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Andrew's Cheese Shop
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
728 Montana AveSanta Monica, CA 90403
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 393-3308
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
53 reviews for Andrew's Cheese Shop
Review Highlights
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"Tasting notes that come with the cheese you purchase." In 5 reviews -
"...is great - cheeses from around the world and from great US..." In 5 reviews -
"Andrew features many different selections of cheese in a..." In 5 reviews
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53 reviews in English
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Review from Sophia C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/26/2012 2 photos
all i know about cheese is that I LOVE IT. i love it on my In n out, i love my grilled cheese, i love cheesesticks.. but honestly, besides mozzarella, cheddar, and swiss.. im pretty stumped.
andrew knows all there is to know about cheese. come in here and he will pick out what youll have for dinner, lunch, breakfast, what to gift, what to go with your wine (they even have a bomb wine section). and they sell these amazing sandwiches that you should definitely pick up for lunch sometimes. i always leave this place educated and excited to consume my new purchase.
they also have cheese classes and a cheese club you can join to learn more! they also have grilled cheese and beer night.. which is super fun. they also accept kuapay! which goes to show that not only are they cheese-knowledgable, they are also tech-friendly. and ALSO, they just added delivery so order your cheeese and expect it at ur doorstep. if you dont want that and wana drive on over, theres ample street parking. -
Review from Sonya R.
Monrovia, CA
3/14/2012
I wanted to pick up a good care package for my niece at UCLA who is getting ready for finals.
Fruits and juices? check.
Cookies and late night snacks? Check.
Stress relief giant boxing gloves? Check.
Fresh new socks? check.
Something special to remind her that her auntie loves her... well, that one was surprisingly hard to decide on, but this year I got something absolutely silly and fun and delicious, so I sprung for some fragrant cheese. And the best local cheese around the Westside is Andrew's.
Andrew's is a small little hole in the wall place that was hard to find on Montana Blvd, but well worth the trip. I'd been there before while walking through the neighborhood on a date, but never on my own. But once inside, it was like remembering a food from long ago. Really wetting my taste buds.
The helpful staff spoiled me a bit with samples to try of different cheese, and even a little bread to try it with. Wonderful! But I had to remember I was here for my niece, not for me (but I will return!) and I settled on the Cusia Cavallo de Buffalo (sorry, I know my spelling is wrong). Such a complex and rich cheese....
...anywho, my niece called me up this morning to sing my praises.
It's nice to spoil those you love, and great cheese from Andrew's makes it easy. -
Review from Shannon S.
Houston, TX
Updated - 3/11/2012
So I was going to buy a friend flowers for her birthday, but I'm all the way in TX and she's in LA. Then I thought about it and realized she would much prefer cheese! So I called Andrew's and asked if they would be able to deliver to her house a little sampler of cheese. I paid $30 and had no idea what I would get.
Well....I was so delighted to hear from her that she came home to find an insulated cooler chock full of cheese on her front step! She said they included a great variety of cheeses and a large quantity of each kind. I was amazed!
The fact that the folk at Andrew's were willing to go out of their way to help me with my present plan was just awesome. I highly recommend this shop, for anyone around the country! I'm headed to LA in 2 weeks and can't wait to go back!Listed in: Cheese Shops
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2011
Great cheese shop experience! This is a pretty small cheese shop with a limited cheese selection (so… Read more »
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Review from Sallie and Alex L. A.
Los Angeles, CA
5/6/2012
Every cheese has a story. Every grilled cheese has a beer pairing. For all the info on why Andrew's Cheese Shop will be your go-to for everything cheese and that which goes with cheese (wine, beer, crostini, sandwiches...) check out our recommendation: http://offthecouchla.b...
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Review from C S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/20/2012
Love having a local cheese "know-it-all" to teach us about one of our favorite food groups. Andrew's stinks that is for sure but you know with the smell comes the taste and for that you will keep coming back for more.
Go here to pick up cheese and ancillary items. I haven't had the sandwiches but I'm sure they're pretty good too. Looking forward to taking a class soon! -
Review from Randy B.
9/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
THIS PLACE STINKS (IN A GOOD WAY)
What a lovely place. Super nice service! I've been twice, and each time missed the great Andrew (who has a fantastic reputation). While it is substantially smaller than my fav shop in Beverly Hills, this is a wonderful place. If BH is 5.0 rating, this is a 4.8.
Each time, I received recommendations for a few new choices, as I gathered several of my traditional ones. With great gratitude of a gift card from a friend (thank you KV!), my initial trip was memorable...as I overdosed on 5 kinds of cheeses, pate, a fresh baguette, fig jam, and it was all amazing!!
I haven't attended one yet, but monthly they have a GRILLED CHEESE and BEER night. HELLO!
