It's a Nor'Eater with Monica, Todd and Bandit

Looks Like a Nor'eater!

Okay, so they're calling for a Nor'easter.

We think this is a perfect excuse to relax and enjoy a little hunker-down time.

Bandit would like to remind everyone that he's seen worse. A lot worse. And he's not even a year old yet! Photo above was from his first CT storm in February of 2026.

Around here, though, we don't prepare for a nor'easter.

We prepare for a NOR'EATER.

We've been doing this for years, and in case you've forgotten, the best way to weather a storm is to hunker down with some great 109 provisions.

This one looks like it's going to be a little all over the place, and we'll be here to help regardless of which side of the storm you find yourself on.

Or it may just peter out.

Sorry to all the Peters out there.

If you're coastal, load up a little more. Then go home, put your feet up and settle in front of the fire, the TV—or both.

We prefer a little Chet Baker or Miles Davis, but it all works when your board is full of cheese and charcuterie and your glass is full of something good.

BTW, if you head out on Saturday, stop by our wine shop in Ridgefield, say hi to Gary and taste his two weekly wine favorites.

And if you're up around Kent?

Good news. You probably won't have to water the mums.

One of our go-to stars for any proper Nor'eater is our 109 Mac & Cheese.

Fill your glass, turn up the Miles and let it rain.

109 House-Made Mac & Cheese — The Nor'eater Beater

If there's ever a weekend made for mac & cheese in front of a fire, well, I think this may be it.

What better way to segue into the fall season?

Ours is made from scratch in our Kent kitchen, and being cheesemongers, we may take the cheese part a little more seriously than might be necessary for most.

Okay, maybe too seriously. After all, you're dealing with cheesemongers here at 109.

We use four of our favorites: Cabot Cheddar, Milton Cheddar, eight-month Emmentaler and Comté, all grated by us so we get exactly the blend we want.

The cheddars bring the richness and bite, the Emmentaler gives us that wonderful nuttiness and melt, and the Comté brings it all together with that deep, savory flavor we love.

Then we add Sfoglini pasta from New York, milk, organic flour, and a little Omnivore Salt.

That's it.

Really good ingredients. Really good cheese. Really good mac & cheese.

Take it home, warm it up and add some 109 breadcrumbs for a little crunch—or something green on top if that makes you feel more responsible.

We do both!

Feeling a Little Blue about the impending weather?

Don't—we have a remedy.

This weekend we're featuring Shropshire Blue from Neal's Yard Dairy—one of those cheeses that looks almost as good as it tastes.

Its beautiful golden-orange color comes from annatto, a natural coloring that cheesemakers have used for generations. It doesn't really change the flavor, but it certainly gives Shropshire its unmistakable look.

Inside, those blue veins bring a wonderful combination of rich, creamy, savory and just enough of that blue-cheese bite.

And right now is a particularly good time for it.

Pears and apples are in season, and both are wonderful with Shropshire Blue. Add a handful of walnuts, maybe a little honey, and you have a pretty great fall cheese board without doing much of anything.

And remember that fireplace... set yourself up in front of it, and keep the cheese board out of your Bandit's reach.

Now let's pair a wine with it and forget about the weather altogether.

Hope we helped.

It's going to be a Rainy Saturday in Ridgefield, So Let's Take a Mini Trip to Burgundy...

This Saturday from 12–5, Gary is pouring two wonderful French wines, starting with the Maison Champy Viré-Clessé 2022.

Made from Chardonnay, Viré-Clessé comes from the Mâconnais in southern Burgundy.

And here's a little wine trivia for you: Viré-Clessé isn't the name of a grape. It's actually the names of two neighboring villages—Viré and Clessé—brought together as one appellation.

Two villages, one name.

Kinda like Ridgefield and Kent. I like it!

And Maison Champy has some history of its own. Founded in 1720, it's the oldest wine house in Burgundy, with more than 300 years of winemaking behind it.

This is the kind of Chardonnay we love—beautiful fruit, freshness and minerality, with enough richness to make it really interesting with food.

It does see some oak, but the oak isn't there to make the wine taste like oak. It's used lightly, adding texture and complexity rather than those big buttery, vanilla flavors you might associate with some California Chardonnays.

Think balanced, clean and fresh—not an oak tree in your glass.

Then we're opening the Domaine des Petits Champs Lins Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge 2023.

Pinot Noir from Burgundy, with bright red fruit, freshness and that earthy, savory character that's perfect when you start thinking about the perfect table wine for the upcoming holidays.

And since we'll be tasting Shropshire Blue on the cheese side, you never know what might migrate over to the wine side.

Funny how that happens around here.

So come join us Saturday from 12–5 at 109 Wine in Ridgefield for some great wine, conversation and maybe a little cheese too.

It's supposed to be raining. So come in, stay dry and taste with us.

