Where will you find Toledo’s longest, largest cheese board — a full 36 feet? And one with charcuterie, olives, and fruit interspersed with all the cheesy goodness?
At Havarti Nights: A brand new benefit for the Toledo School for the Arts. It will be held at the Blarney Event Center, 601 Monroe St., from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 27.
The force behind this fabulous feast is Liz Donaldson, executive chef at Walt Churchill’s Market in Perrysburg. Previously a trusted cheesemonger at The Andersons, she is a veteran of many of Toledo’s favorite food establishments.
So she is perhaps the very best person in the city to create and curate a fromage-focused fund-raiser
Ms. Donaldson was inspired by the Cheese Ball, an event held in Philadelphia each fall, and started to brainstorm with Ed Beczynski, owner of the Blarney restaurant complex and also Focaccia's Delicatessen.
They spoke with Dave Gierke, development director at TSA, and learned “they’ve got a waiting list of 400,” said Ms. Donaldson. The school is seeking to raise money in order to add on to its facility and then be able to accept more students.
“It’s a great cause,” said Mr. Beczynski.
Putting together Havarti Nights has been very much a team effort.
Grace Parr, TSA class of 2014 and manager of its gallery, designed the logo with a sheep, a cow, and a goat jumping over a moon made of cheese.
Toledo Spirits is creating a signature cocktail for the event, and the Maumee Bay Brewing Company is donating a keg. There will also be a full bar available for guests who want to purchase drinks.
Steve Barry, Jr., a Toledo-based representative for the Gonnella Baking Company, will be freshly baking breads that are being donated to complement the cheese. And John Johnson of Boogie Down Mobile DJ is scheduled to provide music while Twine is bringing a photo booth.
There will also be cash raffles with stellar prizes. “People have really gotten very generous,” Ms. Donaldson said gratefully.
Here’s just a sampling: Mr. Beczynski has provided two tickets to a University of Toledo football game, including field passes and a tailgate with food and beverages. Del Burkholder of Turkeyfoot Creek Creamery is giving some cheeses for the table as well as a raffle basket. And Ventura’s Mexican Restaurant has shared a $100 gift card.
Ms. Donaldson is also offering to cook a dinner for four in the home of whomever wins her offering. (Attendees don’t need to be present at the drawing. Anyone else who would like to contribute a prize should contact the planning committee via the event’s Facebook page.)
Tickets for Havarti Nights, an event for ages 21 and up, cost $40 per person or $75 per couple and include food plus two drink tickets (beer or wine). They’re available at facebook.com/Havarti-Nights-104316527609654/.
Guests can also sponsor a cheese for $20, and get recognition of their donation with a notation on the cheese table.
Havarti Nights “is kinda hip,” said Ms. Donaldson. “I’m really excited,” she said with a broad smile, as is chef Joe Beltram of the Blarney, who echoed her enthusiasm.
“We can’t wait,” chimed in Mr. Beczynski, also smiling brightly.
So be there to support TSA.
Because it ain’t no party without havarti.
Or without you.
First Published September 11, 2019, 2:04 a.m.