PS. MORE CHEESE PLEASE! -
Review from Scott C.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/31/2012
After dinner I was stopped by here on the way to the movie for a little cheese to munch on before the movie. I walked in and felt like I was transported to Europe somewhere with the specialty shops, bakery, meats, cheese, etc. Very nice variety of cheese I have never heard of and was excited to try but....
The employee made one very big mistake with me. I walked in, looked around at the case and the shelves, and she never uttered a word. Not a hello. Not a can I help you find something. Not a let me know if I can be of assistance. I was totally ignored as if I was a bug on the wall. I walked out with no cheese since by her action I felt as if I were being ignored and an inconvenience. She needs to remember if it weren't for the customers she would be inconvenienced by unemployment as the shop would have to close. -
Review from Platino M.
Santa Monica, CA
1/26/2012
I'm French and Andrew's Cheese Shop is the only place I can get my cheese fix in LA.! - Sabine
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Review from Anne F.
Los Angeles, CA
6/14/2011
I actually found this place through Yelp - on the android app while my friend was driving around the neighborhood looking for a birthday gift for a "cheese lover". This is a small shop with a cute little sign that says "This place stinks". It doesn't really stink but it really smells like cheese, and they are SERIOUS about their cheese - lots of hard to find varieties can be found here from all over the world.
I didn't meet Andrew, but there were two "udderly" charming ladies behind the glass counter who offered us free samples of cheese and almonds (the creme brulee almonds are a surprising delight) and said they could put together a gift basket for a birthday gift.
They don't just have cheese here, but beer, wine, chocolate, gourmet crackers, fruit preserves (you HAVE to have quince paste or cherry preserves with your goat cheese - it's an absolutely luscious combination). They had cute little honey jars with the honeycomb inside, specialty champagne vinegars, and peeking out from amongst the olive oils was a very rare bottle of 100-year old balsamic vinegar. I didn't even know there was such a thing! After balsamic vinegar is aged for over 8 years, the vinegar abandons its tart flavor for a more mellow, sweet flavor. I wish I could have had a sample of that!
The ladies put together a combination of three beautiful cheeses, creme brulee almonds and we found a packet of trivia cards that showed interesting tidbits about cheese and wine. They placed everything in a cute little basket with a gift card, wrapped it up in plastic and voila, the perfect cheese gift was ready to go in under 15 minutes!
This gift was very well-received by the birthday guy and everyone at the party enjoyed the cheese.
They do also sell sandwiches here, which I did not try yet, but I'll be back for later for this and the infamous cheese 101 class.
We found metered parking right in front of the store, but the ladies inside also told us that they also have parking in the back. -
Review from Meg S.
Centralia, WA
3/26/2011
In my food pyramid, cheese is a food group.
Andrew's is one of my favorite places to feed my addiction. So many delicious options. I love that I can get my favorites and also find new favorites to try.
You should totally do yourself a favor and check out their grilled cheese nights! Best. Idea. Ever.Listed in: Cheese: the embodiment of…
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Review from Bob S.
Santa Monica, CA
1/1/2011
It is no coincidence that Cheese and Wine go so well together, both have their own language and character and if you don't have a competent sales person leading the way, certainly you will feel lost.
This is how I felt when I first entered Andrew's Cheese Shop with nothing more then this note from a friend:
"Get Goat, Brie, or any soft pungent French"
As I looked around for a four legged animal, really cute chick or a European who hadn't showered recently, up came a salesperson with two cloths pins in his ear and a dog collar, somehow it just seemed appropriate given my confusion.
In a jiffy he suggested two perfect cheeses and I was the hit of the New Years party. It really was that easy. -
Review from Oliver L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The place wasn't as stinky as we expected :)
The guy behind the counter was great. Very helpful and very nice. We got the Boschetto al tartufo, tumin rutulin, and the roccolo. Tasted each one before purchasing, yummy. I seriously cannot wait to get home bust out the cheese, pour a glass of wine and watch American idol. Haha! I could seriously live off of cheese and good vino. Will definitely be back when we're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Dorothy M.
Pacific Palisades, CA
1/2/2011
To say that I love cheese would be an amazing understatement. I love it all - Spanish Zamorano (sheep), French Selles-sur-Cher (goat), English Cheddar (cow). I'll try anything and will talk to anyone about it. This is where Andrew comes in. I'll just ask him what's new and exciting; if I've got something special in mind, he'll have great suggestions. He'll even talk cheese chemistry and politics if you ask (yes, there are cheese politics). I'm sure to get something amazing to take home, and I will have had at least three samples before I buy anything. The descriptive cards he includes with your cheese are great too. I've definitely learned a lot from talking with him, and eaten a lot of great cheese.
The selection is great - cheeses from around the world and from great US producers as well. And you can pick up a great beer or wine to go with your selections, along with a fabulous selection of crackers, etc. They also have great sandwiches available. The husband is a great fan. Buy a little, buy a lot. They're happy to slice you off whatever you need - no matter your budget.
