What’s Happening at The Cheese Shop,
April 2008

Ahh, spring!  I just saw my first tulip tips coming out of the ground over by TD BankNorth here in Concord.  My tulips and daffodils are still under several inches of snow at home, but at this point I can begin to feel that it really will be spring soon!  I am racking up the air miles this year.  In mid March, I flew out to Sacramento to attend a pig roast at Mulvaney’s Building and Loan.  My college friend Patrick owns the restaurant, and each year he throws a party to thank his staff, clients, vendors and industry friends for their support throughout the year.  There were 2 pigs (which were stuffed with chickens that were stuffed with quail) on spits over a charcoal fire, and 2 lambs under a covered grill/smoker.  Besides Patrick, I have another friend who lives in Sacramento, so he gave me a fun tour, and a taste and feel of the city.  Then, a couple of other college friends came up from San Francisco, so it was a great visit, and great eating!  Later this month I will make my annual steelhead fishing pilgrimage to Michigan.  Then, in early May, my family and I fly out to Las Vegas, and then on to the Grand Canyon and Phoenix to visit some family.  Speaking of flying, if you get a chance, give David over in the Deli congratulations for being recertified to fly.  He had to surrender his commercial pilot’s license due to some health issues which are now resolved, and he is hoping to fly again soon. 

Harvest Song Preserves
This is a wonderful artisanal line of preserves from Armenia.  They have just added 2 new flavors: Golden Fig, and Apricot with White Cherry.  They have no added pectin, only the natural goodness from the fruit.  I really enjoy the whole candied walnuts in a light syrup because they go magnificently with cheese.  

Cheese Classes
We are teaming up with Middlesex Community College again this spring to offer The Art of Cheese.  It is a 2 hour class, held here at the Shop, and we discuss the families of cheeses, and taste a dozen or so cheeses.  Attendance is limited to 15 because of space here, so it is a whole lot of fun, and tasty too.  The next class is scheduled for Thursday April 17 from 7- 9 pm.  For registration, please visit http://www.middlesex.mass.edu/careertraining

Friday Night Dinner Club
Here is the menu for April.  I especially like the Mexican spiced rib eye with lime butter.  But I can never decide, they are always so yummy.

A Students Perspective of The Cheese Shop
I received an email back in February from a student at Concord Academy asking to interview me for a English class. I agreed, with the proviso that I can't just stop helping customers in the middle of the day, and that it would be kept to around 30 minutes. Part of the assignment was describing the workspace of the person being profiled, so she came back a couple of times to spend some time taking notes on the Shop. She closed her email with "I'm so excited to get to know more about you, your work, and the cheese shop in general!"

So we did spend some time together, and while I had no editorial control, and was not privileged to fact check the paper, I think she did a great job, , I especially like the way she captured many of my idiosyncratic mannerism. I learned something about myself and had a good laugh! With her permission, I post it here for your enjoyment. The Life of Cheese.

Dutch Stroopie
Armine has been looking for an authentic Stroopwaffle for nearly 2 years since our last supplier closed.  Well, here it is.  A Stroopwaffle is a traditional Dutch syrup waffle, which you place over a cup or coffee or tea and the syrup warms, and the cookie softens.  They are also great alone as a sweet snack.  Come in and ask for a taste with your next cup of George Howell coffee.

Les Rials
Our house favorite summer white wine is coming back.  It is scheduled to arrive early April.  We will let it rest for a bit after its journey, so it should be ready to drink by April 15th.  The 9th year in a row, and we are expecting another winner vintage.  Christian Hollevoet operates Domain de la Chanade in the Tarn valley in the southwest of France.  They grow an unusual grape “Loin de l’Oeil” and produce this wonderful summer white wine.  I think of it as “deck wine” because I like to sit out on the deck and share a glass or 2 while relaxing on the weekend.  It’s tasty, refreshing, and very affordable.  Once again, the quantities are limited, so call or email to reserve your case.

George Howell Terroir Coffee 
Do you remember The Coffee Connection?  George Howell sold his local chain of coffee shops in the early 90’s and now has resurfaced with his passion for well roasted coffee beans from small coffee growers.  We carry the Terroir brand, and he is roasting our house blend and “normal” varieties.  We now have a new brewer and grinder set up so you can taste our house blend regular and unleaded as our brewed coffee. 

I think that’s about it for now.  I know I was remiss in writing in March, but no one complained, so I feel let off the hook.  I  hope you all do some fun spring activities, and that you make a visit to The Cheese Shop part of your plans.  Thanks for checking in on us, and next time you come by the shop, please let me know you are reading this, just so I stay motivated to keep writing.

See you soon!

~ Peter S. Lovis