The Cheese Lady Rochester,MI

06/03/2026

I may be back in Michigan but I'm still thinking about these fine French Fromageries! What I particularly love about them was that the store itself is chilled to a low temperature, allowing the cheeses to be on full display, like a cornucopia of delights, arranged perfectly - and just slightly out of reach!

Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Barthélemy is a cheese lover's dream and rumored to the oldest cheese shop in Paris. Now owned by Fromagerie Griffon this small but perfectly formed, exquisitely beautiful shop is famous for being a favorite spot for locals, chefs, and even a French president!
I purchased a 36m aged Comté (raw cow's milk Alpine from the Jura mountains), Rocamadour (raw goat cheese from the Lot region) and Maroilles (raw cow's-milk cheese made in the regions of Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais in Northern France).

Back in the Loire Valley in Saumur I visited Fromagerie du Puits Neuf, and again marveled at the beauty of the stacked cheese displayed before me!
I selected the very vibrant Boulette d'Avesnes (a pungent, cone-shaped cheese from the Nord department of France, this vibrant, paprika-rubbed cheese is kneaded by hand with herbs and spices), Galet de la Loire (a triple-crème cow's milk cheese from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley) and a tremendously exciting Tourteau Fromagé du Poitou-Charentes (a goat cheese soufflé cake, with a scorched blackened crust).

The hospitality of my fellow cheesemongers, the aromatic beauty of the stores and the taste of these cheeses will stay with me for a long time. What a lucky Cheese Lady!

05/28/2026

More outstanding cheese based experiences, courtesy of my French Loire Wine Trip organized by Rochester Wine and Michigan Wine School
Our group were the guests of Chef Christophe Hay at his 2 star Michelin restaurant Fleur de Loire in Blois on the banks of the Loire River.
A simply divine curated lunch was prepared by Chef Christophe and his amazing team (including sous-chef Suzanne Vannier, winner of the 2024 edition of the La Cuisine Durable competition, and Clément Réauté, pastry chef and French Champion of Dessert 2025).
The food and wine selections were exemplary and the service meticulous! It was such a pleasure to be part of their choreographed and ritualistic approach to their celebration of gastronomy!
AND I was also treated to the most charming and informative tour around the Cheese Cart by Paul - who then plated a selection for me, including his favorite; a local goat's cheese wrapped in cherry leaves.
A total joy from start to finish!

05/26/2026

Fortunate to have visited Le Vazereau Farm and Cheesemaker in Cinais this week, an organic farmhouse maker of a number of PDO (protected origin) raw goat cheeses in the Loire valley.

Had a very informative presentation by Mylène Chrétien on the making of iconic Sainte Maure de Touraine AOP - wonderful, historic cheese that I have always wanted to try! To use this name, precise quality criteria must be met; in particular, the taste, texture, rind, shape and consistency is checked frequently by inspectors. This cheese is readily identified by the straw running through it bearing the makers name - how cool is that?! And yes I kept the straw.

Also met some amazing goats who work terribly hard to provide all that luscious milk for those fantastic cheeses.

05/24/2026

Really enjoyed stopping by and chatting in Laiterie Gilbert Chinon in French Loire Valley. It's always a real joy to talk cheese with another cheesemongers and hear their recommendations! I purchase lots of raw washed rind stinkers (as secretly, they are my favorite) Reblouchon - made in the Rhône-Alps region, Pont-l'Évêque - made in Normandy, and also my first taste of Livarot - again from Normandy, knicknamed 'the colonel' due to the 3 bands of plant fibers wrapped around the outside.
I couldn't leave without a goat's milk cheese from the region and choose some Crottin de Chavignol - a wrinkled cheese made since 1573!
I was also delighted to see Snowdonia Cheese on sale - we love the Black Bomber in our store!
A beautiful store, with delightful service 🧀❤

05/20/2026

Having an extraordinarily brilliant time on a Wine (and Cheese) tour of the French Loire valley, organized by Rochester Wine
So very excited to meet and talk cheese with RODOLPHE LE MEUNIER today (those who don't know of Rodolphe's achievements in the cheese world - he has been awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) and Mondial Fromage in 2007, and in the expert advisor for the World Cheese Awards). He is renowned for his talent and exacting standards of quality both in France and internationally.
Huge thanks to Rodolphe for spending time with our group today and to Owen Rumiano for showing us around the affinage caves and serving us a superlative cheese plate!

05/14/2026

The May Cheese of the Month is Pineapple Le Roulé! We have limited stock available so stop by and secure your slice of summer today!

This pasteurized cow’s milk unripened soft cheese is made in France by Rians and is famous for its hand-rolled spiral appearance featuring pieces of candied pineapple. A sweet-tart flavor profile means its just perfect as a dessert cheese spread, atop an Effie’s Oatcake (just like a cheesecake) or on a warm bagel! In store and online here

https://rochester.thecheeselady.net/product/pineapple-le-roule/

05/12/2026

May 26 Newsletter - Cheese Bites - https://mailchi.mp/thecheeselady/may-26-newsletter-cheese-bites

05/11/2026

A busy week of classes last week, out and about, sharing cheese with the local community - including Clarkston Independence District Library, a private class for Maddin Hauser and a virtual Italian Wine and Cheese class with Rochester Wine (featuring special guest Casaloste) as well as a pick up party for our Wine and Cheese Club. I love sharing cheese knowledge with you all, I'm a lucky Cheese Lady 🧀❤

05/09/2026

Thank you so much Linda and Paula! Both Jean-Jacques at Rochester Wine and I work really hard to choose exquisite pairings to our customers. We love to share our knowledge and experience with you all! We are so glad you enjoyed the class and hope you will join us for our next one. Our full of schedule can be seen in the event section of my website or Rochester Wine’s website.
Thank you for your continued support The Linda Rea Team, you rock!

When’s the last time you’ve been to visit The Cheese Lady right here in Rochester? 🧀🍷

What a wonderful and unique evening we had tonight! Everyone picked up their wine and cheese selections on Wednesday, then gathered together for a fun Zoom tasting party filled with cheeses and wines from all over the world.

The presentation was absolutely remarkable — learning about the different flavors, regions, pairings, and stories behind each cheese and wine made the night so enjoyable. Lots of laughs, great conversation, and delicious treats shared together at the office!

Supporting local businesses like The Cheese Lady makes Rochester such a special community. If you haven’t stopped in lately, you’re missing out on a truly fun experience! 🧀❤️🍷

:

05/08/2026

Thank you for the love of our venture with the new Local Meijer in Rochester - your support means the world to us! I have been in at least twice at day to see what is selling, and restock, and I thought you might want to know what we are currently featuring there. Also I have attached a somewhat cheesy picture to give you an idea of where we are! As ever, we are keen to make sure we serve you as best we can so I would love to hear you suggestions for cheese sections!
Currently featuring Irish Cheddar, Prairie Breeze, Caramelized Onion Cheddar, Red Dragon Cheddar, Cotswold, Dill Havarti, Herb & Spice Havarti, Extra Aged Prima Donna, Parmigiano Reggiano, Potato Goat Gouda

Thank you for shopping local and supporting small businesses! We simply would not be here without you ❤