457046 Sun Nov 04 00:46:46 -0700 2007 41 2 Los Angeles Area 0 3093225 I am looking for a gourmet cheese store in LA. Hopefully one that has a wide variety of French cheeses and fresh bread and nuts would be an added bonus. I want something like a La Brea for Cheese. Thanks! Sun Nov 04 00:46:46 -0700 2007 136073 LeCordonBleuChef 1 3093236 Chef, your first stop should be at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills. It's exactly what you are looking for as to the cheeses. They have some great bread, but I don't think they have any nuts. Sun Nov 04 01:29:46 -0700 2007 3093225 136188 Outerspace 1 3093246 Check out the November issue of Los Angeles magazine, there's a section there on great spots to get rare/artisanal cheese. Off the top of my head I recall Cheese Store in Beverly Hills (already mentioned) and Artisan Cheese Gallery in Studio City. ~H.C. http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com Sun Nov 04 01:05:16 -0700 2007 3093225 11949 AquaW 1 3093254 And in Silver Lake: http://www.cheesestoresl.com/ Sun Nov 04 01:59:21 -0700 2007 3093225 127538 wutzizname 1 3093425 You might also consider, believe it of not, Whole Foods. They have a very good selection of artisan cheeses. It's not like the Artisan Cheese shop, but you don't have to take out a second mortgage to pay your bill either. Sun Nov 04 06:15:51 -0800 2007 3093225 103155 ebethsdad 2 3094054 Whole Foods...as well consider Bristol Farms. Perhaps it depends on which store you choose, but I have found the Westlake Village branch to carry a good selection and the cheese expert lady there is very knowledgeable and helpful. On the other hand, Trader Joe's is extremely limited. Sun Nov 04 12:08:40 -0800 2007 3093425 14014 liu 1 3093959 Cube? Sun Nov 04 11:33:31 -0800 2007 3093225 11731 bodie 1 3094171 Thanks all, I will try! Sun Nov 04 13:08:36 -0800 2007 3093225 136073 LeCordonBleuChef 1 3094223 Beverly Hills Cheese Store is the best - and worth the trip. The experience alone is wonderful. It's like going to Neal's Yard in London, or Murray's in NYC. Another good place is Bay Cities Deli in Santa Monica on Lincoln. They're famous for their sandwiches, but the cheese/charcuterie counter on the other side of the store is pretty great too. If you can't make it there, Whole Foods is fine, or Bristol Farms. We also got some nice cheese at Surfa's in Culver City. Sun Nov 04 13:39:27 -0800 2007 3093225 19283 gsw 1 3094241 the village gourmet on hillhurst has a fantastic selection of european cheeses (and charcuterie). it's connected to the alcove, which is only so-so, but it's my pick on the east side. on hillhurst just east of franklin. Sun Nov 04 13:47:10 -0800 2007 3093225 68151 mmmyum 1 3094467 As many have suggested, the Cheesestore of Beverly Hills and its offspring, the Cheese Store of Silverlake are the best without question. Artisan in Studio City is also good, though they don't have as large a selection. I would beware of Whole Foods and Surfas. Both have interesting selections but they pre-cut and plastic wrap their cheeses, which means they are susceptible to moisture and you don't know how long they've been sitting there. I've had bad experiences (bad cheese, improper mold, etc.) at both stores. At BH and Silverlake, they know how to store and treat cheese...I've never had a bad experience at either store, and if you're looking for French cheeses, those two stores are unmatched. Sun Nov 04 15:39:44 -0800 2007 3093225 10132 sku 2 3096705 I was just about to post a warning regarding Whole Foods in response to the recommendation above, but then saw that you had already posted on the subject. I have had a lot of bad experiences where I have gotten home and unwrapped the plastic to find that the cheese had discolored (St. Agur in yellow or gray is not appetizing). It has always been on the side that is not visible through the plastic wrap, so I have some concern that the cheese department deliberately concealed that the cheese had gone bad. I have never had a problem with the Cheese Store in BH, which is my default cheese store (though expensive). I have had similar problems at various Gelsons. Mon Nov 05 10:52:15 -0800 2007 3094467 10568 Jwsel 3 3098758 No cheese store or department that sells pre-wrapped cheese deserves to be considered seriously. World-class cheeses are too expensive, fragile and easily spoiled by sloppy handling. Mon Nov 05 21:27:57 -0800 2007 3096705 85884 maxzook 2 3101111 So do they wrap the cheese in paper instead of plastic? I assume they give out samples? I had been missing Cowgirl Creamery in SF - is it comparable? Tue Nov 06 14:01:44 -0800 2007 3094467 46671 notmartha 3 3112267 notmartha- From Bay Area as well, The Cheese Store of Silver Lake carries Cowgirl Creamery, not sure about Bev Hills. Silver Lake also sells Cypress Grove... Fri Nov 09 22:07:10 -0800 2007 3101111 123599 LaLa Eat 4 3112812 Beverly Hills has Cowgirl and Cypress Grove cheeses, as well. Sat Nov 10 08:59:21 -0800 2007 3112267 