Cheese course
The part of a meal given to cheese, served in France before dessert and in Britain often after it.
Also: fromage course, le fromage
The cheese course is a fixture of the long meal in parts of Europe. In France it comes after the main course and salad and before dessert, often with the rest of the red wine and some bread, and in some homes it is offered every day. In Britain it traditionally comes after pudding, with port, biscuits and celery, though French order is now common in restaurants. In Italy, cheese may be eaten at the end with honey, pears or balsamic vinegar. Restaurants may bring a trolley so diners choose. A cheese course need not be elaborate: one cheese in perfect condition is better than five out of the fridge.