DRINKS WITH CHEESE 202 3 culturecheesemag.com 59
RETAILER DIRECTORY
N E W C U R D S O N T H E B L O C K
Kate J. Truini, owner
Kate J. Truini is a champion of local cheese producers. In
2021 she founded New Curds on the Block to bridge the gap
between cheesemakers and consumers in her region, which
is just outside of Hartford, Connecticut. Having started out as
a mobile monger, Kate sold local cheese at farmers' markets,
fairs, and events until she opened her brick-and-mortar
location in November 2022. Kate travels to local farms weekly,
not only to pick up cheese, but also to offer support and listen
to her suppliers' concerns. She takes the time to develop
relationships with cheesemakers so she can better support
them and tell their stories.
1. Which cheese are you most excited about right now?
Why? I am pretty jazzed about Smorbier from High Lawn
Farm in Lee, Massachusetts. It's been in development and
the wheels we've gotten recently just keep getting better
and better! The cheese has a tacky rind and a line of smoky
hot peppers that cuts through a velvety smooth, grassy
paste. It presents beautifully and melts like a dream on a
burger or some grilled veg.
2. Favorite summer cheese and beverage pairing?
A pudgy washed rind with an orange wine. Funk on funk.
3. Favorite winter cheese and beverage pairing?
A spruce-wrapped bloomy with glögg so boozy you can light
it on fire.
900 Main St., Unit 5, Oakville, Conn. 06779
newcurdsontheblock.com
NOT YOUR AVERAGE BLUE CHEESE
WISCONSIN MILK + CALIFORNIA CRAFT
AGED 1 & 2 YEARS
WWW.SHAFTSCHEESE.COM
Entertaining at its finest.
www.wholesale.thefrenchfarm.com