The tasting's on us.

We can think of worse places to be.

order your wine here

Platter Order Link Kent

Platter Order Link Ridgefield

Bandit's Corner

We’re home.

Kansas was great. I got to see Grandma and the Armstrong girls, Auntie Michelle, Ziva and everyone else—and yes, I remembered them.

Of course I did. I’m Bandit Monkey Brown.

But Mom and Dad seem pretty happy to be home, and I have to admit, so am I.

For one thing, I can run around without a leash again and really get my yayas out. I hear this makes Mom and Dad happy too.

Apparently a tired Bandit is a good Bandit.

I also sleep like a rock at home. There’s something pretty great about adventures, but there’s also something pretty great about coming back to your own bed.

We’re back on the boat for as long as Mother Nature will allow. I'm learning there are seasons for things, although I'm still working out exactly what a season is.

Which brings me to something very important.

Have I told you how much I love these things called leaves?

They are everywhere.

Some taste good. Some...not so much. And lately the offerings seem to be getting more and more plentiful.

Mom and Dad keep saying Fall is just around the corner.

Okay. I may be a dog, but I’m 27% Border Collie.

1 + 1 = 2.

Clearly Fall means all those tasty little things are about to fall out of the sky.

I have cracked the code.

This could be the greatest season ever.

Leaves everywhere to chase, investigate, carry around and occasionally sample. Only a few, of course. I don't want to ruin my dinner.

Or my cheese.

Or anything else that might happen to fall off the counter.

Priorities.

This will be my first Fall, and I'm pretty excited about it.

I've also discovered that I get a little chilly when the temperature drops. Apparently Mom and Dad have something called a hoodie for me.

A hoodie?

I feel like we've discussed this before. If I'm going to be traveling with WKNDDRVR and working on these Petrolicious adventures, I suppose a proper wardrobe is part of the job.

I'm sure there will be photographic evidence soon.

Anyway, I picked this picture because I love that Mom and Dad take me everywhere with them. Road trips, cheese shops, adventures, visits to family—and the boat.

Sometimes Mom leans in close and I smell her head.

Then I jump in the lake and make sure she gets completely wet.

It's important to keep these tender family moments from getting too sentimental.

I'm Bandit Monkey, after all.

Bandit thought of the week: Adventures are pretty great. But maybe one of the best parts of going away is discovering just how much you love coming home.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

I think I saw a leaf fall.

See you on the road—and on the water,

Bandit Monkey

Platter orders can be placed online making it super easy!

Place your orders for all of the family events and gatherings!

We’re excited to invite you to The Art of the Board: Cheese & Charcuterie, Styling & Seasonal Blooms—a special evening of delicious inspiration and beautiful entertaining at Botanicals By Jessica.

Thursday, October 15th | 6:30–8:30 PM

Botanicals By Jessica

62 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT

We’re partnering with our friends at 109 Cheese & Wine for a one-of-a-kind experience designed to help you elevate your entertaining just in time for the holiday season.

The evening will begin with a cheese & charcuterie demonstration by 109 Cheese & Wine, where you’ll learn how to thoughtfully pair cheeses, meats, fruits, nuts, spreads, and other accompaniments—and arrange them into a board that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Then, Jessica will share her eye for floral styling with a demonstration on incorporating seasonal blooms on and around your board, creating a finished presentation that feels effortless, elevated, and ready to entertain.

Whether you love hosting, are looking for fresh inspiration for the holidays, or simply enjoy learning how to make everyday gatherings a little more special, this evening is for you.

Two local experts. One beautifully styled experience. A little delicious inspiration to take home with you.

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

[Reserve Your Spot →] Click Here to Purchase Your Ticket

We can’t wait to welcome you for an evening of great food, beautiful flowers, and creative entertaining.

Warmly,

Jessica & the Botanicals By Jessica Team

Please select October 15th as your pickup date at checkout.

Let's get out and drive! WKNDDRVR and 109 Cheese in Kent are the perfect destination!

Great to have Judy as my copilot for the Lime Rock Historic Parade!

Thanks Bryan McCarthy for the photo!

breathe, eat cheese, get home,

drink wine and repeat if needed.

Organic /Biodynamic / Sustainable

It's what we strive for in all our shops.

The less ingredients the better!

Come visit us and see!

Come visit us at WKNDDRVR and let's talk about cars, detailing, automotive art and so much more.

Do you need a Rally / Pit stop? We have great parking, bathrooms and food! Let us help you coordinate a great driving event. Any questions about the gallery?

Email Us

Come have lunch and sit in the gallery and enjoy!

We are now carrying CarPro and Griot's Garage automotive cleaning and maintenance products in our gallery

Come check out the exhibit by

Richard James in our gallery now.

Also, we have the continuation work from

Sean Smith

Click here for our Platter and Appetizer Menu