Go in and check it out. Just be careful - this cheese stuff is pretty addictive! -
Review from Ed G.
Marina del Rey, CA
3/3/2012
Andrew is the rocket scientist of cheese. The most incredible selection of artisanal cheeses this side of France, or Switzerland, or anywhere. Try the cheese that is produced from an old lady with a few sheep on the side of a mountain somewhere. Andrew recommends the cheese made from the spotted sheep over the solid colored sheep and he's right! Highly recommend is his Cheese 101 course. Everything you wanted to know about cheese and cheese science but were afraid to ask along with tastings of fabulous cheese from around the world. If you thought wine was deep you ain't seen nothing yet. A terrific selection of other yummies to go along with your purchases. What fun!
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Review from Kathi W.
La Mirada, CA
10/2/2011
I went to Andrew's Mozzarella Madness Cheese Class. What a waste of time. I will mention the good points first.
1. The pizza and salad were amazing that he served to the class.
2. I don't drink sparkling wine but there was plenty for everyone.
3. His staff was very pleasant.
4. It looked like he had a great variety of cheese and wines to purchase.
5. The shop was small and very comfortable.
I am a teacher of 35 years and expect to learn something when paying a nice penny for a class.
1. Did not receive any kind of recipe on making the cheese.
2. Did not receive any kind of instructions in making the curds and whey.
3. The curds were already made and ready to be processes.
4. The instructions were.
1. cut curds and place in bowl with hot water and lots of salt.
2. rinse curds
3. squeeze water out
4. roll out curds
5. braid curds
THE END.
Big Deal. I went home very disappointed. The cheese was good. I made lasagna with it. I made my own Ricotta cheese from scratch and my noodles. It was amazing. Just didn't learn how to make the Mozzarella cheese like I expected. -
Review from Raj K.
Huntington Beach, CA
4/24/2011
The Vikings speak of Valhalla, the majestic hall of the slain invited by Odin. I'm pretty sure they cater all their cheese from Andrews.
A great variety of cheese, very helpful staff and a cornucopia of "cheese accoutrements" make this place a favorite for my crack-like cheese habit. -
Review from Ryan J.
Los Angeles, CA
6/2/2010 ROTD 8/21/2010
Friends. FRIENDS. May I have your attention please? Thank you. I've brought you here today to admit to you that I, your friend and confidant, have an addiction. It's been something that I've covered up for years, but as you can see (evidenced by my rapidly expanding belly-gut of late) something has been going on. I am addicted... to cheese...
Now, I won't eat just any type of cheese. American? No way. Mini Baybel? Perhaps in a pinch. But when it comes to high-end, properly and lovingly made cheeses, I can't resist temptation. Ok, one more bite. Ok ok, this time it's really the last bite. Well, maybe one more. Aw screw it, hand that over!
Last week I had dinner with my parents (notoriously fine judges of dining elements), and my mother had some cheeses on a plate to munch on while she was preparing dinner, as is her custom. I took a bite. And another. And another. Until my girlfriend started giving me the "you're supposed to be trying to eat healthy because we're going to Hawaii in a few weeks" look. But I was hooked. I knew that I had to go to this wonderland of fromage. I inquired as to where my mother had procured such wonderful delicacies, and she referred me to Andrew's.
This weekend, prior to a dinner party that we were attending, the girlfriend and I stopped by Andrew's since we were responsible for bringing cheese and wine. Andrew's has to be the best cheese shop this side of France. A fine variety of cheeses, with other compliments should they pique your fancy, and a staff that gave recommendations. My personal favorite? Me newest addiction: Carre de Poitou, a soft goat cheese that borders on brie consistency, but with more bite and a beautiful nuttiness that is really second to none. Hailing from the Loire Valley, this is an absolute must-have. It isn't cheap; a healthy-sized portion ran us $17, but it was oh so worth it. Go to Andrew's. Try this heaven. It's something on the bucket list, trust me on this.
Andrew's is a true gem of a shop, and transports you (almost) to one of the fromageries in France, where cheese is a very serious art indeed. In France, they have a course after dinner but before dessert that is solely dedicated to cheese. No bread, no crackers... you select your cheeses off of a push-cart, and you enjoy it with a glass of something nice. Andrew's offers cheeses that are on par with those you would find in France (since many of their offerings are imported, duh), and they don't require any additional nourishment to compliment the flavors and consistencies... they are wonderful in and of themselves.
A little pricey, yes, but when it comes to addiction, what price are you wiling to pay to satisfy your heart's desires? 5 stars.Listed in: ROTDs
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Review from Nicole L.
8/15/2010
Andrew is the God of Cheese.
My fiance and I actually started rating restaurants in the area on whether they had Andrew's cheese to serve, and then how it was presented. (Rustic Canon wins hands down, folks).
