Sharp provolone cheese?

[kendra]

Ok, I know this question has been asked before, but what is sharp provolone cheese? I have looked in several grocery stores and specialty shops and only find plain old provolone. What does it taste like? Any ideas for substitutions? Thanks, Kendra

[MrsReber]

Kendra, I was very surprised to find sharp provolone in my grocery store (Grand Union). I haven't tasted it plain so I am not sure what the difference in taste is. Perhaps you could substitute another kind of sharp cheese, maybe a cheddar?

[Kerri]

I made that Italian Meat Loaf this weekend and I also could not fine sharp provolone. I just used the regular and thought it was still really good.

[shoyski]

Kendra, if you want to drive a little bit, how about trying Dorothy Lane Market in Centerville? They seem to have everything.

By the way, have you ever eaten at The Winds?
Someone recommended this restaurant to me today.

[Ohioan]

Hi, Kendra,
I just sent you an e-mail about a couple of places in Columbus where you can get good provolone -- and one place where you can't. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
Good hunting!
Phoebe

[Ohioan]

Sharp provolone is my all-time favorite cheese! It has a salty-pungent taste, something like good Parmigiano, and it should crumble at least a little as you try to slice it. (It's better in chunks or shaved like Parmigiano.)

A fairly good online source is Fortuna's Sausages at www.soupy.com (http://www.soupy.com) under the "Cheeses" heading. Or try a local Wild Oats or cheese store if you have one.

If you can't find a sharp provolone for cooking, substitute a mild Parmigiano or Romano, or a dried Asiago, the kind you use for grating. For eating plain, there's really no substitute. Even an extra sharp cheddar doesn't have the salty "dark" taste of the provolone. But then, I'm a provolone freak. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif In fact, I just finished eating my lunch of a slice of sprouted-grain bread, a chunk of sharp provolone, and an apple. Yummmmm.

Phoebe

[kendra]

Hi Phoebe,
Thanks for the info. Noticed that you're from Columbus - I work in Dublin and live in Yellow Springs - know of any stores near here where I can find sharp provolone? Thanks, Kendra

[kendra]

I just ran down to Wild Oats on Lane Avenue to find the sharp provolone. All they had was "aged provolone" - same thing? Actually, they were out of it, but they were getting more tonight. I may try Dorothy Lane market - of course I just moved from living right off Dorothy Lane in Kettering (how inconvenient)- or I may just substitute this time. I do want to try it though since I've gone through so much trouble already. The Winds is absolutely fantastic - I would definitely recommend it. It's a bit pricey ($20 per dish), but well worth it. They do have specials on Thursday nights - called "bistro" nights. On that night they serve one dish, half bottle of wine, dessert, salad, coffee - for $21. Haven't tried that yet, but sounds good. Only catch is that they only have one choice per bistro night. If you are interested, you can check out the menu at www.windscafe.com. (http://www.windscafe.com.)

[Ohioan]

Yup, aged provolone is the same as sharp provolone. It sharpens with age -- as do we all! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Cheers, Phoebe

[shoyski]

Thanks, Kendra. We made a reservation for Friday night! Yippee!

[kendra]

Let me know what you think of The Winds. The menu this month looks great! Enjoy!