CHEESEWERKS: CANADA'S FIRST ARTISAN CHEESE-CENTRIC RESTAURANT

Cheesewerks Artisan Grilled Cheeses

Popping-up adjacent to the uber-trendy Thompson Hotel is Canada's first Restaurant devoted to placing Canadian Artisan Cheese front and center on its Menu. Cheesewerks is a new and exciting venture from the Big Cheese Himself, Kevin Durkee, a self-proclaimed Foodie with a background in Marketing. Together, him and his Laotian-born Partner of over nine years Tom Douangmixay, are ready to offer discerning Toronto Diners an exciting array of Artisan Grilled Cheese Sandwiches inspired by Cities and palates around the World.  In addition, Homemade Soups, Fine Cheeses and other Fare are also available with an enticing selection of Wines (including those of Sideroad Twenty Cellars) and Craft Beers ready to be paired with your Meal.

Cheesewerks Selections

Cheesewerks opened its door to the Media this evening and one by one, selections for their Menu were presented and few could resist.  Various selections made the rounds, including:

ORIGINAL

Balderson Aged and Double Smoked Cheddars, grilled on signature Cracked Peppercorn Sourdough

HOUSTON

Jalapeño Jack, Braised Beef Brisket, House-made BBQ Sauce, grilled on Marble Sourdough

LOS ANGELES

Havarti, Smashed Avocado, Arugula, Citrus Compote, grilled on Angeligus Sourdough

NEW YORK

Swiss, Spiced Pastrami, Pickled Red Cabbage, Grainy Mustard, grilled on Whole-Grain Rye

BEIJING

Asiago, Chinese BBQ Pork, Hoisin, slivered Green Onion, grilled on signature Green Onion Potato Bread

Los Angeles

 Hands-down, my favourites were the Houston - myself a huge Fan of Brisket - and also the Beijing which reminds me somewhat of a Peking Duck Wrap with dominant flavours of Hoisin and Green Onion.  Douangmixay tells me, "We tried doing this one with Duck but unfortunately keeping the skin crispy was a challenge".  And we all know how important it is for that skin to be crispy! The Chinese BBQ Pork nonetheless is a fitting substitute.  I even noticed the Toronto - Koreatown Slider on the Menu which combines Kimchi (Pickled Korean Cabbage) together with Gruyere.

Cheesewerks opens its doors on Friday, December 16, 2011 and if you line-up before 2:00 PM, you will receive a free Original Grilled Cheese!

Click here to learn more about Cheesewerks, located just south of Bathurst x King at 56 Bathurst Street.

Kevin Durkee & Mr. Will-W.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)