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Tuesday 10am - 5:30pm Wednesday 10am - 3pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

The Cheese Bar

Name: The Cheese Bar
Address: 25 Amy Croft Drive Unit 29-30B, Lakeshore, ON, N9K1C7, CA
Telephone: +12263485277
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.7

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The Cheese Bar

Purveyor of Gourmet Artisanal Cheese | Markets | Gift Sets | Artisanal Cheeseboards | Event Space
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A little bit about The Cheese Bar....

The Cheese Bar is a small local business that specializes in seeking out 100% Canadian Artisanal Cheese with an initial focus on cheese produced in Southwestern Ontario. With a selection of sheep, goat, dairy cow and water buffalo cheese, offering nearly 50 types from 7 different producers, The Cheese Bar continues to grow it's cheese portfolio. Whether you'r

e a fan of soft, semi soft, firm or aged cheese, The Cheese Bar has something for you. From Brie, Camemberts, and Triple Creams to Garlic and Chive, Cumin or Wild Nettle, to naturally smoked applewood and Black Truffle Goudas to deliciously sharp Cheddar, there's only time that stands between you and trying them all!!!!!

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!

11/22/2024

🍬🧀 Sweet meets savory in the most unexpected way with Sticky Toffee Cheese! This decadent creation blends mild, creamy British Cheddar with toffee pieces, raisins, dates, and golden syrup for a flavor inspired by the classic English ‘Sticky Toffee Pudding.’

Perfectly sweet, subtly savory, and irresistibly smooth—this dessert cheese is a taste experience like no other!

📜 Ingredients: Pasteurized cow’s milk, chopped dates, raisins, toffee pieces, golden syrup, salt, and a touch of toffee flavor.

✨ Whether on its own, paired with your favorite wine or port, or as the star of your next charcuterie board, Sticky Toffee Cheese will wow your taste buds.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of cheese? 😍 Try it today!

11/21/2024

Meet Shep Ysselstein and His Award-Winning Handeck Cheese! 🧀

Crafted with passion and steeped in Swiss tradition, Handeck Cheese is a testament to the artistry of Ontario cheesemaker, Shep Ysselstein, and his dedication to producing world-class artisan cheese right here in Woodstock, Ontario.

🧀 The Cheese:
Handeck is a hand-crafted, washed-rind cow’s milk cheese made using traditional Swiss mountain-style methods that Shep mastered while training in the Swiss Alps. This remarkable cheese is aged for 24 months on cedar wood planks, which lend it robust and complex flavors with delightful nutty overtones. During December, keep an eye out for the special 2–4 year-aged version for an even deeper flavor experience.

🍷 Pairings & Uses:
Perfect Pairings: Red wines like Pinot Noir or dark roasted beers elevate the cheese’s rich, nutty flavors.
Culinary Star: Grate it over pasta, or substitute it for Parmesan in your Caesar salad for a uniquely Canadian twist.
🐄 Farm-to-Table Goodness:
All the milk used for Handeck comes from Shep’s family dairy farm, Friesvale Farms, located just next door. This ensures the finest quality Canadian milk, produced by happy cows grazing on the lush fields of Oxford County.

🏆 Artisanal Excellence:
Farmstead Production: Every wheel of Handeck (available in 20–25 kg wheels or custom cuts) is crafted with care at the Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese plant, nestled in the rolling hills of Gunn’s Hill Road.
Artisanal Tradition: Hand-crafted using time-honored techniques, Handeck embodies the best of small-batch cheese-making.

🏔️ Swiss Inspiration:
The name Handeck is a nod to the town where Shep honed his cheese-making craft in the Swiss Alps. It’s this heritage and his passion that make every bite of Handeck truly special.

Whether you’re a wine and cheese aficionado or a home chef looking to elevate your meals, Handeck Cheese is a must-try! Discover the rich flavors and dedication behind this award-winning cheese from one of Ontario’s finest cheesemakers.

👉 Available now for the holidays—add a taste of Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese to your table this season!

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11/19/2024

☘️🧀 Ireland’s Own Irish Porter Cheddar – A Taste of the Emerald Isle! 🧀☘️

Experience the essence of Ireland in every bite with Irish Porter Cheddar, a carefully crafted cheese made from the finest milk of Ireland’s lush, green pastures. 🌿

With animals grazing outdoors for most of the year, thanks to Ireland’s mild climate and clean air, the milk used for this cheddar is of exceptional quality—and it shows! This mature cheddar is beautifully marbled with rich Irish Porter, creating a unique and deliciously Irish flavor profile. 🍺✨

🧀 How to Enjoy:
Perfect for your cheeseboards, melted over dishes, or simply savored with a pint of stout. A true celebration of Ireland’s cheese-making heritage!

Stop by the shop and bring home a taste of Ireland today! 🇮🇪

11/18/2024

🧀 Low Fat, Low Sodium, Full Flavor: Meet Cantenaar 🧀

🇳🇱 From Holland with Love
Say hello to Cantenaar, the ultimate low-fat cheese that doesn’t compromise on flavor! With only 15-17% fat, it’s everything you love about aged Gouda-style cheeses—minus the guilt.

