Why Raclette is the Ultimate Cheese Ritual (and how we do it at Oh La La!)

nicolasdluk
Mar 21
3 min read

If there is one thing the French and the Swiss can agree on, it’s that melting cheese is a spiritual experience. Welcome to the world of Raclette—the most convivial, gooey, and satisfying meal you’ll ever have.

At Oh La La Cafe & Deli, we are bringing this Alpine tradition to England, but with our own unique twist. Whether you’re on a romantic date or out with a rowdy group of friends, we have the perfect cheesy setup for you.

A Tale of Two Mountains: France vs. Switzerland

Before we scrape, let’s settle the history. The word Raclette comes from the French verb racler (to scrape). Legend has it that medieval shepherds in the Alps would place a wheel of cheese near the campfire and scrape the melting layers onto bread or potatoes.

But here’s where it gets spicy: Who truly owns Raclette?

The Swiss claim it’s their national dish, born in the Canton of Valais. To them, it’s a purist’s game.
The French (specifically in Savoie) made it a lifestyle, adding mountains of charcuterie and turning it into the ultimate social event.

The "clocher" (bell tower) quarrel between the two nations is eternal, but at Oh La La, we believe in peace through cheese.

Three Ways to "Raclette" at Oh La La

We know that everyone enjoys their cheese at a different pace. That’s why we’ve created three distinct experiences:

1. The "Ready-to-Glow" Plate

Short on time but need that cheese fix? We prepare it for you. A generous portion of perfectly melted cheese draped over steaming potatoes, served with artisanal charcuterie and cornichons. Perfection in a flash.

2. The Romantic "Lumi" Experience

Using the stylish Cookut Lumi (powered by simple tea lights!), this is the ultimate cozy setup for couples. It’s intimate, quiet, and surprisingly powerful. It’s "slow food" at its finest—melt your slice, pour, repeat.

3. The "All You Can Eat" Party (The Real Sensation!)

This is for the true enthusiasts. We bring a professional TTM "The Party" grill directly to your table. We place a large piece of cheese under the heat, and you become the Chef. Wait for the surface to bubble and brown, then scrape that molten gold yourself. It’s tactile, it’s theatrical, and yes—it is bottomless.

The Best of Both Worlds

Why limit ourselves? Our Raclette menu features:

The Classic Savoyard: Nutty, creamy, and traditional.
The British Contenders: We’ve handpicked local starchy and pungent cheeses that rival the Alps (wait until you try our Somerset-style melters!).
The Sides: Our Deli is stocked with the finest Wiltshire ham, spicy saucisson, and tangy pickled onions to cut through the richness.

Book Your Cheesy Night Out!

Raclette isn't just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about the steam on the windows, the smell of toasted rind, and the laughter shared over a shared grill.

Ready to scrape? Tables for our "All You Can Eat" TTM experience fill up fast.

Take the Magic Home: Shop & Hire

Loved the experience so much you want to recreate it in your living room? We’ve got you covered. Oh La La isn't just a cafe; it’s your personal Raclette headquarters.

Rent the Rig: Planning a dinner party? You can hire our professional TTM grills or the stylish Cookut Lumi sets for the night.
The Full Kit: We sell everything you need in our deli section—the specific Raclette-cut cheeses (both French and British), the finest charcuterie, and those essential cornichons.
Buy Your Own: We also stock the machines for sale, so you can make "Raclette Night" a permanent weekly fixture in your home!

Host the Ultimate Cheesy Event (Catering)

Looking for a way to make your next birthday, office party, or wedding unforgettable? Let us bring the melt to you!

We offer bespoke catering services for events of all sizes. From a "Raclette Bar" with a dedicated chef scraping giant wheels of cheese for your guests, to beautifully curated grazing platters, we bring the authentic Alpine atmosphere (and the incredible aroma) directly to your venue.