Winter Park, Florida is known for it's charming, brick paved streets lined with weepy willow trees and million dollar homes. What it's fast becoming remembered for is a haven for foodies and the prestigious Park Avenue is peppered with gourmet food, wine, and cookware shops that can both impress and inspire home cook's and chefs alike.
Over the next several weeks I will feature some of Park Avenue's foodie hot spots and recipes inspired by my delicious finds.
First stop takes us to Park Avenue's quickly growing north end to The Cheese Shop on Park, which features a wide assortment of artisan cheeses that are made using traditional farmhouse methods which allow you to take home the freshest tasting cheese in town. And while cheese is their speciality, they also offer a nice collection of chutneys, locally made honey, oils, gourmet snacks and wines from around the world.
Owners and Cheese Mongers Alan and Kirsten Nussbaum opened The Cheese Shop almost two years ago and have been sharing their love of cheese with the Central Florida community and growing their business during one of the toughest economic times in our country's history. Built on the loving foundation of their partnership and passion for food and wine, Alan and Kirsten were inspired by a cheese shop in a quaint neighborhood in New Jersey and knew that it would be a welcomed addition to our community.
The Cheese Shop's motto is "life is too short for supermarket cheese" and after sampling some of their fresh cheeses like Cheddar with Guinness from Ireland, Capitoul Pur Brebis from France, and a two year aged Parmiggiano-Reggiano from Italy, I have been spoiled rotten. Whether you are a cheese connoisseur or a novice, Alan and Kirsten will educate you on the history, flavor and type of cheese so that you can fully appreciate it's flavor and understand how to pair it with food and wine.
Not all cheeses are cut from the same wheel and according to Kirsten Nussbaum, the difference between sheep's, cow, and goat's milk cheeses comes down to taste and texture. "Goat's milk cheeses tend to have a distinct "barnyard" taste, but not all goat cheeses are sharp and tangy" says Nussbaum. "We carry a fresh goat cheese from Coach Farm in New York that is mild enough to use as a substitute for cream cheese. We also carry a cow's milk Roomano Pradera from Holland that is aged for 6 years, dry, sharp and so hard it feels like you can hammer nails with it!"
Most people think of cow's when they think of cheese, but surprisingly more artisanal cheeses are from sheep and goat's. These animals are smaller and require less space to graze, therefore making them more economical for small farmers. "But goat's and sheep produce milk seasonally so you'll often see some favorites disappear during the winter month's" says Nussbaum, "such as Cabecou from France and Caprino Cremosa Tartufo from Italy, one of my personal favorites."
The Cheese Shop also features a small menu of sandwiches and salads that incorporate their gourmet cheeses. And of course there is a wide variety of cheese plates that can be custom ordered and enjoyed in the shop, or taken home to share with friends over a bottle of wine hand selected to go perfectly with your cheese. If you sign up for their Cheese of the Month Club you will also be provided with a recipe and serving suggestions.
Cooking with cheese can take on many forms, and the purpose of my visit to The Cheese Shop recently was to locate a cow's milk cheese called Coolea that I discovered on a recent trip to Ireland. With a nutty, rich flavor that reminds me of Gouda, I incorporated Coolea into a potato gratin dish on my trip that I was anxious to recreate at home. Please read below for the recipe for Coolea and Honey Potato Gratin.
The Cheese Shop offers a variety of cheeses with flavors and price points to meet your needs, and provides every customer with friendly service that makes you feel like you're in a small town where everyone knows your name. Next time you need to find the perfect ingredients to entertain, or simply want to enrich your next meal, stop by The Cheese Shop on Park and taste the difference freshness makes.
The Cheese Shop on Park is located at 329 Park Avenue North, Winter Park Florida 32789. For more information, visit them online at www.thecheeseshoponpark.com
Recipe: Coolea and Honey Potato Gratin
A rich and buttery dish that combines the unusual but complimentary flavors of cheese and honey to create a side dish that is the perfect accompaniment to beef or poultry and will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Click here for the recipe at Fun Fearless Foodie: http://funfearlessfoodie.com/2010/01/coolea-and-honey-potato-gratin/
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