The Cave opened on June 20th of 2009. The concept was to offer cheese, chocolate and wine in a warm, inviting setting. Cheese being the beautiful, fresh food that it is needed to be sold by the piece, per customer’s request, not stacked, wrapped and stamped to die a slow death in a refrigerator.
Everything important points to tasting. As much as I can try to describe the delicate, or assertive qualities of a fromage, I encourage and usually strongly insist upon putting a bite in your mouth when you peer into “Betty,” the sweet cooler that houses the wheels, blocks, wedges and cakes of cheese.
The Cave is named as a historical reference to the cheesemaker and their need to age and mature cheeses appropriately. Caves- old world, new, or improvised are rooms that provide humidity, light and temperature in optimum conditions.
The Cave offers chocolate from dozens of chocolatiers, 98% from Maine. And truffles are an art unto themselves. There are also caramels, bark, and other delicious confections at the Cave.
Wine, well The Cave has a limited, but eclectic offering of wine for our guests. There is something sensational when you have an aged Colston Bassett Stilton, or Great Hill Blue on your tongue and bathe it in a beautul port or great red.
Never being one for staid plans, The Cave has already undergone many suble, but noticeable changes. The space has doubled in size, which really blossomed this winter.
Local produce will be offered upon availability in The Cave. We are working on utilizing a space for an outdoor farmer’s market this year weekly to highlight locally grown and harvested produce, bread, etc. More to come. If you know of a Maine company or producer that needs support and/or exposure please tell him or her to call me @ 207-359-8008.
The other acoutremonts one would expect to see at a fine gourmet shop are here such as breads, oils, pastas, jams, pastes, etc. We have fresh sandwiches and soups everyday. They are not made to order, so first come-first serve-self serve. We hope to offer seating this summer, albeit somewhat limited.
“He who does not eat cheese, will go mad.” (French proverb)
Respectfully,
Laura L. Cramer
Proprietor
