Restaurant News | Murray’s Cheese throws coming-to-town bash

Murray’s Cheese, New York City’s “oldest and most beloved cheese shop,” according to marketing director Deena Siegelbaum, recently opened cheese counters within some Kroger stores in Louisville.

To celebrate, it’s throwing a welcome-to-Louisville party with Maker’s Mark at 21c Museum Hotel, 700 W. Main St., on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the atrium gallery.

Besides selling cheese in New York City since 1940, Murray’s can be found on menus across the country, from the French Laundry in California to Proof on Main. “We want to make cheese really approachable,” says Siegelbaum. “To be able to go into a supermarket and have people really trained is the best way to teach customers about cheese.”

Murray’s offers some 175 cheeses at the Highlands and St. Matthews Krogerstores. Siegelbaum says it wants to introduce shoppers at Kroger to “mindblowingly amazing American cheeses.”

“We’re excited to be part of the local food scene,” she says. “We’ve been visiting farmers markets and hope to bring in some local cheese.”

The welcome party will feature cheese and bourbon pairings including Vermont’s Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, two aged Goudas and an “even-better-than-brie Fromager d’Affinois that’s great with the bubbly and cider cocktail,” according to Siegelbaum. Proof will provide snacks. Bill Samuels Jr. of Maker’s Mark and cheesemongers from Murray’s will be on hand.

Tickets are $10, and all proceeds will support Dare to Care Food Bank in Louisville. Purchase online at http://murrayscheese.brownpapertickets.com.

The annual Signature Chefs Auction to raise money for the March of Dimes takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday, at the downtown Marriott, 280 W. Jefferson St. Josh Moore of Volare Italian Ristorante serves as lead chef again this year. In the role since 2007, he has helped raise nearly $1 million for the organization.

Moore works with local restaurants to bring in the top chefs in Louisville for the event. “I like to go for the independents,” Moore says, “and I try to go upscale.”

Among the restaurants participating this year are Varanese, Jack Fry’s, Corbett’s, August Moon Chinese Bistro, Blu Italian Grill, Martini Italian Bistro, Village Anchor Pub & Roost, Vincenzo’s, Rivue and Theater Square Marketplace.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out in the community, meet some of the chefs and try great food,” Moore says. “And for me, I do a lot of charity work and this is the one I’m the most involved in. It’s a really great organization.”

Each restaurant will feature a tasting of a menu or new item. “I’m doing a pork rib-eye that I’ve been running as a special, and people love it,” says Moore.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with an open bar, gourmet feast and silent auction. A live auction featuring unique dining packages offered by participating chefs will begin at 8 p.m. Cocktail attire is suggested.

Tickets are $250 ($165 is tax-deductible). Seating is limited and available through the March of Dimes office at (502) 895-3734. More information: www.marchofdimes.com/kentucky.

It’s “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” at The Oakroom, 500 S. Fourth St., on Saturday. A family-friendly dinner at 4 p.m. will feature a screening of the movie along with a three-course meal.

“Obviously we’re having spaghetti and meatballs for the main course,” says event coordinator Jennifer Biesel. “We can always put a five-diamond twist on any type of food. I’m excited to see what the kitchen comes up with. They always surprise me. … I know it will be the best spaghetti and meatballs I have ever had.”

The first course is yet to be decided by new chef Patrick Roney, but in a nod to the scene in the film where it rains ice cream, dessert is “big ice cream scoops with housemade whipped cream and bowls of toppings … bacon and crushed pistachios,” says Biesel. “I’ve given our pastry chef free rein on the ice cream flavors.”

As a treat, and another reference to the movie, “the pastry chef is making peanut brittle for everyone to take home,” Biesel says.

This event is a “warm-up,” Biesel explains, to prepare for an event featuring the film “Chocolat” the weekend before Valentine’s Day. A five-course menu will include chocolate in three savory dishes and two sweet.

The meatball dinner is $35 (half price for children 5 and younger). Call (502) 807-3463 for reservations. More information: www.theoakroomlouisville.com.

Rye, 900 E. Market St., will host an “All You Can Eat, All You Can Drink” Family-Style Thanksgiving Spread for $60 per person on Nov. 18, 7-9 p.m. Diners who “dress like a pilgrim or an American Indian” will receive a $10 gift card. Reserve online: http://thanksgivingthrow

down.brownpapertickets.com/.

City Cafe now offers its menu in Braille.

Kathy Cary of Lilly’s Bistro, 1147 Bardstown Road, recently returned from a trip to Argentina and plans to hold a wine dinner early next year inspired by the trip. In the meantime, Tapas Tuesday on Tuesday will feature Argentine specialties and wines.

Irish Rover, 2319 Frankfort Ave., will celebrate 19 years in business with a Festival of Stouts Sunday. Traditional Irish music, a beer-centric menu and 12 different styles of the black brew will be available from 1 to 7 p.m.