Food and Beer: Haddingtons To Host Beer And Cheese Pairing With Whole Foods Cheese Expert Cathy Strange

Haddingtons Beer and Cheese Pairing
Monday, July 25
Haddingtons (601 W 6th St.)
$65, 7pm, RSVP Required
[info]

Hip West 6th hangout Haddingtons has gained some recognition for its stellar wine list -- the Austin Wine Guy called it "simply the best, most well-chosen wine list in Austin." But rather than go the obvious route with a wine and cheese pairing, Haddingtons is livin' on the wedge by hosting a beer and cheese pairing this coming Monday, July 25.

This is no Kraft Singles-and-Miller High Life affair. All the cheeses have been carefully selected by Cathy Strange, global cheese buyer for Whole Foods Market. Strange is something of a cheese genius -- she's worked in the food industry for more than 20 years, served as president of the American Cheese Society, and is one of very few Americans recognized by the French government as a cheese expert. You may already consider yourself a cheese lover, but a tasting lesson from Strange will help you appreciate it in a whole new whey.

Of course to pay proper homage to such high-class fromage, the beer pairings will have to be top quality as well. Enter North Coast Brewery. This California craft brewery earned a 2011 "Good Food Award" for its "tasty, authentic and responsibly produced" beers. Strange worked with Austinite and co-owner of North Coast, Tom Allen, as well as Mark Ruedrich, the brewmaster, to choose six beers ranging from a Farmhouse Saison (paired with Humboldt Fog, a creamy goat cheese) to their award-winning Old Stock 2011 Vintage Ale (paired with Stilton, a strong, blue cheese).

But wait, there's more. Haddingtons Executive Chef James Corwell has prepared plates to go along with each beer and cheese pairing, with the exception of the final Vintage Ale/Stilton combo because, as the menu claims, "nothing else needed here; over the top on their own." Each food accompaniment sounds exotic-yet-comfortable in typical Haddingtons style -- like the "grilled skewer of merguez (spicy lamb sausage) and peach with sherry glaze."

Haddingtons will host this one-time-only five-course meal and tasting event in its cozy Fox Tavern room on Monday at 7pm. You must call to reserve your $65/person seat at (512) 922-0204.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@austinist.com with further questions, comments or tips.