Cheese. Need I say more? There are so many varieties and textures that lend to a multitude of flavor profiles. My favorites are really stinky French cheeses like a good Epoisses, super aged cheeses like mature cheddar or comte, or the saltiest Blue you can imagine. Throw in a good goat’s cheese or sheep’s cheese and I’m still happy. There aren’t many I don’t like. France is like a dream to me! Because of my cheese fixation, I love cheese shops as well. So I was incredibly happy when I discovered La Fromagerie where I could get some of my favorites (and even try some new ones).
Not everything on the board is from La Fromagerie, I had some Blue in the fridge and the pork pie was ordered online, but the amazing Brie, aged Gouda and truffle Gouda were great additions to the cheeseboard. They also have great accompaniments for cheese boards, and the mixed nuts and dried fruits is always one I get when I’m planning on making one. They also have plenty of jams and jellies available or other snacks like chips and crackers. In fact, they often sell my favorite brand of chips, Torres Selecta. They are from Spain, and basically have two of my favorite flavors: Caviar and Iberico Ham. To be fair, they may not be as good as some of the British flavors available, but sadly, I only get those when I get back to the UK. Finally, they have a great selection of alcohol and meat as well if you want to add either of those to your cheese board night.
But La Fromagerie isn’t just about stuff for cheese boards! They also have a great sandwich and salad menu. While the one near my house doesn’t have grilled cheese, the one on mission street does and it’s a great lunch if you are in the area. Otherwise, most of the salads and sandwiches use the cheeses and meats they have on offer. My favorite sandwiches are the Toulouse with smoked duck breast and Manchego, the Californien with turkey, Fontal cheese and a spicy sauce, and the Provincal with lots of veggies and goat’s cheese. When I get sandwiches, these three are ordered on a rotating basis!
I do frequent the location in the dogpatch and I’m always greeted warmly and the French accents really make me feel like I’ve returned to France, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s definitely one of my favorite places to grab lunch in the city, and I’m really glad I found it!
Score: 4.5/5
Recommendation: The Toulouse sandwich is just unlike anything you’ll find somewhere else, so it’s my top pick!
La Fromagerie
2425 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94107
