This is my cheese monger’s store. It’s my Happy Place.
Someone, I know not who, did something very, very kind and thoughtful for me today. OK, actually, two people did kind and thoughtful things- One needed the other- and all for me. I am giddy and deeply touched by someone being so generous and kind to me. I mean, really- who else on earth would adore a gift certificate to a cheese market besides me? And whoever sent it- well, I can’t thank you enough. Really- and Mo Mommy- no matter how much I begged, would not divulge who was so kind- well, besides herself! She is a good keeper of secrets.
Here was my take:
- Mt. Townsend Creamery Seastack, a soft ripened cheese with wood ash.
- Super Aged Dry Gouda- Mmmmmmmm.
- English Stilton- you can read my love letter to this cheese here.
- Parmigiana Reggiano, the disputed king of cheeses
- Pecorino Fresca Verde- a sheep’s cheese from Italy
- Vella Dry Jack, from California, rubbed with cocoa.
- Coolea, a hard cow milk cheese from Ireland
- Grayson, and soft, finely textured cow cheese from Virginia
So, to whomever you are, I thank you. My cheese-deprived palate thanks you. My cheese monger thanks you. And, I, humbly, thank you again.
Dandelion Mama 
Dear secret friend,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me be involved in such a wonderful gift. I never cease to be amazed at the love the circulates in the blogosphere and I’m so humbled to be a part of it!
And I had an excuse to buy cheese, which is always good.
Let me loose in a cheese shop any time you like – there is a great shop in Boulogne, and most French towns have these delightful spots. What is life without cheese !
Wow, what a cool gift. I admit I’m a little boggled at the thought of buying so many cool cheeses at once!
Hello, my name is Jami and I am a cheese wimp. I am unadventurous, boring even. When I go wild I get smoked cheddar. I like gouda and brie (not the rind). That’s as far as I go. But I do really like the cheese I like. I don’t even know half of the ones you’ve mentioned. How did you become a cheese expert?
Oh, off the topic, I think it’s cool that I get the same little monster icon every time I post.
I am like Jami, a cheese wimp. I was even afraid to try gouda in some mac n cheese…but I really liked it and have made it since. So maybe branching out very very slowly might be ok! I did try one kind of cheese that didn’t sit well with me and made me sick, and mow I wish I remembered what it was so I could try different kinds of cheeses without running into that one again! I’m glad that you got to enjoy some of your favorite cheeses!
I have never been to a cheesemonger’s. I wouldn’t know what to do once I got there, except buy lots of Parmigianno Reggiano. (sp?)
So, if I ever go, I want Tracy there with me. What do you think, Tracy? You up for it?