Thursday, July 30, 2009

Featured Cheese

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.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What's 4 Lunch?

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Winter Park Events

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.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

New cafe seating, new menu

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


Sunday, May 3, 2009

New summertime sparkler

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!)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

News From The Cheese Shop on Park

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.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cheese and Wine Tasting Social Event

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

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Cheese and Wine Tasting Event

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

Saturday, February 28, 2009

March Calendar of Events

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.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Cheese Tasting Events

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.













Sunday, February 1, 2009

FEBRUARY EVENTS

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

Friday, January 9, 2009

A Taste of Italy Cheese and Wine Tasting

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!

Friday, January 2, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

NEW ARRIVALS AND RECIPE SECTION

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!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

WE'RE OPEN THIS MONDAY

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

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS - and GREEN WINE??

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?!




Sunday, November 9, 2008

Wine Arrivals

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.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

New Arrivals & Community Events

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












Monday, October 20, 2008

NEWS FROM THE CHEESE SHOP

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