks to Nadjeeb for the hospitality. A little bird told me that he is actually staring his own cheese shop here in town inside of Milli Joe Coffee called Flora Artisanal Cheese!
Friday night we took a stab at replicating the Mono Loco Spice-a-ritas we love so much. SUCCESS! I’ll be sharing the recipe next week : )
We had a simple dinner at home of leftovers – chicken + bean bake, rolls, salads, green beans from our canned stash and called it an early night. We are finished with 6 seasons of Mad Men. So sad! When does season 7 start?
Saturday AM I had another of my delicious Virginia roll egg sandwiches with more juicy peach. Can’t eat enough peach!
And then we took off for the market. Smile M!!
We said hi to Sam, who was working the GH booth
Bought a variety of things, including this gorgeous bouquet
And returned just in time for nap. Sadly Matt had to work all day long. And by all day I mean from 3:30am to 5:30pm. I took advantage by working hard myself so hopefully we could both take Sunday off.
Maze and I hunkered down as rain came through.
And swept across McIntire Road! Yikes. They are doing construction there and I wonder if the drains were not in place.
Saturday evening we were ready for a little excitement and met some friends over at Champion. We hadn’t been in a while and too many beers had come and gone in our absence!
Pit stop at the park on our way. Notice the weather had drastically improved!
I enjoyed a flight – including a lavender white beer that I loved!
The other half of that photo:
We came home and made homemade pizza with North Cove mushrooms and homemade tomato sauce that we ate standing up while playing with M before bedtime.
Sunday morning breakfast: yogurt, berries, peach, chia seeds and torn pieces of Apple Scrapple bread
I went out to do a little shopping for a new pair of silver sandals. I have worn my second pair of these guys on the left to the GROUND. I would love another pair but the Marshalls where I bought them is all out. Can’t find them online! Please help. I bought the flip flops on the right as a compromise but they aren’t as versatile. I’m looking for cork-sole, silver, sparkly, super comfy sandals with a tinnnny bit of wedge in the heel. The ones on the left are Modabella brand.
Hi little bean!
Sunday lunch: smoked herring salads with tomato sandwiches!
I went to a power yoga class in the afternoon (Rinse!) and came home to dinner on the table. Thanks Matt!! <3
Matt made our summer veggie gratin and roasted tofu with Bone Suckin’ Sauce
Yum!
Mazen decided he does not care for summer squash very much…
Hope you had a great weekend!
That cheese plate looks divine. It reminds me of going wine tasting. 🙂
I had no idea that Boulevard reached Virginia! I live in Kansas City! Nothing like a boulevard beer 🙂
Just introduced! So good!
Boulevard was my favorite in college in South Dakota. When I moved to Colorado I was sad they didn’t have it (despite all the other great beer we have here). but in the last couple years its come to Colorado too!
Boulevard Beer ?!?! I need to get out there 🙂 Thanks for the into!
Looks like an awesome weekend! I can’t wait for that margarita recipe– Spice-a-ritas are by far my favorite alcoholic drink 🙂
Nice dinner to come home to! Tomatoes look gorgeous! Mazen is so cute in the swing! He’s so big and grown up looking, less baby like!
Your eats look super delicious as usual! We just bought Bone Suckin’ sauce a couple weeks ago (after seeing you guys use it), and it was so good when we put it on grilled chicken!
We faced some torrents driving up to Canada on Friday, so that was exciting. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful when we actually arrived there, and our family was grateful when we had our reunion outdoors!
Mazes always seems so happy! 🙂 and I kind of wish I was really knowledgeable about something like Nadjeeb 😉
Bring GH to NJ!!
looks like it was a wonderful wk/end! i was in the beautiful mountains of NC. : ) pictures on the blog!
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com
cheese, beer, and spice-a-ritas sounds like an awesome weekend!
