Cold Cuts & Cheese

There’s a new Jones the Grocer in town… I’ve never really been a fan of the one at Dempsey- I find the whole feel of sitting in the middle of a deli having lunch decidedly odd. Plus their service has never been much cop.

However, Mr Greedy Glutton was having cold cuts and cheese cravings, so we thought we’d go check out the new Jones and the new Mandarin Gallery while we were at it. Firstly – I have to say, the Mandarin Gallery is a welcome addition to the Orchard shopping scene. I know, I know, there is really no need for yet another shopping mall on Orchard Road, but at least this one sets itself apart from the others, opting for at least half occupancy of small independent boutiques rather than the usual spectrum of high street fashion stores.

But we weren’t there to shop, we were there to eat. The interior of Jones is a vast improvement on its Dempsey space – more restaurant than deli, with sleek brown wood and subdued lighting.



The cheese counter also got a big thumbs up from us – not tucked away in a little room a la Dempsey, but proudly displayed in the window for all to see – and a very impressive selection they have too.



As we were there to fulfil a craving, we opted for one of the platters – the customers’ choice from a selection of cold meats, cheeses and antipasti. We went for the choice of 5 – very reasonably priced at $39.00++, choosing the French Salami, Italian Parma Ham



and three cheeses: the Delice – a beautifully decadent triple-cream soft cheese, the Morbier – a semi-soft cows' milk cheese, best known for the layer of ash through its centre, and everyone’s favourite blue – the Roquefort. These were all chosen with the help of a most informative Jones’ employee who was happy to talk us through all the different cheeses, complete with descriptions and historical background – very impressive.





I’m happy to report that Jones didn’t scrimp on their portions – we even had left over cheese to take home with us, and combined with a bread basket and a pumpkin and feta salad (not on their usual weekend lunch menu, but they were happy to oblige) we had a fine feast of a lunch.





Unfortunately our January ‘detox’ meant that we didn’t enjoy a glass of red to go with it – what a waste…. But there we go, there’s my excuse to go back.

Jones the Grocer, Mandarin Gallery, Orchard Road - http://www.jonesthegrocer.com/