Tired of the same old gouda? Ready to move beyond brie? Then head to Vroman’s Bookstore on Friday evening for a guided cheese tasting by Alex Brown of South Pasadena’s Nicole’s. A multiple grilled-cheese contest champion, Alex calls himself a “certifiable cheese nerd,” and he doesn’t do the usual food-pairing thing. Instead you’ll learn, as he says, about “production and terroir, history and rumor, health and hilarity.” Who can pass up both hilarity and cheese in one evening? And did we mention it’s free?

Brown also warns that you should be prepared to taste some strange and challenging cheeses.

Guided Cheese Tasting
Friday, January 22, 7 p.m.
Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
626.449.5320, vromansbookstore.com