13350 glutton 5 3122220 Thanks! Tue Nov 13 14:56:30 -0800 2007 3112812 46671 notmartha 4 3113041 Artisan carried as good selection of Cowgirl. Sat Nov 10 11:02:37 -0800 2007 3112267 11201 Diana 3 3146155 Auntie Em's store in Eagle Rock sells Cowgirl Creamery cheeses. Wed Nov 21 13:02:37 -0800 2007 3101111 20504 hpcat 4 3146214 Thanks! Coincidentally I was searching for Savannah Bee honey distributors and Auntie Em pops up. Also heard about their cupcakes so it sounds like it may be worthwhile to check out. Wed Nov 21 13:28:47 -0800 2007 3146155 46671 notmartha 2 3111313 Odd, I found Artisan's selection vaster and far better than either Cheesestore. Fri Nov 09 13:55:58 -0800 2007 3094467 11201 Diana 1 3094543 Say Cheese next to the Trader Joe's on Hyperion has less of a selection, but occasionally you can find a bargain (compared at least to the Chee$e Stores of BH/SL.) Sun Nov 04 16:10:50 -0800 2007 3093225 85884 maxzook 1 3094554 Marcel's at the Farmer's Market is also worth a try. The Village Gourmet has branches in Studio City as well as Los Feliz. Linking ... Sun Nov 04 16:14:56 -0800 2007 3093225 85884 maxzook 2 3095630 I have had bad experiences at Marcel's. Prices were a tad high and the cheeses were not stored properly. They were all in the cold case, which seemed to be too cold. And they had some non-blue cheeses in close proximity of the blue cheeses, which makes everything blue in short order. It just seemed like careless cheese handling. Which is a criminal offense. Mon Nov 05 06:27:40 -0800 2007 3094554 13350 glutton 3 3098764 A friend recommended Marcel's for its cheese. I've bought other items there and was satisfied, but I confess I was unaware that Marcel's sold pre-wrapped cheese. As I said upthread, any such establishment doesn't deserve to be taken seriously. Thanks for the warning. Mon Nov 05 21:30:40 -0800 2007 3095630 85884 maxzook 1 3094599 The Artisan Cheese Gallery on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City. Always happy with my finds there. Sun Nov 04 16:30:09 -0800 2007 3093225 127918 ancksunamun 2 3095891 I agree with the Artisan Cheese Gallery. Warm service, fabulous selection of cheeses, as well as good other things to get. They als0 make some great sandwiches with the cheese, including an amazing duck confit. Mon Nov 05 07:54:44 -0800 2007 3094599 11201 Diana 1 3094703 I love Artisan Cheese Gallery. If you come to OC, it's all about Frog's Breath in the Orange Circle. Sun Nov 04 17:08:52 -0800 2007 3093225 10811 Das Ubergeek 1 3096353 One that hasn't been mentioned is Joan's on Third. With the new expanded space, they've definitely added more cheese and the guy who runs that section is really knowledgeable and passionate about all things cheese. Mon Nov 05 09:35:24 -0800 2007 3093225 74451 vinosnob 1 3098834 There's a neighborhood market in Venice just south of Venice Blvd on Abbott Kinney perhaps? I can't remember the street -- hopefully someone will remind us. I heard about the place on this board a couple years back. They don't have a wide cheese selection but I really liked what I tried. A bunch of English cheese and beer-washed cheeses (is that right?) They were absolutely delicious. I agree the BH Cheese Store is fairly impressive -- for their prices as well. Once upon an eon there was validated parking across the street but that seems to be gone. The couple times I've thought about going recently parking just seemed too oppressive to tackle. Hints on that problem would be appreciated! Mon Nov 05 22:25:02 -0800 2007 3093225 67879 aliris 2 3098893 You are thinking of Market Gourmet. Not a big selection but a great one. Mon Nov 05 23:20:49 -0800 2007 3098834 12588 Mattapoisett in LA 3 3098935 Bingo -- thanks! Maybe not worth an hour's drive (like BH cheese chop) but definitely worth checking out if you're nearby. BTW, Surfas' cheese is extremely limited in quantity and quality. Occasionally I've encountered something original and delish there but I would definitely not make a trip there for cheese alone! Tue Nov 06 00:18:33 -0800 2007 3098893 67879 aliris 2 3099341 I've always had good luck parking under Crate & Barrell or down the street by Williams Sonoma. Typically, that parking is free because I get in and out quickly enough. But sometimes I take longer and even then it only costs me a buck or two. That hardly feels onerous to me. As for the prices at the BH Cheese Store, I will admit that their prices on some of the jars and cans along the wall can be pricey, but I have not found their cheese to be outrageously priced. That is especially true when I consider the good service and freebies that I always get. Tue Nov 06 07:10:48 -0800 2007 3098834 13350 glutton 2 3099992 Parking is a cinch; a few blocks south there's a public parking lot and the first hour is free Tue Nov 06 09:51:53 -0800 2007 3098834 74451 vinosnob 3 3101076 I prefer the Cheese Store in Silverlake to the BH Cheese store because it is not as crowded and the people working there are