Wednesday, February 27, 2008

MORE New Arrivals

New Cheese

Roaring 40's Blue from Australia - This cow's milk blue is named after the powerful storms called "roaring forties" that pummel the shoreline and wash up the kelp that flavours the cow's diet as they graze. Creamy, superbly fruity and nutty. - $16.50 / LB

Bra Tenero from the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. The city of Bra is the self-proclaimed capital of cheese in Europe. Bra Tenero has a semi-hard texture and a dense, slightly piquant flavour. Pair with Cabernet or a hearty Italian red. - $18.00 / LB

Lamb Chopper this is a sheep's milk cheese made in Holland exclusively for Cypress Grove Farms in California (whew!). This is a unique, mildly buttery, pleasingly "sheep-y" firm textured cheese. - $26.00 / LB

Zamorano from Spain. DOC protected, this is also a sheep's milk cheese but decidedly older, crunch-i-er and saltier than the Lamb Chopper certainly and has even more flavour that our pasteurized Manchego (the jury is still out on the raw Manchego). $26.00 / LB


New - Charcuterie and Accouterments

Duck Pate Mousse with Truffles
Salmon Mousse Pate

Olive Oil infused with White Truffles (from France)
Risotto with Truffles
Polenta with Truffles

(are you sensing a trend?)

Italian Flag Pasta
Swedish Leksands Crispbreads
Australian Organic Water Crackers (ok we had these in before, but they were sold out for a while)


This Weekend...

We received a delivery of ORGANIC FRENCH WINES

We've had several requests for organic wine. The 4 we are getting are boutique, fabulous examples of French wines. An Alsace Riesling, 2 red Bordeaux blends, and a rend blend from the Languedoc.

So what's the deal with ORGANIC WINE ?
The information below is from our organic wine importer, and The Biodynamic Farming Association of the United Kingdom, respectively.

Organic farming has generally accepted practices around the world and in its simplest form, is very similar from country to country. All practice Earth-friendly farming techniques and respect the very inherent relationship with nature and the Earth. They are free of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and other synthetic chemicals.

Generally, most of the confusion comes in regarding how different agencies in different countries certify products as organic.There are two primary opinions in the world that help to both provide clarity and confusion on these topics.

First, there is the opinion of the United States/FDA or NOP (National Organics Program). Secondly, there is the stance of the European Nations and their respective certifying agencies.

The public often equates organic wines with “sulfite-free” wines. This is inaccurate. In the United States, in order for wines to be labeled organic, they can contain no more than 10 ppm (parts per million) of sulfites. And to be labeled as “Wine made from organically grown grapes”, they can contain no more than 100 ppm of sulfites.

So where do we stand with our organic wines and the amount of sulfites used in their production and their certifications? According to the information provided by the vineyards, the organic reds, on average, have about 45 ppm of total sulfites, while the whites and the sparkling wines have about 75 ppm. These wine producers are striving to use the smallest possible amount of sulfites necessary to allow their wines to properly mature.

The certifying agencies that these vineyards use are internationally recognized organizations. For the organic designations, both Ecocert and Agriculture Biologique are used and for the Biodynamic farmers, Demeter handles the certifications.

Biodynamic agriculture is the oldest consciously organic approach to farming and gardening and is one of the most sustainable in existence. It is founded on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and the human being and builds on the pioneering research work of Rudolf Steiner.

Who was Rudolf Steiner?
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, scientist and social reformer who sought to extend scientific research beyond the existing parameters of natural science and investigate the non-physical, spiritual realities of life. Using a clear and accessible means for attaining spiritual knowledge, he offered insights that have inspired new approaches to medicine, education, the arts, social reform and economics as well as agriculture. Spiritual science follows a conscious methodology that can be followed up with rigorous thinking activity. The name given to this new branch of science is 'anthroposophy', a Greek word meaning 'wisdom of Man'.

How is biodynamic different from organic?
Every biodynamic farm aims to become self-sufficient in compost, manures and animal feeds.
All external inputs are kept to a minimum.
Compost is treated with special herb-based preparations.
Crop quality is improved using natural manure and quartz based preparations.
Ecological diversity is a goal of landscape management. An astronomical calendar is used to determine auspicious, planting, cultivating and harvesting times.


Sunday, February 24, 2008

Notable New Arrivals

Chevre Noir is back - we sold out of this amazing Canadian goat's milk cheddar for a bit, but now it has returned.

Cahill's handmade Irish cheddar with wine. You've tried the Guinness and the whiskey, the elderberry wine cheddar is just as flavourful and yummy.


