Friday, November 18, 2011
The Joy of Cheese December Events
Monday, October 31, 2011
The Joy of Cheese November Events
Tuesday November 8 at 7:30 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. The Swiss Cheese Conspiracy
It’s time for fondue (I know for some it’s never not time for fondue, but I digress), and that’s a good time to explore the nutty wonders of alpine cheeses, some from alpine regions and some not. In addition there’s a lot more to the Swiss cheese and firm cheeses that melt well; we’ll explore some of the best soft cheeses from this tradition as well. Overall, we’ll explore eight or nine cheeses. Tickets are $25 (you pay for your drinks separately) and available via Brown Paper Tickets,http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209707.
Wednesday November 9 at Premier Cru, 1169 Madison Avenue (85th St.): The Six Best Cheeses for Holiday Entertaining.
Yes, it’s that time again too. Please join us at Premier Cru, one of the Upper East Side’s most gracious wine boutiques, for a stellar tasting of six cheeses that will pair nicely with holiday beverages. Each of these six cheeses will be paired with a wine chosen by Premier Cru owner Michael Eigen. The fun begins at 7. Tickets are $45 and available via Premier Cru, 212-534-6709.
Also on November 17 at 7:00, Maggie Fuller and I will lead a Beer and Cheese class at the 92nd St. Y. We will pair eight small producer Belgian and Scandinavian beers with eight exceptional cheeses and sample and discuss each. Tickets are $40 and available via this link, http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Event/BetterThanWine-Beer-CheesePair-1.aspx
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Joy of Cheese October Events
Lots to report. Here’s the rundown.
October 5, 5-7:30 Cheesy Happy Hour at In Vino, 215 E. 4th St.,
In Vino is bringing back the concept of the fromagier for a day, or well, for a Happy Hour. Starting October 5th from 5-730 and hopefully becoming a regular event, we are starting a Cheese Plate Happy Hour. Cheese Plates of 3 will be half off, and I’ll be around to sample and discuss delights off of our fantastic list of Italian and contemporary American cheeses (I’ll probably hand out a few surprise cheeses too).
October 18 at 7:30 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. The New Stuff.
What’s new? Please join us October 18 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St., as we will answer that question with nine of the most interesting cheeses that are new to the New York City market. Some will be domestic and others will be from Europe; all will be outstanding. Tickets are $25 and you pay for your drinks as you go. Tickets can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/203833
October 19 at 7 at Premier Cru, 1163 Madison Avenue. The Cornerstones
Please join us October 19 at 7 at Premier Cru, 1163 Madison, for a wine and cheese event called The Best Gruyere Ever and Five Other Cornerstone Cheeses. This tasting nwill focus attention on the work of leading European affineurs (masters at aging cheese) and the difference they make in familiar cheeses like Gruyere, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Stilton and others; for those unfamiliar with the work of Rolf Beeler, Marcel Petite, Neal’s Yard and others, it will be like having these cheeses for the first time again. We will sample and discuss six cheeses and they will be paired with six superb wines chosen by Premier Cru owner Michael Eigen. Tickets are $45 and available via Premier Cru, 212-534-6709.
October 26 at 7:30 at Breukelen Bier Merchants, 182 Grand St. Beer and Cheese Rules
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Three for Three: The Joy of Cheese September Events
Three for Three: The Joy of Cheese September Events
After a quiet late summer, The Joy of Cheese will launch headlong into the fall season with three events on consecutive nights.
September 20 at 7:30 at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St (near Houston): Cheese and Beer Rules!
Cheeses and beers pair exceptionally well together, but what are some rules of thumb for matching them? What cheese balances the hoppiness of an IPA ,or what beer goes best with a earthiness and pepper of a classic blue? Please join us September 20th at 7:30 at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St., as we celebrate the marriage of grains and curds with six wonderful cheeses accompanied by six New York state beers. This New York City Craft Beer Week event starts at 7:30. Tickets are $25; for tickets please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196694
September 21 at 7 at Premier Cru, 1163 Madison Avenue (86th St.): The New, New World Classics
The exceptional quality of American cheeses like Humboldt Fog, Rogue River Blue, and Pleasant Ridge Reserve are old news by now. What are the next great American made cheeses? Please join us at 7 at Premier Cru, the exceptional wine shop on the Upper East Side; In the first of a three part monthly series, I'll sample and discuss six cheeses from America and perhaps Canada and down under. Premier Cru owner Michael Eigen will pair these six cheeses with six wines from his shop's stellar inventory. Tickets are $45 and available via Premier Cru, 212-534-6709.
