Having lived here in Conyers since 1984, I have been involved in a lot of activities through church, work, nonprofit board memberships, Rotary club, etc. Not bragging, I am just saying I can’t sit down! As they used to say, “I got ants in my pants and I need to dance.”

Through all of the work I have done none would warrant the placement of a plaque somewhere, or an award named after me and things such as that, which suits me fine. I am not one for showing off (as long as you don’t count my paisley pants I wear on occasion).

I say that, to get to this.

As many of you know who read my column on a regular basis, I have written about several central Kentucky foods and drinks that I grew up with. I hope I have not lulled you to sleep as I relive my childhood through my stomach! One deliciosity I have written about is the Kentucky River beer cheese which was introduced to the world in the late 40’s at Johnny Allman’s Restaurant on the banks of the Kentucky River in Boonesborough. (Yes, that’s Boonesborough where Daniel and his boys hung out.)

Since the first dish was served at Johnny’s place it has been placed on many restaurant menus throughout the state. It also has been found in the grocery store cheese section as many independents began to make their own brand and market it as well.

Well as they say, you can’t hide a great secret and now the world is finding out about the great flavor and kick of beer cheese. If you go into any store in Kentucky the cheese section looks like the cracker aisle at the store – more choices than you can shake a stick at (not sure what that really means). And beer cheese also has slipped into menus in national chains restaurants but do not be tricked by the name they have on it. Some are serving it hot – blasphemy! Authentic beer cheese is served cold on a platter with saltine crackers, celery and radishes. That is it.

Now the good news. You can now find authentic 100% Kentucky beer cheese right here in Olde Town Conyers served the way it is suppose to be. My good friends Greg and Speedy at The Celtic Tavern have recently updated their menu and have as an appetizer dish my own beer cheese recipe. In fact it will be named after me on their menu. Now that is an honor I can be proud of! It may not be my name on a plaque for generations of folks to read, but that is all right. To have my name listed beside a dish on a menu is good enough by me. My job here is done.

Remember, do not fall for the fakes that are out there on the market or in other restaurants. If you want to taste the real thing (sorry Coke had to steal that line) then get it from the man who knew the man! You can’t get any closer to the original taste than that.