A Classic Alpine Tradition Brought to Life at Orrman’s Cheese Shop

If you’ve never been to a Raclette Night, you’re in for a delicious experience that’s equal parts comfort food and culinary theater. Raclette isn’t just a type of cheese — it’s a centuries-old tradition that transforms a simple meal into something memorable.

The Cheese: Raclette

Raclette cheese is a semi-soft, washed-rind cow’s milk cheese with roots in the Alps of Switzerland and France. Its name comes from the French word racler, meaning “to scrape.” That’s because the cheese is traditionally heated and scraped over warm food — and yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds.

Raclette is known for:

• Its melty texture when warmed

• A nutty, slightly funky flavor

• A beautiful golden crust when exposed to heat

It’s made from Alpine cows’ milk, giving it a rich and creamy profile that holds up well to heat without losing its integrity.

The History: From Shepherds to Shared Tables

The tradition of Raclette dates back to medieval Switzerland, where cow herders would bring wheels of cheese into the mountains. After a long day, they’d set the cheese by an open fire, let it melt, and then scrape it onto boiled potatoes or bread — simple, hearty, and warming.

Over the centuries, this humble mountain meal evolved into a cherished winter ritual across Europe. Today, it’s still served in ski lodges, restaurants, and homes — often with special Raclette grills or broilers designed to melt the cheese tableside.

Raclette Night at Orrman’s

At Orrman’s Cheese Shop, we’ve recreated this cozy Alpine ritual right in the heart of Charlotte. Every Thursday night, we host Raclette Night — where we melt imported Alpine Raclette cheese and scrape it fresh onto your plate.

We serve it with:

• Salad with our house-made vinaigrette

• Roasted potatoes

• Cornichons 

• Cured meats 

• Crusty bread

• Lusty Monk Mustard

• Chocolate Pots de Creme for dessert

Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or just looking for a fun, social dining experience, Raclette Night is a must-try. It’s rich, interactive, and perfect for date nights, gatherings with friends, or cozy solo comfort food.

Why People Love Raclette

• It’s interactive — you get to watch your cheese scraped fresh onto your plate

• It’s nostalgic — rooted in tradition, but served with a modern twist

• It’s comforting — because warm cheese on potatoes just makes sense

How to Join Raclette Night in Charlotte

Raclette Night happens every Thursday evening at Orrman’s. Make your reservation here:

https://orrmanscheeseshop.com/blogs/events

Walk-ins are also welcome, but seating is limited — so come early, bring your appetite, and let us melt something delicious just for you.