The Cheesy Delight: El Hombre's Special Cheese Blend

Queso Hombre, or The Man With The Cheese, is a cheese bar in Folkestone Harbour, UK, run by Brad Cheeseman. Inspired by Spanish cheese and influenced by his father, who lives in Spain, Cheeseman serves a variety of cheese toasties, raclette, and sweet dessert toasties. While the exact type of cheese used in the dishes is unclear, Cheeseman mentions that he has created a secret blend of 3 cheese [sic] that have good flavour and melt well.

Queso Hombre is influenced by Spanish cheese

Queso Hombre is heavily influenced by Spanish cheese and culture. Brad Cheeseman, the man behind Queso Hombre, has a personal connection to Spain, having visited his dad there for over 20 years and having worked in Madrid for four years. This allowed him to discover the "really tasty regional food" and develop an understanding of Spanish culture.

Cheeseman's time in Spain inspired him to bring Spanish influence into his work in the food industry. He wanted to showcase Mediterranean flavours and grilled cheese, and so, Queso Hombre was born. The menu includes a range of Spanish-influenced dishes, such as cheese toasties, theatrical raclette, and Spanish-influenced toasties with spicy chorizo and chillies.

One of the main cheeses featured at Queso Hombre is raclette, a Swiss cheese. However, Cheeseman also offers a secret blend of three cheeses that go well with Spanish cured meats, different chutneys, pickles, and a garlic aioli. While the specific cheeses in the blend are not mentioned, Cheeseman's time in Spain and his desire to bring Spanish influence to his business suggest that Spanish cheese varieties may be included in this blend.

In addition to the food, the drinks at Queso Hombre also reflect Spanish influence, with offerings such as sparkling Sangria and Spanish Rioja.

Raclette cheese is used in cheese toasties

Raclette Cheese: The Perfect Choice for Cheese Toasties

A Decadent Delicacy

Raclette cheese is a decadent choice for cheese toasties, offering a unique and indulgent experience. Raclette is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a distinctive, pungent aroma. When melted, it transforms into a gooey, luscious delight, making it ideal for oozing over toasted bread.

A Swiss Indulgence

Raclette cheese originates from Switzerland, where it has a long history as a beloved comfort food. The name "raclette" comes from the French word "racler," which means "to scrape." This refers to the traditional method of melting the cheese and then scraping it onto bread, meat, or vegetables.

The Art of Melting

The art of melting raclette cheese is a spectacle in itself. A half wheel of the cheese is placed in front of a heat source, causing it to soften and melt. As it melts, the cheese becomes creamy and develops a slightly nutty flavour, making it perfect for pouring over toasties.

A Hearty Combination

The beauty of using raclette cheese in toasties lies in its ability to elevate simple ingredients. The robust flavour of the cheese pairs perfectly with charcuterie, including cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or chorizo. The melted cheese also blends beautifully with roasted vegetables, offering a more vegetarian-friendly option.

A Versatile Cheese

While raclette cheese is exceptional in toasties, its versatility extends beyond. It can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, adding a creamy texture and a punch of flavour. Raclette is commonly used in potatoes dishes, such as raclette-stuffed baked potatoes or roasted potatoes with a raclette sauce. It can also be a delightful addition to burgers, grilled sandwiches, or even as a topping for steak.

A secret blend of three cheeses is used

Cheeseman, whose name seems destined to be linked with cheese, has always had a passion for cheese. He has spent a lot of time in Spain, visiting his father who lives there and even working in Madrid for four years. This exposure to Spanish culture and cuisine inspired him to bring a taste of Spain to the UK.

El Hombre, which means "The Man" in Spanish, is Cheeseman's dream come true. Located in Folkestone Harbour, it offers a range of mouth-watering cheese dishes, including cheese toasties, raclette, and sweet toasties. The raclette, in particular, is a theatrical experience, with melted cheese dripped onto charcuterie and vegetarian options.

Cheeseman's passion for cheese and his desire to create something unique led him to experiment with different blends. The result is a secret trio of cheeses that come together to create a perfect harmony of flavours and meltability. While the specific cheeses remain a closely guarded secret, Cheeseman has revealed that the blend includes a mix of dairy products, ranging from a Dairy Lea triangle to the stinkiest blue cheese.

The blend is carefully crafted to complement each other and enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics to the table, contributing to the overall flavour profile and meltability of the final product. Cheeseman's expertise and experimentation have resulted in a blend that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

While the exact recipe for the three-cheese blend remains a well-kept secret, Cheeseman's dedication to his craft and his willingness to experiment have resulted in a delicious and unique offering at El Hombre. The blend has become a signature of Cheeseman's creativity and passion, attracting customers seeking a truly exceptional cheese experience.

Queso Hombre is located in Folkestone Harbour

Queso Hombre, a delightful cheese bar and restaurant, is located in the heart of Folkestone Harbour. This unique venue offers a wide variety of cheeses sourced from around the world, with a focus on showcasing the very best of British cheese.

The Folkestone Harbour setting is the perfect backdrop for a cheesy adventure. The historic harbour, with its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant maritime history, sets the tone for a delightful culinary journey. Queso Hombre's location within the harbour is strategic, offering stunning views of the water and easy access to the many attractions that line the harbourfront.

The restaurant's interior is designed to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Exposed brick walls and warm lighting complement the rustic charm of the harbour, while a carefully curated menu takes guests on a journey through the flavours and stories of cheese.

Queso Hombre's menu features a carefully curated selection of cheeses, each with its unique characteristics and origins. From creamy, rich Camembert to strong, pungent blue cheese, the restaurant offers a range to satisfy all palates. The menu also includes a variety of wine pairings, carefully selected to enhance the flavours of the cheese.

In addition to its culinary offerings, Queso Hombre provides an educational experience. The staff are passionate cheese connoisseurs, eager to share their knowledge with guests. They offer insights into the history, production methods, and unique characteristics of each cheese, enhancing the dining experience and providing a deeper connection to the world of cheese.

The owner of Queso Hombre is called Brad Cheeseman

Cheeseman has worked in hospitality and tourism for most of his life and has always wanted to do something for himself. He told Folkelife: "I've been thinking for a while now that I want to do something for myself. I've been working in hospitality and tourism, and for other people all my life. Now it's time for me to create something."

For Cheeseman, that something is cheese. More specifically, melted cheese. "There's nothing like melted cheese," he says. "I've created a secret blend of three cheeses that have good flavour and melt well, and I'm going to be offering them with Spanish cured meats, different chutneys, pickles and a garlic aioli."

Cheeseman's love of cheese was likely influenced by his father, who lives in Spain, and his own time working in Madrid for four years. "I got to see the whole country and discover really tasty regional food, he says. "When I came back to the UK, I wanted to see if I could bring some of that influence into my next line of work."

And so, Queso Hombre was born. Located in Folkestone Harbour, Queso Hombre offers cheese toasties, theatrical raclette – melted cheese dripped onto charcuterie and vegetarian options – and sparkling Sangria. They also do dessert toasties, with Nutella, marshmallows and fresh strawberries, or bananas and biscuit spread.

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