What’s Happening at The Cheese Shop
December 2011

Thank you everyone for making our Thanksgiving fantastic. Our sales broke all previous records, and we kept the wait to a minimum. Thanksgiving is our "dress rehearsal" for the big Holiday, and I am so proud that we pulled it off nearly flawlessly. We anxiously await the return of our college helpers to serve you when you stop by to stock up on for your Holiday celebrations. Here's some fun stuff happening around here recently.

Crucolo Parade
JOn December 1st, we held our second annual Crucolo Parade. It created quite a hubbub in anticipation of a 400-pound wheel of one of our favorites. The Concord Board of Selectmen issued an official Proclamation that December 1, 2011 be known as "Crucolo Day" in the Town. Over 200 people cheered us on as we rolled it down the street on a red carpet, preceded by Concord Academy's "Crucolo Dancers" and a singing duo waving the Italian flag. We received a tremendous amount of publicity, including Boston.com, Concord Patch, The Washington Post, and even China Daily, among others. In the first weekend, nearly 200 pounds had left the building. But don't worry, we will have plenty to last at least another couple of weeks. Mark your 2012 calendar now for the first Thursday of December for this annual event. We import it in December, so we get cheese produced by cows that are free ranging on natures buffet, happy to be out of the barn after a long winter eating silage and hay. As they say, happy cows make better cheese, and big cheeses make us very happy! Here is a link to our YouTube Channel. What's not to Love about a Cheese Parade!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FytL6uacfek 

Holiday Specialities
Armine once again filled The Shop with the best xmas rackstocking stuffers. We have chocolates from 11 different countries and
4 different States, lucky Marzipan pigs, Swedish polkagrisor (peppermint sticks), a full selection of Tea Forte, nougats from South Africa, Cocoa wafer sticks, and lots, lots more. Something for everyone to taste and enjoy! Check out our Holiday shelf!

Holiday Wine and Beer Choices
Peter M. is forever in search of the mind blowing Burgundy Pinot Noir.  He wrote about it in his last wine newsletter, but I had not had a chance to taste it yet.  I corrected that error on Thanksgiving, and I must admit, I wish I hadn't waited so long.  This years pick as best Burgundy value is: 2009 Givry, "Vieilles Vignes" (Old Vines) from Parize in Givry, the same winery that won last year with their 2008 Givry 1er Cru. This is a great example of a French Pinot; it opens the door to the mystery of Burgundy without breaking the bank.
$24.95; $249.00 case of twelve

Mike "The Beer Guy" picked one of my favorites as his Holiday beer, the Chimay Premiere (red label)  He says "pours a great deep garnet color, with a large, persistent head.  This beer has a unique, almost sweet flavor, with a smooth body offset by the aggressive carbonation.  Wonderful yeasty aroma, with hints of those famous dark fruits that Dubbels specialize in.  A very drinkable beer, both with food and by itself."  Chimay was one of the two beers that I said he always had to stock if he started a beer selection.  Treat a special friend or loved one to share a bottle with you. 

Xavier David
xavierXavier David founded Fromi, a leading French cheese-exporting firm in 1979. Now there is a very special line of select cheeses that bear his name. We received the honor of being the exclusive retailer in the greater Boston marketplace. We received our first shipment of these magnificent cheese, including Tomme Savoie, Epoisses, Roquefort, Camembert, St Maure, Comte, and Fourme D'Ambert. As soon as it arrived, we cracked open the Camembert and the Roquefort and were we ever BLOWN AWAY! The Camembert was the best I have tasted outside of France. The Roquefort was even better than the Vieux Berger that we discovered just a year ago. I plan to treat myself to trying them all as a reward for finishing this newsletter. I think I'll skip lunch today.....

Holiday Catering & Cakes
Konditor Meister Yule Logs and Stollen. Mary's baking skills should not be myule logissed, so consider treating you and yourguests to wonderful homemade apple, pumpkin or pecan pies. We also offer the most wonderful ham from Blood Farm in Groton, one of the sweetest hams you have ever tasted. If it's cheese or charcuterie platters you need , or Brie wrapped in puff pastry, Ihope you think of us.You can find our HolidayMenu and the Dessert Menu online as well as in the shop.

Holiday Hours
We are open every day from Monday 12 December through the 24th. We take a few days off, and return on Tuesday 27 December through the 31st . We then close for 3 days, and reopen on Wednesday January 4th. Check out our webpage for hours and directions

I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season.  Our staff is ready to help you. If you see me, give me a wave, as I am likely to be a bit preoccupied, so grab a number, and taste some cheeses while you wait.

Happy Holidays to All!

~ Peter S. Lovis