The Cheese Shop On Park Blog Blast

Cheese Monger Memoirs - The Beginning

2011-10-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be creating a new line of posts called "Cheese Monger Memoirs" which pretty much will detail how The Cheese Shop on Park came to be in an anecdotal manner. First up is the very first day the idea of The Cheese Shop was born.

It was the day after Thanksgiving 2006 and my wife and I were waking up in my brother's old bedroom in my mother's house. The bed is one of those trundle beds that is a single bed that has another single bed underneath so two people can sleep on it, albeit uncomfortably. My brother, who turns 50 next year, used this bed when he was a child and I'm pretty sure it was an antique then and to the best of my knowledge, neither mattress has ever been replaced. Needless to say, my back was killing me.

My mother lives in northern New Jersey, Paramus to be precise. Having lived in central Florida for the past 13 years at that point means the 40 degree temperature was rather cool. Now as my wife can tell you, nobody likes a "cool" bedroom like I do, but for whatever reason, my mother sets the heat at something like 62 so along with the worn out mattress and skimpy comforter (also dating back to my brother's youth I'm sure) the day was off to a frosty and aching start.

The bedroom furniture is not the only part of my mother's house that could use some updating. Still, to this day, there is no coffee maker (nor microwave) in the kitchen. Unless you count this age old percolator that takes roughly half an hour to make coffee that is. And since my mother drinks instant coffee (yuk!...I'm a coffee snob just like a wine snob and a cheese snob...well you get the idea) who knows how old the Maxwell House Coffee in her on the counter container is. I'm thinking the 1990s at least.

My wife and I get dressed and head out in search of your neighborhood Starbuck's. Not knowing where the closest one is, we head one town over to Ridgewood, where their Main Street area (Ridgewood Ave) was our best bet other than trying Route 17. (Route 17 for those not familiar with Paramus's highways is a nightmare to drive on any day let alone Black Friday). We do find Starbuck's, get our coffees, and just start tooling around downtown Ridgewood. There, amongst the boutiques, restaurants and such, is The Cheese Shop of Ridgewood.

Since we have always liked cheese, we ventured inside. The shop was quite small with specialty grocery items along the back wall and refrigerated cases against the wall behind the counter. A giant of a man was working (and when I say giant I mean huge) and he was not the nicest sort. To illustrate his demeanor, while working with us a young girl who was probably about 12 walked in. She was patiently waiting on line behind us when after about 10 minutes he barked out to her, "What do you want?" She meekly asked if they have bagels to which he gruffly responded "NO!" and out she went.

The cheeses were amazing and after sampling 3, we selected 2 for purchase. I asked for quarter pound cuts and when he said that he couldn't cut it that small I said we would take whatever he cut. He then up sold us on some plum jelly (which he let us sample alongside our cheese) and a baguette as well.

As we happily left with our unexpected purchase, we both looked around and thought together how well a cheese shop would work on Park Ave. Thus the dream began.

SUNDAY SAMPLES WINE TASTING TODAY

2011-08-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

Sample 4 wines for $5.00 and if you purchase one of the featured wines you get your $5.00 back!

One of the featured wines today is a sparkling from the Appellation Banquette de Limoux from the Languedoc region of southern France. Quite different on the palate than Champagne, Blanquette de Limoux is considered to be the first sparkling white wine in France - noted at least 150 years before Champagne, appearing in papers by Benedictine Monks in 1531.

Come in and try before you buy!

And of course the Cheese Mongers will recommend (and let you taste) the perfect cheese pairing to go with your wine purchase!

SUNDAY SAMPLES WINE TASTING $5.00

2011-07-31T11:54:00.000-04:00

Join us today anytime between 1 and 4pm and sample four of our featured wines. Your $5.00 tasting fee will be applied to the purchase of any of the featured wines so you can take home one (or all) of your favourites!

And of course the Cheese Mongers will gladly recommend (and let you taste) the perfect cheese pairing to go with your wine purchase.

Yummy Recipe

2011-07-28T16:38:00.001-04:00

We've got the Taleggio cheese in stock - check out this delicious recipe that's easy and mmmmmmmmm good for summer entertaining!

http://cltampa.com/tampa/baked-cherries-and-tallegio-easy-summer-appetizer/Content?oid=2334261#.TjGgGVvQOSo

Sunday Samples Wine Tasting 1-4pm July 24th

2011-07-21T11:54:00.000-04:00

Stop by on Sunday afternoon anytime between 1 and 4pm and sample four of our featured wines. Your $5.00 tasting fee will be applied to the purchase of any of the featured wines so you can take home one (or all) of your favourites!

And of course the Cheese Mongers will gladly recommend the perfect cheese pairing to go with your wine purchase.

FRENCH WINE TASTING TODAY

2011-07-10T12:43:00.000-04:00

Stop by on Sunday afternoon anytime between 1 and 4pm and sample four of our fabulous wines from France's Languedoc region. Your $5.00 tasting fee will be applied to the purchase of any of the featured wines so you can take home one (or all) of your favourites!

And of course the Cheese Mongers will gladly recommend the perfect cheese pairing to go with your wine purchase.

Sunday Samples Wine Tasting TODAY

2011-06-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

Wine Tasting TODAY bewtween 1 & 4pm

Sunday Samples Wine Tasting -
only $5.00 tasting fee!
The tasting fee will be applied to your purchase of any of our featured wines.

June 26th Featured Wines:

Swallow Gewürztraminer $14.00
Cave Junction Oregon

Leese-Fitch Chardonnay $14.00
California

Rock Point Pinot Noir $22.00
Gold Hill Oregon

Alcanta Tempranillo $14.00
Alicante, Spain

Wine Tasting TODAY bewtween 1 & 4pm

2011-06-12T13:10:00.000-04:00

Sunday Samples Wine Tasting -
only $5.00 tasting fee!
The tasting fee will be applied to your purchase of any of our featured wines.

Sunday June 12th Featured Wines: PERFECT SUMMER WINES

Ferrari-Carano Bella Luce $12.00
Sonoma County, California
Lovely white blend of Chardonnay, Muscat, Semillon & Gewurztraminer
Off dry, honey suckle, peach & apricot and delicious summer wine

Bremerton Verdelho $13.00
Langhorne Creek, Australia
Verdelho is native to Portugal but is grown in Australia for over 150 years.
Bremerton is family owner and operated since 1985
Unoaked - and only free-run juice is used to ensure a crisp, light finish

Angeline Pinot Noir $16.00
Coastal California
By Martin Ray Winery
a classic Pinot Noir with soft fruit flavours of
raspberry laced with a touch of minerals and spice

Riello Delle Balze Chianti $18.00
Colli Senesi
From the famous Montepulciano vineyard the Colli Senesi Chiant
is a touch lower in alcohol than its Classico counterpart making
this Chianti perfect for the summer

NEW Sunday Samples Wine Tasting

2011-06-01T16:23:00.001-04:00

Informal Wine Tasting Sunday June 12th - $5.00 tasting fee
Stop by on Sunday afternoon, June 12th, anytime between 1 and 4pm and sample four of our featured wines. Your $5.00 tasting fee will be applied to the purchase of any of the featured wines so you can take home one (or all) of your favourites!

And of course the Cheese Mongers will gladly recommend the perfect cheese pairing to go with your wine purchase.

Lunch Envy

2011-05-24T14:55:00.000-04:00

Organic greens, fresh strawberries, turkey and Les Freres (pronounced lay frair) washed rind cheese - which is the closest thing you can get to Reblochon in this country - drizzled with homemade balsamic dressing. The strawberries are perfectly ripe and sweet and a delicious contrast to the soft, creamy, sour-in-a-good-way Les Freres Cheese. Do you have lunch envy yet?

The salad is NOT for sale by the way... but you can pick up some delicious Les Freres cheese for only $9.00 for a half pound.

Get A "Secret Weapon" for your Memorial Day Burgers

2011-05-24T14:43:00.000-04:00

What's the secret to having the BEST Memorial Day Weekend Burger in your neighbourhood?

MAPLE SMOKED CHEDDAR from Grafton Cheese Co in Grafton Vermont!

Featured Cheese

2011-05-13T13:30:00.000-04:00

This weekend enjoy 20% off Appenzeller Swiss - half pound minimum

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2011-05-05T12:52:00.000-04:00

Fabulous Brie Bakers $24.00 - Five designer colours to choose from. These darling ceramic Brie Bakers come in a faux wood Brie box paired with a bamboo spreader. Mom will love how this takes the guess work out of baking brie - no messy pastry dough needed! Cheese not included but of course The Cheese Shop on Park has the perfect little wheel of Brie to fit inside your new Brie Baker!

Add a "Brie Brule" topping kit for an instant gourmet addition to your Mom's new Brie Baker!

20% off this weekend's Featured Cheese

2011-04-29T14:56:00.000-04:00

This weekend's featured cheese is:
Chällerhocker - $11.80 for a half pound (includes discount)

Made by only one cheesemaker - Walter Rass - at a small creamery in Toggenburg, Switzerland, northeast of Zurich. The name Challerhocker means sitting in the cellar, which is what this cheese does for 10 months. Earthy, and full flavoured reflecting Walter’s recipe and the flora of his cellar.

Enjoy 20% off a half pound minimum cut of Chällerhocker this weekend.

Midnight Moon "Goat Gouda"

2011-04-28T11:41:00.000-04:00

Cypress Grove Chevre knows their goat cheese and this one is no exception. Buttery, nutty with hints of caramel – it is firm and dense and by far the BEST aged Gouda made with goat’s milk on the market today. Midnight Moon is made in Holland exclusively for Cypress Grove Chevre.

The Loaded Lamb

2011-04-27T14:35:00.000-04:00

From Sardinia this aged sheep’s milk cheese is bathed in the most famed and loved Italian red wine -Amarone. The lush dark full flavoured wine influences the Loaded Lamb immensely and the taste is evident throughout the strong, dry cheese.

Delight of Burgundy

2011-04-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

Triple Creme Delice de Bourgogne
Literally translates as Delight of Burgundy - and what a way to delight your guests this Easter. A tribute to small scale French cheese-making made in Burgundy by Fromagerie Lincet. Fresh cow milk is married with fresh cream, producing an unapologetically rich, whipped delight. Super luscious just add strawberries and champagne!

FEATURED CHEESE

2011-04-22T16:09:00.000-04:00

Barely Buzzed

Tasting Notes: From the Beehive Cheese Co. in Utah – Medium-bodied with a nutty flavour and smooth texture. Hand rubbed w/ a Turkish grind of artisan espresso and French lavender. The rub imparts notes of butterscotch, caramel and floral that are prevalent at the rind but tasted throughout the entire cheese.

Easter Activities in Winter Park

2011-04-22T15:18:00.000-04:00

57th annual Easter Egg Hunt
When: TOMORROW Saturday, April 23, 2011 @ 9:30 AM

Where: Central Park in downtown Winter Park, Florida
Cost: FREE
Contact: 407-599-3203

Presented by the City of Winter Park, this fun-filled event will provide as much excitement and laughs for adults as it will for youngsters. Children up to 10 years of age can begin lining up at 9:30 a.m. The hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m. when the Easter Bunny gives the official starting signal. Children with special needs are also encouraged to join in the fun. Over 10,000 eggs will be placed throughout Central Park. As always, children who come up empty handed will still be able to enjoy special treats at the designated candy area.

LOCATED JUST ONE BLOCK SOUTH of THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

FREE Valentine's Concert In The Park

2011-02-02T16:57:00.000-05:00

FREE Valentine Concert in Central Park on Sunday February 13th from 4-6pm

featuring:

Michael Andrew & Swingerhead

Bring your sweetheart, a blanket or chairs & stop by
The Cheese Shop on Park
for some wine and cheese to bring to this amazing free concert!

2010 HOLIDAY HOURS

2010-12-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Monday 12-20 OPEN 10am-5pm
12-21 thru 12-23 regular hours 10am-7pm
Fri 12-24 Christmas Eve 10am-5pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
Sunday 12-26 OPEN Noon-5pm
Monday 12-27 CLOSED
12-28 thru 12-30 regular hours 10am-7pm
Fri 12-31 New Year's Eve 10am-6pm

The Cheese Shop on Park will be
CLOSED
New Year's Day - Tueday January 4th

We will reopen Wednesday January 5th at 10am

Please have a wonderful
and safe Holiday Season!

NEWS

2010-06-09T16:39:00.003-04:00

We will be CLOSED Tuesday June 15th for a private event

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOURMET CHEESE

2010-05-07T16:16:00.000-04:00

The Cheese Shop on Park CHEESE OF THE MONTH CLUB makes a great Mother's Day Gift.

3, 6, or 12 month memberships are available.

No time to shop? Give us a call and we

will email you the welcome letter

to give to Mom on Sunday. Or we can

email it directly to her in time for Mother's Day!

(407) 644-7296

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is less than a week away. Try something unique and definitely romantic this year from
The Cheese Shop on Park

Fresh goat cheeses decorated with beautiful edible flowers

Artisan honey and decadent edible honeycombs are just a few of the unique gifts you'll find at
The Cheese Shop on Park.

Try a custom Valentine's Cheese selection for two with a beautifully gift boxed bottle of Pink Brut Sparkling Wine from Graham Beck of South Africa - perfect for a picnic, The Bach Festival Big Band Concert this Saturday - or an evening at home in front of the fireplace!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T17:23:00.000-05:00

T’was Right After Christmas…

And all thru The Cheese Shop

We’ve hurried and scurried almost till we drop.

The baskets and platters deliciously fine,

With cheeses and pâtés, chorizo and wine.

We welcome the New Year, Two Thousand and Ten

Singing Auld Lang Syne and remembering when

Simpler times filled with family and fun

enjoyed to the fullest in Florida’s sun.

Even Cheese Mongers need an occasional break

So the first weekend of January vacation we’ll take!

Heartfelt thanks to all for such a great year

On Tuesday the 5th we’ll be back in full gear!

Happy New Year

From

The Cheese Shop On Park’s

Cheese Mongers

2009 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

2009-12-08T17:05:00.001-05:00

Sunday Dec 20 - OPEN 11-6
Monday Dec 21 - OPEN 10-7
Tues & Wed Dec 22 & 23 - OPEN 10-7
Christmas Eve Thurs Dec 24 - OPEN 10-5
Christmas Day Friday Dec 25 - CLOSED
Saturday Dec 26 - Wed Dec 30 normal hours see our website http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/
New Year's Eve Thurs Dec 31 - OPEN 10-6

PLEASE NOTE: Friday January 1 through Monday January 4th WE WILL BE CLOSED We will reopen Tuesday January 5th for our normal store hours see our website http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE
THANKS FOR A GREAT YEAR!

HOLIDAY CHEESE PLATTERS

2009-11-11T13:50:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! Delight your guests with a Cheese Monger's Favourites Cheese Platter from The Cheese Shop on Park.

407-644-7296

CLICK HERE to go to our website for details http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com

Featured Cheese

2009-10-14T17:24:00.001-04:00

Triple Creme GOAT BRIE

Acclaimed as one of the world's great cheeses, Brie is characterized by an edible, downy white rind and an ivory-colored, buttery-soft interior. Woolwich Dairy, in Canada, produces a natural and authentic Brie, made with fresh goat's milk and rennet free. Our indulgent Triple Crème Brie recipe features a rich texture and savoury flavour.

Goat Brie Cheeseburgers
Ingredients
1 Wheel Woolwich Dairy Goat Brie
4 fresh jumbo burger patties
3/4 cups salsa
2-3 Tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
4 Ciabatta or burger buns

Preparation: Slice Goat Brie into quarter inch strips. Cook burgers on the barbecue and when they're close to done, lay the Goat Brie strips on each patty. Spoon the salsa and basil on top and drizzle with olive oil. Reduce heat and close the lid to allow toppings to warm through. Serve on toasted buns.Yield: 4 servings.

FREE WINE TASTING

2009-09-23T16:08:00.002-04:00

WHEN: Saturday September 19, 2009 4pm - 6pm
WHAT: Wines from BRAZIL :)
COST: FREE

call for details 407-644-7296

NEW BEER - Orlando Brewing Company!

2009-09-09T15:10:00.003-04:00

Well - 4 new beers actually - from Orlando Brewing Company!

