Orgy of Artisanal Cheesemaking in Berkeley Tomorrow

​A cheese tasting, panel discussion, and book signing are all going down at The Pasta Shop on Fourth Street (1786 Fourth St. at Hearst, Berkeley) tomorrow. Cheese artisans from Bellwether Farms, Cellars of Jasper Hill, Cowgirl Creamery, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, and Vermont Creamery will discuss, panel-style, while Allison Hooper (of said Vermont Butter Creamery) will sign her new book, In A Cheesemaker's Kitchen (Countryman Press, $19.95), which looks at both Vermont and California cheeses. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; no charge to attend. Afterwards, since you'll more than likely be all jazzed about cheese (if you weren't before) neighboring restaurant Café Rouge will be offering special menu items featuring Vermont Creamery cheeses.