Wish I could help you with the shoe search… however, I do have the same pair as you are wearing in the picture and I love them! So comfortable and cute. 🙂
That cheese plate looks delicious! I hope you enjoyed it for all of us! 🙂 Love M in the swing, so cute!
Oh my gosh, that road looks terrifying! Other than that looks like a great weekend!
Those tomatoes look amazing! We have been enjoying the fresh tomatoes from the farmer’s market… one of the best tastes of summer.
Scope out Birkenstock for sandals – just filter by silver! http://www.birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals
Cannot wait for the spice-a-rita. I just got back from Charleston where I had more cucumbers in my cocktails, than in my meals! But my favorite cocktail was the “La Luna” which had some sort of jalapeno infused syrup, cucumber, and gin. I need to find the recipe and recreate it!
Omg, lavender white?! That sounds divine. Do you remember the company?
Champion where we were. A brewery!
Duh! Sorry, I assumed it was a bar at first read. Darn it, I was hoping it was brewed by some company that would be distributing in my area 🙂
Homemade pizza sounds incredible!! yum!!!
Sounds like a great weekend to me. Ours started off great but ended poorly with a trip to the ER due to pregnancy bleeding and dizziness. Thankfully, ALL is ok with the baby. Just taking it easy this week!
Oh no…glad yyou’re both ok
Looks like you had such a great weekend! I totally want to do a cheese tasting – I’ll have to look for a few of those at our Whole Foods here in Chicago. 🙂 We also stayed in one night this weekend to make a homemade pizza – you can’t beat it!
Try Birkenstock for sandals. They will probably hold up longer, too.
LOVE reblochon. I don’t know if you have ever tried ‘Blacksticks’ or ‘stichelton’ – both delicious British cheeses but not sure if you can get them in the US (then again you can get everything in the US!)?
Maze looks so much like Matt in the hand/reaching photo! Such a sweetheart!
When Mad Men was winding down for us we started watching The Sopranos for the first time – highly recommended (esp. since Matthew Weiner, the creator, also worked on it) if you didn’t watch it when it was on air! We finished all the seasons in just a few months.
Your son looks JUST like you! Too cute.
That cheese tasting looks so fun. Totally my idea of fun!
That rain looks intense!
I don’t know what I thought a cheesemonger would look like, but scrolling down and seeing such a young looking lad was unexpected. LOL
Kath, I hate to be a dissenter, but um… step away from the silver sandals. You can do so, so much better. They aren’t very stylish, and I know you have foot problems that necessitate a comfy shoe, but they are really, really just… not good.
Funny because I get constant compliments on them
Dear Kath,
I would suggest you to check out Dr Scholls Shoes web page:
http://www.drschollsshoes.com/en-US/Womens/_/_/Sandals/_/Products.aspx
Classy, stylish, feminine super-comfy models with… “sparkles”.
Ella
… My favorite pair of sandals are silver too. However, they were just a Payless special a few summers ago. I still wear them though! They look a lot like yours Kath, except the low-wedge is also silver instead of bare cork. I also get tons of compliments when I wear them. They’re very comfy for a cheapo pair. Some would certainly describe me as having a funky sense of style, but as we all know: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 🙂
Liz – This fashion “advice” comes across as terribly arrogant. Did it occur to you that some of us think for ourselves, follow our own fashion muses, rather than allow the self-appointed fashionistas of the world dictate our choices?
Maybe I’m not very stylish but I actually love the silver sandals and would totally wear them!
Jack Rogers makes some great shoes
All these meals look amazing! I have a strange question… what shampoo do you use? Do you use one without sulfates? Because your hair always looks amazing and I cant find one that works with my hair!
Sara 🙂
Currently loving Wella brand!
Sounds like a great weekend! That cheese tasting– yum! We had a mix of great weather and rain as well– I don’t mind the rain so much in the summer though…it sure does cool things off!!
