When you’re not in the mood for wine at the Bistro Restaurant’s Thursday Grilled Cheese Night, order the Irish Porter Cheddar melted on toasted sourdough to accompany your dark rich beer. Cahill’s Irish Porter is a full flavored and tangy cheddar that is marbled throughout with Guiness. Its firm texture is made from pastuerized cow’s milk. The marbled porter gives the mild Irish cheese an extremely unique and interesting mosaic patterned appearance as well as a distinctly rich sweetness. Putting this cheese on a party platter is sure to provoke a number of comments from your guests.
Porter is a dark brown ale, which is produced by Cahills from an old Limerick recipe. Layers upon layers of sweetness, nuttiness, and meatiness make this cheese one of the most interesting cheeses I have ever tasted. You can’t miss it served grilled between artisan sourdough (as is).
Joanie Hudson, Assistant Tasting Room Manager Santa Barbara Winery
Every Thursday evening the Pierre Lafond Bistro offers a Grilled Cheese menu featuring a selection of gourmet cheeses. Last night Chris Fossek posted up in the corner of the restaurant and provided hours of entertainment as he skillfully played Flamenco guitar. These new additions to the Bistro enhance the ambience and make it a perfect way to spend a Santa Barbara evening.
Come hungry to Grilled Cheese night because every sandwich is fantastic. I recommend ordering the sampler platter, which gives you the opportunity to try them all. Your other option is to choose one of five of the chef’s selections. Last night’s featured cheeses were Gruyere, Fontina, Humboldt Fog, Irish Porter, and Carmody Cheddar. 
Each sandwich has a recommended wine pairing and comes with either a side salad or tomato bisque for a little guiltless crust dipping. For a lighter version of Grilled Cheese you can even order your sandwich with grilled eggplant or tomato in place of bread. Splitting a sampler platter and glass of wine would also be a fun way to spend happy hour. Check out the menu at www.pierrelafond.com (you can find it under “Thursday Evenings”). Stepping up this classic sandwich by using gourmet ingredients tastes even better than it sounds. Click image for menu.
Joanie Hudson, Assistant Santa Barbara Winery Tasting Room Manager
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