Bonnie Kaufman had big plans of moving across the country to New York City after college to become a fiction editor.
But as it will, San Francisco stole her heart, and she made a life here in the Bay Area instead. While that editorial career still had its grasp (Kaufman worked at a non-fiction publishing company for a spell), something even more powerful took hold of Kaufman’s life path—cheese.
Today, she is brand manager of Marin French Cheese Company.
Amber Turpin: How did you get into this work?
Bonnie Kaufman: I had always loved eating cheese, and once I moved to the city I started shopping at the different markets and specialty shops. As I dove into my ‘research,’ my eyes were opened to the world of cheese… I’ve worked behind the counter as a cheesemonger and store buyer, hosted private tastings and events, worked with chefs as a distributor representative and, finally, landed at Marin French Cheese Company about five years ago.
Did you ever have an ‘aha’ moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
I am a coffee lover and an iced coffee fanatic. I don’t drink alcohol anymore, but when I did, I would seek out coffee and coffee liqueur-based cocktails. I’ve had so many coffee cocktails all over the Bay Area, but for too long I hadn’t gone to the quintessential SF spot: The Buena Vista. When I finally went, I sat alone at the counter and had two Irish coffees in a row—I would have had a third, but I wasn’t sure I’d make it home safely.
What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
It is a BIG DEAL that my husband and I purchased an espresso machine earlier this year … and we’ve had a fun time playing with and comparing espresso beans from local roasters. There are many wonderful options, but we keep coming back to Nova Rosti and Red Whale, both made in San Rafael.
Where do you like to go out for a drink?
Since I’m not looking to get a buzz from alcohol these days, I’m all about ambience and experience. Luckily, I live in downtown San Rafael, so there are some wonderful spots within walking distance… We can all always agree on Cali Gold, where they have craft beer and cocktails, and they’re always game to make a custom mocktail.
My neighborhood friends prefer a more rustic and divey experience, so for that we’ll head to the Log Cabin Dugout Bar in San Anselmo. Last but not least, I have to mention Stillwater in Fairfax.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
Seems logistically challenging, but of course my answer is some sort of iced coffee. In the absence of ice, I’ll settle for warm grapefruit soda.Marin French Cheese Company Shop, 7510 Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd., Petaluma, 707.762.6001. marinfrenchcheese.com.
