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Apparently Jan. 20 is something called National Cheese Lovers Day.

We here at northforker feel that’s a silly holiday. Why? Because every day is fit for loving cheese.

So we offer you this guide to our four favorite everyday cheese options on the North Fork a day early:

CYNDI MURARY PHOTO | The Humboldt Fog goat cheese is a best seller at Bruce’s Cheese Emporium in Greenport.
CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | The Humboldt Fog goat cheese is a best seller at Bruce’s Cheese Emporium in Greenport.

Humboldt Fog at

Bruce’s Cheese Emporium (visit site)

208 Main St, Greenport, NY 11944 (map it)

Call them at 631-477-0023

This goat cheese is a best seller at Bruce’s.

Imported from California, the aged goat/brie blend pairs excellently with wine, but can be enjoyed all on its own, proprietor Scott Bollman said.

“As far as aged goat cheeses go, it is elegant and well-rounded,” he said. “Where as other goat cheeses are tangy, this one has a nice finish. That comes with the age.”

At Bruce’s, they stock up on the Humboldt Fog at this time of year.

“We stick to our favorites in the winter,” Mr. Bollman said.

CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | The Pecorino Al Tartufo at the Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck is among the most popular choices.
CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO | The Pecorino Al Tartufo at the Village Cheese Shop in Mattituck is among the most popular choices.

Pecorino Al Tartufo

Village Cheese Shop (visit site)

105 Love Lane, Mattituck, NY 11952 (map it)

Call them at 631-298-8556

Of the more than 300 varieties of cheese Love Lane’s Village Cheese Shop has to offer this is the one to try.

The semi-hard Italian cheese is studded with black truffles and has an earthy flavor.

“It’s our most popular cheese,” said manager and self-described “cheese monger” Adam Hug. “If we don’t have 10 wheels of it on hand at any time, we’re in trouble.”

CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO |Goodale's award-winning feta cheese is make with just five ingredients: Pasteurized goat milk, cultures, enzymes and salt.
CYNDI MURRAY PHOTO |Goodale’s award-winning feta cheese is make with just five ingredients: Pasteurized goat milk, cultures, enzymes and salt.

Feta at

Goodale Farms (visit site)

250 Main Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901 (map it)

Call them at 631-901-5975

As Long Island’s only full-service dairy farm, Goodale’s feta cheese does not disappoint. The Goodale family has been farming the East End since the mid 1800s, so it is safe to say they know a thing or two about making quality, local products. They specialize in bottling fresh cow and goat milk and many types of farmstead cheeses.

“This is one of the cheeses we started with,” said owner Hal Goodale. “The nice thing about the feta is that it will last for months, as opposed to some other cheeses that only last a week.”

Mr. Goodale said the award-winning feta is a popular salad topping and is sold for use to numerous area restaurants.

GRANT PARPAN PHOTO | The sheep cheese from Catapano Dairy Farm in Peconic is used by chefs at local restaurants.
GRANT PARPAN FILE PHOTO | The sheep cheese from Catapano Dairy Farm in Peconic is used by chefs at local restaurants.

Sheep cheese at

Catapano Dairy Farm (visit site)

33705 North Road, Peconic, NY (map it)

Call them at 631-765-8042

Without winter hours, you’ll have to wait to try this award-winning local cheese. But trust us, it will be worth the wait.

Last August, Capatano earned a second-place award at the American Cheese Society’s annual competition in Madison, Wis.

“It’s never old hat,” said owner Karen Catapano of winning awards. “You work so hard for it.”

The sheep cheese is a joint venture between the Peconic dairy farm and Catapano Farms on Main Road in Southold, owned by Ms. Catapano’s in-laws. Between the two farms, they have more than 25 sheep now keeping the product in supply.

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