SEE and DO: Atlanta Cheese Fest

Get down with the cheese this weekend at Historic Fourth Ward Park

ESchultz 2016 GFI ChzFest 123.59c3df5957d94
Photo credit: Courtesy Gourmet Foods International
SAY CHEESE: The fifth annual Cheese Fest hits Atlanta this weekend.

Gouda and parmesan and brie oh my! The fifth annual Atlanta Cheese Fest is here. Hosted by La Bonne Vie, Murray’s Cheese and Kroger, this weekend’s festival will boast over 70 different tastings from some of the world’s most well-known artisan cheese and specialty food producers.

“This festival provides a perfect platform for food lovers to explore all the wonderful artisan cheeses and specialty foods available in the community,” said Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s corporate vice president of deli/bakery, merchandising and culinary development. His words are reflected in the vast range of food-centric events and attractions that the Cheese Fest puts on. These include educational cooking and cheese-making sessions, cheese pairings and contests.

At the helm of this year’s Cheese Fest are two special events. The first is a series of cheese-centric pairing sessions, led by New York’s iconic cheese shop, Murray’s Cheese. Guests will sample different cheese varieties, and learn how they pair with different libations. The second is the Meltdown/Macdown, a competition featuring local Atlanta restaurants and chefs competing valiantly for the titles of “Best Mac and Cheese” and “Best Grilled Cheese.”

$35-$55. Sat., Sept. 23. Historic Fourth Ward Park. www.thecheesefest.com/events/atlanta