You don’t have to try every cheese at Di Bruno Bros., like Tenaya Darlington (aka Madame Fromage) did, to get into Philly’s cheese scene. In a recent episode of City Cast Philly, Darlington broke down all you need to know to start sampling great locally-made cheeses.
Know Where To Look
Cheese is everywhere! But for artisan, local cheeses, Darlington suggests checking out your local farmers market, like Clark Park Farmers Market in West Philly, where you can find vendors like Valley Milkhouse. She suggests trying their Witchgrass variety, which is ripened with an ash coating on the rind. Also, local co-ops such as Weavers Way in Northwest Philly stock a variety of local cheeses.
Other local shops that specialize in just cheese include Third Wheel Cheese Co. in Cedar Park and Downtown Cheese in Reading Terminal Market.
Read the Labels
Darlington says a quick inspection of the packaging can help sort good cheese from great cheese. She looks out for words like "farmstead" or "small-batch" and, on European cheese, a "PDO" seal, which means the ingredients and production are all from a specific place.
Ask Questions
When you go to a cheesemonger and are faced with a case full of mouthwatering options, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tell them what you like, or what you plan to eat the cheese with, and cheese sellers can suggest great pairings, says Darlington.
Also, Darlington says, only take samples if you are interested in buying out of respect for the cheesemakers, especially the smaller operations!
Know the Deals
Be sure to keep an eye out for the discount basket at Di Bruno Bros. and Whole Foods Market, where the cheese ends and small, odd sided cuttings are perfect for sampling and making cheese plates. This also gives you a chance to try something new!
Visit a Creamery
If you want to learn more about something, go to the source! Luckily, Philly is surrounded by creameries that allow you to visit, like Birchrun Hills Farm in Chester Springs, who even host a happy hour and cheese shop. Make sure to try Darlington’s favorite local cheese, Birchrun Blue, which she says is “on the national level, it's spectacular.” If you want something a tad closer, Perrystead Dairy has events right in Olde Kensington at their urban creamery.
Order Up
Local restaurants like Tria, where Madame Fromage curates cheese boards such as the PA playlist of local cheese finds, give you the option to explore cheese if you don’t know where to start. So you aren’t ready to drive out to a farm or buy your first artisan cheese cut, that’s okay! Many restaurants work with local cheese makers to bring these options to their menu, like Talula’s Garden with The Masterclass…Six Artisan Cheese Options.
