“DO-IT-YOURSELF” SPIRIT OF ENTERTAINING AT FOSTER & DOBBS

FROM DESSERT CHEESE CLASS TO AMATEUR CHEESEMAKING AND HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

4^th Anniversary Open House Showcases Artisan Producers, Winemakers, Cheesemakers and Cookbook Authors – November 14

PORTLAND, Oregon (October 14, 2009) – Home entertaining at the holidays can be as simple as presenting a cheese platter paired with the perfect wine or sherry. At Foster & Dobbs, owner Luan Schooler offers cheese primers on selecting the best cheese for every occasion, as well as what to pair – from chutney to honey or wine. A popular theme of the gourmet cheese shop is the “do-it-yourself” spirit with classes, tastings and artisan products that make entertaining both classy and simple.

Do It Yourself Cheesemaker Group

Foster & Dobbs welcomes local amateur cheesemakers to the shop for regular gatherings to discuss cheese topics or demonstrate how to make a specific style of cheese like mozzarella. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, November 4^th at 6:30 p.m. and will look at “direct set cultures.” The public is invited to join this free cheesemaking discussion group.

Save the Date – 4^TH Anniversary Open House, Saturday, November 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The 4^th annual Open House will highlight local artisan producers featured in the shop such as Xocolatl de David. Owen Roe and Sinnean will sample new wine releases and local cheesemakers will discuss holiday entertaining ideas. Local cookbook authors Piper Davis and Ellen Jackson will sign copies of THE GRAND CENTRAL BAKING BOOK: Breakfast Pastries, Cookies, Pies and Satisfying Savories from the Pacific Northwest’s Celebrated Bakery.

Fall 2009 Class and Wine Tasting Schedule

Check the Foster & Dobbs web site at www.fosteranddobbs.com for a new calendar feature listing upcoming classes and tastings, including:

·       October 16 – Wines of the Loire tasting with Bonnie Crocker, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Free.

·       October 27 – Learn about styles of Spanish Sherry — from dry apertifs to dessert sherry. $25; 7:15 p.m.

·       November 4 – Do-It-Yourself Cheesemaking group meets to discuss “Direct set cultures.” Free; 6:30 p.m.

·       November 6 – Southern Italian wine tasting with Elaine Testa from Casa Bruno; 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free

·       November 13 – Alsatian wine tasting with Dana Pickell from Triage, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Free.

·       November 21 – 4^th ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with wine and food tastings, cookbook signings, music, and more. Free.

·       November 23 – Join Luan Schooler for a class on Dessert Cheese and Wine for holiday dessert courses. $20; 7:15 p.m.

·       December 4 – Kosher wines tasting with John Robinson from Admirality Beverage Company, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Free.

About Foster & Dobbs

Dedicated to artisan foods and products from small producers around the world, Foster & Dobbs features “authentic foods” made by the individuals and families with a passion for quality, integrity and flavor. From the large assortment of farmstead cheeses and charcuterie to the pantry area filled with bread and crackers, sauces, pasta, chocolate and beer and wine, Foster & Dobbs features products where attention to detail goes into every step of the process. Daily sandwiches feature Armandino Batali’s Salumi Artisan cured meats and may include Mole Salami, Finnochiona Salami or San Daniele Prosciutto, as well as a Ploughman’s Lunch and cheese and charcuterie plates. Owners Luan Schooler and Tim Wilson offer regular classes and wine tastings. The intimate gourmet store is also available for small private gatherings with a customized wine and cheese menu created by owner Luan Schooler. Foster and Dobbs is located at 2518 NE 15^th Avenue in Irvington Corner. Winter hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please call 503-284-1157 or visit www.fosteranddobbs.com.

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