The Big Cheese in Town - Dublin

(Photo From Sheridans Cheesemongers )

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit cheese obsessed and firmly believe that any store with the word cheesemonger in the title really knows their stuff. One such store is Sheridans Cheesemonger in Dublin. The counters are stacked with cheeses from all over the world in a chilled store that it is essentially one big refrigerator. It's a perfect place to go on a hot summer day! The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, and gave me insight into the local cheeses.

(photo from Sheridans Cheesemongers)

The three cows milk cheeses I tried were:

Gubbeen: This cheese is made in County Cork by Giana Ferguson and is pasteurized. The color is butter yellow with a white washed rind. Nutty in flavor, it is closest in taste to a monchego, but softer in texture and not as salty. Of the three cheeses I sampled this one was my favorite. Since it is pasteurized, it might be possible to find it at gourmet cheese shops here in the states.

Ardrahan: A cheese that also hails from County Cork, but is produced from raw milk from Mary Byrnes' own cows. It has a washed orange rind and a soft texture like fontina, but the taste is moderately pungent, with a tangy flavor similar buttermilk.

Mount Callan: Another raw milk cheese produced by an Australian woman named Lucy Hayes in County Clare. Mount Callan is a very hard dry cheddar also made from raw cow's milk and aged two months. The color is very dark yellow with a dark ashy rind. It is a mild cheddar with a slightly earthy flavor.

I think it's hilarious that Sheridans Cheesemongers also make tiered cheese wedding cakes, and would have loved to of ordered one for my wedding. I have the feeling my guests would have been less enthusiastic!

Sheridans Cheesemongers
11 South Anne Street (off of Grafton)
Dublin, Ireland
tel: 016793143
www.sheridanscheesemongers.com

Peck Food Emporium - Milan

Peck in Milan, is the Dean and Deluca of Italy. Their huge food emporium sells everything from coffee, cheeses, olive oils, vinegars, and prepared food all under the Peck label. Everything is of the highest, freshest quality. On my trip to Milan, I bought a bottle of the white truffle oil, which actually had a big hunk of white truffle floating in the bottom. I don't think you can find that many other places, at least not for an affordable price! Certain items on their website can be shipped to the U.S. such as wine, oils (including the aforementioned truffle oil) and aged vinegars. Peck also has a gourmet restaurant and tea room upstairs where they will make you a perfect cappuccino. If you're lucky they'll even swirl the foam into a heart. Perfecto!

The Violet Hour Bar - Chicago

When I asked my friend Norm what bars he would recommend in Chicago, he immediately suggested The Violet Hour, and I think this bar is right up my alley.  The glamorous decor has the look of a French salon, combined with the coziness of an English Library, and the delicious sounding drinks include The Honeysuckle and The Fox Hunt. Food and Wine calls The Violet Hour one of the top bars in the country, and it already has one of my requisites for a perfect bar: a fireplace!

Hot Diggity Dog - Los Angeles

Calling all meat lovers!! My hot dog connoisseurs tell me there is a new top dog in town. The next time you're near the Helms Bakery in Los Angeles, be sure and check out the Let's Be Frank hot dog stand across from the new Father's Office. They make their own hot dogs from organically and humanely raised beef and pork, so they are delicous and guilt free. http://www.letsbefrankdogs.com/