We were supposed to start with the cheesemonger’s choice with either five ($24) or eight ($36) cheeses, meats or mixed, but we got caught up in the enticing menu and forgot.
We were glad we did as there are so many other rich cheese choices on the menu to sample. As guests of the restaurant I wanted to be sure we could sample as much as possible. The Richard Rottiers Moulin a Vent, 2010 is the wine we chose.
We started with grilled artichokes hearts ($12) nestled in baby greens and served with a buttermilk dressing, and malakoff – a Gruyère beignet, crisp on the outside, soft cheese inside ($12) Think fondue ingredients, but instead of melted, it is fried and served with gherkin slices and a whole-grain mustard sauce.
Next we dove into the Queso Fundido, a satisfying south-of-the-border fondue with three melted goat cheeses, fresh tomato chunks, jalapeno slices and tortilla chips ($12 for two; $23 for four).
For our entrees we had the classic rarebit cheddar burger ($17), cooked to perfection (medium-rare as requested), with added ($3) crisp Nueske bacon (which was a featured bite here) and crispy onions ($1). The melted cheese comes separately and the waitress sauces the burger tableside. The burger is a meal in itself.
Also filling and satiating is the chorizo chili with a blend of beef, pork and eponymous sausage topped with melted Cotswold and cheddar ($12) and served with chips and their gooey rich original macaroni and cheese – with cheddar, Scharfe Maxx, Gruyère and Gouda topped with crispy fried onions ($12) or for four ($35).
For dessert (yes, we kept going), we had a cheese-less light and fluffy chocolate mousse ($9) and a smaller version of the cheese board that we had missed, but with sweet condiments ($12). The cheesemonger suggested Hudson flower with tea rose petal preserves,and a gorgonzola dolce served with sweet-and-spicy chili caramel. I learned that Murray’s cover the Hudson flower with herbs and flowers and ripens it in house for a couple weeks. Perfect choices to end with.
I recommend this highly to cheeselovers.
– bonnie
Murray’s Cheese Bar
264 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
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