Last week I spent a few days visiting family and skiing in Utah. First of all, let me say that Solitude is a well-named and well-heeled ski resort. I loved the quiet on the mountain and the comfort of the Inn. I would definitely revisit that bunny hill!
Since I'm always on the prowl for new local tastes, I was delighted when our cheese plate at the Inn's fine restaurant, St. Bernards, included an offering from Utah's own Beehive Cheese Company.
The cheese in question, "Barely Buzzed" was awarded back-to-back 1st Places for flavored cheddar at the American Cheese Society Annual Competition in 2007 and 2008. And I'm not surprised. It's a fantastic cheese.
When I heard the cheese described, I had my doubts. A cheddar rubbed with espresso grounds? Okay, the website makes it sound better: "A labor-intensive cheese that’s hand-rubbed with a blend of Colorado Legacy Coffee (roasted by the Cheesemaker's brother) and French lavender buds."
Still, I worried the coffee flavor would be overpowering (I'm a tea drinker, friends). No need. The cheese and rub blended perfectly, creating a complex, subtle and sweet flavor with an easy finish. The cheese was a standout, though it shared the plate with Italian Parmaggianno, St. Andre, Danish Blue and a host of other tasty treats.
It was a nice reminder. Wherever you are, eat local!
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2 comments:
That sounds so delicious! I'll have to try some when I'm in Utah in June. Utah is also a great place for farmer's markets - my in-laws live in Orem, where there are family orchards scattered through all the residential areas.
Great point, Caroline! I love going to farmers' markets while on vacation, because you learn so much about the place and what's special there. For example, I'm longing for the Santa Fe Farmers' Market right now. Last year, around the first week of May, we had the pleasure of finding turkey eggs there, along with many other delicious treats—breads, Mayan chocolate drinks, and several specialty goat cheeses. Yum!
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