Bâlehoo

I am a cheese-aholic. Like any addict, I am always looking for a good, local source. So, imagine my delight when I discovered that I live just 30 minutes away from France’s most venerable affineur (cheese ager).

Located in the Alsatian town of Vieux-Ferrette, Bernard Antony ages and supplies fromage to several of France’s most renowned restaurants - and has even provided cheese to the President of France!

But you don’t have to be royalty to meet this “King of Cheeses.” Take a trip into the rolling hills of the Alsace and you can have the cherubic Antony or his son personally guide you through an experience unlike any other – a multi-course cheese extravaganza, complete with wine pairings (make sure to designate a driver or arrange transport so you can enjoy it fully).

From the first course of chèvre chaud through the seven heavenly cheese courses (Cost: approx 80 Euros, excluding wine) that follow, you can enjoy a festive Alsatian evening spent knee-deep in some of the best cheese you’ve ever had. (Don’t forget, you can buy some more at the retail counter to take home!) For the faint-of-heart – or simply heart-conscious – Antony also offers a three-course tasting for approximately 11 euros that is perfect for lunch.

Bernard Antony

Eleveur de fromages

5 Rue de la Montagne

68480 vieux Ferrette

Tel: +33 (0)3 89 40 42 22