This concept is very close to my idea of heaven! For caravanners, think of it as the most upmarket happy hour you’ve ever taken part in. When we visited Melbourne we stepped into this wonderland in the suburb of Carlton, and there is another at St Kilda. The idea of this fromagerie is to pair cheeses and wines (and other beverages) and there are a number of options you can choose from.

The experience begins with a waiter taking us through the various options, but then we had to be left a while to actually make a choice, I was already planning a second visit before I had started the first! In our party that day, we eventually chose a few different options and shared a bit of each. When you take a look at the menu I’m sure you’ll be able to see why we struggled to decide.

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Our eventual choices were a cheeseboard of 3 of the cheesemonger’s choice, which also came with quince paste and a plentiful assortment of homemade lavosh crackers and freshly baked bread slices. Our cheeses consisted of a soft brie style, a blue and a matured variety.

We also had the opportunity to try a baked camembert which was cooked with garlic, herbs and white wine and served with a crusty baguette. And, a cheese and wine flight, where 4 wines, from whites to reds were expertly paired with cheeses to complement each other. What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours.

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If you want, you can also make your own pairings from the more than 180 variety of cheeses and extensive wine list, or enjoy a cheese fondue and other hot dishes from the menu. You can of course, buy cheeses to take away, as well as cured meats, pates and terrines, all perfect for making your own picnic fare.

Milk the Cow can be found at 323 Lygon Street, Carlton or 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda in Victoria. And extra points go to the imaginative and clever use of milking machine cups for the lighting.

A very clever ~ very tasty ~ very good idea.

Enjoy

Glenys