Cheestique

Most people who know me, know that I am a cheese fanatic. My three favorite foods in the entire world are chocolate, peanut butter, and cheese. I don't think I could ever live without these things.  A little obsessed? Maybe. Whatever, we all have our vices.

A few weeks ago, we had a food-fun day in Alexandria and DC where we had ice cream, cupcakes, and cheese. This cheese shop we went to is called Cheesetique.  An adorable little market that even has a little cafe in the back where you can order cheesy filled sandwiches, mac 'n cheese, soups, salads, flatbreads, and even brunch on Sundays! Unfortunately for us, we had already had lunch when we got there, so we were just there to ogle the cheese.

The shop really wasn't that big but I don't know if I've ever seen so many unique cheeses in one place before. So many flavors and types...soft, hard, goat, cow, sheep, blue, cheddar, gouda, and so many more I can't even begin to name or remember. 

There was one whole section of just blue cheeses.  Blue cheese is one of those you either love or hate. I LOVE blues! The bluer the better! I love that strong pungent tanginess, especially when you can pair it with something sweet.  I bought a very intense blue called Black & Blue. Super delish!! Tangy and sharp, only to be enjoyed sparingly, just the way I like it!

We also bought a Garlic Brie. I love plain brie, epsecially when its served warm so its slightly melty and gooey. This brie was definitely very garlicky.  If you like garlic (which we do), its very good. But again, it is a stronger flavored cheese, so enjoy sparingly. 

The shop also offers a variety of cured meats, salamis and hams and such to accompany your cheeses, as well as crackers, nuts, jams, and even wines to create a perfectly paired cheese plate.

And the smell...Superking always laughs at me when we walk through the gourmet cheese section of the grocery store. He says it smells like feet. I however love the smell. It reminds me of a quote from Andrew Zimmern where he refers to the smell of cheese being like God's feet.  Feet smell or not, I love the smell of cheese. The smells, the tastes and flavors, the textures, all the amazing things you can pair with it that enhance both the flavor of the cheese and the thing thats being paired with it. Cheese is a wonderful thing!

Whats the BUZZ?

When I shared with you about my Secret Ice Cream Social, I mentioned there were three food adventures that weekend.  My second one involved cupcakes.  There's a show on the Cooking Channel called Unique Sweets that features all kinds of local sweet treats from all around the country. One night we were watching and they featured one of our local places, Buzz Bakery in Arlington, VA. It turns out they also have one in Alexandria, where we happened to be wandering around that day after our ice cream party.

Nestled in a cute, fresh little shopping area, Buzz Bakery is more than just cupcakes.  Though cupcakes and coffee seem to be their main attractions, they also serve other delectables such as quiche, breakfast sandwiches, scones, pies, cookies, brownies, even beer, wine, and cocktails!

We came just for the cupcakes however and ordered a half dozen to-go.  Here's what we got...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup (2 on left)...moist chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter core, topped with chocolate peanut butter swirl icing and a chocolate peanut butter cup/cookie. 

Cookie Monster (2 on right)...chocolate chip cupcake topped with a cookies 'n cream frosting and a chocolate chip cookie sandwich.

Not sure what the exact name was (bottom middle) but it was a coffee flavored one: coffee cupcake, coffee frosting. Time to wake up!

Coco-Loco (top middle)...a coconut lime...a little sweet, a little tart.

While all the cupcakes were delicious, it was difficult to finish an entire one as the icing was all very sweet.  Not to mention the fact that they seemed bigger than other cupcakes I've had from other boutique cupcake shops. All in all it was a great adventure but I will always remain a loyal fan to my GTown girls in pink galoshes!

Happy 4th of July everybody!!