Rubiner's of Great Barrington Presents The Hastily Planned (And Scrumptious) Benefit

We don’t miss them those lavish, oversize benefit invitations delivered months in advance, not when they give way to e-mails like the one we received this morning from Matthew Rubiner, proprietor of Rubiner's Cheesemongers & Grocers on Main Street in Great Barrington, Mass. (as well as rubi’s, a café behind the store). Events like these remind me why I’m in love with the Berkshires.

From: Matthew Rubiner (cheesemonger@verizon.net)

Subject Line: Emergency Cheese Cocktail Party and Benefit

Dear Customer: We find ourselves in the possession of perhaps the finest collection of American artisan cheeses ever assembled, or ever to be assembled again.

We did not pay for these cheeses. They were props for a book, forthcoming from an English cheesemonger of considerable renown. The photo shoot is over, but the cheeses remain.

It wouldn't be right for us to sell them (though the profit margins are indeed attractive) and I can't bring myself just to give them away for nothing (searching for a pithy Blogojevic quote here). One thing is clear: They must be eaten. And soon.

We have decided, therefore, to throw a hastily planned party. With that: Rubiner's Cheesemongers & Grocers and Culture Magazine (www.culturecheesemag.com) cordially invite you to an Emergency American Artisan Cheese Disposal Cocktail Party and Benefit.

Where: rubi's café (264 Main Street, GB, behind the cheese shop)
When: This Sunday, 2 August (I said hastily planned)
Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Strongly Suggested Donation: $10 all the cheese you can eat.
RSVP: Just show up

Cocktails, Beer and Wine dispensed at additional cost by Heck the Bartender (Ladies?). All proceeds will benefit our beloved Railroad Street Youth Project (www.RSYP.org).