Blonde Ale - Flavourful, light bodied organic beer. Crisp and dry flavor
Pale Ale - Crisp, clean, sassy & complex. American ale at its finest
Red Ale - Irish style well balanced malt sweetness with hop bitterness
Brown Ale - Medium body semi-sweet chocolate malt, mellow hops unique savory style

Join us for Happy Hour - 2 for 1 beer & wine by the glass
Tuesday - Thursday 4:30pm - 6:30pm & Friday from 4:30pm - 7pm

Featured Cheese

2009-08-26T15:51:00.001-04:00

GRAFTON VILLAGE CHEESE COMPANY
CLASSIC RESERVE 2-YEAR CHEDDAR

Aged for approximately two years and hand-dipped in black wax, Classic Reserve is the signature product of Grafton Village Cheese and boasts 13 awards. Aging gives the cheese a long time to release its moisture, concentrating and developing its flavors. The extra high butterfat content of the Jersey cow has a creaminess that offsets the "sharpness" caused by the lactic acid in the cheese.

About The Cheese Maker
Cheesemaking has long been a part of Vermont life. Dairy cows grazing the velvety pastures of the Green Mountain State are a familiar sight, and the milk they produce is one of the state's natural treasures, used to make some of the world's best cheddar cheese.
Grafton, Vermont is a likely setting for a world-class cheddar. Cheesemaking traditions in this historic village date from the 19th century. The Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was founded in 1892 by dairy farmers who gathered together in a cooperative to make their surplus milk into cheese. In the days before refrigeration, there were many such cooperatives in the rural agricultural communities and an abundance of fresh, creamy milk was turned into a food that could be stored for a longer period of time.

In 1912, a fire destroyed the original factory. Several decades later, the nonprofit Windham Foundation restored the company in the mid 1960s, and a new era for the town was born.
Today, quality and taste are the hallmarks of the company's award-winning, handcrafted cheese. The cheese company is part of the Grafton based Windham Foundation, whose mission is to promote Vermont's rural communities. When you purchase Grafton Village Cheese, you directly support the Cheese Maker's mission!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

2009-08-06T13:25:00.003-04:00

Free Wine Tasting
at The Cheese Shop on Park

WHEN: Friday August 21
TIME: 6pm - 7pm

Like what you taste? We're open till 8pm so you can stay and order a glass of your favourite - or pick up a bottle to enjoy at home

Featured Cheese

2009-07-30T12:50:00.007-04:00

RONCAL

Roncal is a firm raw sheep's milk cheese from the mountainous Pyrénées region of Navarre in north central Spain bordering south western France.

We like to say that Roncal is Manchego's big, bold brother.

Piquant flavours with a long peppery finish, Roncal is a beautiful addition to any cheese plate and pairs with full flavoured white wines and reds alike. $32/LB

The Roncal Valley possesses stunning landscapes and
contrasting climates.

The southern valley is enveloped in pine trees.
From Roncal to Uztarroz in the center, the valley is squeezed into
a gully of rock, beech and oak trees.

To the north lies the Belagua valley which is the sole glacier valley
in existence in Navarre, formed thousands of years ago from one
of the strips of ice which broke off from the Larra glacier. Its name
comes from the River Belagua. Belagua's diverse vegetation
includes pine, fir, beech, gall oak, hazel, box and lime trees.

Diversity gives this region incomparable complexity - which is most
certainly reflected in the deep, long taste of Roncal's most famous namesake cheese.
Come in and taste the difference!

The Village of Roncal (above) is found in the center of the valley,
with the river Esca running through it. The village offers a very
interesting array of structures (below) due to a number of typical
features which belong to the architecture of the Pyrenean valleys.

What's 4 Lunch?

2009-07-29T12:33:00.000-04:00

What's 4 Lunch? Chef Salad Cheese Shop style! w/ 2 kinds of cheese & all the delicious chef ingredients, big, fussy, addictive 407 644-7296

Winter Park Events

2009-06-30T13:52:00.003-04:00

Happy Hour
at The Cheese Shop on Park

Every Friday 5:00 -7:00pm

Enjoy 2 for 1 glasses of wine & bottles of beer
more than 25 different wines by the glass

Saturday July 4th
City of Winter Park Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
FREE 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Central Park in Downtown Winter Park (one block south of The Cheese Shop on Park)
The City of Winter Park and EMBARQ™, present the Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Central Park.
Thanks to generous support from the Morse Foundation, the Bach Festival Orchestra and Choir will perform patriotic favorites for all patrons to enjoy. Gather your family and friends and wear your red, white, and blue to enjoy a Winter Park tradition.
Festivities will include live patriotic music, horse-drawn wagon rides, and much more. Hot dogs, watermelon and beverages will be served at 11 a.m. Children's activities will include fun-filled games and the annual children's bicycle parade. Families and friends are also invited to attend the Independence Day Open House at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The museum, which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of work by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, will provide FREE admission to its galleries from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday. We will re-open at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 6. On behalf of the City of Winter Park, best wishes to everyone for a very safe and happy 4th of July holiday.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - for the Park Avenue Sidewalk Sale

Friday - Sunday
July 17, 18 & 19

Wine will be flowing, fun will be flying, there'll be a movie in the park, and fire trucks
on display, interactive entertainment for the kids & much more!stay tuned for schedules
Presented by: City of Winter Park, Park Avenue Area Association, Winter Park Magazine, Orlando Events Series and Winter park Chamber of Commerce

The above community listings are provided by The Cheese Shop on Park Blog Blast as a courtesy and do not imply that The Cheese Shop on Park is sponsoring, participating or responsible for accuracy, changes or cancellations.

NEW EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS

2009-06-25T18:29:00.000-04:00

We are now open until 8PM on Friday and Saturday!!!

New cafe seating, new menu

2009-05-26T15:15:00.002-04:00

New Cafe Seating has arrived!

and a new menu to go along with it including salads, themed cheese plates and much more!

Go to our website to check out the details.

http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/menu_-_new

New summertime sparkler

2009-05-03T12:33:00.001-04:00

We just got in a great Sparkling from the Loire Valley en France. Loire is known for Chenin Blanc grapes - and this Charles Bove bubbly ($22.00) is 100% Chenin Blanc. What's the difference? It is nice and dry, but not as "yeasty" as pinot noir / chard sparklers. Nice rapid bubbles, and a beautiful long finish - but lighter and easier to drink for those who don't care for heavy Champagnes. Very refreshing in our Florida heat - a lovely summer bubbly. Pairs wonderfully with Saint Andre, Comte or Gouda Truffle (of course what doesn't go with Gouda Truffle!)

News From The Cheese Shop on Park

2009-04-21T16:45:00.002-04:00

Wednesday April 22, 200910am - 2pm FREE
Earth Day Celebration - Winter Park's Central Park Main Stage, one block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. The city's Forestry Division will perform a live tree planting demonstration by planting a 22 foot tall, 100-gallon containerized Live Oak. The division will also give away 3-gallon containerized trees to city residents until 2 p.m. or as supplies last. Residents will be able to choose from 5 different species of trees including maple, magnolia, cedar, live oaks and sand hill live oak. The Forestry Division will perform tree climbing and aerial truck demonstrations. Event patrons will be offered the opportunity to ascend a tree with ropes and rigging or go for a ride in a 50-foot aerial truck. (Some restrictions will apply).

Wednesday April 22, 2009 5:30pm - 8pm Winter Park Farmer's Market
A Taste of Winter Park call (407) 644-8281 for details and cost

Saturday April 25, 2009 1am at the Tiedtke Concert Hall, Rollins College
Call for ticket prices (407) 646-2182 WEBSITE
Carnival of the Animals The Fred Rogers Family Series presented by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. Travel through this delightful journey of animal sounds portrayed by instruments of the orchestra - a favorite for audiences of all ages.

Friday May 1, 2009
DATE NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS -- featuring the movie "P.S. I Love You"
Gardens open at 6:00 pm Movie time at 8:30 pm Weather Permitting
Enjoy a romantic movie in a beautiful gardens setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and picnic basket - don't forget your cheese and wine from The Cheese Shop on Park! Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door. Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida.

Saturday May 9, 2009
SPRING JAZZ STROLL at LEU GARDENS
7:00 - 10:00 pm Gardens will close at 3:00 pm. Last Leu House Museum tour will occur at 2:00 pm. Garden House will open at 6:00 pm for Will Call. Candlelit walks will illuminate the paths under a starry Florida sky to some of Central Florida's best jazz & blues musicians: Robert Harris Group, Dr. Otto Gomez and Don Soledad Group. Pack a picnic basket - don't forget your cheese and wine from The Cheese Shop on Park - and bring a blanket or chairs to this wonderful outdoor concert in Orlando's most beautiful garden. Tickets on sale April 27, 2009. Tickets: $17.00 plus tax General Admission, $13.00 plus tax Garden Member (members may purchase up to 4 tickets at member prices per membership.) Tickets are limited, nonrefundable and nontransferable to other garden activities. Purchase tickets at Leu Gardens' Gift Shop every day from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm or by phone 407-246-2620 press 0 Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm until sold out, (except on May 8, 2009, phone orders will be taken until 1:00 pm, if available) with a MasterCard®, VISA®, or American Express®. No rain date.

Free offsite parking and shuttles are available at Blue Jacket Park off General Rees from 6:00 pm until 10:30 pm.

The above community listings are provided by The Cheese Shop on Park Blog Blast as a courtesy and do not imply that The Cheese Shop on Park is sponsoring, participating or responsible for accuracy, changes or cancellations.

Cheese and Wine Tasting Social Event

2009-04-02T16:42:00.003-04:00

An Anthology of American Artisan Cheese

Thursday May 14, 2009 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
$20.00 in advance $30.00 at the door
329 Park Avenue North (407) 644-7296 - Order online www.thecheeseshoponpark.com

Sample American artisan cheeses expertly paired with the appropriate wine
No pretense or boring seminars, but active tasting and open forum discussion in a way to truly help you discover new cheeses
Receive a 10% discount off the purchase of any cheese and wine featured in the anthology purchased during the event
Space is limited so get your tickets early. This is a walk through event – seating is limited

Cheese and Wine Tasting Event

2009-03-24T16:24:00.003-04:00

To Benefit The Orlando Daily Bread Soup Kitchen

WHEN: Friday April 3, 2009 beginning at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Tickets are $20.00 in advance $30.00 the day of event
Bring in one canned food for $5.00 off one ticket

To get tickets:
Stop in The Cheese Shop on Park 329 Park Avenue North Suite 102
Call (407) 644-7296
or order online at www.thecheeseshoponpark.com

All canned food will go directly to The Daily Bread and 100% of the net proceeds of every ticket sold plus 10% of all purchases during the event will be donated to The Daily Bread Legacy Fund.

Help give back to the community while enjoying an affordable night of cheese and wine sampling
Bring additional canned foods to the event for free raffle tickets to win valuable prizes including Reidel Wine Glasses
No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting to help you discover new cheeses
This is a walk through tasting event - there is no seating
Space is limited – these events sell out quickly

March Calendar of Events

2009-02-28T17:11:00.002-05:00

Friday, March 6, 2009
Date Night at Leu Gardens - All the Pretty Horses
Gardens open at 6:00 pm
Movie time at 8:30 pm
Weather Permitting Enjoy a romantic movie in a beautiful gardens setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and cheese and wine from The Cheese Shop on Park.

Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door. Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida.

Sunday, March 8, 2009
2:00PM on Park Avenue - FREE
St. Patrick's Day Parade
The St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at Winter Park Golf Course at 2PM and proceeds down Park Avenue to City Hall. Over 75 units will participate. Celebration will feature Irish music and step-dancing at the bandstand in Central Park.

Thursday, March 12, 20098:00pm in Central Park - FREE
Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring the movie "Young Frankenstein"
Detail: Presented by the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater. Bring your blanket or chair to enjoy the movie under the stars in Central Park one block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. Don't forget your wine and cheese!

Free popcorn for everyone!
Movie Cost: FREE
Contact: 407-629-0054 http://www.enzian.org

Sunday, March 15, 2009
7PM in Central Park - FREE
Spring Pops Concert "Hooray for Hollywood"

The City of Winter Park will proudly host the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra as they present Spring Pops. This wonderful performance is made possible by a generous grant from the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Philharmonic Principal Pops and Resident Conductor Andrew Lane will lead the orchestra in a program designed to delight audiences of all ages. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and cheese and wine from The Cheese Shop on Park to enjoy an evening of heart-warming music under the stars with friends and family.

Thursday, March 19, 2009
5:30 - 8PM
Hannibal Square Wine Tasting & Business After Hours
Street Party on New England Avenue between Virginia and Pennsylvania

$20 WPCC Members / $25 Non-Members$25 at the door / $175 Corporate 10-pack
Hosted by:Hannibal Square Merchants Associationand Winter Park Chamber of Commerce

Live music by The Redcoats

Hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants
40+ varieties of wine· Beer from Orlando Brewing· Merchants will be open late· Networking with 400+ business leaders

Friday - Sunday, March 20, 21, 22, 2009
9am - 5pm daily
50th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

Friday March 20th
Sample While You Shop Hour at
The Cheese Shop on Park
5:30pm - 6:30pm FREE
Kick off the Art Festival at The Cheese Shop on Park and plan your cheese and wine for the weekend with FREE wine samples from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Save 10% on wines sampled during Sample While You Shop Hour.

Cheese Tasting Events

2009-02-21T13:26:00.016-05:00

The Traveling Cheese Monger

Friday February 27, 2009 5PM - 8PM. We'll be at Bullfish located at 102 Park Avenue North on the corner of Park & Morse.

Bullfish is hosting "Wine, Cheese and Chocolate" a tasting event to benefit The Orlando Chorale. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the event. Call Bullfish at 407-644-2969 for more information.

The Orlando Chorale, led by music director and founder Gregory Ruffer, is an 80-voice choir of professional and experienced singers dedicated to the performance of classic works and new musical treasures, bringing a fresh sound to Central Florida's rich cultural landscape.

Events at The Cheese Shop on Park
329 Park Avenue North Suite 102

Friday March 20, 2009 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Spring Art Festival Sample While You Shop Wine & Cheese Tasting
- FREE -
Celebrate the first day of the 50th Annual Winter Park Art Festival at The Cheese Shop on Park's Sample While You Shop free Cheese & Wine Tasting - plan your cheeses and wines for the weekend after enjoying the Winter Park Art Festival. At The Cheese Shop on Park 329 Park Avenue North, Suite 102.

Friday April 3, 2009 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Cheese Monger's Favorites Cheese & Wine Tasting - A benefit for The Daily Bread and The Daily Bread Legacy Fund
Tickets are $20.00 in advance $30.00 the day of the event
Bring in one canned food for $5.00 off one ticket, one canned food per ticket please! All canned food will go directly to The Daily Bread and 100% of the net proceeds of every ticket sold plus 10% of all purchases during the event will be donated to The Daily Bread Legacy Fund.

What is The Daily Bread? The Daily Bread is a soup kitchen program started in the kitchen of St. James Cathedral in 1975, when the church started a noon feeding program during the Easter season. As the Easter season ended, the church was feeding more than 125 persons per day, and Father David Page realized that some more permanent solution was needed to address community hunger. He contacted the Christian Service Center, which St. James had helped found in 1971. Out of that need, Daily Bread was born on July 1, 1975. Meals were served at a facility at 61 W. Jefferson Street. Champ Williams, founder of Skyline Restaurants agreed to provide the food, a service he provided for more than 1,000,000 meals.

On May 2nd, the Christian Service Center’s Daily Bread Program celebrated the serving of its three millionth free meal! The Daily Bread program serves free noontime meals from soup kitchens and dining facilities in downtown Orlando and Ocoee.

“I am thrilled that we have reached this milestone,” said Christian Service Center Executive Director Robert F. Stuart. “What started as an outreach of a handful of downtown churches has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of people in need her in Central Florida,” Stuart continued.

Last year, our soup kitchens in Orlando and Ocoee teamed to serve almost 125,000 free meals.
While we celebrate the serving of the three millionth meal, the daily focus remains helping those who are hungry in our community, one meal at a time.

“Unfortunately, there are still people who are hungry and in need in our community,” Stuart pointed out. “This program not only gives our clients a meal, but reminds them that someone cares.”

It took 33 years for the Christian Service Center’s Daily Bread Program to reach the 3,000,000 meal milestone. Now the Christian Service Center has set up a Daily Bread Legacy Fund to assure the program’s continuation into the future.

“Serving almost 125,000 meals a year places a severe strain on our facilities,” said Executive Director Robert Stuart. “That’s why we are asking our community to help us create a legacy fund to provide much needed upgrades to our existing facilities and a financial base for handling future needs,” Stuart noted.

