Fromagination Celebrates February with Wisconsin Fondue Events

If you're looking for a new lunch spot or dinner destination, consider sharing warm fondue with new and old friends at a unique communal farmhouse table inside Fromagination, Wisconsin's premier artisan cheese shop on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison.

During the month of February, Fromagination will serve a fondue lunch every Wednesday, with seating times at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. Space is limited, so advance reservations are encouraged. Price is $15 per person. The meal features Wisconsin Roth Käse cheese fondue, French baguettes, Nueskes summer sausage and cornichons. Fondue will be shared at the communal table in earthenware pots over small burners.

Fromagination is also hosting two special fondue dinners with Wisconsin cheesemakers. On Feb. 13, Mike and Carol Gingrich, makers of the award-winning Pleasant Ridge Reserve, and Wisconsin cheesemaker Felix Thalhammer of Capri Cheese will join diners for a traditional fondue dinner. Another dinner will take place Feb. 27. Price is $35 per person and each event begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

In addition, if you would rather host a fondue party at home, Fromagination is renting and retailing fondue pots this winter and will supply you with everything you need, including the shop's signature fondue mix, cornichons, meats and a French baguette.

In-store events at Fromagination during February include:

Feb. 7: Meet Cheesemaker Bruce Workman, Edelweiss Creamery. This is your chance to meet the only Big Wheel Swiss cheesemaker in North America! Workman is a certified Master Cheesemaker in seven varieties of cheese, and is renowned for creating Old World Emmentaler in 180-pound wheels. Time: 11 am. – 2 p.m. No charge.

Feb. 13: Meet Cheesemaker Mike Gingrich, Uplands Cheese. Mike and Carol Gingrich of Uplands Cheese will sample their Pleasant Ridge Reserve, a farmstead cheese crafted in the style and tradition of mountain cheeses in the alpine regions of France. Swiss Cellars, an important and distributor of quality Swiss wines, beer and eaux-de-vie in North America will also be on hand. Time: 3 – 6 p.m. No charge.

Feb 14: Meet Cheesemaker Brenda Jensen, Hidden Springs Creamery. Jensen crafts award-winning fresh and cave-aged sheep's milk cheeses, and, in a special treat for Fromagination shoppers, will offer chocolate-dipped flavored sheep's milk truffles. Time: 11 am. – 2 p.m. No charge.

Feb. 21: Roth Käse USA Fondue Mix. One of Wisconsin's premier cheesemakers, Roth Käse has won more than 100 awards since its start in 1991. Sample this company's signature fondue mix. Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. No charge.

Fromagination is located at 12 S. Carroll Street on the Capitol Square in downtown Madison. Winter shop hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on classes, events, catering opportunities and gift ideas for artisan cheeses and perfect companions, visit http://www.fromagination.com/ or call 608-255-2430.