If you go in to the shop, you will eat cheese. Don't try to tell yourself otherwise. This place is not for the faint of dairy heart. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable, unpretentious, and fun to talk to - he's the kind of guy you could have a beer with, while kickin' it and eating... cheese. You could certainly have a glass of wine with him too- sign up for their monthly cheese tastings and you can really learn a lot.
I get the feeling that he just knows a ton about cheese, loves talking about it with people, and that he looks at running his store this way. I've never seen him cranky, only polite, relaxed, and happy that you're there to talk to him.
The wine selection is fabulous. I'm a native Napan, and they carry one of my favorite wines (Brown Zinfandel).
Trust me, it's worth visiting.Listed in: A Hodgepodge of Great Places…
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Review from Keisha A.
Los Angeles, CA
3/1/2009
Cheese and *excited expletive* beer? Are you kidding me? Who's been reading my diary?? The only thing that could make this combo better is if there were hot, half-naked guys handing out the beer and whispering sweet nothings in my ear like, "You'd still look great with a beer belly."
You walk into heaven, I mean, Andrew's Cheese Shop for the special cheese and beer tasting and are greeted by a very friendly staff and tables set up for a large dinner party where you don't know most of the guests. The tasting is held regularly and the recession doesn't seem to have impacted the habits of dairy/yeast/hops lovers because every seat was filled but one. For $35 you get to try 6 different types of grilled cheese sandwiches and 5 or 6 3-oz glasses of different types of complementary beer (notice the spelling of complementary), over a period of 3 1/2 hours. The beers may vary from tasting to tasting, but the cheeses tend to stay the same, according to Andrew. The beers are served in wine glasses so if you have any qualms about drinking from beer bottles, this should assuage your inner snob. They are very carefully chosen and great tasting.
Both the cheeses and beers come from all over the world, so you get to experience a wonderful, mouth-partying variety. Each cheese/beer serving was followed by an explanation, courtesy of Andrew himself, of where each originated and how they came up with any special recipes (like the beer soaked cheese). The cheese is served on tasty breads - this ain't the place to find your Wonderbread. By the 5th sandwich, my stomach and brain got into it because my brain said, "Mmm, sooo good, want more," and my stomach said, "look bitch, if you want any chance of a six-pack happening here, you best to stop eating now. I'm full!" Then my brain said, "Hey, I control you Stomach, how do you have a mind of your own?!" My stomach won the war and I ended up giving 1/2 of my last two sandwiches to my marathon-training buddy whose brain and stomach seem to be in harmony.
The shop itself is really cute. There are many types of specialty cheeses for sale and the shop is quaint and set up very comfortably. It's in a fantastic location on Montana avenue amidst all the other trendy shops. Not only do they sell cheese, but they also sell wine, chocolates, breads, etc. In addition to the cheese and beer tastings, they also hold cheese classes where you can learn about the different types of cheeses, which I hope to take. There's also a cheese of the month club if you just can't get enough cheese.
If you want to attend any of the cheese events, be sure to make a reservation; these are very popular and it's a super fun time.Listed in: Can I get an amen for cheese?
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Review from Dillon S.
Hermosa Beach, CA
9/13/2010
As many have said, Andrew's is not just a cheese store. Along with a great variety of well selected cheeses, Andrew has a great selection of beer, wine, crackers, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and other specialty foods and related items.
In an attempt to cook in, the gf and I decided to make Caprese salad and Sausage and Mushroom Risotto for dinner. After taking a stroll through the Brentwood Village Farmer's Market to pick up heirloom tomatoes and miscellaneous fungi, we stopped by Andrew's for their homemade mozzarella and a bit of Old Kentucky Tomme goat cheese. Both were amazing. I felt lucky to escape while only spending $20, as I could easily see myself spending hours as well as hundreds of dollars at Andrew's without much effort.
This is a great, clean shop that offers the most decadent foods that one could desire. I was also excited to see a great selection of local offerings including Villa Creek wines from Paso Robles, which are typically difficult to find outside of the region. -
Review from Grant V.
Los Angeles, CA
2/13/2012
Can't go wrong here. Andrew knows his cheese and great quality ! They also make great sandwiches.
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Review from Abby A.
Duarte, CA
9/7/2009
Although I'm not much of a drinker, if I had a choice of beer or wine, I'd lean towards a beer and when it comes to cheese, I'm a definite cheese head. So when I found out that Andrew's Cheese Shop was holding Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Beer Pairings, I couldn't resist and set up a private event for my dining group.
What was nice about this event was that it wasn't a structured cheese pairing event. Our group of 20 were seated at a long table which took up most of the shop space and throughout the evening, owner Andrew Steiner, would pour out our beers before each grilled cheese sandwich course. He'd also give some info about the beer as well as explain why it paired well with a particular sandwich, but first we started off with a small salad, which were the only vegetables we saw the rest of the evening.