As an example, the Christian Service Center needs to replace the tables and chairs in Orlando’s Daily Bread dining room. Each new table is about $155, and heavy-duty folding chairs are about $21each. So the cost of replacing 13 tables and 104 chairs is about $4,200.

“These are just examples of why we are starting the legacy fund,” Stuart pointed out. “We guarantee that any donation of any amount will be put to good use to assure that Daily Bread continues toward a four millionth meal,” Stuart said.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

2009-02-01T15:10:00.004-05:00

AT THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

A Taste of ItalyCheese & Wine Tasting Event
Thursday February 5, 2009 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
$20.00 in advance
$30.00 the day of event
Deadline for advance ticket sales is 7PM Wednesday February 4, 2009

Experience Italy’s unique cheeses and wines. Italy’s cheese and wine are as distinctive as its geography – discover why through delicious cheese and wine pairings at this exquisite sampling of Italy’s finest.

No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses
Participants enjoy a 10% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during the event
This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating
Space is limited – these events sell out quickly - so get your tickets early!

FOR TICKETS: Stop in The Cheese Shop on Park, call (407) 644-7296 or order online www.thecheeseshoponpark.com

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance of event time in order to be eligible for a full refund. Any cancellations within 72 hours of event are subject to 50% penalty - or may be applied to a future event. Sorry, no exceptions.

COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Tuesday February 3 – Marilyn Horne
Internationally acclaimed opera star Marilyn Horne presents “My Life: Questions and Answers “7 p.m. Tiedtke Concert Hall, R.D. Keene Hall, Rollins College

February 3 to May 3
Jim Henson's Fantastic World - Celebrate the creative genius of Jim Henson at the Orange County Regional History Center as it presents the acclaimed exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution. Muppets, Music & Magic: Jim Henson's Legacy will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays, March 7 - April 5. For more information, visit www.thehistorycenter.org.

Wednesday February 4 – Marilyn Horne:
Internationally acclaimed opera star Marilyn Horne presents“Insights Into Technique: A Master Class on Singing.”5 p.m. Tiedtke Concert Hall, R.D.Keene Hall, Rollins College

Friday February 5 - Popcorn Flicks in The ParkFeaturing the movie "Big" Starring Tom Hanks
7pm The films are FREE and open to the public. We encourage you to bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks (Don't forget your wine & cheese from The Cheese Shop on Park!) and some family and friends and join us! Hundreds of people gather with friends and bring their chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy Popcorn Flicks each month!

Tuesday February 10 – Michael Phillips
William Blake scholar and expert on Blake’s printing process Michael Phillips presents “Blake and the Terror 1792-1793: In Search of Biography.”6 p.m. Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College

Wednesday February 11 – Robert Muehlenkamp
Social justice and trade union activist RobertMuehlenkamp presents “The Economy is Not Like the Weather: Economic and Political Reality” 7 p.m. Bush Auditorium, Rollins College

Thursday February 12, 4:00 - 9:00 pmSpring Winter Park Sample Sale
Winter Park Farmers' Market Benefiting Harbor House
The Park Avenue Area Association is hosting the Winter Park Sample Sale, an exciting annual event, which is part girls' night out, part charity fundraiser.

Here are the details: all of your favorite Winter Park boutiques will be in one location offering amazing deals on designer fashions, with a portion of the ticket proceeds benefiting the Harbor House of Central Florida. You'll also find refreshments from local Winter Park eateries, including Tropical Smoothie Café. The entrance fee is only $5 (quite a bargain, considering the designer merchandise and charitable contribution). Participating stores include, Cerise, Douglas Cosmetics, Downeast Orvis, Ginger, Gray Fifth Avenue, Innerblue, J.McLaughlin, Siegel's, Sultre, Thread, and Tuni. If you have any questions, please call the Winter Park Chamber at (407) 644-8281.

Valentine’s Day Concert at Leu Gardens
Saturday, February 14
7:00 – 10:00 pm
Gardens will close at 3:00 pm Garden House will open at 6:00 pm for Will Call.
Treat your sweet to a special Valentine’s concert in a beautiful botanic garden with performances by: Ricky and the Buzzcatz, Julie Lyon Quartet and Beautiful Bobby Blackmon. Pack a picnic basket (with wine and cheese from The Cheese Shop on Park) and bring blanket or chairs.
Tickets on sale February 2, 2009. Tickets: $20.00 General Admission plus tax, $15.00 Garden Members plus tax (members may purchase up to 4 tickets at member prices per membership.) Tickets are limited, nonrefundable and nontransferable to other garden activities.
Purchase tickets at Leu Gardens’ Gift Shop every day from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm or by phone 407-246-2620 press 0 Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm until sold out, (except on February 13, 2009, phone orders will be taken until 1:00 pm, if available) with a MasterCard®, VISA®, or American Express®. No rain date. Free offsite parking and shuttles are available at Blue Jacket Park off General Rees from 6:00 pm until 10:30 pm.

Tuesday February 17 Morse Opens Exhibition on American Arts and Crafts - The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will open a new long-term exhibition from its collection featuring more than 50 decorative objects - including furniture, lamps and metalware - from the Arts & Crafts movement in America. For more information, visit www.morsemuseum.org.

Wednesday February 18 – Michael Phillips
William Blake scholar and expert on Blake’s printing process Michael Phillips presents “The Art and Craft of Reproducing William Blake’s ‘Songs of Innocence and Experience.’”2:30 p.m. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Thursday February 19, 5:30 - 7:30 pm Business After Hours Enzian Theater

Thursday February 19, 4:00 - 9:00 pm
Hannibal Square Sip & Stroll to benefit Go Red For Women
The American Heart Association cordially invites you to this special event. Treat yourself and help save lives. Enjoy refreshments from Hannibal Square restaurants while shopping in Hannibal Square boutiques, knowing that 10-percent of the proceeds will go to fight the #1 health threat for women, heart disease. Participating boutiques will donate 10-percent of the event's proceeds to Go Red For Women. Hannibal Square is located on W. New England Ave., between Pennsylvania Avenue, and New York Avenue. RSVP by February 16 and be entered to win a Hannibal Square Shopping Spree. RSVP to katie.tindell@heart.org or (321) 438-0183.

Friday & Saturday February 20 and 21 A Weekend of Rossini -The Bach Festival Society and Orlando Opera Company are performing two of famed Italian composer Gioachino Rossini's major works-his choral work, Stabat Mater, and his Cinderella opera, La Cenerentola-all in one weekend. In addition to seeing these two exciting works, learn more about Rossini the man and the importance of his music in a free lecture given by Dr. Edmund LeRoy, Saturday, February 21 at 6:00 pm in the Bush Auditorium on the Rollins College Campus. For more information regarding the upcoming season or to order tickets, please call the Bach Festival Society at (407) 646-2182 or visit us online at www.bachfestivalflorida.org.

Thursday February 26 – Martin EidelbergTiffany and American Arts Craft Movement scholar MartinEidelberg presents "Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls."6 p.m. Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College

A Taste of Italy Cheese and Wine Tasting

2009-01-09T13:20:00.005-05:00

A Taste of Italy Cheese & Wine Tasting
Thursday February 5, 2009 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
$20.00 in advance
$30.00 the day of event
Deadline for advance ticket sales is 7PM Wednesday February 4, 2009

To purchase tickets: Stop in The Cheese Shop on Park, Call (407) 644-7296 OR order online http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/events_education_and_private_functions

Experience Italy’s unique cheeses and wines. Italy’s cheese and wine are as distinctive as its geography – discover why through delicious cheese and wine pairings at this exquisite sampling of Italy’s finest.

No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses
Participants enjoy a 10% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during the event
This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating
Space is limited – these events sell out quickly - so get your tickets early!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-02T13:17:00.009-05:00

Cheers to a New Year!

2009 is upon us. The new year marks as well the one-year anniversary for The Cheese Shop on Park (January 8th is the actual date). Thus when answering the oddly frequent question 'You're new right?' or some variation thereof, we can proudly answer - No - we've be open for a year and we are here to stay.

Many heartfelt thanks goes out to all of our cheese-loving customers who have made this past year possible. 2008 will, for many Americans, be remembered as a year of struggle, uncertainty and a bit of heartache. But we are looking forward to a great 2009 and we are here to stay.

At The Cheese Shop on Park, we will remember our first year fondly. We will relish in our year-one triumphs, learn from and laugh at our mistakes and mishaps and smile broadly at the nay-sayers who predicted the worst. "Failure is not an option" is our canned answer to the equally odd, if not ill-mannered, question 'how's business?' We are here to stay.

Part of our job, as a "specialty store" is to perhaps assuage stresses, if only for a brief indulgence. One can encounter a new delicacy, or rediscover an old favourite from a time when travel and leisure were frequent and exotic cheeses abundant. "Affordable luxury" is a buzz phrase that The Cheese Shop on Park deliberately avoids. Good food is a necessity, and should not be relegated to the same luxury-only status as is your 4th pair of Christian Louboutins' or another shopping trip to Rue St. Honore. We believe that the food we eat - and particularly the cheese we eat - should taste good. It should be made by humans - not machines - and it should not harm the environment, the dairy animal's welfare or ourselves.

We constantly bring in new and exciting products. We listen to our customers. Many permenant members of our cheese inventory were acquired from customer's suggestions. Some develop an almost cult-like following, like the Norwegian Gjetost or the Dutch Gouda Truffle. Some elude us seasonally, like the handmade Harley goat cheeses with edible flowers from California. Yes the beautiful flowered cheeses will be back at The Cheese Shop on Park this Spring! And we will be here, we are here to stay.

So here's to a new year, to good food, good friends and fine wine. See you soon!

NEW ARRIVALS AND RECIPE SECTION

2008-12-03T17:28:00.004-05:00

Stilton Long Clawson DairyEngland $28.50 / LB
Long Clawson Dairy was founded in 1911 when 12 farmers from the Vale of Belvoir formed a co-operative to produce Stilton Cheese in the village of Long Clawson. Traditionally made rich taste and texture, tangy but balanced. Made with vegetarian rennent

Lemon White StiltonEngland $29.50 / LB
This unusual dessert cheese is made with vegetarian rennent and is dotted with candied lemon peel. It has no blue veining, is mild in flavour with a tangy, sweet lemon taste. Quite the conversation piece on a cheese tray!

Pear and Apple White StiltonEngland $27.50 / LB
Creamy White Stilton has been blended with succulent chunks of pear and apple to deliver a wonderful orchard flavour. Made with vegetarian rennent it has no blue veining.

Cranberry Wensleydale England $23.50/LB
Clean, mild, slightly sweet flavour with a honeyed aftertaste. The superb texture of fresh Wensleydale is perfectly complemented by the addition of all natural cranberries of the finest quality. Wensleydale with Cranberries is an innovative blend of flavours.

Fiscalini San Joaquin Gold California $25.00 / LB
We've had this one in before - but not recently. An American Original Farmstead Cheddar Cheese. In the European tradition of naming unique foods after the location where they were first produced the cheese is named after the rich San Joaquin Valley of California. Aged 16 months, nutty flavour and Parm-esque texture

The Farmstead Difference

We love Fiscalini Farms and Cheese Company. John Fiscalini's dream to make his own cheese started many years ago. After visiting Lionza, the small town in the Swiss Alps where his family originated, his cheese making plan came together. John envisioned the dairy and cheese facility that his forefathers established in the 1700's.

Picturing the cows grazing on the lush green grass of the mountainsides, he decided to continue the tradition of making a hand-crafted farmstead cheese. Aged Cheddar and Parmesan were selected as the cheeses that he wanted to make.

Fiscalini was among the first dairies in California to be certified by the Dairy Quality Assurance Program for environmental responsibility, and was the first dairy in the nation to be certified for compliance in animal welfare issues. Their cheeses are made with only natural products, using raw milk. They add no colors, preservatives, or other artificial ingredients. Fiscalini cheeses are made in an open vat, in small quantities, handcrafted the old-fashioned way. They do not pasteurize the milk, which allows for the wholesome, natural flavors of the fresh clean milk to be expressed in the cheese.

RECIPE SECTION

Comte Cheese Frittata Serves 4:
1 medium onion, sliced
Olive oil
8 eggs
1 cup milk
6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
Salt, cayenne and nutmeg to taste
6 ounces Comté cheese, grated (1 1/2 cups packed)
6 ounces quality ham, cubed
8 asparagus spears, steamed until tender

1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
2. Sautéthe sliced onion in olive oil until soft. Reserve.
3. Using a fork, beat the eggs with the milk. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, reserved onions, salt, cayenne and nutmeg to taste. Stir in the grated Comté and cubed ham and mix well.
4. In a medium oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the egg mixture and cook for a few minutes, until the bottom starts to set. Arrange the asparagus on top. Place the skillet inthe oven and cook until puffed and golden, 10-20 minutes.
This recipe is from the Comte Cheese Association

We'd like to hear from you!
Email us your favorite cheese recipes and you may be published in The Cheese Shop on Park BLOG BLAST. Remember - traditionally made cheeses only please!

Send your cheese recipes to:
recipes@thecheeseshoponpark.com

check out our website www.thecheeseshoponpark.com
and shop online!

Happy Holidays!

WE'RE OPEN THIS MONDAY

2008-11-20T12:37:00.004-05:00

For your Thanksgiving Holiday shopping convenience The Cheese Shop on Park will be open this coming Monday, November 24, 2008.

We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day - except for platter pick-ups scheduled by appointment only!

Have a Happy and Delicious Thanksgiving!!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.THECHEESESHOPONPARK.COM

EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS - and GREEN WINE??

2008-11-12T18:33:00.004-05:00

French Cheeses Arrive

En Français !

Bleu des Basques Brebis - France - $32.00 / LB Not our first sheep's milk blue (Roquefort is sheep) but this special artisan sheep’s milk blue cheese is made in the Pyrenées mountains, a region of the French Basque country. The lush hills are full of the wildflowers and fresh grass that give the milk its complexity, subtlety, and lightness. Enjoy wonderful combination of earthy spiciness and hints of apricot.

Munster Grand - France - $32.50 / LB We've had this one in before - but not recently. If you have not had a chance to try this alsatian delight you must. Forget what you know about sandwich Munster. Our Munster is a soft ripened, washed rind cheese with assertive rustic flavours that are earthy, rich and tangy. An “aromatic” cheese with much loved barnyard qualities. Ancient monastic roots dated back to the early Middle Ages.

Mimolette - France - $19.00 / LB Semi-hard dense cheese has a mild buttery, nutty, rich flavour, with a lingering taste of spice. The orange interior has a smooth texture while the outside is covered in a thin yellow-orange rind. This cheese provides a subtle fruity aroma.

Charouce - France - $15.00 / Each Named after the small town in France where it has been made since the early 14th century. While this cow's milk cheese is reminiscent of some of the most decadent triple crèmes, it is in fact only a double crème! Hints of mushrooms, creamy, smooth finish.

WHY THE FRENCH CHEESE REVIVAL ?

Besides touting the title of world's best cheese producing nation there is another significant reason we're focusing on France this month...

November is Beaujolais Nouveau Month.

You may be wondering (if not you will be now) Why on Earth has she switched to a green font to write about a red wine?

The answer: Beaujolais Nouveau is GOING GREEN this year!! Boisset, the second-largest maker of Beaujolais Nouveau - and the one with the really cool lables that you can find at The Cheese Shop on Park, is bottling its entire harvest in PET bottles that are "absolutely recyclable," said Patrick Egan, a spokesman for Boisset America. PET bottles also significantly reduces the carbon footprint.

Although some wine lovers may not like the idea of plastic bottles, Egan said it does not harm the wine. "It's not great for long-term aging. But for up to three years it protects the wine just as well as glass," he explained.

The green shipment is due to arrive in time for the wine's traditional third Thursday in November release. JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING!!

Stop in and pick up a bottle or two for the holiday - you'll love the wine and who wouldn't want to reduce the weight of their footprint this time of year?!

Wine Arrivals

2008-11-09T13:13:00.002-05:00

New wines have arrived! All delicious, all value priced!