September 22 at 7 at The 92nd St. Y (92 & Lex): Better Than Wine, a Cheese and Beer Pairing.
Cheeses are often a good match for Belgian beers, and at this event Maggie Fuller of 12% Imports, a company that specializes in small producer Belgian and Scandinavian beer will pair eight of her favorite beers with eight of my favorite cheeses. We'll discuss the fromage and brews individually and why they work together. Tickets are $40 and available via the 92nd St. Y box office, http://www.92y.org/Uptown/Event/BetterThanWine-Beer-CheesePair-1.aspx
The current Joy of Cheese schedule is always up at thejoyofcheese.blogspot.com and my daily musings on cheese including Fromage of the Day is at thejoyofcheese.wordpress.com
Any questions, feel free to contact me at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com
Monday, August 15, 2011
August 16th Event is Cancelled
Saturday, July 23, 2011
August at The Joy of Cheese
Tribute and Choice: The Joy of Cheese August Events
In two August events, the Joy of Cheese will range the spectrum of emotions. One event is a tribute to a recently deceased colleague; the other will be programmed by requests made at the Joy of Cheese Facebook page. Both will be interesting.
August 2 at 7:30 at d.b.a Brooklyn: Summer cheeses and Beers
It’s simple; shortly before this event, I’m going to buy the eight best cheeses I can find; we’ll pair them with four superb beers (all four will be favorites of Ray Deter in tribute to our fallen pal) and we’re going to do a tasting. Join us, it’s fun. Tickets are $25; for tickets please visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/185911
August 16 at 7:30 at Clerkenwell: By Request!
All Joy of Cheese events have a mystery cheese, but at this one the audience participation level will go way higher. I'm allowing people to choose the themes by posting what they'd like to investigate at The Joy of Cheese Facebook Page. Once I settle on the themes, it will be my task to make a logical sequence of the cheeses and an intelligent presentation. It should be fun. Tickets are $25 and available via Brown Paper Tickets,https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/189159
By all means attendees are welcome to attend these events without advance purchase, I just that they e-mail me to alert me of their intentions at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com.
The current Joy of Cheese schedule is always up at thejoyofcheese.blogspot.com and my daily musings on cheese including Fromage of the Day is at thejoyofcheese.wordpress.com
Any questions, feel free to contact me at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Joy of Cheese Summer Events
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
No Event tonight but the rest of June is On!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Fromage Americain: The Joy of Cheese June Events
Fromage Americain: The Joy of Cheese JuneEvents
It's old news that American hand crafted cheeses can stand alongside any in the world, but are there really two dozen of them that could be sold in any French Fromagerie without condescension or caveat. I think there are, and I'm going to present my choices during three Joy of Cheese events in June.
June 7 at d.b.a Brooklyn, 113 N. 7th St. Fromage Americain
Please join us Tuesday April 5 at 7:30 for a tasting of seven exceptional American cheeses with a slight emphasis on firm cheeses and seven beers chosen specifically to match them. I'll present the cheese; Ray Deter will present the beers. We'll both talk about why we think the combination works. Tickets are $25. For more information, visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/177507
June 14th at Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. Fromage Americain Part Deux
Same deal, nine superb American cheeses, this time with a slight emphasis on softer cheeses. I'll present the cheese and attendees can buy the beverages of their choice separate. Tickets are $25; for more information visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/178626.
June 22nd at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St. Fromage Americain Part Trois
La meme chose, nine superb American cheeses, this time with a slight emphasis on newer cheeses. I'll present the cheese and attendees can buy the beverages of their choice separate. Tickets are $25; for more information visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/17863
By all means attendees are welcome to attend these events without advance purchase, I just that they e-mail me to alert me of their intentions at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com.
And in addition these?
June 23 Cheese and Beer at the 92Y and June 29th Cheese and Wine at the 92nd St. Y.
