The Cheese Bar

02/16/2025

01/02/2025

Happy New Year!

We’re kicking off the new year with a little holiday.

See you January 9th ❤️

12/23/2024

✨ A Rare Treat: Triangle Cendré ✨

Straight from the lush pastures of the Loire region in France, we are thrilled to announce a very special arrival at our shop: Triangle Cendré by La Fromagerie Fontenille. This artisanal masterpiece, inspired by the horns of the goats whose pasteurized milk is lovingly transformed into cheese, is as striking as it is delicious.

Why is this cheese so extraordinary?
Crafted in small batches, the Triangle Cendré boasts a dramatic exterior cloaked in vegetal ash, with delicate creases that hint at the creamy treasure within. Its ivory-white interior is supple yet slightly firm, offering a smooth, buttery texture that melts on the tongue. The flavors? Subtle and nuanced, with mild caprine notes, a touch of tang, and hints of fresh hay and barnyardy funk—a symphony of taste that goat cheese lovers dream about.

A Rare Opportunity
We’re delighted (and a little giddy) to share that we have just 6 pieces of this exceptional cheese available. Yes, only six! With its limited availability and undeniable allure, this is truly a rare chance to indulge in a cheese that’s rarely seen outside France.

How to Enjoy
Perfect on a rustic baguette or crisp crackers, Triangle Cendré shines brightest when paired with a fruity wine. It’s a centerpiece-worthy cheese that will elevate any holiday table or intimate gathering.

Don’t Miss Out
This cheese won’t last long—stop by to claim your slice of Loire Valley perfection. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

12/23/2024

🎄✨ Triple Cream Dream: Brillat-Savarin for the Holidays ✨🎄

🌟 Introducing Brillat-Savarin 🌟

One of France’s most decadent treasures, this triple-cream cheese is named after the legendary gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. With a buttery texture, nutty undertones, and mushroomy hints, it’s the ultimate indulgence for your holiday celebrations.

🧀 Why It’s Special:

Origin: Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Texture: Creamy, dense, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Flavors: Lactic, buttery, and a touch of truffle magic.

Perfect Pairing: Champagne or sparkling wine 🥂

🎁 Holiday Serving Ideas:

✨ On a cheese board with fresh fruit and crusty bread.
✨ As a dessert cheese with berries and a drizzle of honey.
✨ Add a luxurious touch to your festive gatherings!

📸 Don’t forget to snap your Brillat-Savarin moments this season and tag us!



✨ Make your holidays extra creamy and delicious with Brillat-Savarin!

12/23/2024

✨ A Festive Cheese That Steals the Spotlight ✨

Meet Moliterno al Tartufo, the ultimate indulgence for truffle lovers this holiday season. This exquisite Pecorino from Sardinia is more than just a cheese—it’s an experience. Aged to buttery perfection, this semi-hard sheep’s milk cheese is infused with ribbons of decadent black truffle paste, creating striking marbled veining and an intense, earthy flavor that lingers beautifully on the palate.

🎄 Why it’s perfect for the holidays:

Add a bold, luxurious touch to your charcuterie boards alongside salami, mortadella, or prosciutto.
Grate it over pasta or roasted vegetables for a festive twist on classic dishes.

Pair it with Sun Parlor Honey and Stonwall Sea Salt Crackers for a melt-in-your-mouth appetizer that your guests will never forget.
Each bite balances the rich umami of truffle with the creamy nuttiness of sheep’s milk, leaving hints of hazelnuts and spice. It’s the kind of cheese that turns an ordinary gathering into a celebration.

🌟 Pair it with a bold red wine or a glass of Champagne for the ultimate indulgence.

Bring home the magic of Moliterno al Tartufo and make this season unforgettable. 🧀✨

📸 Tag us in your holiday creations!

12/19/2024

🌿🎄 Sage Derby: A Taste of Christmas Past! 🎄🌿

Add a touch of festive magic to your holiday spread with Sage Derby, England’s oldest and most striking cheese! 💚

🧀 What Makes It Special?

Smooth, buttery texture with delicate notes of fresh sage.
Stunning green marbling, perfect for a Christmas cheeseboard centerpiece.
Once made only for the holidays, now yours to enjoy this festive season!
✨ Pair it with a crisp Chardonnay, or savor it with toast and eggs on a cozy winter morning. Either way, this cheese brings a little extra cheer to your celebrations! 🍷🎁

🎅 Stop by The Cheese Bar to grab your wedge and make your holidays even brighter.

