I have been meaning to try Murray’s Cheese’s new cheese bar since it opened in the summer of 2012; but, for whatever reason never got out there—until now!

About Murray’s Cheese

Murray’s Cheese is kind of a big deal in New York—in fact, it’s a 70 year tradition. It’s Greenwich Village flagship location is amazing, and all that you could ever ask of a cheese store. Don’t believe me? Underneath the store there are five humidity and temperature controlled cheese caves. It’s something like the greenhouse at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, except the air is perfumed with the scent of ammonia and b-linens.

Remember, the cheese cave is an important tool in the affinage, or aging process, during cheese making. The only regrettable thing about having the cheese caves on Bleecker street is that the cheeses have to pay New York rent—Greenwich Village rent, at that! I understand that not having to transport the cheese farther than “just up the stairs” probably makes it all worthwhile.

Murray’s Cheese Bar

As I said, the cheese bar just opened this past summer so it is quite new. As you might expect, they have a fine selection of cheeses; but also, they have an extensive wine and craft beer menu. The menu in general is pretty well balanced; so, if you are just interested in scrutinizing the latest cheese selections, you can order cheese a-la-carte or pick a selection from the cheese flight menu. OR, if you just want to have a full dinner, they have somewhat typical restaurant fare—pumped up with cheese of course. It actually reminds me a lot of Mission Cheese, the cheese bar that I went to in San Francisco last November.

See below: mac and cheese with blue cheese. So good!

My only complaint is that the menu on their website is an 18MB PDF. If it’s going to be 18MB, is should have and audio track of someone walking you through every item.

What is a cheese bar?

The idea of a cheese bar is something that isn’t really new, but is becoming more and more popular. It’s great though, because compared to a traditional wine bar, at a cheese bar, the cheese is the boss—and, the menu and the alcohol is more supportive of or driven by the cheese. So, who better than Murray’s to open a cheese bar? And, what is more, Murray’s Cheese Bar is right down the street from the flagship store, so not only is there the quick access to the cheese caves, but if you absolutely love any of the cheeses you just tried, you can run over to the shop proper and pick up an entire wheel.

Cheesemonger’s Choice

Often times, when you go to a cheese bar, there will be an option for a “just surprise me” cheese plate. This is where the cheesemonger gets to be creative and impress you with his/her knowledge of cheese. They’ll usually ask you for a couple cues, regarding your taste and just how surprised you want to be—particularly with regard to allergies.

So, what did I eat? In addition to the mac and cheese, a warm burrata (not featured), and the following cheeses the cheesemonger selected for us (description below):

• (Top left to right) Garroxta from Spain, a cakey, peppery and woodsy pasteurized goat’s milk cheese with rose petals.
• Murray’s Cavemaster Reserve Little Big Apple from right here in NY, a pasteurized cow’s milk cheese wrapped in brandy-soaked apple leaves (delicious description here). It was paired with, I want to say, somekind of cherry preserve—I’m not really sure.
• Quadrello di Bufala from Italy, a earthy and robust buffalo milk cheese served with baby walnuts.
• (Bottom left to right) Beaufort D’été AOC from France, a nutty, fruity and aromatic, raw cow’s milk cheese served with carrots.
• Dante from Wisconsin, a sweet and nutty pasteurized sheep’s milk served with some kind of preserve (forgot again!).

Conclusion

I had a great time, aside from falling from the bar stool, completely sober. My friend that was with me also stabbed in the hand with her nail in the process of trying to save me so I’m on the mend. I wouldn’t say it was the most embarrassing moment of my life, but it’s certainly up there.

Of course there are other “Cheese Restaurants” in New York City, like Artisanal Bistro and Casellula, if you are interested to compare. Which is the best cheese bar in NY? Let me know in the comments.