Cheese lovers can flock to Cheesetique in Del Ray this month for the returning “Raclette Fest,” a ski lodge-inspired event centered around the tableside cheese wheel and other specials.
Raclette Fest will run from Monday, Feb. 23 to Sunday, March 15, following a kickoff Après-Ski Party from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2411 Mount Vernon Avenue. The festival name references a type of Alpine cheese melted from a wheel and served tableside onto bread, seasonal vegetables and sausage.
Other special menu items include charcuterie boards, pretzels served with raclette cheese dip, apple strudel and several themed cocktails, including a zero-proof option. A wine flight created to pair with raclette comes with a sparkling riesling, grüner veltliner and Beaujolais-Lantignié
Diners can also choose to have raclette scraped onto any regular menu item for $12.
This is the eighth year Cheesetique has hosted its Raclette Fest. According to Cheesetique, Raclette Fest is “made for groups, date nights, and anyone craving a wintery outing without leaving the DMV–or freezing their toes.”
The Feb. 22 Après-Ski Party plans to offer an “unlimited raclette feast,” a ski lodge-inspired photo op, funk music from DJ Farrah Flosscett and a 5 p.m. toast with Jägermeister or a zero-proof option.
The party will also award prizes for the best-dressed in “ski-chic attire” at 6 p.m., host a game of giant Jenga and provide conversation cards at every table. Tickets are $45 and do not include drinks.