In July, our theme will involve French cheeses; I don't know how yet.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Funkee!! The Joy of Cheese May Events
Monday, April 18, 2011
May at The Joy of Cheese
Sunday, February 27, 2011
April at The Joy of Cheese
April 5 at d.b.a Brooklyn, 113 N. 7th St. Hard Goats and Beers to Match
It might be a cheesemonger's stretch to imagine a goat singing to a cow the Irving Berlin classic Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better," but it wouldn't be inappropriate for a goat diary farmer to sing it to a farmer with a herd of cows. In the last two decades, "goat cheese" has transformed from meaning a soft squishy, fresh cheese perfect for a beet salad into a myriad of forms, flavors and textures. Please join us Tuesday April 5 at 7:30 for a tasting of seven exceptional firm goat's milk cheeses and seven beer chosen specifically to match them. I'll present the cheese; Ray Deter will present the beers. We'll both talk about why we think the combination works. Tickets are $25.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163427
April 12th at Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. The Best Soft Chevres in NYC
Oozy, lean and delicious and the three best adjectives to describe the best soft goat's milk cheeses available to New Yorkers. The amazing thing is that not all of them are from abroad. Many of them come from Maryland and Illinois as well as the usual domestic suspects like Vermont, California, and the Pacific Northwest. Please join us Tuesday April 12 at 7:30 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. for a sampling and discussion of eight of these sumptuous wonders. Tickets are $25 and you pay for your beverages separately.
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163619
By all means you’re welcome to attend these events without advance purchase, just e-mail me to alert me of your intentions and I’ll reserve space for you.
And in addition these?
April 7 Cheese and Wine at 92nd St. Y with a very special guest wine instructor.
Any questions, feel free to contact me at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
What A Whole Lotta Cheese: The Joy of Cheese Mid-Winter Update
What a Whole Lotta of Cheese: The Joy of Cheese Mid-Winter Update
A few days ago I wondered about the wisdom of calling this a midwinter update. Well mother nature set the record straight about that. Cheese tastings are still one of the best reasons to venture out into the chill and there are a whole lotta tastings coming up.
Here are the details
February 23rd at 7:30 at Boxcar Lounge, 168 Avenue B
Wednesday night at 7:30, The Joy of Cheese, Martin Johnson’s five year old series of informal cheese tastings makes its first visit to Boxcar Lounge, 168 Avenue B. Please join us as we’ll sample and discuss eight of the finest cheeses available in New York. There will be showstoppingly dense and nutty alpine cheeses, buttery, sweet pecorinos, lean, herbaceous goat’s milk cheeses. Some of the cheeses will be from Europe and some from elsewhere. I’ll discuss the cheeses in terms of their flavor profile, geography and production techniques. It will enable you to become an informed shopper for these cheeses either at a retail counter or when surveying the cheese course at a restaurant. Tickets are $25 and attendees can purchase beers, wines and other spirits of their choice from the well chosen and abundant Boxcar list. For more information and ticket sales please visit Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/154183
February 24 at 7:30 at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St., The Joy of Cheese Presents Red, White and Beer.
Alpine cheeses and pecorinos are especially versatile cheeses and in this edition of The Joy of Cheese Red White and Beer comparison series, we will take six (maybe more) fantastic cheeses, including some amazing sheep cheese from northern Italy and dense nutty cheeses both from Switzerland and the United States (and maybe France) and compare them to see what pairs best with what. It all gets going Thursday February 24 at 7:30 Tickets are $30 ($24 if you buy online at and enter the password Serious) and available at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/onsite/event/154017.
Attendees can buy tickets with cash at the door (there is no “Serious” discount) just alert me of your plans at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com.
March 1st at 7:30 at d.b.a Brooklyn, 113 N. 7th St: The Hard Italians
The Italians have a way with formaggio. Their cheeses almost always feature distinctive flavors and melodic finishes. The firm ones are often highlighted by a clear note of salt. The Italians aren’t known for their brewing but their hard cheeses make excellent companions to ales, lagers and many more brewed delights. Please join us Tuesday March 1 at 7:30 as we pair seven wonderful hard Italian cheeses and seven amazing beers. I’ll present the cheese; Ray Deter will discuss the beer. You will show up and we will all be very happy by evening’s end. Tickets are $25 and available at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/158973
March 8th at 7:30 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St.: The Soft Italians
Ooozy, goupy, luxurious and delicious. Those are the first four words that occur to me when I think of soft Italian cheeses and if they don’t occur to you at the thought of Tallegio, Brescianella, Quadrello et al, then you owe it to your taste buds to join us at 7:30 Tuesday March 8 at Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. for a tasting of eight fantastic soft Italian cheeses. Tickets are $25 and you pay for your drinks separately. For more information, please visit BPT at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/158979
March 14th at 7:30 at Custom American Wine Bar, 644 Driggs
The second edition of One Night Stand takes place at Custom American Wine Bar. As the name implies Custom specializes in small producer American wines, beers and bourbons. Our selection of eight cheeses will focus on those from the domestic artisan producers. Custom will offer a special flight of wines designed to match the cheeses. Tickets are $25 and attendees pay for their beverages separately. For more information, please visit Brown Paper Tickets, http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/156155.
