GCDC Launches Weekly Cheese Classes Starting 8/23 and Fall Cheese Share CSA

Prince Of Petworth August 14, 2014 at 11:51am

gcdc_grilled_cheese_bar
1730 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Ed. Note: One day I’ll get an updated photo…

From a press release:

“Grilled cheese sandwiches are not the only stars of the show at Washington, DC’s grilled cheese-centric restaurant GCDC. Diners also flock to the bar for its artisanal cheese program helmed by cheesemonger Sophie Slesinger, who moved down from NYC to cultivate the program. Named one of Zagat’s “30 Under 30” rising food professionals during her time at award-winning Saxelby Cheesemongers in the East Village, Slesinger has curated one of the most interesting cheese programs in DC, and is now sharing her expert knowledge with the rest of the city.

GCDC is launching a series of cheese classes this fall, ranging from Cheese 101 basics for novices, to mozzarella-making for hands-on students. Slesinger is kicking off the cheese class series on Saturday, August 23 with an extra special guest, flying in all the way from Mexico City: renowned cheesemaker Carlos Yescas. Classes will then begin in September, with Cheese 101 hosted every Monday, and Mozzarella-Making on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

Slesinger is also launching something unique to the city: a CSA for cheese. The DC Cheese Share will allow cheese-lovers to explore farmstead cheeses from near and far on a weekly basis, complete with tasting notes and drink pairing recommendations.

Here are more details below about GCDC’s new cheese classes and cheese share:

MASTER CLASS SERIES: Saturday, August 23rd from 12:30-2pm

GCDC’s series of cheese classes will kick off with a special visitor: international cheesemonger Carlos Yescas. Carlos is the preeminent expert on Mexican artisan cheese. He is a published author, recently opened a cheese shop in Mexico City, and is the principal of Lactography, a firm dedicated to promoting Mexican cheese throughout the world. They invite cheese fans for a “lunch and learn”, featuring Mexican tapas, a custom cocktail, and a guided lecture with Carlos and GCDC’s cheesemonger Sophie Slesinger.

$40 per person. Email [email protected] to purchase a ticket.

CHEESE 101: Every Monday from 6-7 p.m.
Sept. 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th

Each Monday in September, Slesinger will educate cheese newbies and experts alike, with her weekly Cheese 101 course, a guided tasting through all the major styles of cheese (with drink in hand, of course!). She will explain the ins and outs of artisan cheeses, how to pair cheese and drink, and help guests discover their favorites for the next time they face the cheese counter.

$40 per person. Email [email protected] to purchase a ticket.

MOZZARELLA MAKING: Every Other Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m.
Sept. 2nd, 16th

GCDC is the only restaurant in the city to serve fresh “stretched-to-order” mozzarella. Offered weekday evenings from 5-9 p.m., Slesinger hand-makes all fresh mozzarella to order, starting from exclusive Caputo Brothers Creamery curd, adding salt and hot water, and stretching to create a creamy mozzarella ball. I this class, Slesinger will guide students through the basics of making fresh mozzarella cheese: the ins and outs of “stretching” curd, and different strategies for making stracciatella, mozzarella, and burrata at home. Each participant will make their own mozzarella to take home, and the class will conclude with a family style meal, featuring a few of Sophie’s favorite recipes and of course, plentiful wine and beer.

The mozzarella making class is $75 per person. Email [email protected] to purchase a ticket.

“DC CHEESE SHARE” PROGRAM

Most city dwellers are familiar with CSA (community supported agriculture) programs for farm-fresh vegetables, but what about cheese? GCDC is launching the GCDC Cheese Share, a weekly buy-in program for those truly dedicated to good cheese. Each Wednesday in September, cheese lovers can come to GCDC to pick up their wedge of farmstead cheese, complete with tasting notes, drink recommendations, and favorite GCDC recipes. Cheese share members will also be treated to secret food and drink discounts at the restaurant during the time of their share.

The DC Cheese Share begins Wednesday, September 3rd and runs through Wednesday, October 1st, with the 5-week buy-in priced at $50. Email [email protected] to purchase a 5-week share. Pick up is at GCDC, 1730 Pennsylvania Avenue, anytime between 5-8pm.”