{"title":"Cheese \u0026 Specialty Foods","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThese are the cheeses and specialty foods our customers reach for again and again. They’re all best sellers at both Farmstead shops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eFor soft and creamy, there’s Brillat-Savarin triple cream, buttery Fromager d’Affinois and Point Reyes Truffle Brie, plus Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam, a Bay Area classic. Fresh cheeses include Di Stefano burrata, mozzarella and grill-ready halloumi. For something firmer, there’s aged Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Meredith Dairy’s marinated sheep and goat cheese. To round out a board, we’ve added La Panzanella mini flatbreads and Tsar Nicoulai Classic Caviar for special occasions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eEvery item is chosen by the cheesemongers at Farmstead Cheeses \u0026amp; Wines, an independent cheese and wine shop at Alameda Marketplace and in Oakland’s Montclair Village.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"daffinois-plain-brie","title":"D'Affinois Plain Brie","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA soft‑ripened, double‑crème cheese made from cow’s milk and known for its exceptionally silky texture. The cream is filtered to concentrate the milk’s solids, giving the finished cheese its signature melt‑in‑the‑mouth richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheese Geek Trivia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Double-cream cheese is one in which the cheesemaker adds extra cream to the milk before coagulation, raising the butterfat content of the finished cheese to at least 60% in the dry matter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe rind is thin and delicate and completely edible (after peeling off any foil, of course), and the paste ripens from the outside inward, becoming progressively creamier as it matures. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlavors are mild and buttery, with gentle notes of fresh cream, soft lactic sweetness, and a faint mushroomy aroma from the bloomy rind. The texture is lush and spreadable, offering a more decadent profile than traditional Brie while remaining approachable and versatile.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh berries, stone fruit, honey, and lightly toasted bread. For cheese boards, it pairs well with nuts, figs, and simple charcuterie. Its richness also complements sparkling wines, crisp whites, and lighter reds. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Creamery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFromagerie Guilloteau is a family‑run creamery in the Rhône Valley that has specialized in soft‑ripened cheeses since the 1980s. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe creamery is known for pioneering a technology called ultrafiltration, which results in a creamier texture and consistent ripening while preserving the milk’s natural character. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir approach blends traditional French cheesemaking with modern process, resulting in cheeses that are smooth, balanced, and widely admired for their quality and accessibility. The Plain Brie is one of their most recognizable creations, offering a refined yet easygoing expression of the double‑crème style.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marin Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993089097966,"sku":"10158","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/9bde0832-9e20-4ace-ad4b-338e0e124816-original.jpg?v=1787609629"},{"product_id":"brillat-savarin-triple-cream-cows-milk-cheese","title":"Brillat Savarin Triple Cream Cow's Milk cheese","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA decadent, ultra‑rich triple‑cream with a silky texture, buttery flavor, and gentle lactic tang. Luxurious and melt‑in‑the‑mouth. The bloomy rind is entirely edible and, frankly, delicious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cheese was created in the 1930s and named for the famed gastronome, Jean Anthelme Brillat‑Savarin*, this cheese is produced by small dairies in Burgundy and Normandy. Its lavish richness comes from added cream and slow, careful affinage. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt remains one of France’s most iconic and indulgent cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Champagne, rosé, crusty baguette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-------------------------------------------------\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJean Anthelme Brillat‑Savarin \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003ewas a French lawyer, politician, and gastronome whose writings helped define the modern understanding of taste, pleasure, and the cultural meaning of food. Born and raised in the midst of the French Revolution, he was an attorney and a magistrate whose true passion was the study of how food shapes human experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring a period of exile during the revolution, he returned to France and devoted increasing energy to writing about gastronomy during a period where the chefs to the elite began opening businesses we know today as \"restaurants\". \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis great work, \u003cem\u003ePhysiologie du Goût\u003c\/em\u003e (“The Physiology of Taste”) was published in 1825 just two months before his death at the age of 70. It is a blend of philosophy, anecdote, science, and wit. It introduced the ideas that pleasure in eating is essential to well‑being, that cooking is an art, and that taste is both sensory and intellectual. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe book’s aphorisms—such as “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are”—became foundational to culinary culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World's Best","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993089196270,"sku":"10178","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"reggiano-parmigiano","title":"Reggiano Parmigiano DOP","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eItaly’s most iconic hard cheese, Reggiano Parmigiano is produced exclusively in Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua - all within Emilia‑Romagna (the food basket of Italy!). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduction here is governed by strict regulations for its milk origins, production methods, and final character. