Excluding prison rape, Eli Roth movies, and Fear Factor, have you ever put something in your mouth and wept? Before you die, hie thee to the Cheese Store of Beverly Hills and ask for a wedge of Piave and a bottle of Savannah honey. Dip the fine shaved cheese into the honey, place on tongue, and bypass years of yoga to immediate nirvana. I was turned on to the CSOBH by a friend who is a celebrity chef. For my birthday I was sent a basket of seven cheeses, fig cake, olive tapanade, homemade sun dried tomatoes, and a bottle of wine. The piave was a home run – mild with overtones of pineapple. A tub of Clarines was the stinkiest thing I’d opened in my kitchen and by far the most delicious. The world of stinky cheese opened to me and now the Clarines and a fig cake are must-gets every visit. The experience of talking with the shop workers is educational, entertaining, and it’s clear that these people love their jobs. There are few things more civilized than talking about the world and being fed slices of cheese in between words. You try a few things, you talk about what you like, and when it’s done they eyeball the goods and throw out a number. This is an experience where you just go in and open your wallet. They won’t take advantage of you – but this is imported cheese curated as much as stocked. Any of the folks behind the counter will take the time to serve your needs, just give them time with the person in front of you. While you wait, breathe deeply the glorious mold and let it become part of you.
(310) 278-2855, 419 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills