Perrystead Dairy, an award-winning cheesemaker in Olde Kensington, opened Philly’s first 24-hour cheese vending machine in April to bring its sustainable dairy delights directly to the neighborhood. As a cheese fiend myself, I knew I had to try out this new addition to Philly’s great cheese scene.
Experiencing Philly’s Novelty Cheese Machine
Walking into the fragrant pollinator garden, herbs like rosemary and lavender line the pebble path to the self-service machine. I visited this novelty food experience not once, but twice in the past few weeks. On my first visit, the vending machine was experiencing some technical issues from all of the use. Yoav Perry, Perrystead’s owner and cheesemaker, told me he didn’t expect the popularity and national media coverage it's received, and had to upgrade some parts. On my second visit … it was still having some issues. But Perry saved the day and promptly got it fixed so I could live my Philly fromage fantasy.
The refrigerated machine can hold nine rows of merchandise. When I went, it was stocked with three of Perrystead Dairy’s cheeses: The Real Philly Schmear (a spreadable cheese), Intergalactic (a soft, cave-ripened cheese), and Atlantis (a seasonal seawater-washed cheese). The machine also offered Rustic Bakery Organic Sourdough Flatbread Bites, prosciutto, wood cutting boards, a variety of small jams, and some branded stickers.
A look inside the novelty cheese vending machine and its other offerings, such as stickers and cured meats. (Abby Fritz/City Cast Philly)
To make sure the products don’t get smooshed, the machine has little doors for each row of items that you can tug open after you pay. After carefully reading the posted instructions (and with Perry’s supportive words), I eventually figured out how it worked. Voila! Cheese at last!
Trying Vending Machine Charcuterie
Sitting on one of the benches strewn throughout the garden, I dug into Intergalactic, the dairy’s signature cheese ($16.99). The soft rind and creamy center made scooping directly into it with a Rustic Bakery cracker, also from the vending machine ($8.99), effortless. The mild nature of this cheese was only broken by a delightful nutty aftertaste, making it perfect for pairing. Perry suggested trying it with a prosecco during the hot weather months, and the onion jam in the winter (you can also get that from the vending machine).
I opted to try Quince & Apple’s Raspberry Rose Jam ($5.99), which added a lovely floral depth to the subtle cheese.
Tasting Tips — and What I Wish I’d Known
The next time I go back to fulfill my artisan charcuterie cravings, I’ll keep a few things in mind. If you also decide to go, here are my tips.
🧀 Go Over the Weekend or Early in the Week for the Best Selection
According to Perry, the dairy continually restocks the machine over the weekend, and stocks it for the upcoming week by Sunday.
✨ The Contents Are Ever-Changing
Perry plans to start updating his social media followers on the week’s vending machine offerings on Mondays. I also got a sneak peek at the Brewer’s Sesame Pretzel Flatbread and the bow-wrapped four-piece chocolate truffle gift box by House of Knipschildt that will be coming to the machine soon!
💳 The Machine Doesn’t Take Cash
Be sure to bring a card or mobile payment option!
🧺 Hang Out
Don’t be afraid to spend some time in the green space at Perrystead. Bring a blanket and hunker down while you snack on your cheese. Or, you can bring a frisbee like some people did the last time I was there.
🍴 But, Come Prepared
If you are like me, you’re not shy around cheese. I’ll even dig in with my fingers if I have to! But if you would prefer to have something to spread the cheese with, bring a small knife along with you. Also, as of right now, there are no beverages in the machine, so you’ll need to bring your own.
Abby Fritz, City Cast Philly producer, in Perrystead Dairy’s pollinator garden eating Intergalactic cheese, jam, and crackers from the company’s vending machine. (Juan Siguenza)
😄 Savor the Whole Experience
I have not encountered any other vending machine in my adulthood that made me feel this giddy. The unconventional experience of the machine and its carefully curated surroundings were almost as delightful as the cheese itself. Add this to your list of must-do Philly experiences!
