{Review & Giveaway} Cheese Plate

by dccheese on February 8, 2011

in cheese lit,cheese plates,pairings,reviews and giveaways

Like any good social media whore enthusiast, I have an iPhone. And I’m always on the look out for good food and wine apps. When I saw Janet Fletcher launched an iPhone app with Chronicle Books, I downloaded it immediately and was not disappointed.

janet fletcher cheese plate app

For those who aren’t familiar with her work, Janet Fletcher is a noted cheese author who pens what I believe is still the only weekly print cheese column for the San Francisco Chronicle. Her books are well-written with stylish photography and the iPhone app is no different — truly stunning cheese art.

The premise of the Cheese Plate app is to provide cheese plate pairings on the go, should you find yourself stopping at the cheese shop before hosting an impromptu cheese and cocktail party. There are trios of cheeses to fit any theme, from the “Salute to Spain” and “Not for the Fainthearted” to the essential “A Champagne Trio.” The featured cheeses include well-known European and domestic stand-outs alike. (That champagne trio includes Bayley Hazen Blue, a perfect blue for pairing with sparkling wines of any variety.) There are also educational resources like definitions of key cheese terminology and quick tips for pairing wine and cheese, purchasing and storing it.

Personally, I like to scroll the cheese plate photos and quiz myself on the cheeses. The cheeses are common enough that you shouldn’t have trouble finding them, but not overly generic.

To help us celebrate the relaunch of Cheese and Champagne, Chronicle Books is offering one lucky reader a free download of the Cheese Plate appand two of Janet Fletcher’s books, Cheese and Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing and Enjoying and The Cheese Course.

To enter the contest, please leave a comment below telling us what cheese you’d pick for a romantic evening (Valentine’s Day is just days away, after all).

For an extra entry, use the buttons at the top of this post to Tweet &/or share the contest on Facebook — then leave an additional comment letting us know you’ve done so. (Sorry, but you must be a resident of the continental U.S. to win.)

Comments will be accepted until midnight EST on Tuesday, February 15. The winner will be selected at random on Wednesday, February 16. Please be sure to leave a valid email address so that we may contact you if you win. Thanks, and good luck!

{ 17 comments }

Amy February 8, 2011 at 5:20 pm

I just got an iPhone and would love this app!! I’d pick brie since it’s smooth, creamy and buttery. Who’s heart wouldn’t be won over that way?

Chez Loulou February 8, 2011 at 6:44 pm

Fantastic giveaway! I’ve shared it on Facebook and hope you get a lot of cheese lovers sharing their favorites.
If I had to choose just one cheese, it would be Pouligny Saint Pierre, a wonderful chèvre from France.

Andrew Rhodes February 8, 2011 at 9:06 pm

I’d pick a triple creme such as Saint Andre as it would pair perfectly with the sparkling Rosé we would certainly be drinking!

Lisa February 8, 2011 at 10:51 pm

I have to look for that app! I think I would pick Bayley Hazen Blue…thanks for reminding me. I just love it. Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity! Love your blog!

Genevieve February 9, 2011 at 12:16 am

I love love love Gruyere! Such a wonderful taste, with no moldy-ness

Ken February 9, 2011 at 4:34 pm

For a romantic meal in the winter, it has to be fondue. I like to mix in a few different cheeses but if forced to pick one I’d go with Comte. Some good bread, fruit and veggies and the right wine pair and the cheese won’t be the only thing to melt that night. That wasn’t too cheesy was it?

Kerri February 9, 2011 at 5:24 pm

I’d stick with hometown loyalty and get cowgirl creamery’s Mt. Tam.

Kathi February 10, 2011 at 12:09 am

Aged Gouda! I have a valentines cheese memory…oh yes, there is such thing as a cheese memory for anyone who visited the beautiful and tasty offerings of the Salish Lodge in NW Washington State circa 2004. Memories have faded of the decor at the lodge, hike down to Snoqualmie Falls, and couples massage. But to this day my husband and I will never forget the acute 100 year old aged Gouda with chilled melons!

Sarah February 10, 2011 at 7:58 pm

Definitely Langres. The enticing pungency of the washed rind and the succulent pate are intensely pleasurable!!!!! Pair with champagne, and voila!

RichardPF February 15, 2011 at 1:15 pm

My choice would be a hard Manchego cheese, to be paired with an aged Palo Cortado sherry. The Manchego would bring back such delightful memories of our trip to Spain.

RichardPF February 15, 2011 at 1:16 pm

I have also Tweeted and Facebooked about this contest.

Stephen R. February 15, 2011 at 1:19 pm

No doubt taleggio and have it with a nice sweet white wine! I used to buy the best creamy version from a little place in Lincoln Square, Chicago.

Eric February 15, 2011 at 2:44 pm

I’d choose Murcia al Vino (Drunken Goat) and pair it with a bold, sweet red wine!

Eric February 15, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Also tweeted!

The House Mouse February 15, 2011 at 4:04 pm

Most romantic cheese for Valentine’s day would be some Winnemere paired with some crusty French bread, apples, and a bold red. Tweeting and FB’ing this contest too. Stay Cheesy!

Jenn February 15, 2011 at 5:19 pm

Love, love, love crottin, esp the one from Vermont Creamery.

(also shared contest on FB!)

luane February 20, 2011 at 5:03 pm

Triple cream such as Mt Tam is my favorite snack just before sitting down to a veggie dinner salad. Cheese makes everything better. 😉
(shared on my facebook fan page Luane’s Cookies)

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