Build the perfect cheese board this National Cheese Lovers Day (Jan. 20) using regional and imported ingredients from these local shops.
For your next charcuterie board, pick up marinated Essex St. Lesbos feta with olives from Wayne Cheese Cave.
The Cheese Company
Underneath a green awning bearing the renowned name of the brick shop, step through a homey green front door and admire the glass displays boasting row upon row of fine cheese. This is the place to be while prepping for an event. Look to the Instant Party gift basket for an hors d’oeuvres solution in a pinch: From spreads and crackers to pretzels and candies, it’s sure to satisfy every taste bud. 217 Haverford Ave., Narberth, 610.667.3663, thecheeseco.com
Claudio Specialty Foods
Family owned and operated for over 60 years, Claudio’s has some of the finest gourmet formaggio imported directly from Italy. Under the private label, sample delightful originals like the fresh Claudio smoked mozzarella or the popular 1-pound Claudio bocconcini, made from extra-aged provolone with a tangy, slightly nutty flavor. 924-26 S. Ninth St., 215.627.1873, claudiofood.com
Di Bruno Bros.
The Di Bruno Bros. shop is as much a part of Philly as Rocky Balboa, having started as just a 700-squarefoot grocery store in 1939 before growing into multiple locations and the name brand. While we all love the Chestnut Street stalwart, the Main Line location just celebrated its oneyear anniversary in May, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by perusing hundreds of international imports from cheddar to brie to truffle. For true connoisseurs, level up with a selection of monthly memberships that deliver pairings right to your door. Multiple locations, 215.599.1363, dibruno.com
Downtown Cheese
You may have seen them on TikTok—engaging videos of cutting irresistible cheeses, plus behind-thescenes footage of how owners Jack and Diana Morgan and staff make some of their popular creations like the black truffle brie—but have you been in person? Trust us, they’re as good as they look. The displays, chock full of manchego, chebris, pecorino and more, also provide all the accouterments for your dream board: Cured meats, high-quality crackers, olives and condiments abound. 1136 Arch St., No. 417, readingterminalmarket.org
Evergreen Cheese
A true cheesemonger, owner John Ingersoll curates a refined menu of top-quality items. While you’ll certainly have your fill of fromage, complement the aged umami flavors with crusty artisan bread, preserves and marmalades, topped with charcuterie and smoked salmon. For your sweet tooth, don’t shy away from delectable Éclat chocolate— you’re bound to even find a fromage to pair. 184 E. Evergreen Ave., 215.248.1957
The Grand Fromage
Have some questions about cheese? The experts at this Skippack Village staple can give advice on types and pairings while offering samples of buttery Saint Angel triple-creme, nutty mimolette extra-vieille or one of over 20 fragrant blue cheeses in stock. Purchase some cured salumi, pate or other charcuterie and you’ll easily convince any guest of your gourmet status. 3910 Skippack Pike, Skippack, 610.584.5400, thegrandfromage.com
Photography by: Jackie Botto
