GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) — Cheese curd enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as October 15 marks the official, nationally recognized National Cheese Curd Day. Though the origins of the beloved bite-sized treat remain a bit of a mystery, locals are eager to share their passion for it.
“I love them any way: fresh, fried, however,” said Sandra Bandola of Howard. “But the fresh ones have to squeak!” Originally from New Jersey, Bandola noted that cheese curds are incomparable to any other snack. “I’ve tried different cheese curds at different places. If I’m going for fresh cheese curds, I like Simon’s. I’ve had deep-fried cheese curds, and anywhere they’re served, they’re good!”
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Milwaukee native Danielle Robinson agreed but added that she’s particular about her curds. “I prefer deep-fried cheese curds,” Robinson said. “I’m not really into just regular cheese. I like them deep-fried, so that’s the best way to go.”
Shawn Zambarda, owner of The Depot in Green Bay, said there’s nothing like a classic white cheddar curd. “I’ve tried garlic cheese curds, pepper jack cheese curds, all the different flavors. Personally, I’m more traditional, but I do like the white cheese curds.” Zambarda explained that The Depot’s specialty is white cheddar curds sourced locally from Two Rivers, served with Hidden Valley ranch dressing.
The uniqueness of cheese curds lies in the varied experiences they offer, depending on where they are sampled. To highlight this, Discover Green Bay is launching a new National Cheese Curd Day tradition, giving locals and visitors a chance to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene.
“We’re known for cheese curds, but this gives participating restaurants an opportunity to showcase other menu items,” said Nick Meisner, Vice President of Digital Marketing and Communications for Discover Green Bay. “You get a free order of cheese curds with an entrée, so you definitely get to check out Green Bay’s culinary scene.”
The free tasting passport is available online at Discover Green Bay. The passes are valid until January 5 at 11:55 p.m., allowing plenty of time for sampling. Local restaurants are enthusiastic about the opportunity.
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“We’re really excited about it,” said Amanda Watson, owner of Stadium View Bar & Grille. “It will be interesting for locals to try cheese curds from all the different establishments Green Bay offers. We even have a cheese curd flight with different options, including our regular cheese curds, battered yellow cheese curds, and fresh cheese curds battered on game days.”
Participating locations include:
- The Depot
- Studio 1212 Café & Wine Bar
- Stadium View Bar & Grille
- Cousins Subs (East Mason and Ramada Way)
- Culver’s (Green Bay, De Pere, Suamico)
- Buzz Social
- Plank Road Plate & Pour
- Narrow Bridge Plate + Pour
For a free mobile passport and a taste of Green Bay’s cheese curd offerings, visit Discover Green Bay online.
