Anthony Femia to launch grilled cheese shop

After three years building the Spring Street Grocer's cheese shop into one of the city's most pungent and progressive, cheesemonger and affineur Anthony Femia is about to make his (everyone's) dream come true and launch Maker and Monger, a raclette and grilled cheese sandwich stall, a la the Borough Markets in London.

If you're unfamiliar, raclette is a semi-hard washed rind cow's cheese with foot-ripe funk, traditionally served by cutting the large wheel in half and grilling the exposed side, scraping the melted cheese onto boiled potatoes and serving with pickles. That's Femia's plan. He also intends to serve rotating types of grilled cheese sandwiches like an American version with Monterey Jack and a cup of tomato soup, or a French version with cheesy bechamel. They'll also be selling Mork hot chocolate.

A collaboration with a yet-to-be-announced cheesemaker, Maker and Monger will start with market pop-ups (hopefully) this June, most likely at South Melbourne Markets, with a permanent stall to follow. Stay tuned.

Maker and Monger, www.makerandmonger.com.au