SqueezeOC Staff Blog » What we’re into…

It was the cheesiest - in a classy, good way

Iris — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:15:46 +0000

So the local economy is supposedly tanking, companies are downsizing … and yet, life is GOOD when you can spend an afternoon sipping wine and tasting great cheeses of all shapes, textures, flavors and colors.

On Sunday, I checked out the final day of the first annual American Cheesemaker Awards gathering, a literal nirvana for foodies at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach.

Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 15-18, the epicurean event brought together top local and national chefs, taste experts and purveyors, and 25 cheesemakers from California, Idaho, Indiana, New York, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin showing off their excellent artisanal cheeses.

There was an official judging and awards dinner, and a series of “Cheese Academy” classes, open to the public, where the best of Orange County’s taste experts, like Napa Rose executive chef Andrew Sutton, Sapphire Pantry cheese monger Starr Cornwall and The Island Hotel’s executive chef Bill Bracken, offered tips and lessons on cooking with cheese and pairing it with other foods and wine.

But the ultimate reason to be there was to TASTE some 100 of these amazing cheeses. What an incredible feeling to pick up a wine glass, a small plate and napkin, and then walk into a huge tent to see table after table of cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, plus perfect pairing goodies from Bristol Farms’ bounty, from fig spread to olives to truffle butter (sinfully indulgent!).

My top discoveries:
1. Fiscalini Farmstead cheese from Modesto: specifically, the nutty, buttery, perfect San Joaquin Gold, which was “intended to be a fontina but developed into a unique cheese” as their literature put it; and the Vintage Bandaged Cheddar, a classic English style, aged 18 months for a lovely sharp taste that’s smooth on the finish.
I was especially enamored of cheesemaker Mariano Gonzalez, who took me over to a larger display of the bandage-wrapped cheddar and proudly explained that every day for two months, he turns the wrapped cheese upside down to stabilize the moisture and promote even growth of mold to create the rind underneath the cloth. “This is my baby,” Mariano said with a smile.
The “baby” actually loses weight as it ages and firms up, dropping from 60 pounds to about 55 pounds by the end of the 18 months.
Both cheeses won American Cheesemaker Awards, the San Joaquin Gold for “Best Hard Cow’s Milk Cheese,” the Vintage Bandaged for “Best Firm Cow’s Milk Cheese.”

2. Beecher’s cheese (pictured in the lead photo) is handmade at Pike Place Market in Seattle, one of my favorite places. Beecher’s signature Flagship (billed as “Wine’s best friend”) won the “Best Semi Hard Cow’s Milk Cheese” award. It’s hearty, nutty and would taste great in an omelette or simply with some crusty bread.

3. The Aged Cardona and Cocoa Cardona (aged and rubbed with that rich dark powder), goat cheeses from 105-year-old Carr Valley Cheese in Wisconsin. These are firmer cheeses, aged to taste closer to cheddar than the fresh Chevre usually associated with goat’s milk.

4. Grill cheese directly on a non-stick skillet for a mouth-watering treat — especially if it’s the creamy, mild but flavorful Jersey cow cheddar from the Ballard Family’s Idaho dairy. Steve Ballard showed us how simple it is, and Stacie served up the grilled pieces dipped in lemon, balsamic vinegar and other tasteful accompaniments.

The best news: you can find all of the above cheeses at Bristol Farms (in fact, apparently Carr Valley and Ballard inked deals with the gourmet grocery during the event).

And learning that there are domestic cheesemakers that can compete with the Europeans made me proud to be an American.

With Azmin Ghahreman, the enthusiastic, brilliant chef-owner of Sapphire Laguna & Pantry leading this cheese fest as event chairman, I knew the quality would be nothing but top-notch. But it was even better than expected, and many of the cheesemakers confirmed this, saying they didn’t know what to expect and ultimately were impressed with the attention to detail and quality of participants and crowd.

I’d say the only thing that verged on “cheesy” in its negative connotation were these cheese carvings:

… though, there definitely is some impressive craftsmanship, especially in the turkey!

For more on the American Cheesemaker Awards, including a full list of winners, go to the event web site.

For more on cheese and the best local cheese shops, check out this Party Gal column.

For the Orange County Register’s Monday news story on the event, click here.

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Paramore brings its “Misery Business” to Anaheim

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:24:05 +0000

If you’re still trying to figure out what to do on Friday night, let me make a suggestion…the rock/pop band Paramore is performing at The Grove of Anaheim (2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim) and as of right this second, tickets are still available for only $22.50.