Unfortunately, while I did take tasting notes, I can't for the life of me find them. There are two things I can say for sure. First, I could have easily eaten any or all of the grilled cheese sandwiches without the beer. They were all tasty. Second, while I may not specifically remember exactly how the beer tasted, all the pairings worked out well. The first pairing of the night was a Beer-Soaked Cabot Extra Sharp on French Wheat with a Moinette Blonde-Blond from Belgium. What I remember about the beer was that it was light and refreshing and balanced well with the sharpness of the cheese.
For our next two pairings, the Anchor 2008 Christmas Ale from San Francisco was matched with two different sandwiches. The interesting back story about this Christmas Ale is that the recipe changes each year as does the tree that's displayed on the label. The beer itself was a little malty, but it was easy to see why his would be considered a Christmas ale. There were hints of spices like cinnamon, maybe clove and it reminded me of the type of spices you'd put in a gingerbread cookie or in mulled wine.
First up, we tried the Westcombe Red Cheese with Black Forest Ham on Dark Wheat followed by the Provolone Piccante Gigante with Prosciutto and Pesto on Olive Bread. Ham is such a holiday staple that it seemed appropriate to pair it with a Christmas Ale and here we had two different preparations of ham. The Black Forest Ham was smoked while the Prosciutto was cured, but both were paired with mildly sharp cheeses.
Our fourth match up was Redemption Red from Reaper Ale in El Monte, CA with a combo of Emmenthal and Krummenswiler Cheeses on Hazelnut Bread. I remember that the beer had a bit of sweetness about it and although it ended with a bit of a bitter after taste, it paired well with the sandwich since both cheeses tend to be more on the rich and sweet side.
Next was the Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel from Belgium with Munster Gerome cheese on a Baguette. Unfortunately, I don't remember much about this beer. I have vague memories of it being fruity, also a little sweet and that somehow it went well with the pungent Munster Gerome cheese.
We finally ended with the Lost Abbey Serpent's Stout from San Francisco, CA and a House Special Cheese Blend on Harvest Bread. Of all the beers I sampled that night, I can say without question that the Lost Abbey Serpent's Stout was the most memorable. With close to 11% of alcohol, it's a serious beer and one that was just too much for me. It was malty, very strongly flavored and just tasted really bitter. I took my 2 to 3 sips to make sure I gave it a chance, but was happy to put it aside to finish up my my last grilled cheese sandwich.
Although this post wasn't so much about dissecting the actual pairings, hopefully, I got two points across. First, this was a nice casual way to spend an evening and second, beer and grilled cheese sandwiches indeed make good pairings. Also, Andrew was happy to answer any cheese, beer or just general food and wine related questions all night and he definitely is a fountain of information.
While I had set up a private event with Andrew's Cheese Shop, you should know that if you sign up for their mailing list, you'll get notification of when this event is available to anyone is interested and if you get a chance, it's definitely a fun activity to participate in. -
Review from Lauren B.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/18/2009
I hate to not give this place a rave review because I am very excited for Santa Monica to have a good cheese shop that is very gourmet and worldly. But being the only cheese shop other than Whole Foods does not give you 5 stars.
Every time I go in, I feel like the staff is just hanging out and having fun. Multiple times my order has been messed up due to the lax work environment. Sometimes I can't even get a word in because they are giggling so much. If I am spending $5 on a sliver of cheese cause I love it but that is all I can afford, then make me feel a little more worth it. Though my money is short, I do spend plenty of it here.
On the other hand, it is somewhat nice to have a casual non-intimidating place to go into. I hate to do it, but Beverly Hills Cheese shop can pull off both - non pretension and high end professional service.
I am also a member of the cheese of the month club but I do not think there is enough range in each month. Month to month the cheese is different but in one month with three cheeses, they are all similar to eachother. In a way that could be good - it could be compared to doing a horizontal tasting of wine. Just small differences. The good news/bad news is that last month they were all strong cheeses and my roommates didn't like them so I got all of it.
Just a side note, my experience shows that most of his cheeses are from Europe, not America. I also think that there should be some more moderately priced cheeses. Cheeses aren't so well labled to boot which means you really don't know the price of the cheese.
They are good about giving you tasting notes about the cheese you purchased and quick to offer tastings. -
Review from Nicole J.
7/10/2010
What I like about Andrew's:
- Andrew -- an owner who is on-site most days and passionate about his products
- Customers allowed to taste certain cheeses before buying
- Tasting notes that come with the cheese you purchase
- Special Events - Classes/tastings offered several evenings a month (Cheese 101 = $25; Grilled Cheese & Beer pairings = $40)
- So many different kinds of cheeses from big and small producers --I love Humboldt Fog (soft cheese from Northern Cal) and Brie du Meaux - a cheese from the birthplace of brie. the real deal.
- price by the weight - just tell them how much you want. and it's OK if all you want is a 1/4 pound.
