I love cheese. My favorite restaurant has a cheese cave, and if you order cheese they bring a giant board (with its own collapsible stand) to your table and talk you through the dozen or more cheese on offer that night, then ask you to select what you want. They serve it on a long platter with local honey and fig jam, and it's one of my favorite things in the world.

I recognized some of my favorite cheeses in this book, but also learned about so many cheeses that I haven't tried. Darlington explains why some cheeses have certain flavors and textures, why some cost more than others, and how specific cheeses are made. For each category of cheese she provides suggestions for groupings for a board, as well as beverages and foods that pair well with each cheese type. The interviews with the cheesemongers were a nice bonus and gave some great insight as to what it's like to work in the world of cheese. I wasn't sure at first if I liked the choice of using illustrations over photographs but the art grew on me as I read. Highly recommended for serious cheese lovers and casual dabblers alike.

what a fun and funky read! cheese lovers and novices alike will rejoice in this hybrid of pairing guide, food memoir, and cultural journey. especially appreciated the interviews with cheese professionals because it’s just something you never get to see and i learned a lot!

Anyone looking to up their pairing game or learning the difference between funky and stinky cheeses will enjoy Darlington's cheesy explanations. I enjoyed the humor and her enthusiasm for the topic. She breaks things down into tasting journeys that can be read as a whole or broken down into little bites. This is a resource worth adding to your permanent cookbook collection.

This seemed like it would be a fun book, but it somehow ended up being even more fun than I had expected. The author's interest in and passion for all-things cheese comes flying out from the page - her enthusiasm would make even the most uninterested person interested in cheese! I had no idea it was possible to have this much passion and enthusiasm come through the written word, but Darlington makes it happen.

I am happy to report I suggested my library system to purchase this title.

This was somehow SO MUCH more in depth than I initially expected? The graphics and illustrations were informative and adorable all at once. Food nerds will adore this deep dive. If you ever had a single "I wonder" about cheese, well Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese is the book for you, babes.

I had a blast reading this and then, ultimately, ranting at my coworkers about all the cheesy facts in my arsenal now.

Informative, Quirky and Cool!

The cover of this book is whimsical and approachable which I greatly appreciate. Some cookbooks can come off as pretentious with their overstaged photographed images making me feel inadequate before I've even delved in. The writing was intelligent and the information well-organized. I became slightly addicted to read about the various cheese journeys the author uses to educate readers about the types of cheese milk bases, firmness, and characteristics. I really appreciate the fresh perspective and wonderful pairings. It inspired me enough to visit my local cheese shop and start my own journey. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so good! I definitely learned new things and had a great time samplings each pairing while reading this. If your going to host any parties you have to have this book.
I just reviewed Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese by Tenaya Darlington. #MadameFromagesAdventuresinCheese #NetGalley
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Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese is a well written, lightly humorous, encouraging, and info packed guide to choosing, using, pairing, and serving cheese, written and curated by Tenaya Darlington. Released 12th Sept 2023 by Hachette on their Workman imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

There's a bewildering array of cheese purpose built for every situation. There are artisanal cheeses made from an astounding array of milks and casein containing products and "Madame Fromage" gives the low-down on most of them. The book is engagingly written and graphically appealing and arranged in a logical manner so the info is easy to find and use.

The chapters are arranged in order: discovery (building a cheese board, what cheese *is* and how it's made, and more), exploration (different classes of cheese including fresh, soft ripened, cheddars, Alpine cheeses and even "stinky" cheeses), entertaining (shopping for, buying, and presenting cheese), and further reading and learning opportunities (cheese tours!!). The author/publisher has provided a bibliography and resources, links lists, glossary, and cross referenced index.

The illustrations are simple and colorful; there are no photographs. Items of special interest are presented in highlighted text boxes throughout.

Five stars. Interesting information, usefully presented, attractively packaged, and arranged in an accessible and logical manner. This would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, as well as for smallholders and foodies.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Book Review: Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese by Tenaya Darlington

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

First off, love the cover on this book. It’s colorful, eye-catching, and fun. So on to my review…an entire book about cheese, sign me up! I love cheese in all forms. I love eating it. I love watching it be made. I just love cheese!

Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese by Tenaya Darlington is a delightful and informative guide that takes readers on a journey through the world of cheese. With her charming and witty writing style, Darlington, also known as Madame Fromage, shares her deep knowledge and passion for all things cheese.

The book is structured around the concept of eight tasting journeys, allowing readers to explore various types of cheese and discover their unique flavors and characteristics. From fresh cheeses like chevres and buffalo mozzarella to stinky cheeses like Taleggio and Pont-l’Eveque, Madame Fromage covers a wide range of cheese varieties. The book also delves into aged cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano and Manchego, as well as the fascinating world of blue cheeses like gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton.

