Whitestone Cheese Bar: A Taste of the South
Photography by Liam Carr.
Opened earlier this year, Whitestone Cheese Bar in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter is a cheese lover’s dream.
Founded by North Otago famers Bob and Sue Berry in 1987, Whitestone Cheese produce an award-winning range of organic, natural cow and sheep’s milk cheeses. All of which are hand-crafted using traditional cheese making techniques to capture the essence of the region.
Whitestone has since come a long way from its rural roots and the converted garage it first began operating out of. Like a well-aged cheese, the company has matured and finally hit the big smoke with their Whitestone Cheese Bar in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. Being a lover of cheeses myself, I was keen to check it out and get a taste of their famous cheese rolls – among many other items on the menu.
Take a stroll down Jellicoe Street and there’s no mistaking the big bold letters of the Whitestone Cheese Bar. Behind its wood-clad façade is an intimate yet very light and relaxed interior where you could easily drop in for a quick bite to eat but simultaneously succumb to a whole afternoon spent grazing on their exceptional cheeses.
Once you step inside, there’s no going past the display of their award-winning cheeses including their flagship Windsor Blue, rich and runny Lindis Pass Brie and many other tantalising treats. Before I could even utter the words, Cheesemonger Mahana presented our Deputy Editor Maddie and I with a beautiful platter of fruits and cheeses alongside a glass of wine to match.
It’s hard to know where to start with a platter as bountiful as this one was but I dipped my toes in the proverbial pool with a sampling of the Aged Airedale. As its name suggests, this semi-soft cheese is aged to produce a full-bodied flavour profile with a strong finish – and strong it was. My tastebuds were hit with a jolt of cheesy energy that I was keen to experience again immediately.
Taking advantage of the palate cleansing bread slices, I moved on to the Double Cream Brie. The extra smooth and creamy texture was in stark contrast to what I had just eaten but I instantly fell in love with its rich flavours. Pitted up against it was Whitestone’s famous Windsor Blue which was similarly creamy and soft but struck me with its salty taste. A welcome change up, especially when paired with a glass of red as mine was.
Last but not least was the Vintage Five Forks – a half goat, half cow milk combination cheese that’s been aged since 2018. The aging process gives it a bit of a crunch, but the distinct pineapple nutty flavours gave it a sweet finish to boot.
Despite having eaten so many cheeses already, it would have been criminal for me to not try Whitestone’s famous cheese rolls. A well-established favourite down south, Mahana told us that it’s quickly become a favourite of the office workers across the street as well, who routinely make the trip during lunch rush in order to satisfy their cravings. And I can honestly say that they live up to their legendary reputation. Lightly toasted and buttery on the outside, as you bite into these beauties, you get a mouthful of silky-smooth cheese that warms the soul. A dip into the sweet and spicy chutney only enhances the experience. Awash with the intoxicating flavours, I made the mistake of asking Mahana what kind of cheese was in the cheese rolls. The look she gave me said it all - this one’s a trade secret!
Completely satisfied already, I just couldn’t bare to walk away without trying at least one more delicacy off the menu. The choice was difficult, but Maddie and I settled on the Fried Ferry Road haloumi chips. And what a fantastic choice it turned out to be – the fresh, crisp exterior matched with the soft, chewy inside played out like a symphony on my palate. The sweet, zingy pomegranate molasses and fresh tzatziki on the side brought everything to a resounding crescendo. There was no way I was going to top a finish like that!
If you’re in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, I highly recommend a visit to Whitestone Cheese Bar. Whether for a light lunch or a cheesy spin on your after-work drinks, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience where anyone can get a true taste of the south.
Visit Whitestone Cheese Bar at 17 Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter from Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am-5pm. And go online to whitestonecheese.com to shop their range of amazing cheeses!
Facebook: @WhitestoneCheese
Instagram: @whitestonecheeseco
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Issue #115
Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!