The World Cheese Book has been voted “Food Book of the Year 2010” by the Food Writers Guild at their annual awards on 17^th June.

 

It is a comprehensive guide to the cheeses of the World and includes insightful reviews and photos of some 750 cheeses from over 25 countries. Representing 25 years research, 9 months of writing and some 20 international contributors, the book is the ultimate resource for anyone with a passion for cheese.  

 

Order your copy from http://www.dorlingkindersleyuk.co.uk or for a signed copy with a personal message to the “cheese-head” in your life email cheese@thecheeseweb.com with your request.

The Old Butchers in Stow-on-the-Wold features excellent local food and has a well kept British & Irish cheeseboard that constantly changes.

 

Current favourites include Blue Monday, Vintage Lincolnshire Poacher, Stinking Bishop and Sharpham Rustic. At just £7 a head the cheeseboard represents great value.  

 

See http://www.theoldbutchers.com for more details and to book a table.

By all accounts our friends in Asia are quickly becoming fans of cheese which, until recently, was a completely alien taste to them. Even milk was not widely available, “in times past milk was something only for the rich, now one can buy milk at anytime and anywhere, even have it for breakfast every morning” said Chinese bank employee Lu Peng.  

 

With cheese factories opening at an astonishing rate and milk production in China increasing seven fold in the past decade, it may not be long before Chinese cheese becomes a reality in your local Chinese restaurant.

 

See http://english.ntdtv.com/14ntdtv_en/ns_life/2010-06-/457422478147.html for more details

The Picnic & BBQ season has arrived so before you set off to cook outside or enjoy the Great British countryside, make sure you pack your hamper with the sort of disposable crockery that will leave a great taste in your mouth.

 

Biopac produce a range of stylish ‘green’ plates, bowls and glasses, including compostable cups and glasses, fibre and palm plates and bowls, even cutlery made from natural starch. So enjoy your picnic and feel good too!  

 

All you need now is a great selection of British cheeses, some chunks of crusty bread and homemade pickle, a fruity sauvignon blanc… bliss! See www.biopac.co.uk for more details.

July 4^th is nearly upon us and all over the World our American cousins will be enjoying a national holiday, letting off fireworks and sitting down to celebration meals. So where’s the best place to get your American cheeses from?

 

Stateside try Central Market with stores all over Texas and a great philosophy where quality and service is all. If you’re in San Francisco we recommend Cheese Plus who really know their cheese. For a good online selection check out Gourmet Food Store .  

 

If you’re an American in London and fancy some excellent cheese La Fromagerie is well worth a visit as is Hix at The Albermarle at Browns and there’s also Cheese at Leadenhall in the heart of the square mile.

Bring Your Own Bottle to restaurants has now been formally established in London with the creation of the BYO Wine Club .

 

BYOB is ubiquitous in Australian restaurants, popular in the US, but up to now has been generally discouraged in the UK, with restaurants tending to levy prohibitive 'corkage' charge.  

 

BYO Wine Club in partnership with UK high street chain Nicolas operates on a simple premise: members pay an annual fee (£75, rising to £100 in the autumn) and pay little or no corkage charges at participating, mainly high end restaurants.

Does throwing a dinner party throw you into a spin? Is it all just too stressful? Don’t panic! Juliet Harbutt’s master class ‘Coming Ready or Not’ is the perfect guide to entertaining using just store cupboard essentials.

 

It’s all about being relaxed when entertaining, cooking things you feel confident about and spending time enjoying your guests not slaving over the stove. Develop a repertoire that’s easy to prepare, impressive looking and tastes delicious.  

 

So get your friends, family or colleagues together and book by emailing cheese@thecheeseweb.com for more details and a copy of our culinary master class brochure.

Holding a summer wedding, birthday celebration or garden party? We’ve found this great little company that supplies the most delightful alternatives to the traditional pole tent marquee.

 

Bring the mystique of the orient to your garden with these eastern themed structures and add a hint of Moroccan chic to your outdoor event. See http://www.oasistents.co.uk/ for more details.

Last few places left Book Now! Join Juliet Harbutt for her highly acclaimed and enjoyable masterclass ‘Judging A Cheese By It’s Cover’ taking place at her Cotswold Cottage on 24^th July. Hurry just a few places left at £85 a head.

See http://www.thecheeseweb.com/contentok.php?id=370 for more details.

If you know anyone who’d like to be added to the mailing list for the Cheesewire get them to email us at cheese@thecheeseweb.com mentioning that you recommended them and you could win a fantastic cheesey prize as a ‘Thank You’ from us.