One of the highlights of Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese is the author’s ability to transport readers into the cheese world. Through her vivid descriptions, readers can almost taste the creamy textures and complex flavors of each cheese. The book also introduces readers to pasture-raised animals and fearless cheesemakers, providing a deeper understanding of the cheese-making process.

The visuals in this book are visually pleasing, with colorful graphics and fun fonts that add to the overall enjoyment. The “field guides” are particularly impressive, offering readers a wealth of information about different types of cheese, including their origins, flavor profiles, and suggested pairings.

As a cheese lover myself, I found this book to be a treasure trove of knowledge. It covers everything from the history of cheese to the ingredients used in its production. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or just starting your cheese journey, Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese has something for everyone.

In conclusion, I highly recommend Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese to any cheese enthusiast. With its engaging writing style, beautiful visuals, and comprehensive information, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the art of cheese-making and wants to discover new flavors and pairings. So go ahead and indulge yourself in this cheesy adventure – you won’t be disappointed!

**ARC Via NetGalley**

I LOVED this book. With different interviews with cheesemongers, cheesemakers, and the author's own love of cheese, this book is for every cheese lover. Broken down into different sections, we learn about the cheeses of the world, how to build the perfect cheese board, and perfect pairings.

Thank you Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC!

Calling all cheeseholics!

This is no story - this is facts about cheese. This is literally a guide on how to pair cheese, how to pick cheese, properties of cheese and the cheese-making process. Cheeseboards, traveling adventures for cheese, types of cheese (from milder to stinky), etc. Everything you want to know about cheese, it’s here, including interviews with experts.

I loved this book. It was informative, fun, and I came out of it respecting cheese that much more. I actually read this with the intentions to make a list of cheeses I wanted to try, and that was concurred. Now, I want to go to my local grocery store and look at cheese for an hour at least.

If you see a crazy lady inspecting/smelling cheese, you can thank Madame Fromage’s book for being a bad influence on people on the cusp of losing it with cheese.

I first heard of Madame Fromage from Joe Berlowitz’s American Cheese, which opened my eyes to a cheese world in America that I didn’t know existed. Mme Fromage was one of the people whose extensive knowledge of cheese helped educate and inspire him, which in turn educated and inspired me. And now Madame Fromage has built on that to educate and inspire us all to the cheese of the world in Madame Fromage’s Adventures in Cheese. And I just want to say, I’ve got my metaphorical bags packed (with crackers, mostly) and I am ready. Show me your world of cheese!

Madame Fromage’s real name is Tenaya Darlington, and by day she is an educator and a writer. She started a cheese blog in 2007 under the name Madame Fromage, and went on to write for magazines, write a book for Di Bruno Brothers House of Cheese, and now she even runs cheese tours to Europe as well as offering virtual classes on her website. She has spent over 15 years as a cheese journalist, and she shares her expertise and her passion for cheese with readers of this new book.

She starts us on our cheese journey by talking about the main ingredient, the milk. Whether it’s cow, sheep, goat, or buffalo milk, the fresher the milk, the better the cheese. There are a lot of variables that go into the flavor of the milk, starting from the plants that the animals eat. A talented cheesemaker can bring out the mild flavors of the grass, of the local herbs or flowers or mushrooms. And the people Mme Fromage introduces us to are all talented. She takes us into the world of a cheesemaker, cheesemonger, affineur, washed-rind cheese specialist, and cheese painter, among others. She gets us backstage at the Cheesemonger Invitational and can help you feel at home at any cheese shop.

But throughout her travels, she makes sure that we know what to do with the cheese when we get home. She teaches us how to put together a cheese board, helps us make a fondue, teaches us how to store the cheese, offers up ideas for alcohol and smack pairings, and gives us options for adding cheese to meals. She teaches us how to taste cheese like a pro and offers a list of 50 must-try cheeses to practice that technique on. And when you want more than that, she has ideas for cheese travel that includes festivals and international destinations.

If you’re curious but holding back because you prefer to eat healthy, Madame Fromage will explain how healthy these cheese are. Because the animals have a plant-based diet and these cheeses are made fresh, without preservatives, they’re better than some of the usual grocery store choices. And the fermentation that comes with aging offers up healthy bacteria for your system. In other words, cheese is a superfood. And if you’re worried about the cost of getting into cheese this deeply, well, that is a legitimate concern. But she does understand and offers up budget ideas for cheese fans without a lot of money to spend.