By all means you’re welcome to attend these events without advance purchase, just e-mail me to alert me of your intentions and I’ll reserve space for you.
And beyond these?
March 16 An Italian tasting of some sort or another at Culturefix
March 17 Cheese and Beer at 92nd St. Y with me and Ray Deter
Any questions, feel free to contact me at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Next Week at The Joy of Cheese
February 23rd at 7:30 at Boxcar Lounge, 168 Avenue B
Wednesday night at 7:30, The Joy of Cheese, Martin Johnson's five year old series of informal cheese tastings makes its first visit to Boxcar Lounge, 168 Avenue B. Please join us as we'll sample and discuss eight of the finest cheeses available in New York. There will be showstoppingly dense and nutty alpine cheeses, buttery, sweet pecorinos, lean, herbaceous goat's milk cheeses. Some of the cheeses will be from Europe and some from elsewhere. I'll discuss the cheeses in terms of their flavor profile, geography and production techniques. It will enable you to become an informed shopper for these cheeses either at a retail counter or when surveying the cheese course at a restaurant. Tickets are $25 and attendees can purchase beers, wines and other spirits of their choice from the well chosen and abundant Boxcar list. For more information and ticket sales please visit Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/154183
February 24 at 7:30 at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St., The Joy of Cheese Presents Red, White and Beer.
Alpine cheeses and pecorinos are especially versatile cheeses and in this edition of The Joy of Cheese Red White and Beer comparison series, we will take six (maybe more) fantastic cheeses, including some amazing sheep cheese from northern Italy and dense nutty cheeses both from Switzerland and the United States (and maybe France) and compare them to see what pairs best with what. It all gets going Thursday February 24 at 7:30 Tickets are $30 ($24 if you buy online at and enter the password Serious) and available at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/onsite/event/154017.
Attendees can buy tickets with cash at the door (there is no “Serious” discount) just alert me of your plans at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
February at The Joy of Cheese
In three February events The Joy of Cheese will celebrate the best hard cheeses in New York City. Cheddars, aged goudas, alpine cheeses, pecorinos and other fine examples of expertly aged cheeses paired with superb wine or craft-brewed beers. Here are the details.
February 1 at 7:30 at d.b.a Brooklyn 113 North 7th St, The Joy of Cheese Presents Crunchy! Fine Hard Cheese & Great Beers to Match
The very best firm cheeses have distinct tangy flavors and pleasantly salty finishes; they are almost perfectly suited to pair with a variety of beers. At this event, I’ll present seven cheeses and Ray Deter, owner of d.b.a and host of Beer Sessions on Heritage Radio Network will present seven beers chosen to specifically the cheese. Good times will ensue. Tickets are $25 ($20 if you enter the password Serious when buying online) at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/onsite/event/145253
February 8 at 7:30 at The Clerkenwell, 49 Clinton St. The Joy of Cheese & The Classics at Clerkenwell Present Red, Red Wine.
Yes, actually, you can pair red wines with cheese. It is harder to pair cheese with red wine than white ones due to the richness and complexity of flavors in most reds, but it can be done. Please join us February 8 at 7:30 at Clerkenwell as we explore eight cornerstone hard cheeses that pair well with red wines. I’ll discuss each cheese in terms of its geography, flavor profile, production style and of course why it pairs well with red wine. Tickets are $25 ($20 if you buy online and enter the password Serious) and available at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/onsite/event/154010.
February 24 at 7:30 at Culturefix, 9 Clinton St., The Joy of Cheese Presents Red, White and Beer.
Alpine cheeses and pecorinos are especially versatile cheeses and in this edition of The Joy of Cheese Red White and Beer comparison series, we will take six (maybe more) fantastic cheeses, including some amazing sheep cheese from northern Italy and dense nutty cheeses both from Switzerland and the United States (and maybe France) and compare them to see what pairs best with what. It all gets going Thursday February 24 at 7:30 Tickets are $30 ($24 if you buy online at and enter the password Serious) and available at Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/onsite/event/154017.
You can buy tickets with cash at the door (there is no “Serious” discount) just alert me of your plans at thejoyofcheese@gmail.com.
I hope to see you over some cheese.
-Martin