Best Of Cleveland: Wedding Cake Alternative

When planning your wedding reception, we strongly recommend cheese cake — especially if the bottom tier is a nice manchego. Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. has made our fromage-fiend dreams a reality with its wedding cheese cakes ($200-$350), gorgeous tiered confections made entirely of stacked cheese wheels that pair perfectly with your champagne toast. “Not everyone has a sweet tooth,” says founder Michael Januska. “With cheese, you can switch it up. There can be a savory-sweet one, [and] one could be dusted with ground Turkish espresso and lavender buds.” While the customization options are endless, most cakes have incorporated wheels of Brie, Camembert or a French triple cream that looks especially like an iced white cake. Couples can pick any two to eight wheels from the shop’s more than 100 cheeses before the creation is decorated with flowers, Marcona almonds, dried apricots, grapes and more. The best part? Easy wedding favors. “You just wrap it up, and it’s still good for months,” says Januska. 4138 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-860-4000, oldbrooklyncheesecompany.com

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