Whites

Gala Rouge Chardonnay, France $11.00 Rich, full flavoured, green apples, citrus
Firestone Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley, California $10.00 Balanced and complex, crisp citrus, lemongrass.
Il Cuore Chardonnay, Mendocino County, California $11.00 Smooth flavours of pear, apple and spice. The original artwork for Il Cuore was created by Dan Rizzie, whose bold cubistic works are in the permanent collections of both The Metropolitan Museum and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Reds

Il Cuore Cabernet Sauvignon, California $12.00 A touch of Malbec, a bit of oak, black cherry, currant.
Aleph Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina $14.00 Unfiltered, elegant fruit and spice. Aged in French oak.
Brokenwood Cricket Pitch Red Blend, Australia $11.00 Rich, complex, everything you expect from a big Aussie.
Tango Cabernet Sauvignon, Argentina $26.00 - Love the Tango Syrah? Try a few steps her big sister Cabernet Sauvignon. Seductive notes of vanilla and chocolate, entwined with dry fruits. Aged in French oak.
Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Yakima Valley, Washinton $33.00 The wine is full bodied, complex, and round. The balance between tannins and fruit is excellent, and gives rise to a lingering finish that will leave you wanting another sip. Released in 2007 only 1822 cases were produced.

New Arrivals & Community Events

2008-11-01T12:41:00.013-04:00

NEW CHEESE

Saint Andre - France - $22.00 / LB. What's so new about Saint Andre? This one is cut to order. Imagine an entire 4 pound wheel of the soft ripened, amazingly rich triple cream. The larger wheel allows the creamy center to develop in a way the petit Andres' cannot. If you've never tasted Saint Andre stop in and give it a try. Made from fresh cow’s milk and enriched with pure cream. Bloomy white edible rind, soft creamy center. Its flavor is rich and buttery This sinful treat is perfectly paired with a dry champagne.

Halloumi - Greece - $13.50 / Each. Halloumi is the traditional cheese from Cyprus, and is one of the only cheeses in the world that does not melt when heated. Cut into half inch slices, fry in a small amount of butter until golden on each side and serve with eggs and toast for a Cypriot-style breakfast. Or cube, place on skewers, and grill until golden on all sides. - Opa!

Point Reyes Farmstead Original Blue - California - $24.00 / LB. Creamy with an elusive, salty flavor that is attributed to the coastal fog and briny breezes flushing around the pastureland from Tomales Bay. Aged for at least six months, giving the cheese plenty of time to develop its sea-blue veins and deep, luscious flavor.

NEW NOT CHEESE

Tiz the season to start thinking about.... gifts! The Cheese Shop on Park has many great gift ideas.

Dessert Fondue Pedestal Set

A dessert table renaissance, our Dessert Fondue Pedestal is the perfect piece de resistance of any intimate gathering. Sumptuously presented
in a glamourous hatbox,

The set includes the pedestal, sauce bowl, tealight and four serving forks. Paired with your choice of Enrobing Sweet Sauces, our pedestal creates a sublime presentation with fruits, brownies and sweet pastries for dipping. $50.00

Brie Baker

Peek under the lid of this subtle earthenware-esque warming pot to discover, nestled within, luxuriously creamy warm Brie softly mingling with sinfully delicious Tart Cherry and Almond fruit compote. Destined to be the new object of desire at parties across the continent this creamy double handled pot includes a lid and bamboo spreader. Our Brie baker comes in a circular faux-wood box resembling a traditional Brie cheese wheel that is a stunning gift with or without wrapping paper.

And of course, The Cheese Shop on Park has the perfect little wheel of triple creme brie to fit inside your new brie baker.
Brie Baker - $22.00
Triple Cream Brie - $14.00

COMING SOON - SHOP ONLINE!

Community Events Calendar

NOVEMBER

PARK AVENUE FASHION WEEK PAFW08

November 8 - November 13

For more information or to purchase ticketsclick here FASHION WEEK INFO

POPCORN FLICKS FEATURING "LABYRINTH"

Thursday November 13, 2008 - 7pm - 9pm

FREE in Central Park one block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. Presented by the Enzian Theatre.

Tour the Town Fundraising Auction to benefit Winter Park Chamber Cares

Friday, November 14, 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center in Winter Park and TASTE signature drinks and appetizers from local restaurants SEE fabulous auction items, and bid on your favorite auction itemHEAR live entertainment by The Redcoats!

Tickets: $40 for members, $45 for non-members and at the door. $5 from every ticket sold will benefit the UCF College of Medicine Scholarship Fund, via the Chamber Cares program.

FALL JAZZ STROLL AT LEU GARDENS

Saturday, November 15 from 7:00pm - 10:00 pm

Gardens will close at 3:00 pm Garden House will open at 6:00 pm for Will Call.

Candlelit walks will illuminate the paths under a starry Florida sky to some of Central Florida's best jazz & blues musicians: Dr. Otto Gomez Group, Saxophonist Erly Thornton and Matt "the saxman" with Cornucopia.Stop at The Cheese Shop on Park for your wine and cheese supplies and bring a blanket or chairs to this amazing outdoor concert in Orlando's most beautiful garden.

Tickets on sale Monday, November 3, 2008.

Tickets: $17.00 General Admission plus tax, $13.00 Garden Members plus tax (members may purchase up to 4 tickets at member prices)

Purchase tickets at Leu Gardens' Gift Shop every day from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm or by phone 407-246-2620 press 0 Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm until sold out, (except on November 14, 2008, phone orders will be taken until 1:00 pm, if available) with a MasterCard®, VISA®, or American Express®. No rain date. Free offsite parking and shuttles are available at Blue Jacket Park off General Rees from 6:00 pm until 10:30 pm

Yonetani at the Polasek

Sunday November 23, 2008

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens presents the first of three classical masterworks performances featuring violin soloist Ayako Yonetani. Held in the elegant Salon of the Polasek Residence, concert-goers experience acoustic perfection in an intimate setting. Tickets are $50 per concert. Refreshments served following performance. Sponsored by Michael J. Aimee Rusinko Kakos Fund of the Westmoreland Community Foundation, PA.

DECEMBER

30th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Thursday December 4, 2008 6pm - 8pm

FREE lighting of century-old Tiffany windows. Central park

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY and HOLIDAY STROLL

Friday December 5, 2008 5pm

FREE

POPCORN FLICKS FEATURING "GREMLINS"

Friday December 5, 2008 7pm - 8pm

FREE in Central Park one block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. Presented by the Enzian Theatre.

10th ANNUAL LEADERSHIP WINTER PARK PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday December 6, 2008 7am - 11am

Central Park Main Stage - 407-644-8281

56th ANNUAL WINTER PARK CHRISTMAS PARADE

Saturday December 6, 2008 9am

FREE on Park Avenue

5th ANNUAL WINTER PARK BOAT PARADE AND FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Saturday December 13, 2008

FREE Lakes Osceola and Virginia 407-647-6294

HANUKAH IN THE PARK

Sunday December 21, 2008 5pm

FREE in Central Park presented by Chabbad of Greater Orlando

CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

Wednesday December 24, 2008 9:30am - 5pm

FREE at the Morse museum one block North of The Cheese Shop on Park

Please note: the Events Calendar is for informational purposes only and does not mean that The Cheese Shop on Park is necessarily sponsoring or participating in the mentioned events

NEWS FROM THE CHEESE SHOP

2008-10-20T17:57:00.002-04:00

Rollins College 9th annual Halloween HowlSaturday, November 01, 20082:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Halloween Howl is a fun and safe daytime event for the whole family. Some of the "spooky" activities include a costume contest, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, arts and crafts activities and carnival games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Children have the opportunity to get a head start on trick-or-treating throughout the residence halls and tour haunted houses created by Rollins student organizations.Location: Mills Lawn at Rollins CollegeCost: FREEContact: 407-646-2203

Seventh Annual2008 Winter Park Concours d'EleganceSunday, November 2, 2008
10:00am - 5:00pm - Open Viewing3:30pm - Awards Ceremony
For automotive enthusiasts, the Sunday Concours will be the moment they have all been waiting for. Over 200 rare & exotic automobiles and motorcycles will be placed for display and judging on Park Avenue.

This year's honor marque will be Aston Martin, Jaguar and Austin Healey. Other notable marques are Mercedes Benz, MG , Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Morgan, Triumph, Porsche, Lamborghini, Lotus, and Volvo with special exhibits of original Hot Rods, American Muscle Cars, Classic Corvettes, American Classics, Audi and BMW. In addition, any rare, unusual, limited production, exotic cars will be considered for the Special Interest Class.

Date Night at Leu Gardens watch the movie Dirty DancingFriday, November 7Gardens open at 6:00 pm Movie time at 8:30 pmWeather Permitting
Stop in The Cheese Shop on Park for your wine and cheese picnic supplies and enjoy an evening with an outdoor movie in a beautiful gardens setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs along with their picnic basket. Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door. Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida.

PARK AVENUE
FASHION WEEKPAFW08November 8 - November 13
For more information or to purchase tickets
click here FASHION WEEK INFO

Winter Park: Tour the Town
Fundraising Auction to benefit "Chamber Cares"Friday, November 14, 7:00 - 10:00 pm

Join the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center in Winter Park and TASTE signature drinks and appetizers from local restaurants SEE fabulous auction items, and bid on your favorite auction itemHEAR live entertainment by The Redcoats! Tickets: $40 for members, $45 for non-members and at the door$5 from every ticket sold will benefit the UCF College of Medicine Scholarship Fund, via the Chamber Cares program.

FALL JAZZ STROLL AT LEU GARDENS Saturday, November 157:00 - 10:00 pm
Gardens will close at 3:00 pmGarden House will open at 6:00 pm for Will Call.

Candlelit walks will illuminate the paths under a starry Florida sky to some of Central Florida's best jazz & blues musicians: Dr. Otto Gomez Group, Saxophonist Erly Thornton and Matt "the saxman" with Cornucopia.

Stop at The Cheese Shop on Park for your wine and cheese supplies and bring a blanket or chairs to this amazing outdoor concert in Orlando's most beautiful garden.

Tickets on sale Monday, November 3, 2008.Tickets: $17.00 General Admission plus tax, $13.00 Garden Members plus tax (members may purchase up to 4 tickets at member prices)

Purchase tickets at Leu Gardens' Gift Shop every day from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm or by phone 407-246-2620 press 0 Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm until sold out, (except on November 14, 2008, phone orders will be taken until 1:00 pm, if available) with a MasterCard®, VISA®, or American Express®. No rain date. Free offsite parking and shuttles are available at Blue Jacket Park off General Rees from 6:00 pm until 10:30 pm

Please note: the Events Calendar is for informational purposes only and does not mean that The Cheese Shop on Park is necessarily sponsoring or participating in the mentioned events

New Arrivals and Community Happenings

2008-09-22T12:43:00.006-04:00

New Arrivals

Cambozola Blue - Germany $20.00 / LB - This triple crème blue cheese hails from Bavaria and is known as a marriage of Camembert and Gorgonzola (hence the name). Mild and creamy it has a white mold “bloomy” rind.

Coach Farm Aged Goat Cheese with Green Peppercorns - ARRIVES THIS THURSDAY - Coach's full flavoured goat cheese with green peppercorns dotted throughout... what could be yummier! Check it out on Thursday this week.

QUESTION FOR YOU...

What happens when a Salami falls in love with a Wine ?

ANSWER

Volpi Wine Salami - Chianti or Pinot Grigio $9.00 / Each. The unique, old world style of Volpi’s Pinot Grigio and Chianti Wine Salami are among the most authentic and innovative products in today’s world of charcuterie. Made with all natural fresh pork, traditional spices and infused with high quality Pinot Grigio and Chianti wines from Italy, Volpi Wine Salami are dry-cured and aged to perfection.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR
Saturday, September 27, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

W.O.W. Women International & Love In Action Invites you to enjoy this event which includes health workshops such as Eating Yourself back to Health by Carolyn Thomas & Sculpting the Body of your Dreams. Event will include Free Testing! Free Food! Give-a-ways! Special Thanks to our Partners Love In Action, Wellcare & HealthEase, Stay Well, Winter Park Community Center, Advantica Eyecare, Center for Drug Free Living CENTAUR, Saving Young Hearts, Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention, Hope and Help Inc, Orange County Health Dept, Cornerstone Pregnancy Center, & Orange County Library Systems.
Location: Winter Park Community Center Annex, 721 West New England Avenue
Cost: FREE

DATE NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS - Featuring the movie "GHOST"
Friday, October 3
Gardens open at 6:00 pm Movie time at 8:30 pm
Weather Permitting

Pick up your cheese and wine at The Cheese Shop on Park and enjoy an evening with an outdoor movie in a beautiful gardens setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and dinner picnic basket. Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door. Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida.

POPCORN FLICKS IN CENTRAL PARK - Featuring the movie "Young Frankenstein"
Thursday, October 09, 2008
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Pick up your wine and cheese at The Cheese Shop on Park and enjoy this free movie presented by the City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater. An affectionate parody that pays homage to the FRANKENSTEIN films (from the novel FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley) directed by James Whale in the 1930s, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is both a zany comedy and a cinematic tour de force.
Central Park in Downtown Winter Park - one block south of The Cheese Shop on Park
Cost: FREE

35th ANNUAL WINTER PARK AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL

Saturday October 11 through Sunday October 12 9am - 5pm each day

Located in Central Park on Park Avenue, 1 block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. FREE Community oriented juried art show with a 35-year tradition.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

AND “Trick or Treat on Park Avenue”

Saturday October 25, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m - In Central Park on Park Avenue 1 block South of The Cheese Shop on Park.

The festival will be filled with exciting events and activities for the entire family to enjoy including interactive inflatables, a children’s costume parade, old-fashioned hay rides, pumpkin patch in the park, art workshops by Crealde School of Art, cookie decorating by Young Chefs Academy, reptile petting zoo by Zoo Mom Science, swimming pool safety tips, and hilarious entertainment on the main stage provided by The Outer Toons. Winter Park Police and Fire-Rescue departments will offer valuable fire-safety programs, bicycle safety tips, and free candy and trick-or-treat bags.

Patrons are invited to enjoy free popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs and beverages, they are also strongly encouraged to donate school supplies for the Week of the Family “Tools for Schools” school supply drive in support of Orange County Public Schools. Donations will be accepted at the information booth. For a complete list of requested items, please visit the Week of the Family Web site.

Don’t miss “Trick or Treat on Park Avenue” as local merchants welcome children with special treats at each storefront between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

GOURMET MARKET NEWS

2008-09-13T14:44:00.015-04:00

New Gourmet Arrivals

There are lots of new additions to The Cheese Shop on Park's gourmet market selection - including some much needed new shelving to accommodate all the delicious gourmet products.

GOURMET BREAD AND BAKING MIXES

Monkey Bread Mix -Banana Chocolate Chip - You'll go ape over our new Monkey Bread Mix from Lollipop Tree. Organic and all natural, made with a bunch of bananas and a troupe of chocolate chips. - Easy to make - just mix roll and bake. A portion of the proceeds is donated by Lollipop Tree to Heifer Project International a nonprofit organization whose mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth.

Organic Popovers Baking Mix - Our Organic Popovers pop out of your oven high, steamy and scrumptious to easily transform any meal into a gourmet feast.

Pumpkin Bread Mix - Celebrate the harvest season (never mind what the thermometer reads!) with this all natural, wonderfully moist bread that combines a traditional blend of spices and rich golden pumpkin. Delicious served warm with a schmeer of Coach Farm's Fresh Goat Cheese.

Scone Mixes - Traditional Cream Scone Mix or Lemon Poppy Seed Scone Mix. Both are a light, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Try the Traditional Cream Scones with a dab of Pomegranate Pepper Jelly. The Lemon Poppy Seed Scones are bursting with the taste of fresh picked lemons and sprinkled with poppy seeds and crystallized lemon peel. Delicious with Coach Farm's Triple Cream Aged Goat Cheese.

GLOBALLY INSPIRED DRIED SOUP MIXES

Healthy Meals for Happy People - Frontier Soups brings globally-inspired, healthy cuisine to your table quickly.

Far East Ginger Beef Bowl Mix - The balancing of ingredients and harmonies of colours, tastes and textures that are principles of Asian cuisine are present in this dish. Add grilled skirt steak for a 30-minute preparation and a pleasing meal for two to three. Gluten Free

Italian Wedding Soup Mix - Tiny meatballs are the hallmark of authentic Italian Wedding soup, perhaps because the first ingredient of marriage is patience. This mix marries essential Italian seasonings for warm hearts and full bellies. Serves two to three in 45 minutes.