12/18/2024

📣 Melted Bliss Alert! 🧀✨

This week, we’re bringing a slice of the Alps to your table with Raclette Cheese, including a Canadian favorite from Quebec! 🇨🇭🇨🇦

Known for its creamy texture, nutty undertones, and exceptional melting properties, Raclette is the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers. 🥔🍷 Whether you’re creating a traditional Raclette dinner or looking to elevate your charcuterie board, this semi-hard cheese promises to steal the show.

🌟 What is Raclette?

Originating from the Swiss Alps, Raclette (from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape”) has been a communal dining tradition since the 12th century.
Made from cow’s milk and aged to perfection, this cheese is a rich, gooey delight that pairs perfectly with boiled potatoes, cured meats, pickles, and crusty bread.

🧀 Why It’s Special:

Melts like magic! Smooth, creamy, and perfect for drizzling.
Bursting with nutty, slightly fruity flavors.
Versatile: Melt it, slice it, or enjoy it cold on a charcuterie board.

💡 How to Enjoy Raclette:

1️⃣ Slice the cheese into thin portions.
2️⃣ Melt it on a Raclette grill or under a broiler.
3️⃣ Scrape over your favorite sides: think potatoes, charcuterie, and pickles!
4️⃣ Pair with a glass of Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc for the ultimate experience.

🛒 Now In Stock:
Try authentic Raclette cheese straight from Quebec, alongside traditional Swiss options. Perfect for cozy winter dinners!

🍷 Tag your cheese-loving friends and start planning your next Raclette night! Available while supplies last at The Cheese Bar.

12/17/2024

Introducing something truly extraordinary: Bufalotto stuffed with Italian pistachios 🧀✨

For the first time ever, we have this rare and luxurious cheese in-store. Hand-crafted in Italy’s Bergamo region, this soft, bloomy rind buffalo milk cheese is delicately stuffed with crunchy Italian pistachios (3.5%).

Creamy, fresh, and unlike anything you’ve tasted, Bufalotto is a real delicacy—a perfect balance of flavor and texture. With only one wheel available, this is a cheese lover’s dream you won’t want to miss.

📍 Visit us at The Cheese Bar to claim your piece of this special treat before it’s gone!

🏷️ The most exquisite and rare cheese we’ve ever had.

12/13/2024

🐐✨ Crottin de Chèvre Germain: A Loire Valley Masterpiece ✨🐐

Prepare your taste buds for the award-winning elegance of Crottin de Chèvre Germain, a goat cheese crafted with passion in the heart of France’s Loire Valley.

🧀 Appearance: A petite gem with a delicate white rind, crumbly texture, and a chalky center just waiting to be savored.
🌸 Flavor: Bright, slightly tangy notes balanced by a rich, buttery creaminess. Enjoy hints of butterscotch, a touch of salt, and that signature caprine character.
🌰 Aroma: Light and inviting, with occasional whispers of hazelnuts as the cheese ages.

🌟 Perfect Pairings:

Serve it with a fruity white wine for an unforgettable pairing.
Add it to your cheeseboard for a sophisticated touch.
Or enjoy it as a snack that transports you to the French countryside.
🏆 Why it’s Special:
This little treasure has won hearts and gold medals at the 2018/2019 World Cheese Awards. Its name, “Crottin,” is inspired by the oil lamp molds once used by winegrowers in central France. A true slice of history in every bite!

💡 Pro tip: Try it fresh for a crumbly, grassy flavor or let it age for a creamy texture and deeper taste.

📍 Available at The Cheese Bar. Don’t miss the chance to bring home this French classic!

12/13/2024

🌰✨ St Julien Cheese: A French Classic with a Crunch! ✨🌰

Creamy, dreamy, and just a little nutty—St Julien Cheese is the perfect marriage of indulgent cream cheese and crunchy walnuts from the Dordogne region. Every bite melts in your mouth with a rich, woody flavor and a slightly tangy finish that’s oh-so-satisfying.

🇫🇷 Made in France with pasteurized cow’s milk, this cheese is as luxurious as it gets. Whether you’re treating yourself to a light dessert, brunching in style, or simply spreading it on warm sourdough, St Julien elevates every moment.

🍷 Perfect Pairings:

A glass of crisp Rosé wine for an elegant touch.
A light blond beer to keep it casual.
Or, keep it simple with crackers—because this cheese speaks for itself!
✨ Pro tip: For a true taste of France, enjoy it warm, letting the creamy texture and nutty crunch shine.

