SUNDAY SAMPLES WINE TASTING $5.00

 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

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

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

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

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!

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!

GOURMET MARKET NEWS

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.

Congratulations Coach Farm Goat Cheese! & New Arrivals

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!

NEW ARRIVALS

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

CHEESE AND WINE TASTING EVENT

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.

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

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!

Baskets & Platters

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

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

JUST IN:

Christopher Norman Chocolates

Beautiful handmade chocolates from New York's premier chocolatier.

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

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

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

Welcome To The Cheese Shop On Park

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!

Construction Update

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

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!

The Cheese Conference

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!

The Cheese Shop On Park

We're back from the American Cheese Society's (ACS) annual cheese conference. Armed with a wealth of information and the confidence that we are actually on the right path in our quest to open Central Florida's first gourmet cheese shop.

At the conference we tasted lots of domestic cheese -all artisan, hand made. We are learning more and more about cheese every day and the one thing that I can't wait to perpetuate in our shop is the huge difference between freshly cut, handmade cheese and the dried out, suffocated, supermarket cheese that we are all [unfortunately] used to eating.

Our location - Park Place at 329 Park Avenue North in Winter Park (hence the store name The Cheese Shop On Park). Park Place is the beautiful new building just North of Central Park. Our space is currently undergoing its landlord work. Dirt floors are awaiting concrete. Walls and a ceiling will follow and then our work will finally commence. We've picked out our beautiful hardwood floors - a natural hickory - and I will be haunting antique shops for eclectic display pieces.

Stay tuned for pix from our trip to Vermont, as well as the progress of our buildout.

We are attending a gourmet food's trade show in Atlanta next month and will hopefully be going home with oodles of yummy and fun accoutrements.

Check out our website at http://www.thecheeseshoponpark.com/ or feel free to email me with questions comments or suggestions at kirsten@thecheeseshoponpark.com

"Because life's too short for supermarket cheese!"