I love cheese and have been planning to go to River Oaks since I first heard about the Tuesday night $12 tasting. Last night, I made it, and was overjoyed to find that I could also purchase a flight of four wines–anything sold by the glass except for one of the Champagnes–for $15. That was a great deal.
When the cheese plates came to the table, everyone was a little amazed at the tiny portions (I think it did seem a bit light, but the wine pours seemed a little generous–isn’t that evening out?), but these were excellent cheeses and the accompanying toasts were so good.
My favorite cheese (there were five) was either the Cypress Grove Purple Haze, a domestic goat’s milk with hints of lavender and fennel, or the Petit Pint L’Eveque, a double cream from France.
The cheeses change according to what’s best, so next Tuesday will likely be different. And I might just be there to find out…
Let's eat
Responses to “A Tuesday destination”
October 10th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Great to hear about this cheese tasting. I can’t wait until next Tuesday. I have a cheese weakness in a big way. Last week, friends had to pull me away from Beecher’s in Pike’s Mkt Seattle as I watched them make the in-house cheese. I always make it to Artisanal and Murry’s Cheese Shop on every trip to NYC. And I have even found myself paying under the table for raw-milk Gouda at a farm in the Netherlands countryside.
I hope that River Oaks will have some unusual cheeses - I love Purple Haze but you can get it at at the grocery store. I would love to taste cheeses from small creameries who don’t sell to big markets.
October 11th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Grant - have you tried the goat cheese from the DT farmers’ market. The Goat Gouda and smoked goat feta are lovely.
For a great cheese internet/mail order source, try zingerman’s. Excellent selection - including some house made, and they have outstanding customer service. If they have it try the Pleasent Ridge Reserve, it’s very special.
October 14th, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I have tried other fresh mozzarellas, but the best I have found so far is the “made fresh every day” variety at Mantia’s. The texture & flavor are both superior to any others I have eaten locally.
Now, Eatin’ Well has made me curious about goat gouda. That sounds yummy.
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