I had done this cheesecake judging thing out at the fair a few years ago, but I think I was put on double secret probation. Something to do with this quote: “Maybe it’s just me, but I think cheesecake… should taste like cheesecake.”
No matter, I was invited back Friday afternoon taking another stab at this thing.
First things first. There is a lot of cheesecake. Like almost 40 pieces. So if you’re ever judging something like this, go easy, for goodness sake. After all, you still have that Dairy Women’s Booth and those peach shakes. And don’t forget that chicken on the grill right next door. Sweet!
So, I took dainty bites and managed my way through the entire table. Hey, somebody’s got to do it. There were a bunch of other judges, as well, so at least even if I got it wrong, the masses could correct the error of my ways.
By the way, did you know that cheesecake was already a popular dish in ancient Greece? After the Romans beat up the Greeks, they took it over and named it placenta. Eons later in 1929, some guy named Arnold Reuben, owner of the legendary Turf Restaurant at 49th and Broadway in New York City, said he invented the New York cheesecakes and the rest — well — is here at the fair.
