Boston - February 16, 2005

Westward, Ho!

Westfield Farm Goat Cheese

In the hierarchy of American animal faves, goats command about as much respect as the late Rodney Dangerfield.

And is it any wonder? They lack the loyalty of dogs, the irresistibility of rabbits, and tastiness of chickens. They don’t have the attitude of cats or usefulness of horses. Think about it: Other than occasionally eating someone’s boxers (and that’s usually done by cartoon goats, anyway), what are they really good for?

Westfield Farm goat cheese, that’s what. Made by hand from 100 percent goat’s milk at a farmstead in Central Massachusetts, the creamy, palate-zapping cheese is quietly becoming known among chèvre fanatics as one of the best in the country. And we predict new flavors like wasabi and chocolate will be enough to catapult Westfield directly into the national cheese limelight.

Just picture it: Westfield Farms, the new Boursin. And goats, well …

Goats as the new dogs?

Westfield Farm Goat Cheese, 28 Worcester Road, Hubbardston (877-777-3900 or chevre.com). Go in person and you can stock up on cheese at the farm’s self-service pick-up fridge.