Ma Cherie! Don’t eat the cheese platter for an appetizer! Eat it post-dinner like the French do! A lot of people may know that when you go to France or a French restaurant, the cheese boards are an after dinner option before dessert, but not many people know the reason why and the correct way to eat the cheeses! I am outlining the correct way to eat your cheese like the French do!
Me in Lyon, France, the food mecca!
The French eat their cheese after dinner because it is a holdover from European dining.
assiette de fromages from O Bistro Francais in Red Bank NJ.
A known fact that a lot of people may not attribute with some dairy products is that outside of milk, some can help aid in digestion. For instance yogurts and aged cheeses help aid digestion because they are fermented and the present bacteria already has done most of the work in breaking down the fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. That is also my argument as to why I like ice cream after dinner… it helps me digest! Haha just kidding, that is a total joke created by my own head.
Make sure when you’re eating your cheese on the platter, you start with the least salty like a brie and move to the saltiest last such as an imported blue cheese. Additionally, you want to make sure if you’re not at a restaurant and preparing your own platter at home that you let the cheese come close to room temperature before eating. This way, all of the flavors will be maximized.
cheese plate from La Mer in Honolulu HI
Want a cracker with that cheese? Don’t you dare in France. Bread such as a baguette is accepted, but some of the time you may just see the cheese.
Don’t cross contaminate the cheese knives! If you don’t have one for each cheese, make sure you’re wiping the knife so that the flavors are not confused.
Lastly, have a bottle of red wine handy! I personally don’t think you can ever go wrong with a good Cabernet or Bordeaux when eating cheeses, however I am going to outline a few of my favorite cheese and wine pairings for you here in case you want to get fancy and have the ultimate cheese experience!
Cheese Plate and Bordeaux from Pascal & Sabine in Asbury Park NJ
Brie cheese with Pinot Grigio
Cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon
Goat Cheese with Burgundy
Camembert de Normandie with Champagne or Chenin Blanc
Picture this. It’s February 13th and you have no gift or plans for your significant other for Valentine’s Day. Maybe this is your first Valentine’s Day together, and you feel pressure to make it special, or maybe you’ve been married for years and try to do something special every year away from the kids. Time is running out, and you’ve got nothing.
Don’t panic! Nothing beats a romantic dinner planned from the heart, good food, and a bottle of wine. To the guys reading this, maybe flowers would be a good addition too if you want, haha. I am outlining the top romantic restaurants at the Jersey Shore with the best food as well! Everything from the ambiance down to the dessert will be unforgettable. Take a look!
Theresa’s South- Bayhead
Bayhead is such a cute little town, and Theresa’s South is just as cute. This Italian BYOB restaurant is intimate and serves up some mean fresh homemade pasta dishes. The ambiance is romantic. Lights are dim, candles lit on the table, and the long windows with the grilles add a nice touch. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and toast to eachother while enjoying some awesome food.
Gemelli with sweet fennel sausage Theresa’s South
Recommendations here are the gemelli with sweet fennel sausage, braised short rib entree, and the eggplant pancake appetizer.
Take the time to venture in to Bayhead to Theresa’s South. You won’t regret it. Our rating: 80%
Pascal & Sabine- Asbury Park
Pascal and Sabine is a perfect spot for Valentine’s Day. Isn’t French supposedly the language of love? So go eat some French cuisine at this great spot in Asbury Park. When you walk in, the right side of the restaurant resembles a library and is a great spot to have a drink and lounge. Sometimes they have a piano player or some live, soothing jazz to help set the mood. Nestle up in a booth with your Valentine and order a French wine or some of their awesome cocktails. Their cheese plate is excellent, and I love getting a good Bordeaux with that. Their escargot is great as well as their coq au vin. You can’t really go wrong here! As a side note, they have a really great Sunday brunch menu too. Our rating: 84%
escargot Pascal & Sabine
Moonstruck- Asbury Park
Moonstruck is the quintessential example of the perfect package for a romantic dinner. Located in a Victorian house on the lake that separates Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, Moonstruck gives you atmosphere, great food, and even some live entertainment if you happen to go on a Friday night. In the spring and summer, you can eat dinner on the porch. That is my favorite! Try their Thai salmon and their Asian grilled shrimp, two of my favorites. They’re both amazing!
Thai salmon Moonstruck
Pasta lovers will be happy with the pasta entree options as well. Lamb quesadillas are an awesome appetizer. For dessert, you must have their signature black and white creme brulee. Moonstruck is just an absolute pleasure all around, and the romance factor is a total 10. Our rating: 77%
Larimar- Spring Lake
Larimar is a newer fine dining establishment that has recently joined the restaurant scene in beautiful Spring Lake. This BYO serves modern Italian and European style dishes. The pasta here is fresh and delicious and the dishes are presented beautifully.
campanelle Larimar
The campanelle is my favorite pasta dish here! The pork chop is also very good. I love the colors in the dining room. The white and blue dining room is clean and sleek looking, yet elegant and intimate. Sunday brunch here is great as well. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and be served like royalty at Larimar! Our rating: 83%
Fromagerie- Rumson
Fromagerie recently reopened and has been reinvented, and boy is it fabulous! The restaurant alone is beautiful. The charm of the restaurant alone is enough to create a romantic night. I had the pleasure of sitting in a secluded booth near the bar, and it was nice and private, however their main dining room is gorgeous as well. The cocktails are amazing, and their wine list is extensive.
short rib special Fromagerie
The steak options are definitely recommended by the chef, but the other entrees are delicious as well and beautifully executed. The filet mignon is delicious as well as the short rib. The pistachio ice cream cake comes highly recommended and is worth every calorie, I promise! Our rating: 83%
Well, there you have it. I have outlined the most romantic restaurants at the Shore with the best food to give you a flawless Valentine’s Day! Be sure to make your reservations ahead of time! Have a great Valentine’s Day everyone!