When I heard a specialty cheese shop had opened in my old neighborhood, I wasted no time paying a visit.
The first thing you'll notice walking in is the smell, or should I say the stink. It's an aroma only a cheese-lover can love, and the sign out front proudly proclaims, "We stink."
Clearly, this place is legit.
They have everything from soft creamy cheeses, to large wheels of hard from around the world.
There's the classic standards, and the obscure. I saw a cheese like looked like art -- a conical shaped offering from France that was a beautiful marbled blue from mold. Not sure I'd want to eat it, but it was pretty to look at.
It also made me realize that cheese is supposed to be alive and breathing -- not this dead block sealed in plastic that you buy from Vons and put in the back of the fridge.
Andrew, who for several years was the resident cheese expert at a well-known LA French restaurant , is behind the counter of his shop on most days. He even hosts evening cheese classes/tastings a few times a month.
And every cheese you buy here comes with tasting notes, which is great if you're just starting to learn, or taking the cheese to a dinner party.
I attended the Cheese 101 class a few weeks ago. For $25, you get to try 6 cheese (along with bread and some wine). Amid the tastings, Andrew will provide an introduction on Cheese, and specific details on the varieties you are trying.
The Six hard and soft cheeses we tried were:
Brie du Meaux (France)
Humboldt Fog (USA)
Keen's Cheddar (England)
Fiore Sardo (Italy)
Langres (France)
Strathdon Blue (Scotland)
It was a great sampling of very different types of cheese and made me appreciate the shop all the more.
Andrew's is everything a neighborhood specialty store should be and Montana Avenue is all the better for having it. -
Review from Jenn S.
3/24/2009
This is a review on the Cheese 101 class.
I learned a lot about cheese and I also got to try a wide range of different cheeses from around the world. The staff was very friendly and Andrew himself taught the class. And we got 10% off our purchase. What a nice added bonus.
A few of the things I learned:
-When you want to eat 1/2 lb of cheese, which cheese is worst for you? Hard or soft? Hard is worse cuz the liquid dried out, so it's solid.
-Hard cheeses don't have lactose - bacteria breaks lactose down to lactic acid
-To eat or not to eat the rind? Usually you don't eat rind off hard cheeses. As for soft cheeses, eat it if you like it, don't eat it if you don't like it.
-Storing cheese at home: Seal off cut surfaces w/saran warp. Leave a little rind exposed so cheese can breathe. Put in the veggie bin in the fridge cuz that's the warmest spot.
I definitely want to come back to try the grilled cheese and beer event! -
Review from Tamar F.
Updated - 11/6/2010
Okay, so after yesterday's experience at Andrew's Cheese I've just got to bump it up a notch. I had come to Andrew's in August to get some cheeses for a ladies night at the Hollywood Bowl. I knew that I had gotten Epoisse, a sharp cheddar, and Seastack, but I also got a fourth brie-like cheese that I could not recall the name of. Unfortunately (for me) that was the most popular one and everyone kept asking me what the name of the cheese was. So after procrastinating for months, I finally returned to Andrew's Cheese shop to see if the experts there could figure out which cheese everyone was longing for.
I walk in about 1/2 an hour before closing and Andrew and one other employee are setting up for a Grilled Cheese & Beer event. I try explaining the cheese - brie-ish, really really soft, pretty mild, was on the thicker side (as in not a flat cheese), and I could've sworn there was an M in it. The other employee starts naming off cheeses but none of them sound like the right one. But she'll offer me a taste, so I'm game for some sleuthing. And then Andrew says "it sounds like it's Brillat Savarin. I'll make a bet on it!" Still, that name doesn't sound familiar to me, either.
They cut me slices of the cheese to taste. I don't recall the first one, the second was the Brillat and the third Fromager d'Affinois. They were all incredible. Eventually I realized that Andrew was right and it was the Brillat Savarin. I got some of the latter two to go, and plenty of their info cards so I wouldn't forget again, and was on my way to cheesy heaven.
Thanks Andrew!Listed in: Favorite LA Locations
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2009
We tried some Epoisses at Ludo Bites and really wanted to pick it up. So I yelped cheese in our… Read more »
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Review from Shelle M.
Santa Monica, CA
10/13/2008
I am so excited that this place opened (and two minutes from my house no less). I guess I should start by saying that I am a wee bit of a cheese addict... and my addiction was definitely fed here. Kajillions of types of cheeses. I've seen (and eaten) quite many different cheeses but they had many here that I had not had before.
The staff is super friendly. I told them what cheeses I really like and they instantly gave me some cheeses to sample that were in line with those but new and exciting... and I now have a new favorite cheese... Epouisses de Bourgogne... oh my god, so f'in good I'm willing to kick my mother. Try it when you go.
