Favorite Foods: Rouge et Noir Cheese
Some people might look at the picture above and think: “What an idyllic scene.” I look at it and remember when my older brother pushed me in that lake when I was six years old. The picture is of the Marin French Cheese Company, located in Petaluma, California. We went there on many weekends when I was a kid and I even tried (and loved) their Rouge et Noir cheeses, especially the brie and camembert.
In existence in Petaluma for over 136 years, the Marin French Cheese Company makes the most of its Wine Country location on five lovely acres. Many people arrive for a picnic empty handed, walk into the store and purchase enough food (and wine) for a feast.
They refer to their cheeses as “‘authentic French’ cheeses with a unique California style and flavor.” Except, of course, the milk is all pasteurized. The Rouge et Noir cheeses I grew up with were only available in four types: Brie, Camembert, Schloss and Breakfast Cheese. But, with the surge in interest in gourmet products, Rouge et Noir cheeses can be found in many new varieties including Flavored Bries, Triple Creme Brie, La Petite Creme, Quark varieties and Creme Fraiche.
The Marin French Cheese Company also prides itself on the manner and means of production of its cheeses. According to its web site:
Handmade & Pure
All of our cheeses are completely handmade and hand-packed. The milk comes from 100% BST free cows, and we use non-animal rennet exclusively. Only Jersey milk is used because of its flavor and higher solids content. This is what imparts the slightly creamy color to the finished cheese. Milk is delivered every night to the plant from dairies only a few miles away.
Rainwater from the pristine coastal hills is collected in holding ponds here on the ranch. The water is treated in a purification facility here in our plant. No other water is used.
If you can’t make it out to the Wine Country, you can order their cheeses online. If you do make a visit, stop by the Marin French Cheese Company, tour the factory, have a picnic and try some outstanding cheeses. Just don’t let your kids push each other into the lake. Please.
I love Rouge et Noir cheeses. My favorites are the breakfast and camembert. Schloss is fun occasionaly, too but I can’t find them in any local markets around the Pasadena, CA area anymore! I want to be able to get them once in a while and only a small quantity, not a large quantity as you would have to order online.