I am very pregnant (38.5 weeks!) and this post of beer and cheese was just what I needed to push through to the end! The pictures of Mazen never hurt either…thanks for the lights at the end of the tunnel! 🙂
how cute is Mazen!
also if you’re looking for comfy awesome sandals I would definitely go with birkenstocks!!
These are cute silver ones:
http://www.birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals/sparta/titanium-birko-flor/5896
good luck!
Yum-o! I am anxiously awaiting that Spice-a-rita recipe!
The summer veggie gratin looks delish! I am over run with zucchini’s, squashes and tomatoes from my garden so this is definitely something I’ll be making soon! Thanks for the recipe.
Your homemade pizza always looks AMAZING!!! Did little bean get to try some?
Wow, that looks like one crazy storm that passed through! Looks like the rest of the weekend brightened up, though!
My weekend was gone in a heartbeat. My husband and I closed on our condo and moved out… we spent all weekend packing and moving. Our buyer signed his papers yesterday at 9:00 AM and I got the last of our stuff out at 8:24 AM… talk about cutting it close! After the stress over the past several weeks, I am looking forward to having a relaxing weekend this coming weekend!
Those swinging pictures of Mazen are so adorable! You should take up photographing children professionally! You always snap the best shots!
Kudos to Matt for that 14 hour day! CRAZY!
I’m with M on the summer squash – not a fan either…
For the sandals – check with Birkenstock! I lovvvvvvveeeee them & they’re pretty much all I wear (even have clogs for work). I know they make some silver sandals. 🙂
Here are a few options.
The Mephisto brand is wonderful, and these meet your requirements:
http://www.zappos.com/mephisto-helen-silver-star?zfcTest=fcl%3A3
Or how about a little DKNY?
http://www.zappos.com/dkny-ava-silver-mirror?zfcTest=fcl%3A3
These are super cute:
http://www.zappos.com/papillio-tabora-metallic-silver-metallic-leather?zfcTest=fcl%3A3
Those are cute! Pricey but I should probably invest in a pair that last
Kath – you look fabulous! Seeing your vibrance and energy makes the idea of having children less intimidating : )
Check out aerosoles. You kinda even find them on amazon.
That cheese plate looked delectable! Fortunately didn’t rain here on the weekend, but it is today! 🙁 Other than that it’s been pretty good here.
I could go for one of those cheese plates right about now! I love cheese 🙂 And Mazen is getting so big! What a ham!
Another by Mephisto…. with more sparkle!!!
http://www.softmoc.com/us/womens/mephisto/sandals/wedge-sandal/milly%20steel/lds-milly-steel-cork-footbed-2-strap
If those were a little flatter they’d be at the top of my list! I the heel is too highfor everyday though
Im the marshalls Queen Ill keep my eyes peeled for the sandals, name brand? Size?
Modabella size 8. I’ll pay you big bucks!
🙂
Kath- I currently in love with Orthaheel sandals. They are really comfortable with great arch support. The only downside is that they can be pricey. Comfort One Shoes (a local shoe store here in DC) is offering 50% off all Orthaheel and will ship all over the country. I just ordered 3 new pairs! Here’s the link:
http://www.comfortoneshoes.com/Orthaheel-50-Off-Sale_c_291.html
I hope it’s helpful!
+1 on the Comfort One suggestion from a fellow DMV native
I swear I could eat cheese and bread for every meal. Not so healthy but oh so delicious!
Umm, love the cheese board! Maybe it’s because I live in Wisconsin now, but I loooove me some good cheese. And beer flights. Looks like a great weekend. 🙂
Mephistos are the most comfortable shoes ever and are worth the investment! I have a pair I paid close to $300 for 5 years ago and they are still going strong. Quality > Quantity!
http://en.mephisto.com/product/casual-sandals/milly
And, to Mephistos, I’d add Think and Finn Comfort. Finns have improved aesthetically, though can be a bit clunky in appearance and are around the $300 dollar price point, whereas their Think line is more fashionable, but still def. classified as a “comfort” shoe (closer to the $200 – $250 price point.) All three of these brands are known for their incredible arch support and cushioning, which are necessities for those of us with problematic feet . I consider these purchases preventative in nature and just rationalize them as investments, sort of medically required. 😉
I usually purchase mine at Nordstroms, but Zappos also has a good selection of all three – though it’s pretty late in the season to find much in the way of sandals, esp. in your popular size.
