LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) – For 25 years Belle Chèvre has been hand-crafting fine French style goat’s milk cheeses in Elkmont. Chèvre, if you don’t know, is French for goat, and over the years this special cheese has gained 50 national awards from the American Cheese Society and other institutions including national magazines.
But, here’s a little secret about the cheese you may not know, and we’re not talking ingredients. The cheese makers are all family, and have been playing with cheese for decades.
Owner Tasia Malakasis came back to Alabama to learn the art of cheesemaking and take over the company. Business has been booming ever since. So what’s their secret?
“When we made our do-it-yourself cheese making kits,” said Malakasis, “someone asked me, ‘aren’t you afraid of giving away your recipe?’ I said no, this is what we do. Anyone can have that recipe, the way we do it is important and that is what makes it so special.”
Recently, Belle Chèvre expanded. The company has a new cheese shop and tasting room featuring artisan cheese, classes, and ice cream. Of course, you can meet some dairy goats while you’re on site.They recently rolled out a new brunch menu, too. You can check out their website by clicking HERE.
Their new location in Elkmont is 18849 Upper Fort Hampton Road, and Malakasis says she can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2014. She does know she wants to have a good time and make people happy. And there’s no better place to do that than in the heart of Elkmont.
“Now we are part of the fabric of this community, and everybody has been so warm and supportive,” said Malakasis. “We are having a blast here.”
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