Monday Munchies: Bloom Cheese Collective

• Made only with Prosciutto di Parma and salted butter on a baguette, the flavors didn't have to compete with any designer taste-of-the-moment seasoning most U.S. consumers have grown to expect.
• A simple side salad topped with vinaigrette and dried cherries rounded it out.

The vibe: Mostly, it's a cheese shop stocked with exotic global flavors for ready-to-be made cheese boards. But the limited sandwich menu includes a muffuletta and a caprese, and wine is available by the glass.

• An intimate, relaxing dining room and a patio give one space to reflect on life's choices … and the food.

I'm aware of the irony that there was no cheese with my meal.

• But a knowledgeable cheesemonger helped pick out a gorgonzola blue cheese for my next steak ($6).

Check it out: Open 11am-6pm Tuesday-Thursday and 11am-7pm Friday and Saturday at 914 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville.

• When done, Pink Fern is a pleasant plant shop worthy of your time in the same building.