WEST HOBOKEN

A little over a month ago on a blazing hot summer day while day drinking at an outdoor bar in Hoboken, I met a guy (who we'll refer to as "JJ") there with his father who was visiting from out of town, and a friend. JJ was sun burnt, sporting a tank top, ridiculously outgoing, and it was quite clear he had been drinking all day. Our friends seemed to be hitting it off and the conversation was flowing nicely. I then made the decision to inquire about where he lived and he responded with what my friends and I thought was the most ridiculous answer: “I live in West Hoboken”. For those of you not familiar with Hoboken, it's essentially two sectors, Uptown and Downtown. Being that JJ had just moved here from Chicago, I guess I should have gone a little easier on him.

However, nearly a month later, JJ turned the tides on me; I was out, dancing, and drinking and to my surprise JJ walks up to me all calm, and collected. “I bet you thought you would never see me again”, he says with a crisp smile. His statement was followed swiftly by the question “Do you like wine?” and I responded equally as quick with “Only if you stop telling me you live in West Hoboken”. After minutes of conversation, JJ finally understands that there is no West Hoboken and says, “Annie, would you like to join me for a cheese and wine pairing class next Friday, here in Hoboken, at a place on 8th and Monroe?” After reluctantly agreeing to go on a date with this strange fellow, I found myself at an establishment named Cheese +Wine Hoboken for their “Summer to Fall Seasonal Wine and Cheese Pairing” event.

From the moment you walk in the door, you’re exposed to good vibes, great people, and most importantly, a nice glass of Prosecco. The event consisted of 6 Cheese and Wine pairings and was operated by a man named Jerry (who spoke about the wine) and Steve (who spoke about the cheese). Both individuals were very lively and knowledgeable of their respective areas. The pairings consist of the following:

1. Bodegas Naveran Cava, Spain/Cremeux des Citeaux, Trple Cream with Truffles

2. Charles & Charles Riesling Art Den Hoed Vineyard, Washington State/Pittig 4 yr. Gouda from Holland

3. Filipa Pato Branco, Portugal/Mahon from Spain

4. Dievole Chianti Classico, Italy/Buffaleto Taleggio from Italy

5. Clos du Mont Oliver CDR, France/Moser Buure Weichkasli Camembert from France

6. Banshee Mordecai, Califronia/Gourmino 18 Months Gruyere from Switzerland

While each wine and each cheese were very good, I want to focus on a few of the more interesting and unique items we experienced. Specifically, pairing 1 consisted of a very smooth sparkling wine; not too sweet and not too dry and the cheese was one of the tastiest cheeses I have experienced. However, with a 75% fat content, be sure to enjoy in moderation. During the next pairing, we indulged in one of the most interesting cheeses I have experienced. The Pittig was sweet to the pallet and had a finish easily resembling a subtle hint of butterscotch. Pairing 4 was hands down the crowd favorite as everyone really enjoyed the oak barreled Chianti, which was uncharacteristically light for Chianti. Lastly, the 18-month Gruyere used in pairing 6 was easily the most delightful cheese experienced. For a price of $65 a person, this is an event I suggest everyone experiences.

After being skeptical about JJ, I found myself trying to understand how someone I found so strange was able to take me on a first date, so unique. While walking out I turned to him and asked “How did you find this gem?”; his response, coupled with a giant smile, “Welcome to West Hoboken”.

…I guess you can say I’m looking forward to going out with JJ again this week. And in the meantime, I’m just going to cross my fingers he doesn’t google my name and come across my site.

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