Chicago Bistro FRENCH ONION Soup Mix - With black beluga lentils and sliced onion in the mix, this soup is rich, robust and luscious - Of course, you know, the Cheese Mongers here at The Cheese Shop on Park have the perfect Cave Aged Gruyere Cheese to top your soup. Gluten Free

"I'LL BRING THE SALAD" PASTA MIXES

Fresh salads for warm afternoons meals or mouth-watering hot pasta dishes to warm up the eminent cooler evenings on the way. Seasonal recipes on each package provide cold or hot versions.

Country French Pasta Salad Mix - Cavatappi Pasta, tarragon, lemon pepper, tres Provencal!

Pesto Italian Pasta Salad Mix - Orrechiette pasta and Italian seasonings. Sprinkle with our handcut Parmigiano Reggiano and Viva la Roma!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Mix - Gemelli pasta with Greek seasonings, add chicken and of course The Cheese Shop on Park's killer Mt. Vikos Feta. Ela!

Sesame Asian Pasta Salad Mix - A tantalizing Radiatorre pasta, Asian spices and soy sauce vinaigrette salad. Toss in steak or shrimp and baby spinach. Delicious!

AUTUMN GIFT BASKETS - The latest trend in corporate client gift giving.

Fact: Hundreds of corporate gift baskets are delivered during the Christmas Holiday season.

Don’t let your client gifts get lost in the December overload. Send an Autumn Gift Basket in November.

What better way to thank your clients than with a Thanksgiving or Autumn Gourmet Gift Basket? Unique, memorable and sure to be appreciated. Local delivery available to business addresses only. Call for details (407) 644-7296.

NEW ARRIVALS & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

2008-09-04T17:17:00.005-04:00

New Arrivals at The Cheese Shop on Park

Bijou - Vermont Butter & Cheese Company - $5.50 / Each - French-style crottin this fresh ripened “chevre chaud” cheese is very smooth and creamy with notes of flowers, hazelnuts and yeast and a fresh distinct goat’s milk flavour. Incidentally - "chevre chaud" literally translates as hot goat cheese. Chevre Chaud is a traditional French dish, consisting of goat cheese (or chevre) served hot. It is usually made by broiling the cheese on open face french bread, and is often served with a green salad. - très bon!

Coach Farm Stick Aged Goat Cheese - New York - $14.00 / Each - Made with vegetarian rennet this aged goat cheese is stronger in flavour than fresh chevre with a firm paste and a delightful, edible bloomy rind.

Speaking of Coach Farm - The FRESH BUTTONS are back in stock - $4.50 / Each but hurry - these little yummies don't stay in stock long!

Morbier, Raw Milk - France - $20.50 / LB - We finally got our little Cheese Monger hands on a wheel of raw milk Morbier. Like it's pasteurized counterpart - only better - this is an aromatic, mild French cow's milk cheese defined by the dark vein of vegetable ash through the middle. The wheel is washed by hand, forming a rind to protect the rich, creamy interior and create a delectably pungent aroma.

New NOT Cheese

Prosciutto di Parma - Parma, Italy - $12.50 / Each - YES!! One of the earliest references to ham production in Parma appeared about 100 B.C. in the writings of Cato. Prosciutto di Parma typically has a rich, sweet-salty fragrance and flavour. Pigs used to make this famed delicacy are fed the whey from Parmigiano Reggiano. This one is sliced soooo thin - 8 slices to a pack or about 1/4lb (OK don't do the per-pound math, but trust us it IS worth every penny!!)

Hot Sopressata Salami - St. Louis - $8.50 / Each - From Volpi Italian Meats. This recipe originated in the Veneto region of Italy and was brought to St. Louis by John Volpi in 1902. Slowly air dried, this spicy salami is great with robust red wine, mild cheeses (try it with Taleggio) and a wide variety of crackers and breads. It is delizioso!

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

DATE NIGHT AT LEU GARDENS

The Legend of Zorro Friday, September 5

Gardens open at 6:00 pm Movie time at 8:30 pm Weather Permitting

Bring cheese and wine for two - or call ahead (407-644-7296) for our GOURMET SANDWICH WRAPS (menu below) from The Cheese Shop on Park and enjoy a romantic movie in a beautiful gardens setting. Patrons may bring a blanket or chairs and picnic basket. Garden Admission is $7.00 plus tax adult and $2.00 plus tax child; Garden Members receive free admission on all Date Nights. Admission is collected at the door. Sponsored by Women in Film & Television Florida

35th annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival
Saturday October 11 through Sunday October 12 9am - 5pm each day.
Located in Central Park on Park Avenue, 1 block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. FREE Community oriented juried art show with a 35-year tradition.

Family Fall Festival in The Park AND “Trick or Treat on Park Avenue”
CITY OF WINTER PARK PRESENTS 5TH ANNUAL FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL
In The Park Saturday October 25, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m - 1 block South of The Cheese Shop on Park. The festival will be filled with exciting events and activities for the entire family to enjoy including interactive inflatables, a children’s costume parade, old-fashioned hay rides, pumpkin patch in the park, art workshops by Crealde School of Art, cookie decorating by Young Chefs Academy, reptile petting zoo by Zoo Mom Science, swimming pool safety tips, and hilarious entertainment on the main stage provided by The Outer Toons.

Winter Park Police and Fire-Rescue departments will offer valuable fire-safety programs, bicycle safety tips, and free candy and trick-or-treat bags. The Winter Park Health Foundation will also be on site to help families establish a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, smart recipes and healthy activities.

Patrons are invited to enjoy free popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, hot dogs and beverages, they are also strongly encouraged to donate school supplies for the Week of the Family “Tools for Schools” school supply drive in support of Orange County Public Schools. Donations will be accepted at the information booth. For a complete list of requested items, please visit the Week of the Family Web site listed below.

Don’t miss “Trick or Treat on Park Avenue” as local merchants welcome children with special treats at each storefront between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

GOURMET SANDWICH WRAP MENU

Salmon Pâté & Chevre $8.50
All natural smoked salmon pâté paired with fresh goat cheese, wrapped with mixed greens. Uncomplicated and simply delicious

The Gorgonzola Waldorf $7.50
The Cheese Shop On Park’s rendition of this timeless classic Creamy Italian Gorgonzola cheese, delicious prosciutto ham, walnuts, wrapped with crisp apples and cool celery - delightful

Chevre & Roasted Red Pepper $7.50
Goat cheese on mixed greens paired with roasted red peppers topped with walnuts and drizzled with raspberry walnut vinaigrette Add chicken or prosciutto for $2.00

Italian Provolone & Chicken $8.00
Italian Provolone cheese, paired with grilled & chilled roasted white meat chicken topped with sundried tomatoes, wrapped with mixed greens drizzled with balsamic and olive oil dressing

Cool Dutch with a Southwest Flair – Steak or Chicken $9.00
Your choice of southwest style steak or chicken grilled & chilled Dutch Leyden cheese (the one with cumin seeds) mingled with a creamy sweet onion vinaigrette, wrapped with fresh greens, topped with crispy onions – Bedankt!

Turkey Portland Pomegranate $8.50
All white meat Turkey breast strips grilled & chilled and dressed with our sweet-n-spicy Pomegranate Pepper Jelly, wrapped with mixed greens, paired with Appenzeller Swiss. Healthy, delicious and you can take home a jar of the “Aloha From Oregon” Pomegranate Pepper Jelly & some Appenzeller

2008 BEST GOURMET GROCERY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA

2008-08-24T10:52:00.004-04:00

The results are in!

Thanks to all our dedicated customers, and everyone who voted The Cheese Shop on Park is the Best Gourmet Grocery on WESH 2's "A" List 2008! We sincerely appreciate all the support and encouragement we have received from the community and our customers these first 7 months and we are looking forward to many many more.

NEW Cheese of the Month Club

2008-08-20T17:46:00.003-04:00

The Cheese Shop on Park
Cheese of the Month Club

Three, Six or Twelve months Membership Programs - Pick up or local delivery

Give the gift of Gourmet Cheese to someone special or enjoy this exclusive club yourself. Delicious!

Call to order (407) 644-7296

The perfect way to explore new and exciting cheeses from around the world. Each month the Cheese Mongers will select three gourmet cheeses that can be delivered locally as a gift delivered locally to your home or office or reserved for you to pick up at The Cheese Shop on Park. Enjoy additional Cheese of the Month Club Member benefits such as Reserve List Cheese selections and in store discounts.

For full details visit our web page
http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/cheese_of_the_month_club

The Traveling Cheese Monger

2008-08-16T12:46:00.003-04:00

Have Cheese Board Will Travel.

The Cheese Shop on Park will have a Cheese Monger out-and-about this week at the following events - with delicious cheese samples and other gourmet fare in tow of course!

Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours
Thursday, August 21, 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Help celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Winter Park Welcome Center!

Join us at the Winter Park Welcome Center for a special Business After Hours.
Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Brio Tuscan Grille, GrinCorp Catering, The Cheese Shop on Park, and Orlando Brewing.

Cost is $5.00 for Chamber members, $15 for non-members.
Bring business cards for networking and for a chance to win a door prize. Drawing will be held at 6:30 pm.

151 W. Lyman Avenue in Winter Park (parking available at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market and City Hall.)

AND

Dog Days of Summer Wine Tasting at Bullfish!
Friday, August 22nd 5:00-8:00PM
Bullfish 102 North Park Avenue (on the corner of Morse & Park)

Tickets: $15 in advance$20 day of the event. To purchase tickets or for more information call Bullfish at 407 644 2969 - Tell 'em The Cheese Shop on Park sent you!

Join us for Wine Tastings, Gourmet Cheeses, and Hors D’oeuvres and desserts at the 2'nd Annual Dog Days of Summer Wine Tasting.

A benefit for the Sebastian Haul Foundation. We have assisted more than 36 greyhounds to date. Our goal is to assist more than 100 dogs by the end of the year. Our goal for 2009 is to assist more than 200 dogs. To purchase tickets or for more information call Bullfish at 407 644 2969 - let them know The Cheese Shop on Park sent you!

Both events will be delicious and lots of fun - hope to see you there!

Congratulations Coach Farm Goat Cheese! & New Arrivals

2008-08-01T12:03:00.007-04:00

Coach Farm's Triple Cream Wheel wins the Gold at the 2008 Summer Fancy Food Show

Coach Farm has been recognized once again for its fine line of goat cheeses. A national panel of specialty food experts named Coach Farm's Triple Cream Wheel "Outstanding Cheese or Dairy product" at the 2008 sofi awards, part of the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) Summer Fancy Food Show.

Since being first introduced more than twenty years ago, Coach Farm cheeses have consistently won awards and honors at competitions across the country.

We just received a wheel of their delicious Triple Cream Goat Cheese ! $39.50 / LB

OTHER NEW ARRIVALS

Coach Farm Fresh Goat Buttons $4.50 / Each
Coach Farm Aged Goat Sticks $14.00 / Each or $7.50 for half

Saint Marcellin is back - from France $7.50 / Each - A supple cow's milk cheese from Southern France. Soft creamy texture, mushroom aroma and an earthy, buttery flavour. Pairs with Syrah and Champagne.

Esrom - Denmark - $15.00 / LB - This was a customer request, and rather difficult to find, but it is well worth the research! The flavour is quite rich and "aromatic" with a lingering, bitter-in-a-good-way finish. Invented in the 1930's and was for a time named "Danish Port Salut." In fact Esrom is a much more interesting cheese than Port Salut - Come in and taste the difference!

The WESH 2 Polls for "Best Gourmet Grocery" close on Friday
PLEASE VOTE FOR THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

We invite you to please take a moment and vote for The Cheese Shop On Park in WESH 2 / CW18 A-List 2008 for Best Gourmet Grocery.
Please click the following link to cast your vote!http://wesh.cityvoter.com/the-cheese-shop-on-park/biz/87151

Thank you for all of your support!

CHEESE AND WINE TASTING - AUGUST 14, 2008

2008-07-24T13:52:00.005-04:00

The Cheese Shop on Park Presents:

The Magnificent Mediterranean
Cheese and Wine Tasting Social

Thursday August 14, 2008 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
329 Park Avenue North, Suite 102
$20.00 in advance
$30.00 the day of event
Stop in The Cheese Shop On Park to purchase tickets or call (407) 644-7296
Deadline for advance ticket sales is 7PM Wednesday August 13, 2008

Experience the Mediterranean’s enticing and often mysterious cheeses. Your tour begins in Italy, meanders through the Greek Isles then journeys west for a taste of Spain. Expertly paired with the appropriate wine or beverage and gourmet accoutrements – an evening of affordable luxury!

No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses
Participants enjoy a 10% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during the event
This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating
Space is limited so get your tickets early!

NEW WINE and BEER NOTABLES

2008-07-13T11:13:00.004-04:00

New Wines

VillaGolf 'Hole In One' - Maule Valley, Chile $14.00 - We just received the Merlot and the Chardonnay of this Chilean wine maker.

My tasting notes for the Merlot are dry, plums, berries, tobacco, vanilla, and oak. If you think of Merlot as the sweet, restaurant "house wine" this wine will change your mind.

The Chardonnay is very fresh on the palate, tropical fruit, pineapple with hints of peach - a great summer Chard.

Ca' Donini Merlot, Italy $12.00 This is a great - ready to drink Merlot. Aromas of berries, mouthfilling palate of cherry and dried plum and at just $12.00 a bottle you really can't go wrong.

Tango Real Syrah, Argentina $14.00 Argentinians created the Tango, a dance that is sexy, mysterious, something to be shared and savored. This 100% Syrah is as seductive as its namesake dance, dry fruits on the nose that lead to a harmony of soft tannins, exotic truffles and black cherries on the palate.

New Brew

I don't talk about our beers as often as I do wine - but not for lack of love I must say!

Ayinger Celebrator Dopplebock, Germany $12.50 / 4-pack This dark reddish-brown dopplebock looks like cola in a clear glass. At 7.5% ABV the taste is deep barley, bitter (in a good way) and very complex malts. The character of southern German doppelbocks is derived from hard water that is low in salts; blends of dark malt from Bavarian barley varieties noted for giving a strong, malty flavor; and aroma hops from the local Hallertau district.

Just News

We will be closed this coming Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - reopening normal time on Wednesday at 10AM.

Best Gourmet Grocery

For our trusty cheese lovers who have already cast a vote for the Best Gourmet Grocery in WESH 2's A-List 2008 - Thank you! We are in the lead!!

The polls are open until August 8th so if you have not yet voted:

We invite you to please take a moment and vote for The Cheese Shop On Park in WESH 2 / CW18 A-List 2008 for Best Gourmet Grocery.

Please click the following link to cast your vote!http://wesh.cityvoter.com/the-cheese-shop-on-park/biz/87151

Thank you for all of your support. See you soon!

6 MONTHS AND COUNTING!!

2008-07-02T15:27:00.010-04:00

July 8th marks our 6-month anniversary!! I know, as Alan would say, it is not an anniversary until you are counting years but 6 months is still a milestone.

A warm and sincere thank you to all of our supporters and loyal regulars. We've had several customers thank us for giving them an "affordable luxury" during these tough economic times. We appreciate the community that has embraced The Cheese Shop On Park and look forward to many new wheels of delicious handmade cheese.

CHEESE AND WINE TASTING EVENT

Counting Sheep Thursday July 17, 2008 6:30PM - 8PM Tickets are $20.00 in advance $30.00 the day of the event. Advance ticket sales end 7PM Wednesday July 16th.

Sample and compare sheep’s milk cheeses, fresh and aged from all over the world, expertly paired with the appropriate wine or beverage and gourmet accoutrements.

No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses. Participants enjoy a 10% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during the Counting Sheep event. This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating. Space is limited get your tickets early!

NEW ARRIVALS

Reduced Fat Goat Cheese Spreads - $7.50 From Coach Farms in New York. The cheese maker uses their Grade "A" goat's milk and skims part of the fat off to make these delicious, fresh and fluffy spreads (fluffy is a technical term). Featuring Tomato Garlic, and Herbs de Provence.

2-Year Pecorino Romano Locatelli - $18.50 / LB, Italy. Sheep's milk cheese aged for at least 2 years in Tuscany, the Locatelli Pecorino Romano is considered one of the best in the world. Not as salty as other Pecorinos it is great in cooking because when it melts it does not become stringy.

Pyrénées Vache - $19.00 / LB, France. Semi-soft aged cow’s milk cheese from Montsegur. The soft melt-in your-mouth paste starts out mild and finishes with a lingering earthy tang.

