We asked our cheesemongers to spill their hearts out to us about their cheese soulmates. Learn about our experts' favorite cheeses and the stories behind them!
Malachy, The Franklin
What's your cheese soulmate?
St. Malachi from Doe Run Dairy in Chester County, PA (
find this cheese in our stores)! It's my soulmate because it's my name.
When did you first meet?
I first met this cheese when I was working behind the counter at Rittenhouse about three or so years ago.
What is their best feature?
It's buttery, rich, and it's pretty consistent. It never lets you down, you know? It always pulls through.
When did you know it was true love?
It was love at first sight! I guess it's a little egotistical, but it's like looking in the mirror.
Where did you take it on your first date?
Nothing special. We just stayed at home.
What does the future hold for your relationship?
I think we're in this for the long haul, since we share the same name. It's my forever cheese.
Joe, Rittenhouse
What is your cheese soulmate?
Ardrahan, a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from County Cork, Ireland.
When did you first meet?
I first met Ardrahan...I would have to say about 10 years ago, before I even started working here, as a customer.
What is their best feature?
The smell. I love it. It smells like a barnyard—bacon, eggs, and mushrooms.
When did you know it was true love?
The second we met! That was it. She had me at "hello."
Where did you take it on your first date?
Our first date? Here at this counter. I was a customer here!
What does the future hold for your relationship?
I can see Ardrahan and I growing really old and really happy together. Somewhere in the Irish countryside, sipping Irish whiskey, enjoying each other's company.
Tiffany, Rittenhouse
What is your cheese soulmate?
Let me introduce you to
Wilde Weide, a cow's milk Gouda from Holland.
What is their best feature?
For me, it's the crunch in each bite.
When did you first meet?
We met right before Thanksgiving. Young love!
When did you know it was true love?
It was love at first bite!
Where did you take it on your first date?
My first date with Wilde Weide was right here at the cheese counter, but I've taken it home a few times!
What does the future hold for your relationship?
Our future? I see many delicious evenings, enjoying it with a nice glass of Côtes du Rhône and Black Lava Cashews.
AJ, The Franklin
What is your cheese soulmate?
Moliterno al Tartufo
When did you first meet?
I first met Moliterno about two years ago when I was first introduced to the special holiday cheeses. What really caught my attention was the veins. They had me in awe.
What is their best feature?
The veins are my favorite part! They're made when cheesemakers inject the wheel with pureed black truffles.
When did you know it was true love?
I knew it was true love the moment it touched my taste buds with the intensity of the truffle.
Where did you take it on your first date?
Not a normal first date, but I took it to my mother's house for a special occasion. My little sister didn't like it at first, but my mom enjoyed it and my stepfather fell in love with it!
What does the future hold for your relationship?
Things are going pretty well! I see it a little too much, but it's still my favorite and I love talking about this cheese. But....honestly, I wanna keep my options open so I'm not tied down.
