.png)
There are few culinary delights that can rival a delicious aged cheese spread on some fresh bread or paired with the perfect wine. As a self-proclaimed cheese connoisseur, my recent trip to France on re-affirmed my love of all things fromage. Here are a few of my favorite cheese spots on the city - take time to enjoy one of the simplest foodie pleasures this spring!
Favorite Cheese Shops:
1. Murray's Cheese - 156 E. 2nd St (West Village)
The old guard of NYC foodies will always swear by this west village cheese lovers mecca that has been delivering for over 75 years and now has two locations and can even be ordered online.
2. Caputo's Fine Foods - 460 Court Street (Carroll Gardens)
Caputo's offers a range of delicious artisan foods, but their salt water dipped mozzarella is the best in the city and worth the trip from and borough.
2. Sahadi's - 187 Atlantic Avenue
(Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill Border)
Kashkaval cheese, which I grew up on in Turkey, is the best for grilled cheese - my favorite place to find it here in the city is Sahadi's, which sells a full range of specialty foods and grocery items from all over the world.
3. Stinky BKLYN - 215 Smith St
(Cobble Hill)
Stinky's offers many specialty cheeses from all over the world but also stock a good selection of locally produced cheese. They also stock a host of local Brooklyn goodies like McClure's Pickles and Mast Brothers chocolate.
Favorite Restaurants for Cheese Dishes and Pairings:
1. Bedford Cheese Shop & Campbell Cheese & Grocery - 229 Bedford / 502 Lorimer
(Williamsburg)
Both of these well-loved cheese shops also offer casual dining - Campbell has a southern flare and my inner Texan loves the cheesy brunch biscuits and other delicious offerings. Both places manage to deliver cheese and charm in signature laid-back 'burg style.
2. Pair - 140 Atlantic Ave
(Cobble Hill)
A cozy wine bar with a patio that offers one of Brooklyn’s best cheese lists along with innovative dishes and perfect wine pairings - It is right near my apartment and my husband I and go at least once a week. Chung the owner is awesome. I highly recommend the Raclette mac n cheese; the shrimp croquettes are also to die for. My husband Bill loves the chocolate fondue!
3. Taureau - 558 Broome Street
(Soho)
If fondue is your cheese dish of choice, this is the place to go! A french fondue bistro, and along with their regular menu, offer a 3 course dinner that begins with a cheese fondue, followed by fondue bourguignonne (meat fondue) and ending with a desert fondue - all customizable by meat, cheese, and chocolate type.