It looks like any ordinary deli variety,but when the rather strong flavour so typical of cheese is subdued by the flavour of figs,the effect is rather interesting. It is this reaction that JW Marriott in Mumbai is evoking among patrons this month,through their ongoing Artisanal Cheese promotion at Lotus Cafe. Handcrafted,using traditional French techniques,Artisanal Cheese comes in a variety of seasonal fruit flavours,such as strawberries,custard apple,pears and chickoo. They are also made out of different kinds of milk and hence the varying texture and aroma, explains chef Himanshu Taneja,executive sous chef at the hotel. Goats milk cheeses are often very small. Cheese made from cows milk come in all sizes. Cheese made from ewes milk rarely ventures into the realms of soft textured cheese. Since many Indians find the flavour of basic cheese too strong,the fruits add a tinge of sweetness to the cheese,neutralising it. They can be had plain or with a glass of wine. We also serve them with a variety of nuts and jams, says Taneja.
