Cheesy Hour

Cheese lovers, rejoice: Picnics Deli in Costa Mesa is offering a tasting of a selection of cheeses and assorted small plates for $15 on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Past tastings have featured heirloom tomato gazpacho, meatballs and other tasty bites, including a glass of sparkling wine. The longtime gourmet foods shop has long been known for its array of posh deli fare and elegant catered goods, but it’s the cheese that shines here. Look for a carefully hand-selected variety of 40 to 50 cheeses, from Brillat-Savarin with raisin and Halloumi to new picks like Epoisses Berthaut and Gravenstein Gold. Picnics is at 435 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. 949.722.7200.