Sap Sago - We brought in this cheese at a customer's request. Sap Sago cheese is a hard, low fat, pungent, grating cheese made only in the mountains of the Canton of Glarus, Switzerland. Also known as schabziger, it comes in the form of a small foil-wrapped cone and has a different and distinctive flavor. It is excellent in a sauce for pasta or it can be grated on top of salads, soups, and apple or cherry pies. The Swiss also use Sapsago on top of a buttered piece of fresh bread. This cheese is for the more adventuresome.






HAM DAY, HAM DAY

Serrano Ham - This is true Jamón Serrano, imported Spanish Ham from Spain. Lean with a rich nutty flavor, cured in the mountains of Spain for over a year. There is no other sliced Jamón Serrano in America which approaches the level of painstaking preparation.



NEW BREWS
Three Philosophers Quadrupel - Another customer request, this luscious blend of rich malty ale and cherry lambic so delightful. It might be the flavor of dark chocolate and cherry cordials; it could be the way it acquires wisdom and grace in the cellar. Maybe it's a conundrum. What's your theory? The essence of wonder is a unique and masterful blend of strong malty ale and authentic Belgian Kriek. This is a powerful marriage of cherries, roasted malts, and dark chocolate.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING


Friday, February 15, 2008

PARM PARM PARM

Salame di Parma arrived today!

This is the real deal. We had it the first week we opened and sold out in 5 days - so don't wait! Supplies are limited and this little artisan made, fabulous-o Salami ($11.00 each) from the small hill towns of Parma, Italy doesn't stay in stock long (Fellow Blog Blasters are the first to know!) Pair it with, what else, Parmigiana Reggiano.

Scroll down a bit to an earlier blog to watch and listen to the Italian Parigiana Peggiano commercial... anyone who comes in and sings the song for us will get a 5% discount of the Salame or Parm cheese :)

Monday, February 11, 2008

Baskets & Platters

We can create a custom basket or platter just for you. Stop in or give us a call at (407) 644-7296.

Perfect for a last minute, romantic Valentine's Day gift of gourmet cheese, wine and chocolates!





JUST IN:

Christopher Norman Chocolates

Beautiful handmade chocolates from New York's premier chocolatier.

Pear Truffles - Three pairs of Pear Truffles made with love and imagination, ripe for thought, thoughts for sharing. Each Pear Truffle is a beautiful work of art.

Broadway Butternut Crunch - this is no ordinary crunch candy. Christopher Norman's Handmade dark chocolate and white chocolate is adorned with Macadamia Nuts, Huzelnuts, Walnuts, Pecans, Cashews, Toasted Almonds and Peanuts - 15 ounces in a gourgeous golden tin and hampton striped box.

LADIES: A great gift for the man in your life - Chocolate Cigars. Hand-rolled decadent, dark chocolate cigars in a decidedly masculine gift box.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Valentine's Day Wine & Cheese


Surprise your Sweetheart with the most romantic and creative Valentine's Day surprise. Let The Cheese Shop On Park do the work for you. We will create a beautiful and delicious Valentine's Day gift of Gourmet Cheese, Wine and Chocolate that you and your Valentine will never forget. Choose from three enticing, romantic fantasies:



- "Two Of Hearts Deluxe Basket" - Create an unforgetable Valentine's Day with the customized "Two Of Hearts Deluxe Basket" Three artisan cheeses of your choice, gourmet crackers and fresh fruit, wine or champagne and of course chocolate in a beautiful keepsake basket. *$150.00 *premium cheese or wine subject to price package increase.



- "Boudoir Picnic" - Show your Valentine your romantic side with the ultimate, intimate wine and cheese "Boudoir Picnic". A decadent soft triple creme cheese, an exotic, imported, hard textured cheese and gourmet crackers presented on a romantic, boudoir friendly cheese plate, wine or champagne and chocolate. *$75.00 *premium cheese or wine subject to price package increase.



- "Romance Rendevous" - Surprise your Valentine with the "Romance Rendevous". Two scrumptous, artisan cheeses, gourmet crackers and chocolate in a presented in a portable boxed picnic for two - perfect to take out... or stay in. **$45.00 **package does not include wine. Wine available at additional retail price.



The Cheese Shop On Park will take the guess work out of your special night. No cooking, no fuss, the two of you will relax and enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day adventure of artisan cheeses, gourmet accotrements and fabulous wine - and of course - a chocolate finale.


Supplies are limited, so please call now to reserve your Valentine's Day Gourmet Gift Basket or Plate. (407) 644-7296, or email me at kirsten@thecheeseshoponpark.com. A deposit is required.