friendlier. I think it is easier to try a selection of cheeses. Also, the BH Cheese store recommended a $40 bottle of olive oil to me that was nothing spectacular. Certainly not worth $40. But the wine and cheese tastings at the BH location in the evenings are quite nice. Tue Nov 06 13:54:09 -0800 2007 3099992 128449 guzelsu 3 3109619 Thanks for the parking hints! It's been ages since I've been to the Chee$e store so maybe I'll go again; perhaps Williams Sonoma has some pie weights/chains I've been wanting?! But I just wanted to write that: Chee$e store. I love it!!! Fri Nov 09 05:39:25 -0800 2007 3099992 67879 aliris 1 3139424 Checked out the Beverly Hills Cheese Store this weekend - we did a foodie run while in the area. Anyway, the Cheese Store had a lot of variety of cheeses, but I find it kind of hard to get service, and the lady helping me wasn't of much help. She seemed not to be very knowledgeable. None of the cheeses were labeled (with either the variety nor the price). They were all wrapped in plastic anyway so I am at lost as to how that is better comparing to Whole Foods? Cowgirl Creamery in SF wrapped their cheese in plastic for display, but when they sliced off the cheese for tasting and for sale they always take off the part that touched the plastic (they discourage wrapping cheese in plastic for take home - said the cheese needs to breathe some). To add insult to injury my bill wasn't itemized and I suspect I was overcharged by $20 at least (either that or their prices were really inflated). I checked the cheese prices online and there's no way my purchases would be $100 unless some of the cheeses I got were $40/lb, which I doubt. The guy next to me spent over $1000 in cheeses, caviar and wine. Maybe that's how you can get great service. Mon Nov 19 13:05:11 -0800 2007 3093225 46671 notmartha 2 3140729 The point about Whole Foods was that they wrap individual, pre-cut pieces in plastic. It's the pre-cut that is dicey. The BH Cheese Store does not do that. That said, I really cannot relate to your BH Cheese Store experience. I have never spent more than $75 when I have visited the store and have without fail gotten tons of attention, help, knowledge, etc. You are right that the cheeses are not individually labelled with all sorts of information, but that would seem to be a hopeless approach, given the turnover in their cheese selection. Instead, I just ask them what each cheese is and describe what cheeses/flavors/textures I like and allow them to help me. If you think you were over-charged, then I would ask them about it. Tell them what you bought and show them the receipt. They're pretty reasonable folks, so if there was a mistake, I bet they'd make it right. I wonder if you ran into issues because it was the Saturday before Thanksgiving. I tend to avoid the BH Cheese Store around holidays because it gets so crazy... Though, I walked by on Saturday afternoon around 4PM and there was barely anybody in there, so maybe that's a good time to visit. Mon Nov 19 19:51:42 -0800 2007 3139424 13350 glutton 3 3142631 I asked for recommendations, but the girl that was helping me either can't seem to hear me, or doesn't seem to be that experienced. I asked for something close to Gorgonzola Dolce, and she gave me something similar to Gorgonzola (Saint Agur) instead. I don't have an itemized receipt and I am not driving an hour back to argue over $20. They were extra busy because of Thanksgiving, but they didn't even bother using the number system. I initially pulled a number and waited for about 5 minutes before realizing that it's free for all. Anyway, at Cowgirl in SF they labeled everything with the name and price, and even when they are busy they had a numbering system that they actually use. Maybe I'll give the Silverlake one a try, and write down the names of all the cheeses I want with the prices first. Tue Nov 20 11:27:33 -0800 2007 3140729 46671 notmartha 3 3166780 Just had a bad experience at Cheese Store in BH. Bought a $350 bottle of wine along with several selections of cheese and sun dried tomatoes which are fabulous. when I got home I noticed the wine was leaking. Since it was a gift I returned it. Attitude aplenty. Then they refused to refund the tax. After telling a colleague the problem she called to complain and they sent me a little gift basket. Nice, but all I really want is my $28 worth of tax on a $350 bottle of wine. I'll be going back to Artisan Cheese on Ventura. Thu Nov 29 18:39:36 -0800 2007 3140729 55271 stevela77 4 3168043 That's not cool by any means. However, if I was spending that kind of cash on a bottle of wine, I would never consider going to the Cheese Store considering there are so many better options nearby i.e. 20/20, Wine House, etc. Fri Nov 30 09:30:54 -0800 2007 3166780 74451 vinosnob 1 3166963 Nicole's in South Pasadena has a pretty decent selection if you are looking for something on that side of town. Thu Nov 29 19:50:52 -0800 2007 3093225 122735 alliefair3