By Fei Lai (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-16 09:58

It is hardly a revelation that there is a magic to cheese and the dairy product's popularity the world over isn't simply because everyone smiles when saying the word.

Diverse doesn't even begin to describe the world of cheese. Fresh, mild, soft, firm, hard, blue or stinky there's a cheese for everyone.

In the best traditions of France, the Sofitel Hyland Shanghai presents "Fromages de France" through November 21.

Featuring more than 50 cheeses presented by world renowned French master cheese producer Herve Mons, this is a unique chance to sample a bewildering variety of cheeses.

The hotel's Mosaic Restaurant is permeated by the aroma of cheese.

"Bread plus wine plus cheese is heaven," said Francois Guillocher, the hotel's restaurants and culinary director. "For the cheese connoisseurs and those want to try the best of French cheese for the first time, they will find Mons' cheeses most satisfying. His cheeses are in many of Mosaic's dishes and even in some of our deserts."

The Frenchman added that in France there are many shops that sell nothing but cheese.

Awarded "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" - the highest recognition possible for outstanding artisans in France, Mons started from humble beginnings as the son of an expert cheesemaker.

His family has been in the affinage business for generations. In charge of Maison Mons - Fromager Affineur, he continued the family's international reputation for making perfect cheeses. To achieve more, he also founded a cheese training school and initiated the Caseus Award, which each year recognizes the outstanding cheeses of the world.

One of his responsibilities includes traveling throughout France to find artisan cheesemakers who work with raw milk and offer the best expressions of that milk.

"The process of finishing cheese is not unlike aging wines or fermenting dough for breads. It usually takes at least six months," Mons said. "These cheeses are matured in my own cellars to develop the unique aromas and tastes. Different atmospheres and cellars are needed to maximize the flavors. This has made Maison Mons the official supplier of outstanding cheeses around the world and recognition for specialty cheeses."

Overlooking Nanjing Road, this new casual concept restaurant has a unique view. The special buffet lunch or dinner costs 248 yuan (US$33) per person.

"With creamy, runny and aromatic cheese and our eclectic mix of modern Western and Asian cuisine, this week is undoubtedly a treat for cheese connoisseurs," said Franck Lafourcade, another French cheese connoisseur and the hotel's general manager.

Fromages de France
Date: through November 21
Venue: Mosaic Restaurant, Sofitel Hyland Shanghai, 2/F, 505 Nanjing Road E.
Tel: 021-6351-5888 ext 4281