🌟 Available now at The Cheese Bar! Swing by to grab your 150g wedge of pure deliciousness.

12/10/2024

🎁✨ Spread the Holiday Cheer with Custom Gift Baskets! ✨🎁

Make this holiday season unforgettable with delicious, hand-crafted gift baskets delivered straight to your loved ones, clients, or friends across Essex County! 🎄💝

🌟 We’ve got you covered! Choose from beautifully curated gift boxes that ship across Ontario or personalized custom baskets packed with edible goodness. Perfect for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list!

🎅 Stress-free gifting starts here. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy the holidays. Call us today or order online!

📞 226.348.5277
💻 www.thecheesebar.ca

✨ Order now and make someone’s season extra special! ✨

12/09/2024

🌟 Meet Époisses Berthaut: France’s Gooey Treasure 🌟

Hailing from the Cote-d’Or and Burgundy regions of France, this 16th-century masterpiece has stood the test of time. Once nearly lost during WWII, Époisses was heroically revived in the 1950s by M. Berthaut (merci beaucoup!).

🥖 What Makes Époisses So Special?
✔️ Carefully washed over 28+ days in water mixed with Marc de Bourgogne, a brandy made from winemaking leftovers.
✔️ Each wash intensifies the flavor and creates its signature orange rind.
✔️ Incredibly creamy, spoonable texture.
✔️ Bacon-y, umami-rich goodness hidden behind its famous “funk.”

Pair it with a fresh baguette, tangy fruit spreads, or your favorite Pinot Noir or Sauternes. Feeling adventurous? Add some Saucisson Sec or pickles and toast for the ultimate charcuterie experience.

✨ Pro tip: Even if you’re not into “stinky” cheese, Époisses might just change your mind. It’s that good.

💬 What’s your go-to pairing? Share below!

12/06/2024

🧀 JUST ARRIVED: Vacherin Mont d’Or! 🧀

Cheese lovers, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here! We’ve just received a limited number of Vacherin Mont d’Or AOP wheels—and trust us, they’re worth the hype. Available only for a short season each year, this cheese is a true treasure from the Swiss Alps.

✨ What Makes Vacherin Mont d’Or So Special?
Crafted from rich cow’s milk during the cooler months, this soft, spreadable cheese is wrapped in fragrant spruce bark, which imparts irresistible woodsy notes. Aged to perfection on spruce boards, its luscious, spoonable interior is as creamy as it gets—perfect for indulgent gatherings or solo moments of bliss.

🍽️ How to Enjoy It
For the ultimate experience, warm your Vacherin in its spruce box until it turns into a gooey, golden fondue-style delight. Serve it with:
🥖 Bread: Rustic baguette or sourdough
🍎 Fruits: Fresh figs, apples, or dried apricots
🥓 Charcuterie: Prosciutto, salami, or smoked ham
🥔 Vegetables: Roasted potatoes or asparagus

🍷 Pairings to Elevate Every Bite
✨ A crisp Gewürztraminer, sparkling Champagne, or a light Pinot Noir
✨ Belgian ale or dry cider for a fun twist

💡 Pro Tip: Its nickname? “The Holy Grail of Cheese”—and once you taste it, you’ll see why.

⏳ Limited Supply: We only have a few wheels, 36 to be exact, so don’t wait! These 650g treasures serve 6–8 and are first come, first served. Last year we had 48 and sold out the same day! Luckily we received a second batch last year but not sure that will be the case this year….

📍 Stop by to claim your wheel of alpine gold and experience the creamy, nutty, and woodsy magic of Vacherin Mont d’Or AOP.

12/05/2024

🧀 The Art of Tête de Moine: Fromage de Bellelay

Experience over 800 years of Swiss tradition with Tête de Moine AOP, the iconic cylindrical cheese crafted from raw, silage-free cow’s milk in the Jura Mountains. Known as the “Monk’s Head,” this exceptional cheese is more than a culinary delight—it’s a work of art.

✨ Why is it so unique?
Tête de Moine isn’t sliced—it’s shaved into delicate, rosette-shaped florets using a special tool called a Girolle. This technique enhances the cheese’s dense texture and intense fruity, sweet flavors, allowing them to bloom as the layers are shaved away.

🌟 The Flavor
The natural mountain milk lends a distinctive richness, while aging on spruce wood boards for at least 2.5 months brings out its aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

🍒 Pair it Perfectly
Elevate your cheeseboard with Tête de Moine’s bold flavors alongside a tangy Black Cherry Confit or enjoy it with a glass of your favorite wine. Whether served as an aperitif, dessert, or a snack, its full-bodied flavor makes it the crowning glory of any cheese platter.

