Laura's night at the Symphony, on behalf of The California Artisan Cheese Guild. Also working the Guild booth that night, were Jill Giacomini Basch from Pt. Reyes Farmstead Blue, Jeanette Giacomini, and Susan Patton Fox, from Roth Kase cheese.

September 19, 2007- San Francisco Symphony, Gala Event

"Gala" was certainly the word for it, for the first few minutes. Then the symphony let out and our carefully prepped cheese plates, complete with dollops of lavender honey and toasted walnuts were devoured by literally hundreds of tuxedo-laden, charmeuse-encased hungry, people.

We chopped, sliced, chipped and slung as fast as we could. The black tablecloths took on a marbled- cheese hue, and soon we put tongs on the platters to let people help themselves. I remember flashes of taffeta midriffs, the occasional red bow-tie, a pair of natty tortoise eyeglasses, loads of beaming white-haired men. They beamed because they loved the cheese. And so did their companions, though some picked and ate only walnuts...right in front of us.

Seriously, it was a huge success. We plated at least 1500 servings of cheese. The executive chef was heard to be delighted we were there, and he sent sous chefs to chat with us before and after the crowds. Jill and Susan talked with someone from the Gazette, our sweaty brows were photographed by several folks. The band was fabulous, though does anyone have a cure for the scratchy throat from shouting over the music? Julie and Jamie, the organizers were spot-on with their preparations and care of us.

We spread the word of California Artisan Cheese—telling anyone who would listen what it was, why it was so wonderful. Many folks were astounded at the beautiful variety and flavors we presented. "Really? It's all from California?" We even delighted a visiting Frenchman. Very cool. Most of all, it was fun...in that adrenaline-rush, dazzled-by-taffeta and bow-ties way.