Spicearitas?! YUM! I can’t wait to see the recipe!
Not Twenty Questions just two 😉
1. Was that cheese tasting free for you? It is not clear as written.
2. What time is M’s bedtime nowadays? Asking because my 6 month old goes down at 7. I am wondering when they start to push that back. We would love to be able to go out to dinner! On the other hand the early bedtime can be a blessing when we adults are exhausted too!
1. Yes
2. 730, sometimes 8
Do you really wear those sandals to walk everywhere? I highly recommend Clarks shoes, much more durable and super supportive, comfortable shoes. They do have some silver ones too.
A nice balance between style and function. I have a pair that I wear all summer for the past 4 years.
I think they were $95 on sale, so much better value in the long run than disposable shoes.
Oh yes! Love my Clarks. The Indigo line is much more stylish and I find great deals on Zappos. I also like Borns, too.
How did you watch season 6 of MM? We just finished season 5 on Netflix and I NEED to know what happens next!!!
We paid for it through vudu on our blu ray player. Worth it!
Maybe Flora Artisanal Cheese or Milli Joe Coffee would be interested in carrying your sweets or breads as accompaniments to their cheese and coffee.
Thanks for not spoiling MM. I used to watch it each week for the first several seasons with a group, but as things changed I have not seen the past couple of seasons and would like to watch it unfold.
The picture of Sam working the GH booth made me remember how delicious your bread is. Thank you Matt for opening shop, and Kath for posting about it; otherwise, I never would have known about it or how good it is.
what I wouldn’t do to get lost in that cheese board 🙂
First off I got to say….your BABY IS SOO CUTE!!! And those dishes look delicious too! And I hope the flooded place is alright.
I also LOVE Birkenstock sandals! I have bunions that can be quite painful and the support from my Birkenstocks is awesome. I have a silver pair of the Gizeh style that I think are cute.
I am in love with silver sandals too. I used to adore the Mephisto Helen style and ran them into the ground. I’ve had some plantar fascitis issues and found the brand Noat–wow. They have the Oregon style in color Aluminum Foil. I had more compliments this summer (here in Cville!) and my feet never hurt once. They are awesome. I found them on 6pm.com for less, but didn’t see them any more. They are MUCH cuter in person and totally rock–worth any price, I LOVE them so much. Try Shoe Buy.com
http://www.shoebuy.com/naot-oregon/511101/1075717?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla-_-none-_-none-_-{keyword}
Good Luck!
Thanks for the rec!
That’s Naot, btw. oops! You will love them!
Mazen is truly one of those babies that has been cute since Day 1, but actually keeps getting cuter. I don’t know if I could get anything done if I had a son that cute! Sounds like you had a great weekend and the cheese tasting looks amazing! Reminds me of when I used to live in France and the regular plain jane grocery stores there would have unbelievable cheese sections. Nothing better than a fresh baguette, artisanal cheese, and cornichons with a glass of French wine 🙂
That looks like a lovely weekend and you look great, by the way!!!
I’m doing some catching up on blog reading….just want to say that you look really lovely in that photo with the beer flight. Life is agreeing with you. 🙂
And that cheese plate looks divine!
I totally agree!! I just discover your blog and damn I have a lot to read to catch up 🙂
Thank for sharing such beautiful pictures of your family. You really inspired me!
Ou la la what a lovely cheese plate!!! Thanks for being such an inspiration in this grey and boring day!
That looks so amazing. Super delicious. I need to take notes for sure.