The only gripe (and why I didn't give five stars) is that the cheeses are a wee bit expensive (to be expected when those sensitive buggers have to be flown over from Europe). Love this place... Go already!!! -
Review from doug c.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2008
This store is definitely what Santa Monica / Montana Ave needs. There are some excellent cheeses here and I look forward to when they get their license to sell wines.
I personally don't find the store's layout or decor appealing to buy food, it's neither charming in an old European grocery way nor modern enough to give credability to the taste level of the proprieter.
When I shop for gourmet food, I want to be inspired visually as well as by taste and smell, otherwise I will just go to Whole Foods or Pavillions. -
Review from Winston O.
Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2008
Andrew is a sick maniac and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. His passion for cheese is all consuming, and his class is great.
Try the Winchester Gouda (Pronounced howda or he'll shame you).
He also carries rarities like "Renata" made from a single cow by the same name.
This is as good as it gets.
Bring Lactaid if you need it. :-) -
Review from Molly M.
11/23/2008
Such a find! My roommates and I have an unhealthy obsession with cheese, and so when a friend started telling us about this place, we immediately made plans to attend one of their Cheese 101 classes. They have the classes every month after the store closes at 7:30 pm. They are small classes (well, the place is small, so that makes sense). Owner Andrew literally teaches you everything you need to know about each while you taste some his favorites - I had no idea I was missing out on so many good cheeses! They provided us with different breads to try the cheeses with, as well as wine and water. At the end of the night, they gave us cards with the names and descriptions (and wine pairing recommendations) of all the cheeses we sampled, and gave us a 10% discount if we wanted to buy anything (of course we did).
They were all so friendly and knew so much about cheese. It was a perfect night, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to expand their cheese palate. I am going to be back just to buy more Humboldt Fog!
They also have a Beer and Grilled Cheese Sandwich class on the first Sunday of every month, which we are DEFINITELY going to attend at some point. -
Review from Hannah M.
I am out of cheese and Cran-jalepeno jelly!! My friends ate it all!!
I can't stop thinking about this store. I love it. Going there today if I can spare a sec.
I just read the first reviewer Zizi's thing... I say this in the most respectful way but I am not sure what you are talking about. Everything is labled and they will let you try anything. I think they prefer you try it before you buy it because it's not cheap and they want you to be happy. Try them again!! I think you might come up with more than 3 stars. :)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/10/2010
OMG went their yesterday and am totally in love!!!
Since I am not educated in the ways of cheese and… Read more »
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Review from Dao N.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2008
having been the maitre de frommage at patina some time ago before starting his cheese shop, andrew knows cheese, but he makes the experience of eating cheese very accessible to cheese lovers whether you are a novice or more experienced. His is a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the histories and cultures of cheese that adds depth to the eating of cheese and its pairing with wine.
though i didn't attend one of his informative 101 cheese classes, i did participate in a spanish cheese & wine tasting in which a variety of spanish cheeses were paired with regional wines. all were tasty and great choices (i thought). i eat cheese regularly, but still consider myself somewhat a novice, so found the tasting interesting.
we started with a nevat, a light colored, semi-soft young goat cheese from catalonia whose name means snow. paired with cava, a white wine, it was very creamy, and the rind had a subtle flavor.
following the nevat, the tetilla, which translates as "small breast" for its shape, is a milky cow's milk cheese, one of the few from spain. another creamy and sweet cheese, the tronchon, made from goat and sheep's milk, came next.
then andrew introduced us to zamorano, a more authentically spanish cheese than manchego, due to the loosening standards for that cheese. made from sheep's milk, it was a hard, salty cheese with a tangy finish and was aired with a rioja. another salty but drier cheese followed, mahon reserva, made from cow's milk.
we moved into the blue cheeses, starting with the monte enebro, made from goat's milk. it is a rich and creamy, slightly bitter cheese.
our tasting was ending soon to my disappointment. the valdeon, a strong but creamy blue cheese made from a mixture of cow & goat's milk, comes wrapped in sycamore leaves. it went well with the quince paste and had a slight bitterness that made my mouth tingly and numb. some of us had the chance to taste the cabrales, an older, more intense blue cheese that had a richer flavor and more intense novacaine effects.
these were only a handful of the varieties of cheeses you'll find here. there are cards with each cheese that tell you a little about the cheese, including where it comes from and what its made of. if there's one you're interested in but aren't sure about, they are happy to cut you a piece to try. -
Review from Yvonne C.
Santa Monica, CA
6/23/2010
I passed by this cheese shop by car a lot of times and ever actually went in until today cause I came over with my cousin after our visit to Menchie's. Really shame on me to missed out on this stinky gem until now. I love this place. And met Andrew who was great in his customer service.
I texted my hubby cause he is the cheese fan. So had to get some Roquefort and d'Affinois. The fromage d'Affinois was recommended by Andrew when I asked him for a creamy and mild cheese. I was offered a sample it was really creamy and tasty.
