Document text
August 21. 2015 12:01AM The Cheesemonger's Wife The Vaporetto sandwich at The Cheesemonger's Wife is filled with Mortadello, Paris ham, wine-cured salami, Point Reyes Toma cheese, spinach and tomato. Mail Tribune / Laurie Heuston There are as many baguette stands on street corners in Europe as there are hot dog stands in America, says Erin Luckau of The Cheesemonger's Wife in Jacksonville. Luckau and her husband discovered European-style baguettes while studying abroad and taking trips around the countrysides in France and Germany. So when the couple moved from Virginia to Jacksonville and opened their cheese and charcuterie shop, they looked for a similar product to create their delicious sandwiches. They found what they were looking for at Rise Up Artisan Bread in the Applegate Valley, where fresh baguettes are baked in a wood-fired oven from Spain. The Luckaus were equally choosy when selecting meats and cheeses for their shop. They use cured meats made in Italy and the U.S. and tasty fresh cheeses that include an English-style, cloth-bound cheddar from Vermont, Manchego from Spain and soft Taleggio from Italy. "We chose these ingredients because they are our favorites," Luckau says. "Everything in the store is basically what we love to eat. We also make our own pesto, tomato soup, salad dressing and creme fraiche with a spicy pepper mix." A girlfriend and I arrived at The Cheesemonger's Wife on a Saturday just in time to order before a large line formed behind us. Sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese boards are ordered at the counter and delivered to patrons' tables.  We chose an open-faced smoked salmon and dill goat cheese sandwich ($11), a take on a French tartine, Luckau says. The delicate ingredients were garnished with capers and dried dill, a delicious combination. We also shared the roast turkey and bacon spread sandwich ($10). The cooked bacon — with the fat removed — mixed with balsamic vinegar and sugar is sweet and savory and a perfect pairing for the turkey and spicy creme fraiche. We couldn't help but notice the Vaporetto sandwiches served at the table next to us. These delightful-looking subs are filled with Mortadello, boiled Paris ham, wine-cured salami, Point Reyes Toma cheese, spinach and tomato.  All of the ingredients used in The Cheesemonger's Wife's recipes — except produce — can be purchased by the pound from the store's cases, including the house-made pesto. A dessert sandwich, made with chevre, cherry jam and Nocciolata, an Italian hazelnut-chocolate spread, is toasted with goat cheese on sourdough to create a hot, creamy confection. "It tastes like a cross between a s'more and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich," Luckau says. "Kids love it." We opted to top off our meal with one of the store's gelatos from Stella Gelato in Eugene. Patrons have told the Luckaus it tastes just like gelato made in Italy. There were several flavors: raspberry sorbet, lemon, White Russian, Nocciolata (hazelnut). But it was the traditional mascarpone that won the day.  A selection of European and domestic beers, ciders and wines are available, along with Pellegrino and other nonalcoholic drinks. Luckau says she and her husband are always on the lookout for fun and tasty sodas from local producers. The Cheesemonger's Wife is at 150 S. Oregon St. in the Historic Orth Building, a space formerly occupied by Sterling Creek Antiques. The new granite counters and the old wood flooring in the building help pull the European-style menu together. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie orders to go can be called in at 541-702-2300.  In September, The Cheesemonger's Wife and EdenVale Winery will offer cheese and wine pairings. In October, cheese and beer pairings will be available. As the weather turns cooler this fall, mac-and-cheese and other hot dishes will be added to the menu. —  Laurie Heuston     http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20150821/ENTERTAINMENT/150829986 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->