The Loch & Quay, nestled along the serene waterfront, has long been celebrated for its commitment to showcasing the finest regional cuisine and hospitality. One of the restaurant’s most anticipated culinary experiences is the artisanal cheese flight, a curated selection of dairy delights that pays homage to the agricultural traditions and cheesemaking prowess of the surrounding countryside.
Cheese Types: A Dairy Spectrum
The art of cheesemaking is a time-honored craft, with each variety possessing its own distinct personality, texture, and flavor profile. At The Loch & Quay, our cheese flights feature a harmonious blend of soft, hard, and blue-veined cheeses, allowing diners to embark on a sensory journey through the dairy spectrum.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses, with their velvety, spreadable textures, often serve as the foundation of our flights. These include the locally-produced brie, a creamy delight with a delicate bloomy rind, and the silky chèvre, a tangy goat’s milk cheese that lends a refreshing note. We also showcase the burrata, a decadent marriage of fresh mozzarella and rich, creamy curds, as well as the unctuous Camembert, a French classic with an earthy, umami-rich profile.
Hard Cheeses
Contrasting the soft varieties, our hard cheeses offer a more structured, crystalline texture and robust, concentrated flavors. Prominent among these is the aged cheddar, a true regional staple with its deep, nutty notes. We also feature the Emmentaler, a Swiss-style cheese with its iconic holes and sweet, fruity undertones, as well as the Gouda, a Dutch specialty prized for its caramelized, butterscotch-like taste.
Blue Cheeses
Rounding out the flight is a selection of blue-veined cheeses, each with its own unique character. The Roquefort, a French sheep’s milk cheese, captivates with its pungent, almost-savory punch, while the Gorgonzola Dolce, an Italian delight, offers a milder, creamier iteration of the blue-veined genre. We also showcase the Stilton, an English classic renowned for its robust, slightly nutty profile.
Dairy Provenance: Crafting Artisanal Excellence
The cheeses featured in our flights are sourced from a carefully curated network of local dairy farms, specialty creameries, and renowned cheesemakers, each contributing their own distinct terroir and traditional techniques.
Local Dairy Farms
Our relationship with nearby dairy producers is a point of pride, as we believe in supporting the agricultural heartbeat of our region. Farms like Cloverdale Creamery and Riverdale Dairy supply us with the freshest, highest-quality milk and cream, the cornerstone of our artisanal cheeses.
Specialty Creameries
Complementing the local dairy farms, we also source from esteemed specialty creameries that have honed their craft over generations. This includes the award-winning Misty Meadows Creamery, renowned for its exemplary Brie de Meaux, as well as the innovative Oakdale Creamery, which crafts a unique smoked Gouda that adds a delightful complexity to our flights.
Cheesemaking Techniques
The art of cheesemaking is a blend of science and tradition, and our purveyors take great pride in their time-honored techniques. From the patience required in aging the cheddar to the delicate affinage process that transforms the Camembert, each step is executed with meticulous care to ensure the finest quality and flavor.
Flavor Profiles: A Dairy Spectrum
Just as each cheese type possesses its own distinct texture, the flavor profiles of our artisanal selections span a broad spectrum, catering to a wide range of palates and preferences.
Mild and Creamy
For those seeking a more subtle, comfort-driven experience, our mild and creamy cheeses, such as the fresh chèvre and the buttery Brie, offer a lush, approachable introduction to the flight. These cheeses allow the inherent richness of the dairy to shine, often with delicate floral or grassy notes.
Sharp and Tangy
On the other end of the spectrum, our sharp and tangy cheeses, like the assertive Roquefort and the aged cheddar, captivate the senses with their bold, pungent flavors. These cheeses are not for the faint of heart, but rather appeal to those seeking a more powerful, umami-forward dairy experience.
Nutty and Earthy
Striking a harmonious balance are our nutty and earthy cheeses, exemplified by the Emmentaler and the Gorgonzola Dolce. These varieties showcase a depth of flavor, with subtle, almost-savory undertones that linger on the palate, complementing the richness of the dairy.
Cheese Pairings: Elevating the Experience
To fully accentuate the nuances of our artisanal cheese flight, we have carefully curated a selection of accompaniments that enhance and balance the flavors.
Breads and Crackers
No cheese plate is complete without the perfect vessel. We offer a variety of artisanal breads, from rustic baguettes to nutty whole-grain crisps, each providing a sturdy base to showcase the cheeses.
Fruits and Nuts
To complement the creaminess and complexity of the cheeses, we present a selection of fresh, seasonal fruits, such as crisp green apples and juicy figs, as well as an assortment of toasted nuts, including candied walnuts and spiced pecans.
Condiments and Jams
Rounding out the cheese flight are a variety of artisanal condiments and preserves, each chosen to harmonize with the unique flavor profiles of the cheeses. These include fig jam, honey, and balsamic reduction, all of which lend a subtle sweetness to balance the saltiness and acidity.
The Loch & Quay: Celebrating Dairy Delights
At The Loch & Quay, our commitment to showcasing the finest regional cuisine and hospitality extends beyond the plate, infusing every aspect of the dining experience.
Restaurant Overview
Nestled along the serene waterfront, The Loch & Quay boasts a refined, yet welcoming ambiance, with a focus on creating a convivial, al fresco dining experience for our guests. Our meticulously curated selection of artisanal cheeses is just one facet of our dedication to celebrating the culinary traditions and agricultural bounty of our locale.
Curated Cheese Selection
The cheese flight is a crown jewel of our menu, a testament to our passion for dairy delights and our ongoing relationships with local producers and specialty purveyors. Diners are invited to embark on a sensory journey, exploring the diverse flavors and textures that our carefully curated selection has to offer.
Cheese Flight Experience: Dairy Delights Elevated
At The Loch & Quay, we elevate the cheese flight experience, transforming it into a captivating gastronomic adventure.
Cheese Sampling Flights
Our cheese flights feature a rotating selection of 3-5 artisanal cheeses, allowing guests to savor a range of dairy delights. Each flight is accompanied by a comprehensive tasting notes card, guiding diners through the provenance, flavor profiles, and optimal pairings for each cheese.
Beverage Pairings
To further enhance the cheese flight experience, we offer a selection of complementary beverages, from crisp white wines and craft ciders to aromatic herbal tisanes and single-origin coffee. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to provide expert recommendations, ensuring the perfect pairing for each guest’s preferences.
Tasting Notes and Descriptions
Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the tasting experience, exploring the nuances of each cheese through sight, smell, and taste. Our detailed tasting notes provide a deeper understanding of the dairy’s unique terroir, production methods, and flavor characteristics, elevating the cheese flight into a truly educational and memorable culinary journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned cheese aficionado or simply seeking to expand your dairy horizons, The Loch & Quay’s artisanal cheese flight promises to delight the senses and transport you on a captivating exploration of regional culinary traditions. Join us as we celebrate the dairy delights that make our corner of the world so uniquely special.