Drunken Goat - $21.50 / LB, Spain. Semi-soft aged goat cheese, bathed in red wine to perfection. Mild goat flavour that lingers on the palate with a distinctive vino finish.

NEW NOT-CHEESE

Fig & Marcona Almond Cake - $12.00 / Each, Spain. Made with the most select figs, world famous Marcona Almonds, honey and wild growing spices of Extremadura. Traditional energy bar of Spain, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Handcraft made without additives or preservatives following a 200 years old family recipe.

Trail Mix Martha’s Vineyard Blend - $6.50 / HALF LB, Need a quick pick-me-up?Almonds, Pistacios, Dried Cherries, Raisins and Dried Cranberries are reminiscent of long, sea-sprayed afternoons exploring Martha’s Vineyard; Alley’s trail mix in tow! All natural – made in the USA lightly sea salted.

Lipton Tea - Diet Green Tea & Citrus OR White Tea with Raspberry - $2.00 / Each

SandwichWraps! Salmon Pâté & Chevre· Gorgonzola Waldorf· Goat Cheese & Red Pepper· Italian Provolone & Chicken

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

We invite you to please take a moment and vote for The Cheese Shop On Park in WESH 2 / CW18 A-List 2008 for Best Gourmet Grocery.
Please click the following link to cast your vote!http://wesh.cityvoter.com/the-cheese-shop-on-park/biz/87151

NEW: Free Wine Tasting Wednesdays 5PM - 7PM - Sample wine while you shop and enjoy a 10% discount on featured wines!

LUNCH WRAPS AT THE CHEESE SHOP

2008-06-26T14:45:00.002-04:00

You asked, we listened

Beginning Tuesday July 1st The Cheese Shop on Park

Is Doing

Lunch Wraps!

· Salmon Pâté & Chevre
· Gorgonzola Waldorf
· Goat Cheese & Red Pepper
· Italian Provolone & Chicken

Comes with chips

Begins July 1st

PLEASE VOTE FOR THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

2008-06-25T16:24:00.003-04:00

The Cheese Shop On Park is competing in Orlando's WESH 2 "A" List for Best Gourmet Grocery. Please click here to register and vote - it only takes a moment. http://wesh.cityvoter.com/the-cheese-shop-on-park/biz/87151

Thank you to everyone who has voted for us so far - we are currently in the lead!! We owe it to our loyal customers who have been so supportive over the past 5 months. The contest goes until August, we'll be sure to post the results.

WE'RE CLOSED THIS TUESDAY JUNE 24th FOR "M.H." DAY

2008-06-22T10:16:00.001-04:00

We will be closed this Tuesday, June 24th, 2008. (we're always closed on Mondays) so we'll see you on Wednesday!

FATHER'S DAY IS JUNE 15TH

2008-06-08T12:53:00.005-04:00

Give Dad something really unique for Father's Day this year - Gourmet Cheese

The Cheese Mongers can help you put together a deliciously special cheese selection. Try a regional selection from France, Italy, Spain, or even the USA. Does Dad love blue cheese ? We have a dozen to choose from - even one from Australia ! (The Roaring 40's Blue).

Custom made Gourmet Gift Baskets are available to complete your selection with everything from select wines and specialty beers to Spanish or Greek olives, raw organic honey (delicious on Goat Cheese), exotic pepper jellies, gourmet crackers and of course our imported meats and pates.

Gift certificates are also available, or give Dad tickets to one of our upcoming Cheese and Wine Tasting Events. The next one is Get Your Goat on Thursday June 19th from 6:30PM - 8:00PM and July's event is Thursday July 17, 2008. Tickets are available at The Cheese Shop On Park or over the phone (407) 644-7296.

GET YOUR GOAT CHEESE AND WINE TASTING

2008-05-29T14:47:00.003-04:00

GET YOUR GOAT
When: Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:30pm - 8:00PM
Where: The Cheese Shop On Park 329 Park Avenue North
How Much: Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $30.00 the day of the event. Tickets are available for purchase in The Cheese Shop On Park or by phone with a credit card (407) 644-7296 - please DO NOT leave your credit card info on our voicemail - if you leave a message we will call you back.

GET YOUR GOAT - What to expect
Sample and compare goat cheeses, fresh and aged from all over the world paired with the appropriate wine and gourmet accoutrements
No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses
Participants enjoy a 15% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during Get Your Goat and 10% off everything else in the shop
This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating
Space is limited so get your tickets early! Our previous event sold out.
Advance ticket sales end at 7PM the day before the event - Wednesday June 18, 2008 See our website for our cancellation policy www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/events

WE WILL BE CLOSED THIS TUESDAY MAY 27, 2008

2008-05-25T14:33:00.002-04:00

The Cheese Shop On Park will be closed Tuesday May 27, 2008 for the Memorial Day Holiday (we're always closed on Mondays) so your resident Cheese Mongers can enjoy a long weekend.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!

We'll see you on Wednesday

NEW ARRIVALS

2008-05-25T10:01:00.004-04:00

NEW CHEESE

Cambozola Blue Brie - Germany $20.00 / LB - We've had many customers request this cheese and we finally got our hands on a lovely wheel. The cheese maker describes it as a cross between Camembert and Gorgonzola (hence the name) but it is indeed a triple creme brie that is infused with blue mold. It has a white bloomy rind, like a brie, and is smooth, buttery and VERY creamy - rather mild in the blue department, but the flavour is tangy enough to satisfy any blue lover.

Coach Farms Fresh Chevre - Pine Plains, New York $4.50 / Each - We debuted this little fresh goat cheese Wednesday night at our Anthology of American Artisan Cheese tasting event (huge success - see below for more on the event) Coach Farm is located in a small Hudson Valley village, just two hours outside of New York City. They have over 900 French Alpine dairy goats, born and raised on their farm. The small, white-tiled creamery where they make their cheeses connects directly to the milking parlor.

Green Peppercorn Aged Chevre - Pine Plains, New York $31.50 / LB - Our second Anthology debut, From the folks at Coach Farms again, this is their aged goat cheese that they laced with… green peppercorns. Aged goat cheese is stronger than fresh chevre, and the spicy little tidbits throughout the cheese give it a very unique, delicious surprise in each bite.

Wine Pairing: Both Coach Farm cheeses were paired at the event with New Gewurz, Gewurztraminer $13.50 - From Alexander Valley Vineyards, the New Gewurz is dry, with fresh floral flavours and note of spice, pear and citrus - light enough to not over power a fresh chevre.

Pleasant Ridge Reserve – Dodgeville, Wisconsin $35.00 / LB (yes Wisconsin has Artisan cheese makers too) Our third cheese launched at Wednesday night's tasting event. Pleasant Ridge Reserve is made by Uplands Cheese Company with unpasteurized cow’s milk using old world practices. The result is a distinctive "mountain style" flavour rarely experienced from a cheese made in the USA.

Smoked Gouda - Winchendon, Massachusetts $14.00 / LB Smith’s Farmstead Gouda Cheese, rivals any Dutch Gouda on the market today. Old fashioned traditions and hard work make this smoky farmstead gouda delicious and memorable.

Wine Pairing: Temptation Zin, Zinfandel $16.50 - From the same folks who make the New Gewurz at Alexander Valley Vineyards comes this seriously smokey, long finish Red Zin that bursts with plum, cocoa and big bing cherry.

Greek Feta - Greece $18.00 / LB - NOW CUT TO ORDER - We've carried the Mount Vikos Feta from the beginning, but always in the retail packs which were, as many of you mentioned, too large (they were usually 1 - 1.25 pounds). SO... We listened to you and got it in bulk. This Feta is a blend of Sheep's and Goat's milk and not like any Feta you have ever tasted from other stores or restaurants. We've been sampling the Feta all weekend (another benefit of buying cut to order) and the funny thing is when anyone tastes how fabulous this cheese is - they take home a pound! If you have not tried the Mount Vikos Feta come on in and taste the difference!

NEW NOT-CHEESE

Truffle Honey - $25.00 - Truffles Truffles Truffles - we can't get enough of them - and if you share the same obsession then this honey was made for you! Imported from Italy this 8.8 oz jar of pure Italian Acacia Honey is laced with 1.5% White Truffles... you can see the large truffle pieces hanging out in the top of the jar (who knew - truffles float, but I for one am not surprised as they are brought to us mere mortals by little culinary angels... ahem).

Wine and Cheese Event

Thanks to all who participated in our first event An Anthology of American Artisan Cheese. We tasted a lot of wonderful cheese from artisanal cheese makers in the USA, paired with American wines - also from small wine makers.

Our next Cheese and Wine Tasting Event is:

GET YOUR GOAT
When: Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:30pm - 8:00PM
Where: The Cheese Shop On Park 329 Park Avenue North
How Much: Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $30.00 the day of the event. Tickets are available for purchase in The Cheese Shop On Park or by phone with a credit card (407) 644-7296 - please DO NOT leave your credit card info on our voicemail - if you leave a message we will call you back.

GET YOUR GOAT

Sample and compare goat cheeses, fresh and aged from all over the world paired with the appropriate wine and gourmet accoutrements
No pretense or boring seminar, but active tasting and open forum discussion that truly helps you to discover new cheeses
Participants enjoy a 15% discount on all cheese and wine sampled during Get Your Goat and 10% off everything else in the shop
This is a walk through tasting event, there is no seating
Space is limited so get your tickets early! Our previous event sold out.
Advance ticket sales end at 7PM the day before the event - Wednesday June 18, 2008
See our website for our cancellation policy www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/events

Some discussions from Wednesday night...

What is American Artisan Cheese?
We are seeing a renaissance in artisan and farmstead cheese making in the United States driven by changing consumer tastes, culinary tourism and agricultural activism. Cheese making in the US can be traced back to the Civil War. In the past 25 years, artisan and fine cheese making has become a significant food-culture movement in the US.

What is the difference between Artisan and Farmstead?
In a nutshell, the key difference between these two approaches to cheese making is in how the milk is sourced. Farmstead cheeses are made by a farm operation using the milk produced by their own animals. Artisan cheeses are also made by hand, however, artisan cheese makers typically purchase their milk from one or more local dairy farmers. In both cases, the production facilities are relatively small, and the owner typically operates the facility.

What makes a Cheese Maker an artisan? What defines an artisan cheese maker is his or her ability to make great cheese largely by hand in a relatively small scale creamery using locally produced, pure milk. The cheese maker is recognized for their ability to design a cheese to reflect their local environment or terroir. They know how to liberate the taste of a place within the cheese via the artful introduction of microflora into fresh milk. The unique taste profile created in the end is ultimately the artisan cheese maker’s signature.
The above information is credited to Petra Cooper of Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company & Fifth Town Productions

NEW ARRIVALS

2008-05-07T16:33:00.004-04:00

NEW CHEESES

Gjetost - Norway - $8.50 Each - We got this cheese in via customer request. It is an interesting little cheese, 80% cow's milk, 10% goats's milk. Caramel-esque and deliciously sweet.

Asiago Pressato - Italy - $16.50 / LB - Pressato is the D.O.P name for this young Asiago produced in the Po Valley near Treviso, in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. The texture is firm and supple followed by a lingering sweetness.

Widmers's 6-Year Old Cheddar - Wisconsin - $23.00 / LB We actually had this one in earlier this year, but we finally got it again. Aged 6 years this cheddar is SHARP SHARP SHARP, complex, nutty, crumbly and did I mention sharp?

NEW NOT-CHEESE

Dried Mango - $8.00 / HALF LB - We're now selling dried Mango out of the deli case - we'll be adding additional dried fruits very soon! If you love goat cheese, you will be in HEAVEN when you try it "schmeered" on a hunk of dried mango. I have it priced at the HALF pound - mainly because a pound is a heck of a lot of mango!

LIBATIONS

Leyris Maziere LiAiguier, Sauvignon Blanc Blend from the Languedoc region, France - $23.00 This is the white ORGANIC cousin to that big, bold, organic red you big, bold red lovers (me included) are dreaming about. Well rounded as you come to expect from a Languedoc wine, it's fruity, dry, diverse and oh - so lovable.

Trivento, Torrontes from Mendoza Argentina $12.00 - I am drinking this wine as I am writing this blog (this is my job - I love my job!) My first reaction when I took my first sip was - WHOA! It reminds me of my beloved Vigonier. Floral on the nose, bright, fruity with a dry and rather pleasantly tart finish. This wine is very pale - but don't let the flaxen, waif like exterior fool you, it packs a ton of flavour, trust me and try it. For 12 bucks - you'll be back for more!

Wine 101: Torrontes is the grape. The Torrontes grape is cultivated in the Argentine provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Mendoza, Salta, San Juan and Rio Negro. The Torrontes wine made from this white grape is considered the best of its kind in the entire world. Torrontes is the most distinctive of all Argentine wines, including both white and red, because Argentina is the only country to produce it. It is considered a wholly Argentine variety.

Te Hira, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough New Zealand $22.00 - I ask you, from where else would a tiny cheese shop get their Sauvignon Blanc if not New Zealand? (OK France see the Leyris above) Zing, zip, gooseberry and steel this is your above average, boutique NZ SB with a lively palate and a lingering finale.

WE'RE CLOSED THIS TUESDAY APRIL 29, 2008

2008-04-27T12:39:00.003-04:00

We will be closed this Tuesday, April 29, 2008 for "Inventory"

psssst - It's really Alan's birthday so we're taking a 2 day weekend!

We'll see you again on Wednesday!

CHEESE AND WINE TASTING EVENT

2008-04-24T18:28:00.002-04:00

The Cheese Shop on Park Presents:
An Anthology of American Artisanal Cheese
Cheese & Wine Tasting Social Event on Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 6:30PM

$15.00 in advance $20.00 at the door
Wednesday May 21, 2008
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
329 Park Avenue North (407) 644-7296
Sample American artisan cheeses new to The Cheese Shop On Park, expertly paired with the appropriate wine or beverage.
No pretense or boring seminars, but active tasting and open forum discussion in a way to truly help you discover new cheeses.
Receive a 15% discount off the purchase of any cheese and wine featured in the anthology and 10% off all other products purchased during the event.
Space is limited so get your tickets early.
This is a walk-through tasting event.

Italian Parm commercial BACK STAGE

2008-04-20T20:52:00.003-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-jnZlzUyvA&feature=related OK - I guess it's official, I'm obsessed... the link here is to BACK STAGE at the italian parm commercial. For you newbies who have not seen the actuall commercial, scroll down to March 24 to see the commercial... oh what the hey... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmZ28NIQPbM&feature=related here's that link too!! Enjoy!

And you know - just to plug some cheese - we love Piave just as much, if not more than, Parmigiano Reggiano so come on in and TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.

NEW ARRIVALS

2008-04-17T13:36:00.006-04:00

NEW CHEESES

Gouda Truffle - Holland $39.50/LB (whoa!! but worth every penny you have to try this one, you will become seriously addicted) Black Italian truffles throughout this amazing cheese lend wonderful taste and aroma to this high-quality, farm-made gouda. Made on a small farm in Noord, Holland. We paired this cheese with our Foris Dry Gewurztraminer - yummmmmm

Bleu D’Auvergne - France $14.00/LB A name-protected cheese from the Auvergne region in south-central France, Bleu d'Auvergne is made in the traditional manner from raw cow's milk and features blue veining throughout. Its moist, sticky rind conceals a soft paste possessing a grassy, herbaceous, and (with age) spicy, pungent taste. Our French organic Alsatian Riesling pairs perfectly.

Lemon White Stilton - England $26.50 / LB This unusual dessert cheese came in from a customer request. It is made with vegetarian rennant and is dotted with candied lemon peel. It has no blue veining, is mild in flavour with a tangy, sweet lemon taste. Very tasty and will be quite the conversation piece on a cheese tray!

Kasseri - Greece $24.00 / LB Made from the fresh milk of free-ranging sheep and goats. Mt. Vikos Kasseri is made during months when grasses are green for a sweet flavor. No antibiotics are given the animals (Americans call this organic, the good folks at Mt Vikos call it normal) Mt. Vikos contains no preservatives, additives, or calcium chloride. It is the "melting cheese" of Greece. The curds are hand-kneaded. The cheese rounds are placed in special aging rooms for six months. Though kasseri has been made for centuries, Americans are just discovering this super cheese that tastes like a cross bewteen feta and cheddar - with the texture being more like a cheddar.

