Cheese

Why cheese? Cheese is one of the most extraordinary foods of all time is why! What starts out as simple milk, whether it is cow, goat or sheep, is transformed into an amazing array of flavors, textures and uses. It's food as an art form!

STORING AND SERVING CHEESE

One of most important things to know in learning about cheese is that it is alive. Provide a good environment for your cheese, and it will live a full and exciting life. Each cheese has its own special requirements for development. You may like to eat your cheese at a particular ripeness, while others may prefer to taste the cheese throughout its development.

General Rules for Cheese Storage: Do not allow plastic to directly touch the cheese; store cheese in a cool place (vegetable bin, garage); and always allow cheese to come to room temperature before serving (30 - 45 minutes).

Serving Suggestions: Cheese is a multi-experiential food. Just like wine, you may find that each cheese has its own place. Of course, we find any excuse to serve cheese - with breakfast, for lunch, as an appetizer, on a hike, or as dessert. We recommend one to two ounces of cheese per person, when served as a course.

By serving cheese as a course, you have a great tool with which to entertain your guests. By choosing one particular cheese to complement that special bottle of wine, you add a whole new dimension to the experience. Try pairing cheese and wine from the same region. My favorite serving strategy is to serve a selection of cheeses so that a variety of tastes are offered. A nice selection of differently-textured cheeses - hard, soft, fresh, ripened - made with a variety of milks - goat, cow and sheep - is a great way to compare and savor.

Here are a few personal favorites that accompany cheese well: Seasonal ripe fruits, dried fruit, fresh breads, nuts, meats and olives, dark fruit chutney, and cured fish.

Serving Cheese with Wine:

Here are a few time-tested recommendations that are basically foolproof. Nothing is worse than a really bad cheese and wine pairing.

Strong cheese with full-bodied wines
Soft, creamy cheeses with sparking wines
Fresh, youthful cheeses with fruity lighter wines
Blue cheeses with sweeter wines
Goat cheeses with crisp, high acid wines

OUR CHEESE SERVICE

Our cheese case is jam-packed each week. We enjoy all kinds of cheeses so the selection will constantly vary. If you ever want a particular type of cheese, ask us. We will be happy to try and fill your request. Please email us or call with any specific questions or requests.

Selecting a cheese is much about personal taste. We make every effort to keep you satisfied - we want you enjoy the cheese you buy. We will tell you when the cheese came in, how far along it is in its development, and how far it has to go. But more importantly, we want you to taste the cheese. Only your palate will know if it is right for you. Most cheeses are available for sampling before you buy - just ask!