Livin' in the Blurbs: Cheese, Please!

Forewarned is forearmed, they say. And just so you know, they are organizing and they seem to have serious designs on world domination. Or at least on their next batches of cheese. From all reports (thanks, Luan!) the DIY Cheesemakers Get-Together was a smashing success. Hosted by Foster & Dobbs, it drew 16 beginning-to-experienced home cheesemakers interested in sharing ideas, resources and experiences. They've scheduled their next meeting for Wed., Mar. 19, so if you or someone you know wants to get in on the action, make plans to attend!

Details: DIY Cheesemakers Get-Together. Mar. 19, 7:15 pm; free. At Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods, 2518 NE 15th Ave. Phone 503-284-1157.

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Now you can help. In a previous post I talked about the flooding that devastated Black Sheep Creamery in Adna, Washington, producer of fine artisan cheeses carried by several area retailers. (Read the blog that Meg Gregory kept through the flooding and its aftermath; scroll to the bottom to the entry for Dec. 5). And Portland cheese enthusiasts and retailers are sponsoring a benefit called Cheese for a Good Cause on Feb. 1. For a suggested donation of $25 to 50, attendees will enjoy local beer, wine and cheeses from local and international producers, and the money collected will go directly to the fund set up to benefit the Gregorys. Or, if you can't attend and would like to make a donation, you can send a check or drop one off at any Bank of America branch to Bank of America Account #11164308 - Gregory Family Assistance Fund.

Details: Cheese for a Good Cause. Feb. 1, 6-9 pm; $25-$50 donation, reserve tickets here. At Ecotrust, 721 NW 9th Ave, 2nd Floor. Phone 503-704-2984 for information.

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From the crowds in evidence at the Wedge Festival in October, artisan cheese has definitely found a place in Oregon's heart (and stomach). In March there's another opportunity to show the love at the Fourth Annual Oregon Cheese Festival in Central Point. Held at Rogue Creamery, you'll get chance to sample and buy products from the best artisan cheesemakers in the state, as well as select from the labors of several Oregon winemakers and try other tasty artisan-made items. So get there and demonstrate your devotion!

Details: Fourth Annual Oregon Cheese Festival. Mar. 14-16, 10 am-5 pm; $5 entry fee; $5 wine-tasting fee. At Rogue Creamery, 311 North Front St, Central Point. Phone 541-665-1155 x163.