Bryant Park Cheese: A Gourmet Winter Village Experience

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Bryant Park Cheese, primarily represented by the Baked Cheese Haus, offers a delectable array of Swiss-style Raclette and Scandinavian-style baked cheese options. Located in the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, this seasonal cheese vendor has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. With operating hours from 11am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm on weekends, the Baked Cheese Haus serves up warm, melted cheese delights that perfectly complement the winter atmosphere of Bryant Park.

What Does Bryant Park Cheese Offer?

bryant park cheese
Image ‘File:Winter Village at Bryant Park (December 2023) 01.jpg’ by Kiran891, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Baked Cheese Haus at Bryant Park presents a menu centered around two main cheese offerings:

  1. Raclette
  2. Baked Cheese

Raclette

Raclette is a Swiss cheese dish that involves melting the cheese and scraping it onto various accompaniments. At Bryant Park Cheese, you can enjoy Raclette served over:

  • Toasted baguettes
  • Boiled new potatoes
  • Frankfurters

To enhance the flavor, you can pair your Raclette with:

  • Spring onions
  • Baby gherkins
  • Dijon mustard

Baked Cheese

The Baked Cheese offering comes in several flavors:

  1. Original
  2. Smoked Bacon
  3. Cranberry Cinnamon
  4. Garlic
  5. Jalapeno

To elevate your baked cheese experience, you can drizzle it with:

  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Hot pepper jelly
  • Garlic infused olive oil

Additional Menu Items

Besides the cheese-centric dishes, Bryant Park Cheese also offers:

  • Swiss Dog: A frankfurter topped with melted Raclette cheese
  • Hot Honey Crisp Apple Cider: A perfect warm beverage to accompany your cheese dish

When Can You Visit Bryant Park Cheese?

bryant park cheese

The Baked Cheese Haus operates within the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Here’s a breakdown of their operating hours:

Day Opening Time Closing Time
Monday-Friday 11:00 AM 8:00 PM
Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM 8:00 PM

During the holiday season, especially after Thanksgiving, many shops in the Winter Village, including the Baked Cheese Haus, may extend their hours. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Days, they typically operate from noon to 5pm.

The Winter Village season runs through March 3, 2024, giving you ample time to experience Bryant Park Cheese.

What Do Customers Say About Bryant Park Cheese?

Customer reviews of Bryant Park Cheese are mixed, with both positive and negative feedback. Let’s break down the common themes:

Positive Reviews

Many customers rave about:

  1. The quality of the cheese, often described as “divine”
  2. The bread, praised for being “wonderfully crusty”
  3. The combination of cheese with onions, pickles, and mustard

Negative Reviews

Some customers express dissatisfaction due to:

  1. High prices, often described as “tourist-priced” or “ridiculous”
  2. Insufficient cheese portions in some cases

Are There Any Special Offers at Bryant Park Cheese?

While there are no specific promotions or limited-time deals mentioned for Bryant Park Cheese, the seasonal nature of the Baked Cheese Haus itself can be considered a special offering. The availability of Swiss-style Raclette and Scandinavian-style baked cheese during the winter months makes it a unique and sought-after experience for visitors to Bryant Park.

How Does Bryant Park Cheese Contribute to the Winter Village Experience?

Bryant Park Cheese, through the Baked Cheese Haus, plays a significant role in enhancing the Winter Village experience at Bryant Park. Here’s how:

  1. Seasonal Specialties: The warm, melted cheese offerings are perfectly suited to the cold winter months, providing comfort food that resonates with the season.

  2. European Flair: The Swiss and Scandinavian-inspired cheese dishes bring a touch of European winter market tradition to New York City.

  3. Social Experience: The act of sharing melted cheese dishes creates a communal dining experience, encouraging social interaction among visitors.

  4. Culinary Attraction: As a unique food vendor, Bryant Park Cheese adds to the culinary diversity of the Winter Village, attracting food enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

  5. Sensory Appeal: The sight and smell of melting cheese contribute to the overall sensory experience of the Winter Village, creating an inviting atmosphere.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Bryant Park Cheese?

Before planning your visit to Bryant Park Cheese, keep these points in mind:

  1. Pricing: Be prepared for tourist-oriented prices. The unique experience and location contribute to higher-than-average costs.

  2. Timing: Visit during off-peak hours to potentially avoid long queues, especially during weekends and holidays.

  3. Dietary Considerations: The menu is heavily cheese-based, so those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should be cautious.

  4. Seating: The Winter Village can get crowded, so be prepared to eat standing up or find seating elsewhere in the park.

  5. Weather: As an outdoor venue, your experience may be affected by weather conditions. Dress appropriately for standing outside in winter weather.

  6. Pairing Options: Consider trying the Hot Honey Crisp Apple Cider alongside your cheese dish for a complementary flavor experience.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can better plan your visit to Bryant Park Cheese and make the most of your Winter Village experience.

References:
1. https://www.reddit.com/r/FoodNYC/comments/r172w5/the_raclette_stand_at_the_winter_village_is/
2. https://www.yelp.com/biz/baked-cheese-haus-new-york
3. https://bryantpark.org/shop-eat/baked-cheese-haus

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