C'est Cheese

Have you ever tasted a snack that was so wonderful you just wanted to share it with the whole world? It's a pricey snack, but so yummy and filling that I just had to share it with all of you. I just ordered a case because it's much cheaper that way, but stop off at your local Starbucks and grab a bag to check it out. So what what in the world is Moon Cheese, you ask? It's the "Cheese that crunches!" This high in protein, natural gluten free, excellent source of calcium snack is real cheese. 100% real cheese is "crunchified" into three flavors Cheddar, Gouda, or Pepper Jack. The nuggets have the moisture removed and become dried cheese balls. No, they are not Cheeto's, not anything like them. You have to taste them to believe the intense cheese flavor. The cheddar is my favorite! nutraDRIEDLLP (360) 325-7652 or INFO@MOONCHEESE.COM or buy on Amazon.com about $4.90 a bag. Available at some Whole Foods and Starbucks. 

Remember the old tv commercial for Camel cigarettes? The one that said, "I'd walk a mile for a camel?" Well gone are those days, of commercials for ciggies. Now it's rehab centers, and fast food. What would you walk a mile for? I probably wouldn't walk a mile for anything, but I'd definitely drive a few miles (like 30) for a great piece of cheese. That's what I said today when we decided to embark on an "adventure" of sorts to Eagle Rock where Milkfarm opened it's doors a mere two weeks ago. Owned and operated by the former head Cheesemonger/Manager of The Cheese Store of Silverlake, Leah Fierro really knows her cheese! The selection is magnificent and I was quite impressed that she carries my favorite Cowgirl Creamery Wagon Wheel. ($15 per 1/4 pound). Other locally-produced foods abound such as artisan Bread Lounge baguettes and crunchy Fleur de Sel & Peanut Artisan Brittle from Morning Glory Confections. Sandwiches change daily. We enjoyed the Grilled Cheese special ($9) today, the "Soup and Sandwich" with slow cooked tomatoes, Cotswold, garlic, and fresh herbs on stoneground country bread. We also had the yummy shaved turkey, aioli, and cheese on a tasty baguette. ($8). Sit at the communal table at the back and watch as this little shop fills up with the lunch time crowd. Eagle Rock's got a winner here! Milkfarm LA 2106 Colorado Blvd. Los Angeles (323) 892-1068 Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Recommended: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Sandwich Specials, Charcuterie, Handmade Food Products.

Finally, there is (was) some one who loved cheese more than I do. John Heywood the 14th century English poet/playwright, wrote an ode to cheese comparing it to books. Perhaps my favorite line from his now famous ode would be "...The talent of one cheese in mouths of ten men hath ten different tastes in judgement-most times when..." You finish it. Everyone loves different cheeses and Heywood has a wide array of different cheeses for different palates. We have tried almost all of the wonderful grilled cheese sandwiches. Sometimes we go late at night after Dodger games, sometimes for lunch. It doesn't matter; Heywood never dissapoints!  The English Cheddar ($9) is a yummy Canada Cow's milk cheddar aged for 2 years. It's very sharp and we always get it on sourdough. Be sure to dip it into the creamy tomato soup dipper that comes on the side and enjoy the spring mix salad. Another favorite is the Heywood ($11). English cheddar aged for 2 years, with caramelized onion confit on sourdough bread hits the spot. The Bon Apetit Brie ($11) is triple creme French brie melted into cinnamon raisin bread with orange fig jam topped with raspberry sugar crystals. This sandwich is almost dessert! I also love the Fromage D' affinois ($12). This sandwich boasts a very soft cow's milk triple creme brie that is so buttery and rich. We always have a bottle of Mexican Coke ($2.75) or Americana Bottled Root Beer ($2.75). Heywood: A Gourmet Grilled Cheese Shoppe, 3337 West Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles. (323) 667-1522. Sun-Wed 11am-10pm Thu, Fri, Sa 11am-3am

If you find yourself with a hankering for cheese and you're in downtown Santa Barbara, stop into C'est Cheese for a tasty snack or some cheese to take home. Owners Michael and Kathryn Graham seek out only the best tasting European and American cheeses and artisanal foods and have done so since 2003. Currently expanding and taking over the shop next door (formerly Our Daily Bread), the new C'est Cheese will include a full- service cafe serving both breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. Offering over 120 types of cheese, cured meats, fine wines, and other cheese accoutrements, C'est Cheese is the perfect place to satisfy all of your cheese cravings. We often stop in for lunch and always order one of the grilled cheese specials. The BLT-GC ($9.50) includes bacon, house-made marmalade, arugula, 4 year aged cheddar, Scharfe Maxx, and mozzarella, grilled as a panini. We also adore the Truffled Grilled Cheese ($9) made with Boschetto al Tartufo truffle cheese and mozzarella. For a really different twist try The Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese ($9.50). Raw goat cheese, cheddar, and goat gouda are grilled together with Spanish chorizo, sweet roasted piquillo peppers, and arugula. If grilled cheese isn't your thing, assorted sandwiches ($6) ranging from Niman Ranch Classic Ham to Fra'mani Turkey and Fig Jam are available. Add Tomato Soup ($3) to any Grilled Cheese; you'll be glad you did. Soup is homemade with San Marzano tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and fresh parmesan. Grab a GuS (Grown-up Soda $2.50) in Meyer Lemon or Pomegranate flavor to wash down your sandwich. After lunch do some serious cheese shopping. Our favorites are Midnight Moon, a semi-firm goat cheese that's both creamy and tart; and Pecorino Stagionato, a sheep's milk flaky textured, rich, nutty, buttery, and salty bite. Scharte Maxx from Switzerland is another favorite swiss that's both fruity and sharp. Use it in a grilled cheese; it's amazing! Boschetto al Tartufo is a yummy cow and sheep's milk with white truffle. We love this and our other favorite, Wagon Wheel from the Cowgirl Creamery. Wagon Wheel is great for melting with its organic cow's milk, brown butter flavor, and rich creaminess. If I had only one choice, Wagon Wheel would be it! Gourmet crackers, vinegars, honey and mustards are an added delight to your shopping basket. Urban Oven Olive Oil Crackers ($6) are made with fresh butter and are the perfect pairing to any cheese. Brown Butter Sea Salt Cookies ($12) are addicting! Shortbread, brown sugar, and vanilla make these a must buy! Pick up a tin of Camargue Fleur de Sel ($13) to add salty flavor and texture to salads and meats. If you need a present, Laguiote cheese spreaders ($10) or ceramic cheese flags ($14) make the perfect gifts. C'est Cheese 825 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara. (805) 965-0318.

Recommended Dishes: BLT-GC, Truffled Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup.

Recommeded Cheeses: Pecorino Stagionato, Wagon Wheel, Midnight Moon, Scharfe Maxx Boschetto al Tartufo.