by Lori Baltazar
It must’ve been all the cheese in Rotterdam and in Paris that made me want a cheeseboard. After seeing all that cheese and all those cutting implements, going back to a regular saucer and table knife just didn’t seem right.
So I search high and low, scouring gourmet shops and food stores. I’m quite pleased to discover that there’s a fine selection of cheese cutting implements available locally to suit most budgets, sold separately or in a set. I’m all ready to fork over an obscene amount for three cheese knives when I see this cheeseboard set ”“ goodness, what could be more perfect!
Labeled a Complete Cheese Service, it’s a bamboo cheeseboard with three knives. The board is made from bamboo, dubbed one of nature’s hardest woods. It’s smooth and has that fine woodsy smell that I associate with sophisticated wood products. The knives, which are of forged stainless steel, include a cheese knife good for cutting chunks of hard and semi-soft cheeses; a planer, useful for slicing neat and thin portions of cheese; and a spreader for soft, runny cheeses usually served on crackers and toast points.
The knives gleam the way all good knives should, every touch captures my fingerprints, marring its luster. The cheese tools are conveniently stored in a Lucite case for easy storage that discreetly slides under the cheeseboard (see photo above) ”“ gosh, I love products that make my life easier! You can bet that I’ll have a fully loaded cheeseboard on my Christmas table this year, complete with grapes, crackers, almond-stuffed dates, and a smoky bottle of red wine. Ooh la la!
Houdini Complete Cheese Service
P2,150 at all Rustan’s Department Stores
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What a great looking cheeseboard Lori! We got a nice one for our wedding too and I love to bring it out 🙂 They used to have cheese markers in Rustans also…cute stuff 🙂
Am off to Rustans now, now, now! I’ve been looking for the perfect cheeseboard and I think this is it. The slide-to-hide feature is the clincher. I was just there yesterday and I can’t believe I missed it.
That cheeseboard does look pretty.
Shucks, I remember this incident that my grandmother shared. My Mom once bought a cheeseboard in Gaisano Cebu (forgot what branch) a few years ago. My grandmother went there to find the same cheeseboard. She couldn’t find it & asked a salesperson. The salesperson said it’s in the sports section. My grandmother said I’m not looking for chessboard, CHEESEboard. The salesperson replied “sorry ma’am…it’s right this way!”
That is a nice board, bamboo boards are the hot thing in the US, they cost so much at Williams and Sonoma.
Lori, I finally made it to Caffe Casanova last week. Ordered the assorted cheese platter with figs (ATTN: Joey!). Pretty good. The next night, I had dinner at Alexa’s Deli. I couldn’t resist trying the apricot rum cheese (not on the menu, but for sale in the display case). Quite sweet, more of a dessert cheese, it had big chunks of apricots, raisins, shredded coconut, poppy seeds and rum flavor. Yummy! 😛
Hi Katrina! Noted 🙂 And that apricot rum cheese sounds great!
HI! where is Alexa’s deli located? thanks
Beautifull board!
My kitchen’s working surfaces are made of bamboo.
Alexa’s is on delacosta st, near the corner of Leviste and dela costa I think. Nice little deli. Great place to just get a bottle of wine and chill out.
Wow. A cheese board. That’s one thing I don’t have and definitely think that I need!
Thanks for a lot of great reads this year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Hi Lori, I hope you and the family have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year!
May you experience the sweetness of the season, and all the rich delights of the next year, Lori, Bin & Boo! 🙂
I got that for my partner, he is lovin’ it!
I spied in the pictures some almond stuffed dates. Those are delish. You should also try the ones covered with chocolate. 🙂 Happy new year. Long time no post for me–drowning with work.
The festive season
We all spend far too much time seeking out the ideal Christmas present for a family member, a dear friend or a work colleague. The quest is always the same, something unique, memorable, bringing pleasure and that is not discarded within a few hours. This year, in the difficult economic environment, price will be important.
http://www.tastingtoeternity.com
A love affair with traditional French cheeses