Beer and Cheese - Not Just for Pizza

Craft beer has been getting a lot of press lately for its integration into more fine-dining places. Well, maybe not super fine dining, but craft beer has been getting a harder look at mid- to high-level restaurants beyond a gastropub or a fancy burger place. Of course, we expect good beer at the Bad Apple. Places such as the Fountainhead and Hop Leaf take it to another level with food pairings. This Spring, Pastoral is upping the ante by pairing craft beer with cheese.

This reminds me somewhat of the truffle and beer pairing the Grafton did earlier this month. On June 4, Pastoral will be holding a class that pairs cheese and beer. We are used to the concept of wine and cheese, but beer and cheese tends to be relegated to the basement shenanigans of Home Run Inn and PBR.

This class will pair an artisan cheese with a craft beer. I've personally never tried to do this, but it sounds wonderful. Of course, you can get our own cheeses and try, but Pastoral is offering professional pairing with background on the beer and cheese.

You can sign up at Pastoral's website. It is $40 and in the Loop.

Pastoral Midwestern Dream

This is what I want for Christmas. I'm notoriously difficult to buy for as my tastes generally just run to literature, music and craft beer. Because the latest Audubon guide at auction sold for more than anyone I know can afford and there's only so many jazz and blues records I can fit into my apartment, this is a nice little enjoyment. This momentary experience of delicacy is transient and worth the money. I'd rather support local producers of cheese and beer than get another piece of electronic that sits on a shelf unused after a couple of months.

Called the Midwestern Beer Lover, this gift set includes Goose Island's Sofia, orange marmalade and crackers from Wisconsin and goat cheese from Indiana. Even though gifts at Christmas tend to be individual, this is something that you can get and share with other people. I like that concept: receiving a gift that you can share with others. The cost is about $70.

I've only been to the Pastoral stand at the French Market downtown. I've enjoyed their offerings. You can order this directly from Pastoral's website.