Toronto turophiles know where to find the best cheese: The Cheese Boutique and TOCA’s Cheese Cave. Unique to The Ritz-Carlton’s elegant Italian eatery, the Cheese Cave is a pungent place housing an abundance of matured, ripened, coddled delicacies sourced from around the globe. On June 9, the Cheese Cave reopens with a dinner that any self-respecting cheese lover won’t want to miss.
Held in partnership with Afrim Pristine, owner of The Cheese Boutique and certified cheese master, the Omaggio al Formaggio (homage to cheese) is a four-course dinner highlighting the beauty of milk that’s realized its greatest calling. To begin, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception enhanced by a short presentation about the cave, along with tastings of some singular specimens. Pristine and TOCA chef Horacio Macias Leon will also lead guests through a tour of the iconic cave, detailing its history and planning, along with descriptions of some favourite denizens.
Dinner then includes a four-course meal with a sturdy cheese focus. Created at TOCA, the menu promises to feature cheese in a parade of Italian-inspired dishes, from appetizer to dessert. With options for each course, diners might dive in with a Caprese Salad or an Insalata Mista, with candied walnuts and buttery gorgonzola. A pasta course includes Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti or Braised Veal Cheek Tortelli, with a trio of mains to follow. Even dessert highlights cheese, with pecorino and mascarpone finding their way into a couple of sweet finishes.
Reservations for the one-time event -- taking place on June 9 at 6:30 pm for $125 per person -- can be made through Opentable.com. Feeling extra festive? Wine pairings can be added to the feast for an additional $75.
