Winters and cheese go hand in hand, so we decided to take our cheese cravings to a new level by stepping out of the pasta, pizza and sandwich wonderland to take it head on. We aren’t disregarding the love for quattro formaggi pasta or margherita pizza (let’s be honest, they are quite spectacular), but sometimes letting the beautiful flavours of cheese shine on their own is the best thing. The sharp cheddar and peculiar stilton might shock your palate at first but they will leave you hooked. To soften the blow, we tested some smashing dishes which will get you drooling even before you see them!
Classic Gruyère Cheese Soufflé at Olive Bar & Kitchen
A light fluffy cheese soufflé turned out of the ramekin, drizzled with cheese velouté and garnished with crunchy cheese crisp is what cheese dreams are made of. Olive Bar & Kitchen serves just this but even better; accompanied by pickled parsnips and braised turnips, this well cooked soufflé has a cloud-like texture that will leave you mesmerised at the first bite. As you dig into it, we suggest enjoying each spoonful in peace and reminiscing in the serene, simplistic ambience. The beautiful earthiness of gruyère and richness of the soufflé is gently cut through by the pickled parsnips and braised turnips.
Image: maplebrookvt.com
Burrata Cheese at Ek Bar
Fresh burrata is cheese in it’s purest form. Beautifully smooth and buttery, as you cut into a burrata ball to enjoy it’s creamy curd like texture, the richness contrasted with soft sour notes takes over (in a good way). Ek Bar serves fresh burrata accompanied by a cherry tomato chutney, corn crisps and walnut pesto. The sweetness from corn pairs well with fresh burrata and the pesto adds a burst of freshness. By using a savoury chutney instead of fresh cherry tomatoes, Ek Bar has put an Indian spin on this classic Italian dish and we are absolutely loving it!
Image: Lacrema.com
Baked Brie at Public Affair
Unless you have a secret cheese cellar in the basement of your house (Do tell us if you do, we are very good at keeping secrets) a whole wheel of cheese isn’t something you get to enjoy everyday. Brie is a mild, gooey cheese with an edible rind ideal for baking whole. Warm and oozing, it’s almost irresistible to scoop up some (read, all) with bread and crackers. Public Affair serves quality brie baked to perfection where it’s just warm enough without losing it’s gooey consistency. Accompanied by balsamic figs and a sour apricot chutney, the flavours take this combination to new heights.
Image: bigoven.com
Cheese Fondue at Indigo Deli
Cheese Fondue is the epitome of cheesy goodness. Hot, melted, dipped with bread and meats, it’s the most luxurious and humble cheese dish at the same time. While you can get various versions of it in the city, Indigo Deli does a delightful fondue and the option for ordering for 2 makes it even better (you can’t doggy pack fondue after all, as much as we wish we could). Just go ahead, indulge; it will make you forget all about calories!
Formaggi Platter at Artusi Ristorante E Bar
Cheese for dolce, we bet you can’t say No to that. Cheese platters are quite common as antipasto, but if you choose the correct cheese and accompaniments, they make for stellar desserts. Artusi Ristorante e Bar is showing the city how not to limit your cheese cravings to savoury dishes by serving a collection of quality cheeses with infused pears, walnuts, dried fruits and honey. Including gorgonzola, pecorino, caprino and parmigiano-reggiano it makes for a perfect ending to the meal. The intriguing flavours from these varied variety of cheeses will leave your palate amazed and pleased.
Okay, chow (we crack ourselves up). We are going to go dive in some cheese now.
If you aren’t in mood for going out, try your hand at the cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmigiana and Baked Chicken Casserole. Check out our cheese loaded recipes here and here.
Tell us about your favourite cheese dish in the city by writing to editorial@dssc.co.
Featured Image Courtesy: grubstreet.com
