While not all local cheese producers are open to the public, many of the legendary onesLaura Chenel, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and Cypress Grove, among themparticipate in the annual California Artisan Cheese Festival and even hold behind-the-scenes tours.
From the start, Pick & Cheese has been about championing independent cheesemakers, said Mathew Carver, founder of Pick & Cheese. When we decided to bring the concept to the U.S., we wanted to do it in a way that celebrates America's own cheese culture. The creativity and passion of the makers here is extraordinary, and Shaver Hall is the perfect stage to showcase it.
Here's how it works: diners grab a seat at the counter, and a slow-moving belt carries a parade of plates beneath glass domes. Each one holds a small portion of artisan cheese-think creamy wedges, crumbly hunks, oozy drizzles-all paired with a clever accompaniment, like tomato and chili jam or rose Turkish delight. You just pluck what catches your eye and make your own cheese plate.
The county is home to an abundance of quality produce, from artisan cheeses (who doesn't love a Baron Bigod?) and craft ciders to responsibly-farmed meats and day-boat fish straight from the North Sea. Scattered across the countryside are countless farm shops, brimming with seasonal fruit and vegetables, whilst on the coast you'll find seafood shacks serving up freshly caught crabs, lobsters and smoked fish.