Articles written by Lisa Gonzalez
Lisa Gonzalez is most at home when something is bubbling, aging, or transforming into some kind of unexpected funky goodness. A San Diego native, home cheesemaker, and fermentation enthusiast, she finds joy exploring things that transform into unhinged delights: a gloriously stinky aged wheel, a creamy, dreamy hazy IPA, a tangy, spicy kimchi or a slab of dry aged beef. As president of Queso Diego, she's on a mission to convince anyone who'll listen that making cheese at home is way less intimidating than it sounds. Her butterkäse-style Anvilkäse recently took top honors at Queso Diego's Epic Cheese Competition, with proceeds supporting local nonprofit Anvil of Hope. When she's not stirring up trouble, you'll find her racing with her outrigger crew in the SoCal surf, or trackside alongside husband Shawn, national historic motorcycle racing champion, proudly owning the title of Best Tire Warmer Girl Ever.
Inside San Diego’s Thriving Cheese Scene
The third Tuesday of every month, cheese-curious enthusiasts gather at San Diego’s AleSmith Brewing Company, where the room hums with chatter and there’s a toasty scent of malt in the air. Queso Diego, San Diego’s only social cheese club, has convened for 16 years as a funky community, making cheese culture accessible to anyone who’s curious.
