Three's a Trend Say 'Cheese'
O.C.’s growing list of cheese specialists makes shopping a delicious adventure. You may learn more about farmstead cheeses than you anticipate, and take home more Bries than you need—cheesemongers are an enthusiastic bunch. Here are three
of our favorites.
by Priscilla Mayfield / photography by Priscilla Iezzi
The Meat House
Sidestep the steaks and chops for nearly 90 varieties of cheeses at The Meat House, above, where the staff has a friendly way with sampling and custom cutting. Pick up some of OC Baking Co.’s terrific breads to accompany. 103 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949-548-6328, themeathouse.com
Sapphire Pantry
Inside the tiny annex of Sapphire Laguna restaurant, you’ll find a treasure-trove of cheeses from around the globe. Assemble a complementary duo, or a cheese board’s worth with help from Pantry personnel. 1200 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949-715-9889, sapphirellc.com
The Cheese Shop
Sibling of San Clemente’s The Cellar, this OC Mart Mix shop will help you pair cut-to-order domestic and imported cheeses with accouterments such as local honey, and bread from Tustin’s RTR Bakery. Cheese gear, too! 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949-284-0558, cellarcheeseshop.com
This article originally appeared in the July 2012 issue of Orange Coast magazine.