Paramore has been kicking ass with radio play on KROQ 106.7 FM and INDIE 103.1 FM, its newest release, “Riot” on the Fueled by Ramen label, has launched them into spotlight. The little ditty, “Misery Business” is so damn catchy that I find myself humming it in my head during the day.

The entire album is really well-written, hookey, poppy and just really easy to listen to. Although on the somber side, I have to give kudos to the song “When It Rains.” The 18-year-old singer, Hayley Williams, coos along with the swaying guitar - it’s touching.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m. - which gives ample time to check out merch and mingle).

Check out the bands video for “Misery Business” here…

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Queen of the Pumpkin Patch!

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:37:54 +0000

Happy Halloween Kids!! It really is the best day of the year - too bad this Halloween falls on a Wednesday - could it be anymore in the middle of the week?Don’t let the holiday hump day get ya down, it’s not too late to go carve a pumpkin! Last night my friends and I dipped our hands into pumpkin guts, ripped them out and threw them in a bowl. It’s sounds terrible but it’s really so much fun!

As an adult, the pumpkin carving is probably the best thing about Halloween since you’re now too old to be trick-or-treating.

These are the ultra creative designs that my friends and I came up with (mine is the little bat looking one).

NOTE: This pumpkin masterpiece just came in (designed by Roxanne) and it’s awesome!!

If you have any awesome pumpkin photos send ‘em to me and I’ll post ‘em up here today!!!

-KELLI SKYE

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VOTE NOW!: Halloween candy, the yummy and the gross

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 23:45:32 +0000

What would Halloween be without giant bowls and bags of candy?! Whether you’re a costume wearin’ kid hitting the streets to Trick-or-Treat or a parent, anxiously waiting for your child to return home with that giant haul of treats - there’s definitely candy that scores on the “yummy” side and ones that tend to fall into the “gross” category.

We’re letting YOU decide this year’s Best and Worst Halloween candy.

Vote within the categories below or add your own to the list.

The results will appear in the Life, Etc. section of the Orange County Register on Monday, Oct. 29 and online at www.squeezeoc.com.

What is the "BEST" Halloween candy?

What is the "WORST" Halloween candy?

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Dane Cook comes to Anaheim

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:39 +0000

The eccentric stand-up comedian turned actor, Dane Cook just announced his “Rough Around the Edges” Comedy Tour which makes a stop at the Honda Center on Sunday, Dec. 9. Cook is known for his wild stage humor, freakish and often, nails-on-a-chalk board style, sound effects and jokes focusing on growing up in a house of all women.

Cook has taken the leap from the small stage to the big screen, appearing in feature films alongside Hollywood heavy-hitters like Jessica Alba, Kevin Costner, Demi Moore and, dare I say, Jessica Simpson. Cooks main bread-and-butter comes from his arena comedy tours and multi-platinum comedy DVDs and CDs. He’s also a regular on the late night talk show circuit as well as the surprise guest on many nights at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood.

Tickets for the “Rough Around the Edges” comedy tour are $33-$103 and go on sale on Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

- KELLI SKYE

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In the mood for Halloween

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:18:13 +0000

So what if it’s only the first week of October? Target and Kohl’s have had Halloween decor up for weeks by now. I’ll be the first to decorate my work space as well as throw a bash with a Halloween ghost piñata, make an unsuspecting dog wear a giraffe costume, and make Halloween themed baked goods and I have the photos here to prove it…

Share your Halloween photos with us by uploading them at squeezeoc.com/photos.

– KELLI SKYE

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Miss Surf City Saloon Tattooed Lady Contest

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:29:38 +0000

Surf City Saloon in Huntington Beach hosts the annual Miss Surf City Saloon Tattooed Lady Contest on Sunday, Sept. 30. Tattooed ladies of Orange County who are over the age of 21 are welcome to enter the event. Festival booths with various tattoo, fashion and food vendors open at 10 a.m. What would a Tattooed Lady Contest be without a complimentary keg (tapped at 11 a.m.)? Bands will be performing throughout the day, including Fono, Stink Eye, Game 7 Sudden Death, Dirtbags from the Gutter, a special guest from the Netherlands and Dare Devil Jane, the first band goes on at 11:45 a.m.

The contest will be hosted by celebrity guest, Ms. Lindsey Lou. The competition begins at 12:30 p.m. and the finalist will be announced at 6:30 p.m.

There will also be a BBQ festival at 2 p.m. and a Photo Op area opening at 4:30 p.m. for spectators to get a photo with their favorite tattooed lady.

