Whole Foods Cheese Summit & LoveFest Talk & Taste Review
While we don’t get much of a change of season here in Miami, it doesn’t mean we don’t like to celebrate everyone’s favorite food-centric time of year: fall. And with the 2015 season already upon us, there was no way I wanted to kick it off more than attending the 2015 Whole Foods Annual Specialty Cheese Summit – which took place at the raved-about Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – and spend a day tasting my way through the delicious new Whole Food cheese, charcuterie, chocolates and accouterments the health food giant had in store for this autumn.
For many years now, Whole Foods Market, a place known for its organic goods and fresher-than-fresh produce, has been a top contender in the consumer grocery store craze. Cherishing their loyal patrons as much as they do their products, the Whole Foods team takes pride in selecting only the best and most wholesome foods to stock on their shelves. And staying true to its high caliber, upon arriving at the Summit, we were greeted with nothing less than the best: a goodie bag of cheeses, cheese tools and souvenirs, and a personal tour of 170+ artisan cheeses and charcuterie by a Whole Foods Market Certified Cheese Professional, himself.
As I made my way around the fromage-filled ballroom, I hardly knew where to start. Starting with a homemade pasta and parmesan table, I made my way from vendor to vendor, trying an array of creamy, thick and aromatic American and European cheeses, some of which were flavored, and taking home whatever my body couldn’t fit. Inspired by more than the delicious food I was eating, I was also impressed to learn about the brand’s Food Match program, which helps people create healthy and delectable snacks, for no charge at all.
As the perfect follow-up to this event, the day continued with an evening “LoveFest Talk & Taste” event at the Whole Foods in Davie, located on S. University Drive. During this behind-the-scenes event, which took place in an intimate setting where we could ask questions and taste products, I had the opportunity to meet the staff, learn about the history of Whole Foods, try the new fall foods, and of course, re-discover why it is we all love the store so much. The answer? Quality, a lot of it – and of course, the caring, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable team that makes it all a reality.
So the next time you’re in the market for quality cheeses and hors d’oeuvres, look no further than your local Whole Foods cheese. It is the holidays, after all – and Santa thinks your taste buds deserve a treat.