✨ Why Cantenaar?

Bold flavor with a nutty, buttery richness and a hint of savoury toast.
A crunchy, crystalline texture that makes every bite an experience.
Perfect for melting into recipes or enjoying on its own.
Low-fat and reduced sodium—but trust us, your taste buds will never know!
🍷 Perfect Pairings:
Sip on Chardonnay, Champagne, Pinot Noir, or Rioja for a match made in cheese heaven.

🥇 Fan Favorite
Our customers rave about this Dutch gem, and for good reason. Whether on your cheese board, melted into a dish, or paired with wine, Cantenaar proves that low-fat can still be luxurious.

🛒 Ready to try? Come in for a sample or grab a wedge today. Your next favorite cheese is waiting!

11/16/2024

☕🧀 Sartori BellaVitano Espresso – Where Cheese Meets Coffee! 🧀☕

Crafted by the master cheesemakers at Sartori in Plymouth, Wisconsin, this award-winning cheese is truly one-of-a-kind! Inspired by Northern Italy’s farmstead traditions, BellaVitano Espresso begins with a base that combines the creamy richness of Wisconsin Cheddar and the nutty, crystalline texture of Parmesan. Then, it’s hand-rubbed with freshly roasted Italian espresso for a flavor that’s sharp, nutty, sweet, and oh-so-toasty.

✨ Tasting Notes:
Creamy yet crunchy, sharp yet sweet, with a bold coffee finish. A perfect balance of textures and flavors that will delight your palate.

🍽 How to Enjoy:
This versatile cheese is excellent for breakfast alongside pastries, divine as a dessert cheese with chocolate, or perfect on a cheeseboard for anytime snacking.

🍷 Pairings:
Pair with your morning coffee, a smooth red wine, or a sweet Port for the ultimate treat.

Stop in today and discover why BellaVitano Espresso is a fan favorite. Your taste buds will thank you!

11/14/2024

🧀✨ Chateau de Bourgogne au Bleu – A Creamy Marvel from Burgundy! ✨🧀

Prepare to be enchanted by Chateau de Bourgogne au Bleu – a gorgeous, soft cheese made in the heart of Burgundy, France! 🥖 This luxurious triple-cream cheese, crafted by Fromagerie Delin, is no ordinary bloomy rind. It’s definitely going to be a new fan-favorite here in the shop for a reason! Don’t miss out on this brand new product in our cheese case.

With its creamy, buttery texture and silky smooth interior, it looks like classic Chateau de Bourgogne, but there’s a surprise inside. A delicate line of Bleu d’Auvergne runs through the middle, blending the best of Brillat-Savarin with just a hint of mild blue cheese depth. It’s indulgent, balanced, and, let’s be honest…totally irresistible.

🥇 Award-Winning: Gold at the 2023 Mondial du Fromage in Tours, France!

💡 How to Enjoy: Ideal for cheeseboards, this beauty pairs perfectly with a fresh baguette or crackers. For drinks, reach for a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, or even a Bavarian wheat beer!

Stop by and discover this must-try French masterpiece. With each bite, you’ll taste why it’s become the talk of our shop!

11/13/2024

🧀✨ Elevate your cheese game with Champagne Cheddar! 🍾

Imported straight from England, this creamy Cheddar is crafted with traditional farmhouse methods and infused with the subtle fruitiness of bubbly Champagne. The result? A dreamy blend of smooth, sweet flavors with a hint of apricot and a light citrusy finish. 🥂🍑

Perfect for a special celebration, a standout addition to your cheeseboard, or just because you deserve a treat with a touch of luxury! Pair it with your favorite glass of sparkling wine and let the flavors do the talking. 🎉🍾

11/11/2024

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📸 Cheese Spotlight: Le Douanier 🧀

Experience the unique flavors of Le Douanier, a semi-soft, surface-ripened cheese that hails from the heart of Quebec! This award-winning artisanal cheese from Fromagerie Kaiser is crafted by Swiss-born cheesemaker Fritz Kaiser, inspired by the French classic Morbier. With its earthy aroma and layers of complexity, it’s no wonder it’s a Gold Medal World Cheese Award winner!

🔸 Distinctive Features:

🧡 Orange-brown washed rind
🖤 Signature line of edible vegetable ash through the center, symbolizing the Canada-US border
🍏 Creamy, smooth interior with nutty and slightly sharp notes, and hints of green apple
🍷 Perfect Pairings:

Wines: Côtes de Rhône, Anjou, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Beer: Ambers, lagers, pilsners
Other: Sparkling cider or late bottled vintage port
🧑‍🍳 In the Kitchen:

Try it melted in a lamb roast with apples, or crumbled into a mesclun salad with raspberries and walnuts.
Discover the rich history and flavor of this Canadian classic—perfect for cozy fall nights or holiday gatherings! 🌲🍂

Address

25 Amy Croft Drive Unit 29-30B
Lakeshore, ON
N9K1C7

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	10am - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+12263485277

Website

http://www.thecheesebar.ca/

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