Old Rickhurst @ Surrey, UK *****

Tête de Moine

Although I’ve become accustomed to living (in my father’s words) as a “gipsy” of late, every so often I have an experience that highlights the delights of stability. This weekend my friend Charlotte’s family was kind enough not only to allow this wandererer to store some belongings in their garage, but also to put on a spectacular lunch. After a circuitous journey involving much Google-mapping while driving, it was a famished foodie who finally made it to this charming countryside abode. Upon being ushered into a plush sitting room, my attention was immediately captured by the strange contraption being employed to turn out enchantingly delicate cheese flowers shaved off a circular block of cheese that I later learned is called “Tête de Moine.” Indeed, the symbiotic relationship between the device, a Girolle, and the cheese, made by only 10 dairies in the Jura region of Switzlerland, is so complete that the former really should never be purchased without the latter. Happily, due to the glories of globalization, a complete set can be purchased online for around $120. When I have somewhere to put four pounds of cheese, I will order one for myself immediately. Until that day, I shall be content to gift.