 www.monfortedairy.com |
Monforte Dairy celebrates the successful completion of their new cheese facility in Stratford by hosting a hootenanny for all their loyal supporters.
A little over a year ago, Ruth Klahsen and her team at Monforte Dairy launched Monforte Renaissance 2010. A campaign to raise enough money to build a new production facility in Stratford Ontario. To date, over 800 consumers have registered in a Community Shared Agriculture model to raise over $380,000.
Yesterday, Ruth invited her supporters to tour the new 5,600 square foot facility. She took guests through the various rooms of her shop, displaying her dedication to transparency in the way her company will function (There’s even a webcam installed in the vat room that you will be able to access soon, to peak into production). Dozens of her loyal supporters arrived eager to listen and see.
Later on in the day, a celebration took place at Stratford Festival Theatre Lobby. Chefs, producers and subscribers travelled from as far as North Bay to celebrate the success of Monforte Dairy and Ruth’s 53rd birthday.
Some of the participants that were at the Hootenanny for a true culinary collaboration:
Scott Vivian, The Wine Bar
Joshna Maharaj
Jason Inniss, Amuse Bouche
Bertrand Alepee, Amuse Bouche
Mark Cutrara, Cowbell
John Lee, Chippy’s
Marc Breton, Gladstone
Lailey Vineyard
Rosewood Estates Winery
Chateau Des Charmes
Pelee Island Winery
Stratford Pilsner
there were many more.
Monforte Dairy is aiming to start production on May 17. Follow her site for updates.
Ruth and her team will produce a variety of cheeses (sheep, cow, water buffalo, goat). At the hootenanny a sampling of her latest product, water buffalo ice cream was also available. A retail outlet will sell these products as well as other artisanal offerings from breads to meats. Ruth is also planning on hosting a farmer’s market behind the facility every weekend.
Photos/Video – Nina Popovic and Suresh Doss
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Ruth explaining how to finance a new dairy.
Monforte Dairy
49 Griffith Road, Stratford Ontario
www.monfortedairy.com