I have loved the time I spent with Madame Fromage and her love of cheese. But I will say that reading it once will not be enough. I will spend a lot of time picking this up again and again, like a beloved cookbook. I will go back to her cheese board ideas and pairings. I will make lists of cheese I want to try and haunt the websites she recommends for buying cheese. I will be reminded of the people who put their time and energy into their cheeses. I will dream of shopping for cheese in Italy and France and the Alps. And I will be grateful that I had such a generous and knowledgeable tour guide. This one is a keeper, and it would make an amazing gift.

Egalleys for Madame Fromage’s Adventure’s in Cheese were provided by Workman Publishing Group through NetGalley, with many thanks.

This is a great guide to everything cheese. I especially loved the breakdown per types of cheese and the pairing suggestions. The charts are very useful and where to buy locally sourced cheeses too. Overall, it's a great and entertaining guide to everything cheese.

Truly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! Very educational without being stuffy, easy to read, and just plain fun.
I was hooked from the very first pages, when the author started with a cheese that is produced within a couple of miles of my wife's home farm in Wisconsin. Every time we visit family back there, we pack a cooler with delicious local cheeses to bring back to Seattle. (Hot tip: no matter what anyone says, the best cheese is ALWAYS from Wisconsin).
There is just so much information on cheese in this book that I will be returning to it again and again for reference. Besides a lifetime of different cheeses to try, the little tidbits about the cheeses are very good to know.

An entertaining and comprehensive book about everything related to cheese.
I can't eat a lot of it, being diabetic, and read this book mouthwatering.
Well done.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of “Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese: How to Explore It, Pair It, and Love It, from the Creamiest Bries to the Funkiest Blues” by Tenaya Darlington. All opinions are my own.

This beautiful book explores different cheese and fun ways to enjoy them with other foods and drinks for the best experience.

The cover and graphics are so beautiful! Very aesthetically pleasing book. The tips and information is great and I’d definitely recommend it.

OMG, I so appreciate Mme. Fromage's guidance into new and daring worlds of cheese pr0n, while remaining engaged and enthused and accessible rather than intimidating less experienced cheese lovers.

Thank you to the author, Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love cheese, but had never heard of the author and was thrilled to discover that this book is one of those finds that are real gems. After looking at the history, science and geography around cheese, Madame Fromage embarks with us on a series of adventures, i.e. suggesting cheese boards from fresh cheese to aged, and everything in between. Besides giving information on what makes each cheese unique, there are pairings, menu suggestions and personal stories from the author. Interspersed throughout are interesting vignettes spotlighting people that have made cheese their career in different ways. The last part of the book has so many tips and suggestions, as well as an extensive glossary with books and other resources. Last but not least: the illustrations are great. Highly recommend!

Madame Fromage's Adventures in Cheese by Tenaya Darlington is an absolute must for fellow caseophiles, those who value these treasures. Whimsical illustrations add charm. Author Tenaya Darlington, aka Madame Fromage, takes the reader through the history of cheese, learning about the virtues of pastures, the life cycle of cheese, components of cheese, animals which produce milk for cheese, definitions, discovering cheeses on travels (including a fabulous bucket list of 25 to check off, some of which I already have), cheddaring and eight cheese journeys such as soft, alpine and cheeses with extra bits added (truffles, herbs, spices). Each section includes pairings and accompaniments, off-the-beaten-path blurbs, kitchen tips and anecdotes. The reader also learns which rinds to eat. Not only that but there is also a wonderful selection of cheeseboard ideas, how best to eat specific cheeses, recipes and a reference section. While the illustrations are excellent, die-hard fans may miss not having photographs. The organization, layout and graphics are excellent and colourful boxes make things easier to remember.

As an avid traveler besotted with cheese, it is always on my itinerary from visiting local cheese farms and specialty shops to attending European cheese festivals. At any given time there are at least five to seven kinds in my house and I have many unforgettable cheese memories. Though I have an entire shelf in my personal library dedicated to cheese books, this one has that special something fresh, crisp and new. In my home in Croatia I am surrounded by cheesemakers and am therefore spoiled with choice. But this book really got me thinking about several more to add to my list and incorporating them into future trips. That is the power of this book!

If cheese is a part of your life...or you want it to be...this is for you. Even cheese aficionados will learn something new. It's incredibly appealing and jam-packed with information. Your bucket list is in reach!

My sincere thank you to Workman Publishing Company and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this delectable book.

This was a wonderful book to start my cheese journey! The flavors are well-described and I enjoyed taking her suggestions. The book was quite attractive and easy to read. It was a little too focused on cheeses of western Europe and the United States, but those are also the easiest to find in the US, where the author is from and this book is being published. More dedicated cheese fans may be able to skip this one, but it was great for me. Plus the place that supplies my school's cheese was listed.