🛡️ Authenticity Guaranteed
Crafted in just 10 village creameries, every wheel of Tête de Moine is made in accordance with AOP specifications, a true testament to its heritage.

👉 Pro tip: For the perfect rosettes, shave your Tête de Moine straight from the fridge and watch as its flavors come to life.

📜 From its origins as a currency used by monks in the 12th century to gracing modern cheeseboards, Tête de Moine is a timeless masterpiece of Swiss cheesemaking.

🧀 Ready to indulge? Share your Tête de Moine moments with us!

12/03/2024

✨ Chaumes Cheese: A French Delight! 🧀✨

Meet Chaumes, the golden gem of the French Pyrenees! 🌄 This soft, washed-rind beauty brings tradition and flavor together in perfect harmony.

🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
🟠 A sticky, flavorful rind with a hint of grit for texture.
💛 A soft, buttery, springy interior that melts in your mouth.
🌰 Rich, full-bodied flavor with a smooth hazelnut finish.

🕰️ Better with Time:
As Chaumes ages, its flavors grow bolder and more aromatic. Perfect for those who love a cheese that evolves!

🍷 Pair It With:
Champagne or a chilled Chardonnay for the ultimate indulgence.

🍽️ Serve It Up:
👉 Grilled on crusty bread for a toasty treat.
👉 Melted over fresh veggies for a cozy dish.
👉 A kid-friendly snack or the star of your cheese board.

📍 Hailing from the historic foothills of France, Chaumes is more than just cheese—it’s an inspiration.

🎉 Add a little French flair to your table tonight!

11/28/2024

🎄✨ Cheese that Dazzles, Delights, and Adds a Touch of Spice! ✨🎄

Looking for a show-stopper for your next gathering? Meet Basiron Tricolour—a bold, spicy, and utterly unique cheese that’s as festive as it is flavourful!

🟥 Red: Bursting with the flavour of red peppers.
🟩 Green: A zesty kick of bell pepper goodness.
⬜ White: Creamy, tangy goat cheese perfection.

Unlike traditional spicy cheeses with chunks of peppers, this masterpiece is infused with hot sauce, delivering a smooth and mild heat that’s perfect for everyone.

Often nicknamed ‘Christmas Cheese’ in Holland, this tri-coloured Gouda isn’t just for the holidays—it’s an eye-catching treat year-round!

🎨 Perfect for:
🧀 Elevating your cheese platters
🎉 Surprising your guests
💡 Adding some razzle-dazzle to your entertaining

Ready to impress? Grab some Basiron Tricolour today and let your tastebuds experience this explosion of flavours!

11/25/2024

🎄🧀 The Creamy Star of Your Holiday Table: Saint Agur 🧀🎄

This Christmas, elevate your celebrations with the indulgent Saint Agur, a blue-veined treasure from the heart of France’s Monts du Velay. Since 1988, this award-winning cheese has been delighting taste buds worldwide with its rich, creamy texture and perfectly balanced flavor. Whether you’re new to blue cheese or a lifelong fan, Saint Agur is guaranteed to impress.

✨ What Makes Saint Agur Special?

Luxuriously Creamy: Enriched with cream for its signature double-cream richness (60% butterfat!), making every bite smooth and velvety.
Perfectly Balanced: Mild and buttery with a subtle tang—less salty than traditional blues but still full of character.
Handcrafted Elegance: Each octagonal wheel is hand-salted, pierced with needles for its signature veining, and aged for 60 days for peak flavor.
🍴 How to Enjoy It:

Spread It: On crusty baguettes with dried fruits and nuts.
Melt It: Over burgers, steaks, or in gourmet sauces and dips.
Crumble It: Into a pear and walnut salad or atop roasted vegetables.
Snack On It: Anytime you need a creamy, indulgent treat!
🍷 Perfect Pairings:
Saint Agur shines with wines like Syrah, Chardonnay, or Porto. For a sweet touch, pair it with fruits like walnuts, figs, or pears—it’s a match made in heaven!

🎁 Holiday Tip: Add Saint Agur to your cheese board for a touch of elegance, or use it to create crowd-pleasing appetizers for your festive gatherings. Its creamy, spreadable nature and rich flavor make it the star of any holiday spread.

🛒 Available Now In-Store—bring home the cheese that’s guaranteed to wow your guests this season!