ask monkey - cheesey rivalry?

Dear Monkey,

Is there some rivalry between goats and sheep
when it comes to the cheese department?

Always and forever,

Cheese Lover

dear cheese lover,

sadly, many cow-based cheese products would like you to think so. but, nothing is farther from the truth. goat and sheep cheeses have always lived happily besides one another in perfect harmony. they share similar interests and qualities such as tanginess, compassion and humility. i believe it is this humility that keeps these fine cheese from stealing the lime-light away from the boisterous celebrity cow cheeses that monopolize the cheese counters today.

while some cows have hired large pr firms to assure that they stay in the public's eye, goats and sheep prefer a more personal approach of getting to know their public personally. they are more emotionally secure cheeses always available for a taste but, are not offended if their unique flavor, texture or aroma is not to the tasters liking. it's a big world for them and they know that for everyone that does not fancy their cheesy goodness, someone else has sworn undying devotion to them.

so, next time you pass by a manchego, a feta or pecorino, stop and say hello. get to know these cheese and see if a spark of a friendship kindles. don't listen to those cow cheeses that speak ill of their cheese case companions. they are insecure and afraid they will loose their market dominance. if they would only take a moment to reach out and understand their artisanal neighbors they will see that the cheese counter is big enough for every type of cheese regarless of their age or origin.

similar rumors surrounding the yogurt and butter sections of the dairy case are also unfounded.

i think i'll go whip up a grilled cheese with cheddar, feta and manchego and hope that one day, all cheese will live in melty harmony as they do in my sandwich.

cheesily yours,

monkey