I also purchased some sesame crispbread by 34 degree. Great pairing with the cheese. I think that Roquefort was the best Roquefort I ever tasted. It is strong and pungent and just what a Roquefort should be.
And I love the great touch of Andrew including info cards of the cheeses I purchased. It is that attention to details which made me fall in love with this cheese shop ... literally love in first sight or smell kinda deal.
Someone mentioned of getting any cheese by the pound. You don't have to get them by the pound. I just asked to buy a sliver probably in ounces. The 1 pound Roquefort cost $45. I am not going to buy a pound. Just ask Andrew, don't be shy about getting what you want. He is a friendly guy.
My cousin got some ales. And we drank those with the cheese. Absolute delish delight.
I am absolutely coming back for more cheese. I am also going to take my dad cause he is also a cheese fan.
I recommend this shop highly. -
Review from Sabine A.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2010
I have not purchased any cheese at Andrew's although I really want to, however, unfortunately for me I'm too chicken to ask for .25 of a lb of cheese, I feel somehow that would be cheep or inappropriate but I really have no need for a 1 lb of anything.
I did however have a sandwich there yesterday, a portabello. I decided to try it for lunch just on a whim, I read the sign outside and got my sandwich. I was a little concerned when I saw it looked prepackaged but when I got home I had nothing to fear. It was the best sandwich I've had in a long time. It was simple and delicious. I don't like too many things on my sandwich, but this had the perfect amount of cheese and ingredients. Its not cheap $9, and if you want a giant sandwich for that much your out of luck. For me it was the perfect amount..
I will definitely come again and maybe even get the guts to ask for a small piece of cheese to go. -
Review from Sam W.
Santa Monica, CA
10/17/2010
You can't beat this place. If you know what you want, they probably have it and if you don't, you won't find a nicer crew than anyone at Andrews (including Andrew) to lead you down a great path.
And the prices are extremely reasonable even considering the location. -
Review from Juls S.
Santa Monica, CA
11/11/2008
What an outstanding cheese shop! As one would expect, they have a very large selection of cheeses of every type from around the world.
However, what makes this place truly unique is Andrew and his staff. They have forgotten more about cheese than I will know but they never make the customer feel dumb. They genuinely want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with their customers. If you've ever wanted a great mix of cheeses for a party, or the right cheese for a recipe or just to discover amazing cheeses you've never heard of, then this is your place. Who would have thought that buying cheese could be fun?
Another reviewer mentioned that they didn't have samples. It is true that they don't have cheese cubes sitting out on a dish and getting old. However, the staff encourages sampling and will cut you a fresh sample of anything you'd like to try.
They also have these great cards that describe each cheese along with its wine pairing. The cards come in handy when it comes time to go back and buy that one cheese you liked but whose name you can't remember. -
Review from Masha K.
Santa Monica, CA
4/5/2011
I don't know what I love more Andrew or the cheese. When I first walked in I knew nothing about cheese except that I love it. With Andrew's and his staff's guidance I'm now able to tell cheeses apart. The store not only has amazing cheeses, grilled cheese nights, but also chocolate and superb wines. This place is cheese heaven.
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Review from Dave F.
Updated - 12/31/2009
Besides being the best cheese place on the westside, Andrew's Italian sub is a killer lunch deal! In fact, all of his subs are bargain-priced at $7.99 and include the best meets, cheese and produce on wonderful fresh bread. Unfortunately, he's only got 2 tables, but they're on
Montana, and on a great day this is also a wonderful lunch spot.Listed in: Eating my Way Down Montana…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2009
This was a great find. Imagine walking down Montana and being dragged into lots of dress shops, then… Read more »
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Review from Laura G.
2/28/2010
The name says it all - ANDREWS CHEESE SHOP - Andrew knows his cheese and he makes cheese fun! I have been wanting to visit this cheese store for awhile. I had a wine tasting party at my house so this was the perfect occasion. I told Andrew that we needed cheese to go with big California Cabs. Andrew had us taste a variety of cheese, he knows his cheese!! Picking out the cheeses turned into something fun and educational. There is something quite charming about a local cheese store.
Everyone LOVED the tasting notes that come with the cheese, it's a great way to learn about the cheeses (and remember what you bought!) They also have some great specialty items, I tried the Italian Black Truffle Almonds and they were fantastic! He also had a nice selection of Belgium beers.
I am looking forward to the Grilled Cheese and beer event! It's only 30 minutes away and worth the drive! -
Review from Greg S.
Santa Monica, CA
8/18/2010
It's not just for cheese!
While they have an amazing selection of European cheeses, there is a spectacular selection of micro-brew beers from around the world. Bottled and corked, these beers are rarely seen at main-stream liquor merchants. Additionally, there is a thoughtfully edited selection of very good wines - most of which are reasonably priced. Today I ordered a Salmon sandwich with capers and fresh dill - amazing and only 9 bucks. A truly viable stop along "Mediocre Montana"
