Back Forty Artisan Cheese - Curds & Cooks Festival

Jun 21, 2023

Canada Day – July 1st 11 am – 6 pm Back Forty is excited to announce the details for their 6th annual summer food festival. What started in 2016 as a small celebration to mark the opening of their newly renovated cheese factory, has since grown into a leading destination for lovers of artisan cheese, food, craft beverages, and music.

Back Forty is a small family business, run by Jenna and Jeff Fenwick, that has become well known for its fantastic selection of delicious raw sheep milk cheese varieties. In addition to cheese making, the dynamic couple also work tirelessly on their farm, growing the organic produce and heritage meats which are featured on the menu at their on farm bistro, open every Friday and Saturday starting June 16th. At this year’s Curds and Cooks, Back Forty will be teaming up with three talented Chefs who are excited to showcase the bounty with traditional wood fired cooking. Communal feasting around fire dates back to ancient history and on July 1st customers will be sure to enjoy the enhanced natural flavour that comes from cooking quality produce fireside.

This year’s event will also feature a fantastic selection of local food producers including; Perth Pie Company, Ludwig Fine Chocolate, Tasha’s Table and more. Beverage producers will also be onsite to quench your thirst and introduce you to their unique products. This year’s featured producers will include Stalwart Brewery, Dairy Distillery, Kin Vineyards and refreshing non-alcoholic options such as Artizan Kombucha and Auralis Botanicals.

Curds and Cooks wouldn’t be complete without Back Forty’s beer battered deep fried curds! The giant sized sheep curds, battered in Stalwarts proprietary beer batter, have become a festival favorite. “At last year’s event the demand for our curds far exceeded expectations. As a result we’ve tripled our curd capacity and will be in a much better position to serve our patrons” says owner and cheese maker, Jeff Fenwick.

A major attraction to any festival is always great music and this year visitors are in for a very special treat. On World Tour and hailing from Jamaica, Syd Perry will be the featured artist. Accompanied by his five piece band, Syd will be performing his original Roots Blues Reggae. Inspired by the Rocksteady era of the late 60s, Roots Reggae of the 70s, and Blues music of the 40s and 50s, Syd has an original sound that is sure to please. His music and his mission is intended to uplift and enlighten all people and will be the perfect complement to a wonderful day. Curds and Cooks is free to attend, great for all ages and the perfect destination for any cheese, drink, food, or music lover. www.artisancheese.ca