Cheese Profile - Point Reyes Original Blue

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The first time I tried this fabulous cheese was when Ashley and Pam sent me some for Christmas. It was a bluevination (my word); one of the best blues I had ever had. For me, Point Reyes Original Blue is the perfectly balanced blue cheese.

Crafted by the Giacomini family in Point Reyes since 2000, they've become famous for their delicious Original Blue. The milk comes from a closed herd of Holstein cows that nibble on organic pastures on Tomales Bay, that combined with "coastal fog... and salty Pacific breezes" make for a delicious cheese.

Type: Cow (Holstein), organic

Taste: Tangy and smooth. Unlike many blue cheeses, this one's bite has just the right amount of salt, zing and zip to make it just right. It's a blue cheese that I actually find myself snacking bits of when it's out. It's also, I dunno, beach-y. As it's developed in Point Reyes, it gets a nice kiss of salt water air that just sort of gives it a taste that helps you reminisce of bonfires on the shore with friends and summer picnics with the family. Very delish.

Serve With: I love it by itself, but serving it with a bit of radicchio or walnuts would be fabulous. A simple port or sweet dessert wine would also be a fine pairing for this cheese.

Crumbled into a blue cheese burger or in a salad fine are ideas if you plan to cook with it. Other delicious dishes to add it too might include mashed potatoes in winter or a German potato salad in Spring and Summer.
Photo by Elise Bauer

7 comments:

  1. You are not alone in your high opinion of Point Reyes Blue...awesome, awesome cheese. Try it with almonds and sherry.

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  2. My favorite cheese. LOVE it. I especially like making a blue cheese butter to top filet mignon with...using that cheese.

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  3. Wow, that looks like some mighty good cheese. Question: are there any sharp or swiss cheeses you are particularly fond of, such as Jarlsberg or Gruyere?

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  4. Starfruit G. - Not off the top of my head, but it sounds like something worth exploring. =)

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  5. Epic cheese. Great with beef or the last few drops of red wine.

    Rarely comment, but read you often. I too live in Sac. You have a great product and your following is far and wide. Keep it up.

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  6. Starfruit - try Fiscalini's cheddar, which just won best in the world. Fiscalini's is a Modesto product, too. Go figger.

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  7. I tried Point Reyes Blue a couple years ago - there is no turning back. I pick up a chunk whenever I find it. A favorite recipe of mine using it is thinly sliced fennel, apples, celery, pecans, Point Reyes and lemon vinaigrette

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Hey, you're leaving a comment! That's pretty darn cool, so thanks. If you have any questions or have found an error on the site or with a recipe, please e-mail me and I will reply as soon as possible.
~Garrett

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