The first Beecher’s Handmade Cheese shop was opened in the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 2003 by Kurt Beecher Dammeier. On June 24th, a second location opened in the Flatiron District of NYC: a 8,000-square-foot store/factory/cafe/restaurant.
Stepping foot inside the entranceway, I was excited to see what cheese was available for sale, especially since The New York Times mentioned it would have a counter with 75 American cheeses. No, not your ordinary yellow American cheese, but a wonderful variety, like Cabot Clothbound from the Cellars of Jasper Hill in Vermont, Detroit Street Brick from Zingerman’s Creamery in Michigan, and Beecher’s signature Flagship cheese.
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| Cheese case Photo courtesy of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese |
As soon as I entered the shop, I was greeted by a woman who handed me a sample of the Flagship cheese. It had a rich, nutty flavor, and was absolutely delicious. I wish I had a glass of wine to pair with it. Resisting another sample, I perused the store. At the front of the store was the cheese case displaying wheels – whole, halved, and quartered from across America. Also available were condiments to pair with the cheese, including crackers, pickles, dipping sauces, as well as domestic charcuterie.
Towards the back of the shop is a cafe where you can sample, and purchase the “World’s Best Macaroni and Cheese”made with Beecher’s Flagship and Just Jack cheese. A small cup (8 oz) goes for $5.75; large (16 oz) is $9.50. It’s so good that Oprah Winfrey added it to her favorite things in 2010; and I might as well add it to my list too. You can also purchase a premade package on their website.
Another item I recommend trying at the cafe is the Strata, which varies daily. I tried the Vegetable and Cheese Strata, and I did let out a loud Mmm as soon as I had some. The flavors of the cheese, vegetables, and bread married perfectly in every bite. I can’t wait to try the other version, Salmon, when it’s available.
Other items available at the café are a variety of baked breakfast goods, soups, salads, and grilled sandwiches made fresh daily. I haven’t tried any of their grilled cheese sandwiches, but that is on my to-do list.
When you’ve placed your order at the café, grab a seat in front of the glass-in room where you can watch the cheesemongers at work. Or go upstairs to the mezzanine, and watch the folks down on the first floor.
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| Assorted breakfast items, starting at $2.25 |
At 5pm, The Cellar, Beecher’s restaurant on the lower level, opens offering a selection of cheese, charcuterie, mac and cheese and more to pair with wine and craft beer. I haven’t dined at The Cellar yet, but will definitely share a review when I do.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
900 Broadway (on the corner of 20th and Broadway)
New York, NY 10003
Tel: (212) 466-3340
Twitter: @BeechersNY
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beecherscheese
beechershandmadecheese.com
Hours
Store and Cafe
Monday – Sunday 8am-8pm
The Cellar
5pm til Close
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