Public Cheese Appreciation Courses
Public Cheese Appreciation Courses
We offer various options for those who wish to take part in one of our fabulous Sunday 'Cheese Appreciation' classes. Currently, our programme consists of 8 themed classes which rotate over an 8 week cycle.
Each of the themed courses outlined below, can be tailor made to any private function should you wish to hold an event of your own. Please refer back to the 'Private Cheese Appreciation' page for more information.
For more advanced training courses on Cheese Appreciation, please refer to the Consultancy page.
Cheese Appreciation Themed Classes:
'Spanish Cheese'
Often underestimated and overshadowed by the success and exposure of their neighbouring French and Italian Cheese companions, Spanish cheeses are a surprising mix of sophisticated flavours and original styles.
From Mahon to the aged Manchego, to Majorero and Valdeon, we compare and contrast these cheeses and others, whilst we enjoy their perfectly matched Spanish wine counterparts over a two hour period complete with typical Spanish accompaniments and style!
'The Great Blue Cheeses of The World'
Not for the faint of heart, or the palate challenged! This class has a specific emphasis on Blue vein cheeses of both local and international origin. All the greats are covered- Stilton, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Cabrales's cousin Valdeon and many more; all accompanied by wines which complement the style.
We will cover the history and cultural differences in this style of cheese as well as processes in blue cheese making, the production techniques relevant to the blues we are tasting and advanced blue cheese and wine pairings.
'Italian Cheese'
Forget pizza and pasta, no Italian culinary delight better reflects the countries varied terrain and history more so than its enormous selection of 'Frommagio'!
If you have ever pondered on the difference between Reggiano and Grana, or if you are only familiar with classics such as Ricotta and Gorgonzola........ then join us for a 2 hour showcase of Italy's finest cheeses; accompanined, of course, by some delightful Italian wines.
'What Cheese is That?'.
This appreciation class is for the Cheese enthusiast who wishes to obtain the knowledge and experience required in order to speak more confidently about the food they love! This is the perfect opportunity to taste a wide variety of flavours and styles through sampling the 7 different types of Cheese and to have some common myths and misconceptions of the cheese world cleared up once and for all.
Over a two hour period, we will taste cheese of various types of milk- goat, sheep, cow and buffalo and experiment with basic Cheese and wine pairings.
'Aussie Icons'
This is the course for patriots or, alternatively for those of you who need convincing that Australian cheeses have come a long way in recent years! This cheese course showcases the best of Australia's cheese making talents alongside some great Australian wines.
Like all 'McIntosh & Bowman' courses, this class has an emphasis on farmhouse cheese and cheese produced on small scales by farmers who practice sustainable and traditional cheesmaking techniques. It is a fantastic introduction to a local and growing industry.
If you can't name four great Australian Cheeses or Cheese makers, then you ought to be ashamed!!
Be proud - support your local, growing cheese making industry and enrol now!!
'French Cheese'
The finest way to discover French cheese is to travel through France...... second to that is coming to our 'French Cheese Class' and eating your way to an education in the company of a passionate and experienced Cheesemonger!
Whether you are lacking experience in French cheese or are accustomed to it, we provide an experience and atmosphere that caters for all levels of appreciation.
'Goats & Sheep Cheese'
Goats and Sheep have been milked since nomadic times, however it is only now that interest in specialty cheese is rising, and that more and more people are developing intolerences to dairy, that people are experimenting with Goat and Sheep milk cheese options.
Come along and spend 2 hours trying the most gorgeous Goat and Sheep milk cheeses from both international and local producers.
'Beer & Cheese'
A Cheese class for the beer lover!! Contrary to popular belief, beer is an incredible cheese accompaniment. There are many similarities between the science of beer and the science of cheese- and whilst we touch on technicalities of both- it won't be structured with too much information for those who just want to be introduced to some great new flavours and combinations.
We will be showcasing several beers from around the world and cheese from similar regions. There will be a variety of beer- different styles and strengths.
So whether you are a traditionalist wine buff, sceptical of this match made in heaven, or a beer nut who loves great cheese, we are certain we can cater for even the most discerning and experienced palate.
'Pregnancy & Cheese'
There are many misconceptions in the cheese world- One of them is that pregnant women can not eat cheese. Another is that pregnant women can eat cheese as long as is it pasteurised, regardless of whether that be soft, blue or fresh.
As a pregnant woman, I am now realising how much of a significant issue this is and how much conflicting and confusing material is published.
Due to all the research that I have undertaken on this topic and on cheese in general, I have developed this experience to promote cheese consumption during pregnancy and educate couples on the types of cheese that are safe to eat pre conception, during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding.
This class is a fascinating look at a variety of hard, aged cheeses that are suitable in pregnancy as well as the nutritious properties of cheese.
I am delighted to announce that we will have a guest speaker along for the session, Natropath and lecturer Tabitha McIntosh Adv Dip Naturopathy, Dip Nutrition, B Med Science, Post Grad Cert Nut Med, ATMS. Tabitha has a practice on Queen Street Woollahra and has become one of Ausytralia's leading naturopaths in women's health and reproductive systems. Tabitha will be presenting on Diet & Pregnancy. For more information on our guest speaker visit http://www.awakenyourhealth.com.au/
Non alcoholic beverages will be served at this experience alongside plenty of cheese accompaniments. Alcoholic beverages will be available for anyone who wishes to enjoy and also for those not actualy pregnant but who are accompanying a pregnant friend or partner!
Come and join me in all our discomfort, hungriness and glory of pregnancy as we devour an afternoon of fabulous pregnancy safe food!
'Cheese Competition- Blind Tasting Event'
Due to popular demand, we have decided to open this activity up to the public. Previously this is an event we ran exclusively for corporate team building activities and corporate client entertaining.
The afternoon is an action packed cheese experience where teams are positioned around the 6 tables distributed around the room, each table displaying two mystery cheeses and a mystery wine.
This is an extremely entertaining event to take part in. Participants can either enter in groups of 5/6 or register singularly.
After a welcome, quick intro and briefing of the rules, Claudia will equip participants with enough information on the 7 categories of cheese for those unfamiliar with a 'McIntosh & Bowman' Class to feel confident in the task that lies ahead.
Teams are limited by the time they can spend at each table, moving round each time the bell sounds. Participants have a group questionnaire to fill out as they try each cheese and wine; answering to the best of their visual and culinary ability.
The questionnaire tests the team's knowledge and palate at distinguishing between milk types (cow, goat, sheep and buffalo) and grape varietals, cheese types and origin. Each team moves around to all 6 tables trying all wines and all cheeses
Prizes are awarded for culinary skill- this activity challenges even the most discerning palates!!
Put your cheese knowledge to the test. Register your team today!