The event will be held outdoors at Surf City Saloon, 13 Bones and one Stop Smoke Shop (18528-18582 Beach Blvd. respectively).

- KELLI SKYE

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“Donde esta mi pantalon?”

Iris — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:54:11 +0000

With song lyrics like that, how can you not love Los Abandoned?!

This bilingual pop-punk band is a KICK to see live, a quintessential Southern California band with goofy-clever lyrics, and tunes that range from cheeky-sweet melodies (like “Pantalon” quoted above) to driving punk beats (”Stalk U,” “Van Nuys (es very nice)”).

We saw the energetic-yet-graceful Lady P and her hombres Thursday night at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana, and it was probably the best live music deal in the O.C. that night: for $10 we got a great dose of infectious music, plus the always lively visual show…

…with slender-petite Pilar belting out the hits (”I didn’t, I didn’t, I didn’t mean to stalk u …”) while alternately pogo-ing, prancing, playing the ukelele and crouching close to the crowd; lead guitarist Don Verde and bassist Vira Lata jammin’ and riffin’ while writhing on the floor; and drummer Dulce drummin’ his ass off. For a few more photos, click here.

The band played like they were in a huge arena - tho the Galaxy was only about half-full. Lucky us - it was like we got Los Abandoned to come play at a house party or something.

Even some older, white hippie guys couldn’t stop dancing, making us think: how great that Los Abandoned brings all ages, races and hairstyles together.

Los Abandoned doesn’t get to O.C. that often - saw the group in another awesome show at JC Fandango about six months back - but you can catch them up in L.A. pretty regularly. Next gig: Sept. 14 at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, as supporting act for Zoe.

Speaking of supporting acts, the second warmup band Thursday at the Galaxy was a lovely discovery: Ceci Bastida, a charming singer-musician from Mexico who’s been backup singer and keyboardist for Julieta Venegas, and started her musical career at the tender age of 15, when she joined ska-punk group Tijuana NO.

If you like Julieta V, Cafe Tacuba and Ozomatli, you’ll dig Ceci’s rhythmic rock music. And you can catch Ceci in Orange County again on Sept. 20, when she, too, opens for Zoe, this time at House of Blues Anaheim.

Otherwise, head to the Knitting Factory in L.A. on Tuesday nights in September, when Ceci is the resident musician.

- Iris

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Laugh it up Orange County!

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:33:18 +0000

Who doesn’t need a good laugh every now and then? Check out these heavy-hitter headliners in their upcoming stand-up comedy shows:

Mo’Nique
One of the “Queens of Comedy” and star of several TV shows and feature films. Friday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept. 8. at Brea Improv (210 S. Brea Blvd., Brea. 714-482-0700). $35.

Dave Attell
On-the-go comedian and star of Comedy Central’s “Insomniac with Dave Attell.” Thursday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 16 at Irvine Improv (71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. 949-854-5455). $25.

Ralphie May
Runner-up on “Last Comic Standing” and “Celebrity Fit Club” contestant. Thursday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 23 at Irvine Improv (71 Fortune Drive, Irvine. 949-854-5455). $20.

Jay Mohr
Film, TV, radio and stand-up star. Friday, Sept. 21-Sunday Sept. 23 at Brea Improv (210 S. Brea Blvd., Brea. 714-482-0700). This is a 21 and over show only. $30.

Joe Rogan
“UFC” and “Fear Factor” host and stand-up comedian. 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 at House of Blues (1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. 714-778-2583). $20-$25.

All tickets are currently available and on-sale.

- KELLI SKYE

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Warped Tour goes ‘Old School’ in final round

KELLI SKYE FADROSKI, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 19:31:45 +0000

This year’s Vans Warped Tour kicked off in Southern California at the Pomona Fairplex on June 29 and after dozens of shows across the U.S. (a blazing hot one in Phoenix, AZ. and a rained out one in Texas), the tour returns to SoCal for its finale on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Home Depot Center (18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson).

To really celebrate this grand tour in it’s 13th year, producer and founder Kevin Lyman has added an extra stage - the “Old School Stage.” Warped concert-goers will be treated to special performances by The Dickies, Circle Jerks, Manic Hispanic, Fear, The Adolescents, Agent Orange, Duane Peters Gunfight and a special rendition of Punk Rock Karaoke that lets a few lucky audience members become the stars of the show.

The doors open at 11 a.m. and tickets are $32.75. Tickets are available by calling 714-740-2000 or via ticketmaster.com.

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