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade from raw, partially skimmed cow’s milk that is transformed into cheese using a centuries-old process: : raw milk from the evening milking is skimmed naturally overnight, combined with whole morning milk, coagulated with calf rennet, and cooked in copper vats. The curd is lifted by hand, molded, salted in brine, and aged on wooden shelves where each wheel is turned and brushed regularly. Every wheel is inspected by the consortium before receiving the DOP stamp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cheese is crafted in large copper cauldrons, shaped into massive wheels, and aged for a minimum of twelve months, though the cheese selected by Farmstead was aged for an average of 24 months. The long aging concentrates flavor, develops the highly valued crystalline texture, and creates the unmistakable savory depth that defines the best of Parmigiano Reggiano.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairings\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan\u003eItalian reds such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Chianti Classico, and Lambrusco, each highlighting different aspects of the cheese. Dry sparkling wines, especially Franciacorta and Trento DOC, provide a refreshing contrast. For whites, Verdicchio, Soave Classico, and aged Fiano work well. On the sweeter side, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena or Reggio Emilia is a classic companion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ital foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993089753326,"sku":"10308","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/02a63e1e-fde4-46f9-a8ff-5aa35ae3ae3d-original.jpg?v=1787610180"},{"product_id":"burrata-4-oz-domestic","title":"Di Stefano Burrata 4 oz Domestic","description":null,"brand":"Ital foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993091588334,"sku":"68078","price":5.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/06abaedb-ab3c-4991-a6f9-5e5228b0bfff-original.jpg?v=1787610149"},{"product_id":"cowgirl-creamery-mt-tam","title":"Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam","description":null,"brand":"Tomales Bay Foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993091653870,"sku":"73310","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/bfdcc58811f294afde1bf488844461a6-original.jpg?v=1787610146"},{"product_id":"mozzarella-8-oz","title":"Mozzarella 8 oz","description":null,"brand":"Ital foods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993092014318,"sku":"76675","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/0088ff27-b498-4602-b459-0d4f26b5745d-original.jpg?v=1787610137"},{"product_id":"meredith-dairy-marinated-sheep-goat","title":"Meredith Dairy Marinated Sheep\/Goat","description":null,"brand":"World's Best","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993114755310,"sku":"46548","price":16.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/bbc60697-4727-4d38-8f1f-992f5c7abbd6-original.jpg?v=1787610110"},{"product_id":"halloumi","title":"Halloumi","description":null,"brand":"Marin Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993114820846,"sku":"87085","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/cf2d5c10-f4d0-4c69-be1b-21939e976a16-original.jpg?v=1787609840"},{"product_id":"la-panzanella-original-flatbreads-mini","title":"La Panzanella Original Flatbreads MINI","description":null,"brand":"Marin Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993118228718,"sku":"96460","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}]},{"product_id":"tsar-nicoulai-classic-caviar-1oz-jar","title":"Tsar Nicoulai Classic Caviar (1oz Jar)","description":"\u003cp\u003eTsar Nicoulai's \u003cspan\u003eEstate caviar boasts a rich, clean and earthy flavor with deep brown to black beads. One of our top sellers from this sustainable, transparent producer and importer of roe and caviar!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tsar Nicoulai Caviar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993124094190,"sku":"91175","price":76.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/Classic.webp?v=1784230377"},{"product_id":"point-reyes-truffle-brie","title":"Point Reyes Truffle Brie","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThe Cheese\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe usual buttery aromas that Brie brings to the table are enhanced by notes earthy black truffles - subtle, not over-bearing. The paste is creamy bordering on custardy once it reaches room temperature, carrying layers of sweet cream, mushroom, and a gentle lactic tang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe truffle deepens the mid‑palate experience, adding a savory, forest‑floor richness that lingers without ever overwhelming the delicate bloomy‑rind character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePairings\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sparkling wines, especially vintage wines, White Burgundy or fine CA Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, or light reds such as Pinot Noir. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Producer\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, a reminder that, in the Cheese world, the word \"Farmstead\" refers to a producer making cheese from their own herd. It is followed by \"Artisanal\" a producer who blends milk from neighboring herds, and finally, \"Factory\", a larger producer with milk trucked in from herds far, far away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoint Reyes Farmstead was founded by the Giacomini family on the coastal hills of Marin County in 2000. The Pacific ocean influence, cool fog, and salt‑kissed grasses shape the milk’s character, giving their cheeses a distinct sense of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile best known for Original Blue and Bay Blue, their bloomy‑rind program shows the same craftsmanship - small‑batch production, careful affinage, and a focus on texture and balance. Truffle Brie represents their more indulgent, chef‑driven side - classic French technique layered with California richness and a modern, aromatic twist\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"World's Best","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47993161941230,"sku":"86666","price":15.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/files\/50f18385780f03aab2e366a2a4ef6667-original.jpg?v=1787610039"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/0156\/7726\/collections\/Cheese_Specialty_Foods.png?v=1792004102","url":"https:\/\/farmstead.biz\/collections\/cheese-specialty-foods.oembed","provider":"Farmstead Cheeses \u0026 Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}