Rouge et Noir Triple Crème Brie - California, USA $13.00/Each This classic award winning California Brie is creamy from the natural ripening process, with an even yellow color throughout. 100% Jersey milk used; it is at the same time delicate in its buttery first-flavor, with a pleasant robust aftertaste.

Rouge et Noir La Petite Crème - California, USA $8.00/Each A delicate “dessert” cheese that is rich yet mild, with a soft and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. This romantic cheese when young with a firm pate, is perfect for brunch or as an after dinner treat.

NEW NOT-CHEESE

Lamb & Beef Sausage Saucisse Merguez D’Agneau et Boeuf - San Francisco, California, USA $12.50 / Each Spicy North African lamb and beef sausage made in the classic French style from Marcel et Henri. Must be cooked thoroughly.

Honey Combs - $18.00 / Each Back by popular demand. These beautiful honeycombs are entirely edible and look stunning on a cheese tray. If you haven't tried honeycombs with goat cheese you don't know what you are missing!

SAVE YOUR PAPER BAGS

2008-04-11T18:51:00.007-04:00

HELP SAVE THE EARTH -
it's the only planet with wine & cheese !

As a contribution to Earth Day beginning on Earth Day April 22, 2008 through May 22, 2008 a 10% discount will be given on customers' next purchases to anyone bringing back, and reusing, a paper bag from The Cheese Shop On Park
Bags must have the preprinted logo from The Cheese Shop On Park and be in usable condition. One discount of 10% per purchase will be given regardless of how many bags are brought back. Can not be combined with any other offer. Offer begins on April 22, 2008 and expires on May 22, 2008 - blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda.

In addition, we've decided to start using low sodium pretzel sticks instead of toothpicks for most of our cheese samples (mmm hmmm I know, sounds good, I know). We realized we are throwing away HUNDREDS of wooden toothpicks every week. Soooo the pretzels are (a) MUCH better for the environment, and (2) a tasty little between sample palete cleanser.

New Arrivals

2008-04-09T17:31:00.002-04:00

NEW CHEESE
More fantastic new arrivals came in this week! Stop in for a taste

Blue Castello - Denmark $21.00 / LB - Blue Castello is a triple-cream, blue-veined gourmet cheese with a washed-rind. The surface has a unique combination of blue-green and reddish molds. Delectably rich and buttery taste accented by its mild spicy blue veins and the aroma is of mushrooms. The mild flavor develops steadily but never becomes too strong.

Cabecou Feuille D’Armagnac - France $7.50 / Each - A small disc of fresh goat cheese from the Perigord region of France dipped in Armagnac brandy and sprinkled with coarse black pepper before being wrapped in two chestnut leaves to mature. Smooth and creamy with a tangy bite.

Chaource Lincet - France $15.00 / Each - We've had this delicious, decadent soft cheese in before - and it is back, better than ever! Named after the small town in France where it has been made since the early 14th century. While this cow's milk cheese is reminiscent of some of the most decadent triple crèmes, it is in fact only a double crème! The taste of Chaource has hints of mushrooms and a creamy, smooth finish.

Chimay a la Biere - Belgium $25.00 / LB - The Chimay Grand Cru was wildly popular, and we received another wheel this week - along with the "a la Biere" which mean... with beer!Authentic Trappist cheese with a beer flavoured rind. Washed with Chimay Trappist Beer during the 4-week maturation. Smooth paste with a tangy, pungent finish - yum yum yum!

Monte Enebro - Spain $31.50 / LB - Handmade in Avila, Spain this complex goat cheese is made from pasteurized milk and the same mold used to make Roquefort, adding to the complexity and distinctive appearance. Creamy, lemony and slightly acidic when young, as it ages, the texture becomes denser and the flavor acquires more intense, pungent finish.

Pierre Robert - France $31.00 / LB - Decadent triple-crème-style cheese from Seine-et-Marne, France. Cave aged enabling the soft cheese to develop its flavour and become even more meltingly rich in texture. Pierre-Robert appeals to anyone craving pure and utter decadence. Buttery, smooth, and mild, this cheese ought to be eaten spread on bread or even graham crackers.

NEW - NOT - CHEESE

Fig & Almond Cake - Spain $7.50 / Each - Made with the most selected figs, almonds, honey and wild growing spices of Extremadura. Traditional energy bar of Spain, characteristic of the Mediterranean diet. Handcraft made without additives or preservatives following a 200 years old family recipe.

VINS

Bridgeway 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $31.00 - Hello BIG California Cab - this one will knock your socks off!! Voluptuous “Napa Valley” nose of ripe black cherry and cedar with spicy overtones. On the palate, the wine is ripe and balanced with flavors of blackberries accompanied by hints of toasted walnut. Excellent balance and texture with a lively finish.

Foris Gewurztraminer, Oregon $22.00 - 100% Gewurztraminer, 100% Rouge Valley. Bees wax, lemon peel and lychee nuts. Mid-weight, bright and clearly focused. Very spicy in the Gewurzy sense. Does not show any obvious sweetness, just well ripened fruit. Complex, though not subtle. Plenty of acid, but still mouthfilling and complete. Amazinggggggg with truffled goat goat goat (try the Caprina Cermosa Tartufo from Italy - see my last blog entry)

Foris Chardonnay, Oregon $17.00 - Classic Foris, we love this Chard - balanced and rich, Foris uses traditional Burgundy methods, restricted yields and a select blend of French Dijon and California clones to produce this complex wine with a high degree of ripeness, fruit concentration and rich texture.

Check out our website www.thecheeseshoponpark.com

Happy Cheese!

NEW ARRIVALS

2008-03-28T15:35:00.003-04:00

We have lots of new arrivals at The Cheese Shop On Park

Munster Grand $28.50 / LB - (I know what you are thinking... $28.50 for Munster?!) This is not your average slap-on-a-bad-sandwich munster. Ours is from France - and as I like to say, is the real deal. This is how Munster is supposed to taste and feel. Soft ripened washed rind cheese with assertive rustic flavours that are earthy, rich and tangy. This is an aromatic cheese that has much loved barnyard qualities. An ancient monastic cheese with roots stretching back to the early Middle. AOC-protected since 1969. Seriously soft, smooth and addictive.

Arico, Smoked $26.00 / LB - Goat cheese from the isle of Tenerife within the Canary Islands, Spain. The aroma announces a hint of what the interior has to offer. Arico is a firm goat cheese with a natural rind, glistening with smoky elegance and a wonderful ivory pate. The flavour lingers long on the palate with hints of wood, smoke and nuttiness.

Caprino Cremosa Tartufo (Goat cheese with Truffles) $9.00 / Each - Produced in the Piedmont region of Italy these small, button shaped goat cheeses have the texture of cream cheese. The addition of black truffle saturates the fresh, milky cheese with further flavour.

Chimay Grand Cru $25.00 / LB - This semi-soft cow’s milk cheese from Belgium was originally made by the same Trappist monks who produced Chimay beer. The same ancient recipe is still used today. It has a natural rind and a pure, mellow flavour.

Pyrenees Sheep Capitoul $18.50 / LB - Firm sheep's milk cheese from France. Well rounded smooth, nutty flavours, without a “bite” so common to French sheep’s milk cheeses. This AOC protected cheese is fantastic with salami (for perfection try it with our Italian Salame di Parma!)

Myzithra $13.50 / LB - We've had several customers mention this cheese to us, so of course, as diligent Cheese Mongers should, we got it in. Aged white sheep's milk cheese from Greece and very common on island tables. Myzithra is made from whey left during the production of feta . This style is easy to crumble or grate. The flavor is salty, tangy, and is a perfect pairing with pasta. Try it over pasta or salad.

Midnight Moon $27.50 / LB - From Cypress Grove's Creamery line this goat's milk cheese is made for the California cheesemaker in Holland (don't ask). With that said - it is aged, hard, crumbly and delicious. Buttery, nutty with hints of caramel – it is firm and dense like an aged Gouda made with goat’s milk.

NOT-CHEESE NEW ARRIVALS
We picked up some award winning savories from Austria - green olives stuffed with a blend sheep and goat's milk cheese and sweet red peppers also stuffed with the blended cheese. These babies need to stay in the fridge so they are in our front deli case (with the salamis and pates).

AS ALWAYS

We love customer suggestions so feel free to email me if you have any favs that we have not gotten in yet - kirsten@thecheeseshoponpark.com

CHECK IT OUT

We're updated our website www.thecheeseshoponpark.com and now have our most popular cheeses and some other products listed. We are gearing up for online ordering and shipping!

Pick up a copy of April's Winter Park Press - we have an ad on page 2 !

Very Funny Video

2008-03-24T16:44:00.001-04:00

This was posted back in December... but it is too funny not to repost - enjoy this hilarious Italian commercial for one of the most popular cheeses in the world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmZ28NIQPbM&feature=related

GIFT IDEAS, NEWS and NEW ARRIVALS

2008-03-19T15:59:00.011-04:00

Nostalgic Bunny and Chick Caramels or Toffee

A great gift for Easter or Mother’s Day these beautiful boxes need no gift wrap and come filled with delicious, individually wrapped chocolate & vanilla caramels, or assorted toffee $8.50 each

We have lots of other gift ideas,
custom gift baskets

Colorful Italian Pastas

and of course - fantastic artisan cheese!

MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK IS THURSDAY MARCH 20, 8PM
Featuring: Casablanca -
Perfect movie night fare - some cheese to nibble, wine to sip - we have chilled bottles available. We close at 7pm so come early - grab your gourmet picnic and vino from us and get a good spot on the lawn for this classic movie in the park!

NEW ARRIVALS
Fiscalini Cheddar - as featured on Oprah's "O" list need I say more ? Our's is $19.00 / LB

Food Favorites
Fiscalini cheese "We could tell you how the makers of this cheese create an exquisite texture and rich flavor using milk from their own herd of Holsteins, or how the wheels of their cheese are turned by hand and aged for 18 months. But instead we’ll just say this is the finest Cheddar on the planet." — Oprah
http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/olist/omag_olist_0893_foo.jhtml

BACK - FINALLY - BUFALA MOZZERELLA!!! Fresh, decadent, Italian - it's back but hurry - supplies are limited.

Art Festival Shuffle

2008-03-10T15:34:00.006-04:00

The Winter Park Art Festival is this Friday - Sunday March 14, 15 & 16

When enjoying the fine art, jazz and beautiful weather in the park this weekend why not forgo the, ahem... "festival food" and shuffle on down to The Cheese Shop On Park for a lovely, portable cheese plate? We'll have them ready to go with a sampling of Cheese Monger Favourites.
Try one of three different cheese plates (available only during the Art Festival):

"Netherlands Nibbler" featuring our young Prima Donna Gouda and aged Gouda Mona Lisa

"Festival De France" with Comte, and Mimolette

"The Wild Card" featuring Quicke's English Farmhouse Cheddar, and Appenzeller from Switzerland - a really cool flavour combo.

All are artfully arranged on stylish black, portable, plates and garnished with our lovely, delicious dried fruit. Plenty for sharing price range is $8.00 - $15.00 per plate based on weight of cheese. Available only during the Art Festival.

We have chilled wine and beer for sale (for off premise consumption only) to pair with your tasty cheese plates (and just in case - lovely disposable wine glasses two for $4.00).

Bon Appetit & Enjoy the festival !

Hannibal Square Wine Tasting (we're bringing the cheese!)

2008-03-03T16:33:00.006-05:00

WHEN - THURSDAY MARCH 13TH 5:30 - 8:00pm

HOW MUCH - $20.00 for Winter Park Chamber members, $25.00 for non-members and $25.00 at the door - call (407) 644-8281 for tickets.

WHERE - Join our neighbors at the Street Party on New England Avenue on Thursday March 13th 5:30 - 8:30 (between Virginia and Pennsylvania)

Presented by: First Florida Bank and Hosted by the Hannibal Square Merchants Association and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Cheese Shop On Park will be there sampling delicious, artisan cheeses
Live music by The Redcoats
40+ varieties of wine
Beer from Orlando Brewing
Networking with 400+ business leaders
Hors d'oeuvres from: Chez Vincent, Dexter's, Hot Olives, Tollas, Kata Thai Kitchen & Sushi, and Urban Flats and of course The Cheese Shop On Park!

If it rains the event will be held inside the Winter Park Community Center.

Come and sample some of our handmade cheeses, fantastic hors d'oeuvres from some of Winter Park's best restaurants and of course amazing wines!

MORE New Arrivals

2008-02-27T18:42:00.005-05:00

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.

Notable New Arrivals

2008-02-24T12:41:00.003-05:00

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

PARM PARM PARM

2008-02-15T19:23:00.003-05:00

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 :)

Baskets & Platters

2008-02-11T11:04:00.002-05:00

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.

Valentine's Day Wine & Cheese

2008-02-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

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.

Introducing...

2008-01-30T17:13:00.001-05:00

PICNIC LUNCHES

We are now offering boxed picnic lunches. Perfect for lunch in the park, at your desk [sorry] or try one of each for the movie in the park.

The Ploughman's Picnic Lunch $7.50
Includes a wedge of Cheddar Cheese (your choice sharp or mild). Your choice of a Gourmet Pickle or Fresh Fruit of the day. Gourmet Crackers or Artisan bread [when the bread is available]

Dejeuner Francais - The French Lunch $8.50
Includes French Chevre Goat's milk button cheese. Your choice of a Gourmet Pickle or Fresh Fruit of the day. Gourmet Crackers or Artisan bread [when the bread is available]

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2008 AT 7PM is the next Movie Night in the park - called Popcorn Flicks - featuring
WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

"Popcorn Flicks" are made possible by The City of Winter Park and Enzian Theater. The films are FREE and open to the public. We encourage you to bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks [CHEESE], and some family and friends and join us! Hundreds of people gather with friends and bring their chairs, blankets, and snacks [CHEESE] to enjoy Popcorn Flicks each month!

Central Park is conveniently located on Park Avenue ONE BLOCK SOUTH OF THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK in the heart of the downtown shopping district.

NEW ARRIVALS

Smoked Cheddars are here!

From England, Quicke's Cheddar Oak Smoked. Earthy and nutty with a subtle smokey taste $21.50/ LB

From Australia, King Island Stokes Point Smoked Cheddar. Matured for 9 months then smoked with Tasmanian hardwood for a rich smoke flavour. $23.00 / LB

Chevre Noir Cheddar
Yes - cheddar made from goat's milk. Canadian cheesemaker Fromagerie Tournevent is the only cheesemaker using this recipe to create this unpasteurized, full flavoured cheese with a hint of crunch. $27.50 / LB

Cahill's Port Irish Cheddar with Guinness
Need I say more - cheddar cheese with beer in it? $19.50 / LB

Explorateur Triple-creme
The aristocrat of triple-creme cheeses from France. Decadent and rich, Explorateur is to cheese what Champagne is to wine. Sold as individual 8oz buttons $12.50 / Each

Australian Triple-creme
King Island Seal Bay has a creamy golden center and a lovely rich and buttery flavour. Cut to order $21.00 / LB

Pâté Mousse has arrived
Charcutier Henri Lapuyade, founder of Marcel et Henri, started to make French Pâtés in the United States in 1960. We are fortunate to bring you two of the Marcel et Henri Mousse Pâtés.

Chicken with Port Wine Mousse $7.50/Each
and
Duck with Plum Wine and Prunes $9.50/Each

As always, please feel free to email me with questions, comments or suggestions kirsten@thecheeseshoponpark.com

Or call us at (407) 644-7296

New Arrivals and Party Ideas

2008-01-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

Our importers and distributors can't believe how quickly we have reordered cheese, but thanks to every one's wonderful support - we are reordering for the 3rd time in... 12 days!

NEW IN THE CHEESE SHOP

Stilton Thomas Hoe Stevenson Stilton is in! Thomas Hoe Stevenson was one of the original Stilton Cheesemakers from the Heart of the Vale of Belvoir. This amazing, popular blue cheese is mellow yet tangy with a well balanced flavour and creamy texture.

Leyden - from Holland, a lovely firm cow's milk cheese that is infused with real cumin seeds - and lots of them. Leyden is one of Holland's favorite snacking cheeses - and indeed it is tasty. I am going to try cooking with it - perhaps melting it over chicken or grating it over a nice hearty vegetable soup - I'll let you know!

Truffle Tremor - From Cypress Grove Farms the classic flavor of truffle meets the velvety perfection of ripened goat milk cheese. Earthy, elegant, and sophisticated, it's sure to make even the most distinguished taste buds shake! We got one 3(ish) pound wheel in on Friday morning and by 7pm Friday night we were left with less than a pound. Fear not - we've already placed an order for 2 more wheels. If you would like to reserve a wedge please give us a call (407) 644-7296. Reserves are taken in 1/2 pound increments $27.50/pound.

