There’s something about driving down the Highway 1 in Northern California that makes my heart smile. I feel it in the very depths of my soul. From starting my morning off at AutoCamp Sonoma, then Korbel California Champagne Cellars and up the coast to Fort Ross Vineyard, it was time for me to head to San Francisco for my night at Kimpton Alton Fisherman’s Wharf.
Earlier in the day – I believe at Korbel – one of the tasting hosts recommended I head to on of her favorite spots – Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company – for some delicious cheese and a nice drive.
After finishing my tasting at Fort Ross Vineyard, I absolutely savored every drive of my way to Point Reyes. I passed Bodega Bay and marveled at how much it had changed since my last visit, decades ago.
The coastline was striking – everything I truly wanted. When I arrived at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company, it was at the right time to break up the drive.
It’s substantially cheaper to go to the creamery and purchase cheese. Plus, it’s endearing to drive up the winding road and enjoy the views of the farm – from the cows to the equipment. This, I found refreshing.
I called my partner and read off the available cheese options for me to bring home to share. We settled on:
TOMA
Aged 90 days. Buttery-flavored, creamy, pasteurized table cheese with a subtle, grassy-tang finish.
TOMAPROVENCE
Aged 90 days. Full of the savory of Herbs de Provence – Marjoram, savory and Thyme, Rosemary and Basil.
FENNEL BLUE
The addition of fennel seeds adds a hint of sweetness to our rustic Bay Blue recipe.
TOMARASHI
Aged 90 days. Shichimi Togarashi, a Japanese spice blend containing chili flakes, nigella, chili powder, orange peel, ginger powder and nori results in a gentle heat gradually warming your palate.
After some bites and tastes, I was on my way again.
Later, when I’d returned home, we made a delicious cheese plate from the selections. Honestly, I can say without a doubt that my favorite of the four is the Toma Provence. Second to that is the Fennel Blue. The cheese at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company made me realize that I don’t hate blue cheese. I just – have certain standards. Instead of smelling like someone’s dusty dirty ass foot, the Fennel Blue that the creamy produces is actually good.
Truly, my stop at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company was a solid moment of pleasure in my Northern California day of adventure.
Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company
14700 Shoreline HighwayPoint Reyes Station, California 94956