Purple Haze - Fresh chevre also from Cypress Grove (we love them!) Flavoured with wild fennel pollen and lavender this cheese is smooth, creamy and quite unique. Comes in small disks that are about 6 ounces at $9.00 each - they just about sold out in less than 2 days, but the reorder will be in this week as well and we are taking preorder reserves for this one too (407) 644-7296 - or fax your request to (407) 644-7242 - OR email me at kirsten@thecheeseshoponpark.com

Vermont Goat Cheeses Bijou & Bonne Bouche - An American line of ripened goats’ cheeses, Bijou is mild, sweet and creamy with notes of fresh flowers, citrus and hazelnuts. Bonne Bouche has a sharper goat flavor and is coated in ash. Both are great in salad or on a cheese plate with nuts, a drizzle of honey and dried fruit.Vermont Butter & Cheese Company crafts artisanal dairy products in the European style through a vital link with local farms. Based in the town of Websterville, the company supports a network of more than 20 family farms, providing milk and meeting the highest standards of purity. While Vermont Butter & Cheese Company has earned worldwide recognition, the company is proudest of its contribution to the health of local agriculture. After all, as Allison learned on a family farm in Frangource, quality originates at the source – with the people who work the land and the pride they take in the yield.

CHARCUTERIE [not cheese]

Palacios Chorizo - Hot or mild Spanish Sausage. This is the real deal! Made from a generations-old recipe by a family owned company in La Rioja. Distinctive smoked paprika sets Spanish chorizo apart from sausages of any other country. The first authentic chorizo available in the US. Featured in the New York Times and Wine Spectator. Fully dry-cured, ready to eat with your favorite cheese and wine. Simply slice and serve.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 3RD (2 WEEKS) ORDER YOUR CHEESE PLATTERS NOW AS PROVISIONS ARE LIMITED. Pick up only, we don't deliver.

Don't settle for boring, flavorless no-name cheese for your superbowl party. Treat your guests (and yourself) to hand crafted English cheddar, French Raclette (think adult grilled cheese sandwiches) or a cave aged Swiss Gruyere so strong it will bring tears to your Dragonhead Scottish Black Stout (which we also carry). Pair everything with the authentic Spanish Chorizo and stuffed Greek olives.

Seriously fabulous gourmet fare. You're worth it. Call early (407) 644-7296

Hello SUPERBOWL!

Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement. Please feel free to fill out the comment form if you have any questions or suggestions. Check out our website at http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/

Welcome To The Cheese Shop On Park

2008-01-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

OPENING WEEK

We've had a great opening so far, the first week has been steadily busy and we've met lots of happy cheese lovers. A hearty Thank You to all of you who stopped by to wish us well and peruse our gourmet selections. Many of the other merchants in the area also came in and gave us a warm welcoming to the neighborhood.

Our delicate petite French cheeses have all but sold out and we've already reordered. The Charouce double creme was very popular (so creamy and smooth it is masquerading as a triple creme) .

A not so well know French cheese called Morbier was also well loved. Morbier is an aromatic semi-firm cheese with a thin layer of vegetable ash running through the center. It has a lovely mild sweet flavor and a distinct nutty after taste. Morbier comes in a larger wheel, rather than a petite individual button and we still have plenty in stock.

OUR NEIGHBORS

The Bistro On Park recently relocated to a much bigger space in the courtyard across the street (remember the Crepe place?) They have a fantastic menu - I'm addicted to their salads - and now they're doing a Sunday Brunch that features a Bloody Mary Bar. The Bloody Mary's were adorned with our Windy City Wasa Beans from Rick's Pick's - pickled green beans with a spicy kick of wasabi! Next time you are cheese shopping on The Avenue stop into The Bistro and tell Randy The Cheese Shop sent you!

PICTURES

Here's the Grand Unveiling for all our out of town family and friends!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

OPENING DAY IS:
TUESDAY JANUARY 8, 2008!!!!!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And visions of French washed rind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And visions of French washed rind?

The Cheese Shop is ready to bring you cheddar,
And fresh Bufala Mozzarella
The Cheese Shop is ready to bring you cheddar
And fresh Bufala Mozzarella

And ther's a Brie, my trusty friend,
And here’s a glass o' wine;
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
Aft’ New Year’s the opening is set.
Aft’ New Year’s the opening is set, my dear,
Aft’ New Year’s the opening is set,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
Aft’ New Year’s the opening is set.

HAPPY 2008!
WE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEARS CELEBRATION
FROM THE CHEESE MONGERS OF
THE CHEESE SHOP ON PARK

OPENING DAY IS:
TUESDAY JANUARY 8, 2008!!!!!

Parmigiano Reggiano Commercial

2007-12-21T12:14:00.000-05:00

Check out this hilarious Italian commercial for Parmigiano Reggiano - the song gets into your head!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmZ28NIQPbM&feature=related

Cheese Bells

2007-12-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
Doors of The Cheese Shop remain undone
But rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till cheese and charcuterie on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A honey, a wine,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each frowning, cheese-less mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The olives drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;
‘For The Cheese Shop won’t open,
Till after Year-end’
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
‘Your Cheese Monger is not lost; nor doth he sleep!
The Cheese Shop will open after the first,
And quench will we your artisan thirst
With peace on earth, good-will to men!’

Please enjoy our rendition of this classic Christmas poem. The original version was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1864

Holiday Wishes From The Cheese Shop On Park

2007-12-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

T’was Right Before Christmas…

And all thru The Cheese Shop
We’re hurrying and scurrying almost till we drop.
The finishing touches we’re applying with glee,
To bring you hand cut Wensleydale, Gruyere and Brie.

We’ve papered the windows to avert curious eyes,
For when the door opens there’ll be such a surprise!
Heartfelt thanks to all for your encouraging cheer,
The Cheese Shop On Park’s opening day is near.

Happy Holidays,

From
The Cheese Shop On Park’s
Cheese Mongers

Construction Update

2007-11-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

The tile floors are finished - and the deli cases have arrived!

The walk-in cooler to hold lots of cheese.

Cabinets are in, ready for the granite counter tops.

http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/

Where For Art[isan] Thou?

2007-11-03T04:24:00.000-04:00

ARTISAN, ORGANIC, FARMSTEAD. All cool buzz words we Cheese Mongers like to toss about. But what do they really mean? Assuming this composition will not cure the insomnia from which I am suffering tonight I will delve into definitions, comparisons and why these words are important.
AS with my favorite BORDEAUX region, Pomerol, the idea is quality not quantity. Would one expect anything less than perfection from a tiny communal region in France that produces less wine in a year than a certain giant Californian factory produces in six minutes?
One year versus six minutes. Handmade, meticulously cared for, aged to perfection ARTISAN... or stems, leaves, insects and oh yeah grapes cranked out by a machine in six minutes. Hmmmm?
And so is ARTISAN with cheese making.
When I see a cheese maker's website feature pictures of their herd along with their children I think "they must care about their animals, right?"

Artisan cheese making begins with caring. Caring about the welfare of these docile creatures from which you make your living. Caring about the integrity of the product you put to market, and caring about the craft and the artistry of the traditional cheese making process enough to stay this difficult path. A steel machine and a big sheet of plastic might be more profitable, but the cost of that profit is likened to selling one's soul.
That brings us to the definition of the word Farmstead. A Farmstead Cheese is one that is made from a herd of animals owned by the cheese maker. The [ideal] flip side would be a cheese maker who does not own a herd of animals, but purchases milk from a local farmer [who posts portraits of his animals on his website] .
Organic is a word that wears many hats.
ADJECTIVE:
Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter.
Of, relating to, or affecting a bodily organ: an organic disease. [yikes]
Of, marked by, or involving the use of fertilizers or pesticides that are strictly of animal or vegetable origin: organic vegetables; an organic farm. [thus organic cheese - milk producing critters fed crops that are not grown with nasty toxic stuff]
Raised or conducted without the use of drugs, hormones, or synthetic chemicals: organic chicken; organic cattle farming. [yes.... this is what we look for]
Serving organic food: an organic restaurant.
Simple, healthful, and close to nature: an organic lifestyle.
Having properties associated with living organisms.
Resembling a living organism in organization or development; interconnected: society as an organic whole. [ooookkkaaayyyy]
Constituting an integral part of a whole; fundamental.
Law Denoting or relating to the fundamental or constitutional laws and precepts of a government or an organization.
Chemistry Of or designating carbon compounds.
Of course our main goal is, to sell you cheese :) BUT we want to be clear that we will not knowingly sell ANY product where an animal - or person [free trade is an entirely different insomniatic blog] is mistreated or chemically compromised.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Painting begins

The Cheese Shop On Park - brought to you in Technicolor!

Tile installation - we're looking more like a Cheese Shop every day!

Don't forget to visit our website http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/ - and forward our link to your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

We love visitors - so please stop in and say hi if yousee the doors open during construction.

As always - if you have any comments, suggestions or favorite cheese requests - please send me an email or fill out our comment form below.

Till next time ! Kirsten

Raw What?

2007-10-21T18:44:00.000-04:00

You've probably heard some hub-bub about raw milk. Here's the skinny. Raw animal milk - cow, goat, ewe - is used to make the best cheeses in the world. Pasteurization kills all the tiny scary things that lurk in raw milk that could make one ill BUT great flavor, complexity, elegance etc. quickly follows the demise of bacteria during pasteurization.

Can we get, sell, eat raw milk cheese in America legally? Yes. But only after said cheese has been aged for at least 60 days (the tiny scary things can only lurk for so long). That's good news for all of our longer aged, harder cheeses such as Parmesan, Gruyere and Romano, that naturally require a more gradual ripening process to peak. Bad news for the soft, moist, delicate cheeses such as a fresh raw goat's milk from France that peak two weeks out of the creamery.

Fear not fresh goat lovers - we are perfecting our preternatural Cheese Monger powers to bring you the very best raw goat's milk cheeses - just to entice you with a few - Bonde de Gatines (raw goat's milk cheese that is light and gentle and aged long enough to make the journey from France) and Caprino Noccetto (from Italian goats, aged for 90 days and wrapped in walnut leaves with strips of raffia holding them in place - Ciao!)

Construction Update

Painting of the walls has begun - only primer white so far - boring but necessary. We're cutting concrete this week and installing the underground plumbing. Then we'll be ready for the pretty stuff - colors on the wall which have not yet been chosen although we're narrowing it down, flooring, coolers (to hold lots of cheese) lighting, cool counter tops and cutting stations - and don't forget the wine racks. Wait until you see the center piece I have for the wine section!

If you see the doors open please feel free to stop in and say hi. We met lots of folks over the past few weekends when we've in there painting (yes we're doing a lot of the work ourselves - I personally would rather spend more money on great Chevres!)

I'll post some more pictures soon. Keep sending your suggestions and comments - we love all the feedback. ***NOTE*** Color scheme suggestions will earn you major kudos!!!

Construction Update

2007-10-01T07:52:00.000-04:00

We have walls and a floor! Our permit was issued this week and as you can see by the pictures below progress is in the air!

Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and feedback! We love to get your comments on the blog (see the link below) and our website http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/

View of framed walls from back of shop looking out

The walls are almost done and the AC duct work installation begins.

We are building our inventory list and will be ready to go just as soon as the construction finishes up. We have many delicious and exciting handmade and organic cheeses for you to try as well as gourmet products and wines from around the world.

We are planning cheese tastings and pairings courses as well as a "must be there" grand opening party with lots of give aways and of course gourmet delicacies to try.

We will keep you updated here on The Cheese Shop On Park Blog Blast.

Keep the comments and suggestions coming - and please forward our links on to your friends and family.

Gourmet Gatherings

2007-09-09T20:19:00.000-04:00

Reporting back from our trip to Atlanta - The Gourmet Food show was a great success! We placed a few orders, gathered tons of information, and met SO many helpful people.

Look for Moravian Cookies - the thinnest cookie in the world. These unique, paper thin, crispy wafers might feel delicate (and are low in fat) but they pack a flavorful punch. Made by a family run (we love that) company who immigrated to the US from Czechoslovakia, we will carry three different flavors to start, but you'll have to come in to discover which - and enjoy a taste of each of course!

We found jellies infused with wine, mulling spices from England (think liquid apple pie), artisan made java biscuits that respect free trade and satisfy your caffeine craving, and must-have chocolates laced with wild fruit flavors whose proceeds benefit wildlife.
Amazing Artisan Honey in an array of fancy flavors (pour over Brie or St. Andre, open a bottle of a Washington Riesling and let's talk!) Tea that blooms a flower before your eyes as it steeps and much more.
WAIT - WHAT ABOUT CHEESE ??!! We have so many fresh, hand-made cheeses you're going to love, crave, obsess over - STAY TUNED

More pictures will be posted next week of our construction progress - but things are moving along nicely. Feel free to stop by and peek in the windows, and stop in for a bite to eat at our neighbors The Bistro on Park (fabulous salads, sandwiches and Asian slaw!) - Tell Randy at The Bistro "The Cheese Shop on Park sent you!"

Here's a handy link to our website http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/ check back with us for updates and information.

Please fill out the comment form below - we would love to hear from you!

When we say CHEESE, You say...

2007-09-01T17:07:00.001-04:00

WINE !

After lots of feedback - we decided to take your advice and take the plunge. Into an aged french oak barrel of Bordeaux Wine that is (and american oak, and steel, but those who know me know... my heart goes out to Pomerol). Our current vision is to carry approximately 30 to 40 different wines for sale by the bottle. Eclectic selections that compliment our cheeses, our list will include wine that is ready to drink and ready to accompany your posh wine and cheese tasting party or a romantic picnic in the park. Please feel free to send me your favs or finds in the comment section below.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The design of our space is finished ! We submitted to the city Thursday, August 15. Our thanks to everyone at The City of Winter Park Building Department who have been so helpful and patient in answering all of our questions. Our landlord is commencing their work, pouring the concrete floor is first, then on to the demising walls.

Here is our "Coming Soon" sign which should attract lots of attention.

Below is a view of the shop from across Park Avenue.

Happy September and I hope everyone had a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend!

Here's a handy link to our website: http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/

The Cheese Conference

2007-08-12T15:27:00.000-04:00

Lake Champlain, Burlington, Vermont

Our Trip to the American Cheese Society (ACS) annual Cheese Conference was a great success. We attended Retail 101, 201 and various marketing and merchandising sessions and came away with fantastic information and the confidence that we are on the right path. Each specialized session was panelled by experts in the industry who are passionate about their businesses and of course passionate about cheese! We attended the welcome reception and sampled lots of local artisan cheeses. We came home armed with helpful resources and contacts to guide us through our journey of bringing the finest products to our shop and ultimately our customers. Shelburne Farms http://www.shelburnefarms.org/ was an amazing and beautiful place. Set on 1400 acres, they are super into education and it truly was the perfect setting for the event. Above is a photo of the outside of the Breeding Barn where the reception was held, and below is Alan inside the reception.

Alan at the ACS Welcome Reception at Shelburne Farms, Burlington Vermont inside the Breeding Barn

In addition to the conference, ACS holds an annual Cheese Competition. This year marks the 24th year. And the Best of show winner is: Leelanau Cheese, Aged Raclette. There were many categories and 52 pages of the judging results (there were over 1200 entries!). Some of the other categories include, Fresh Unripened Cheese, Soft Ripened Cheese, American Originals (you know - Monterey Jack, Muenster, Colby, Teleme etc.), Blue Mold Cheese, Hispanic and Portuguese Style Cheese, Feta (yum), Flavored, Smoked, Farmstead (which means the cheeses and fermented milk products are made with milk from herds on the farm where the cheeses are produced), Marinated Cheese, Cultured Mike Products (Creme Fraiche, Fromage Blanc, Plain Yogurt), Butters and Cheese Spreads. Whew and that is not even the complete list! The Cheese Shop On Park may need a bigger store!

Don't forget to check out our website which morphs a bit each week. http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/ Let your friends and family know if they would like to be added to The Cheese Shop On Park Blog Blast email to head on over to the website and fill out the form under "Contact Us" - We promise no personal information will ever be shared or sold.

Also - feel free to add questions, comments, suggestions or cheese requests to the blog comment section below.

Next week: The Cheese Shop On Park build-out update!