Just fantastic! We had gone a few days prior to this to Frankenmuth and saw an advertisement for a cheese shop, which was an utterly disappointing tourist trap. This place is a cheese temple. The beautiful aroma of all sorts of cheeses, the warm and welcoming staff. This is a beautiful spot, and I wish it were closer to me. Every single person here was amazing, friendly, helpful and made great recommendations. I highly suggest a stop here if you are in the area, and sample and purchase some lovely cheese! read more

Global Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I normally go to St. Lawrence Market to buy my cheeses and other deli products but since Global Cheese is closer to me, I decided to try them. The cheese prices are nowhere displayed so when you want something you have to ask for them. Price wise some of the cheese is a little bit cheaper (sometimes $1 less per 100g) than St. Lawrence. You would think that you're saving money but when you're finally paying at the counter you will be taken aback because of how expensive it was but also wondering why the hell it looks smaller than it seems. I know they weigh them but who knows what's happening behind the counter coz you don't get to see the final weight of the cheese. The St. Andre cheese I bought also doesn't taste fresh at all. I guess I'm back to buying cheese from my fave St. Lawrence cheesemonger. read more

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Solid cheese shop, friendly staff (lots of samples!). Left with a few unique cheeses, some fantastic bresaola, tinned fish, and balsamic vinegar. Good selection of evoo, vinegar, lighter on the meats side, but lots of other interesting stuff. Cash or Canadian debit only. read more

Global Cheese Shop in Kensington Market is the BEST cheese shop in Toronto! It is definitely a beloved Toronto institution. I've tried so many delicious cheeses here thanks to the expertise and fantastic service of everyone working here. For many years I've been focused on raw, unpasteurized cheeses that's been helping my health and some of these can be pricey. But it's been a vital investment in my long term health. The staff here made it fun and educational and turned me into a big fan of international cheeses! Recently Global Cheese Shop brought back their iconic, colourful signs on their windows showing special cheese deals. I was so happy to see them again and wanted to try a whole bunch of new cheeses! Out of the 6 cheeses I tried my favourites were Irish Regato, Hommage Goat Gouda and Mimolette that looked like the colour of cantaloupes! All were so delicious and nutritious. Highly recommend you visit! And when you do say hello to Manny, Rosie, Emma or Paul and tell them I sent you! read more

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The beat cheese place I've ever been to in my life so far. Their name is so fitting lol. They have cheese from all over the world. The best part is trying them. The people who work here are so nice and the service is so great. They offer you cheeses to try from all over and even give you reccomendations. This place has that traditional cheese shop ambiance and I love it. Just a heads up they only take cash or Canadian debit. read more

Global Cheese - Cheese! - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place is the been knees for cheese (Cheese Magic is great too). They have SO many options, their staff are so knowledgeable to help you find what you need and they have all different kinds of crackers and jams/jellies to go with things. I even found honeycomb there which really made my cheese board feel so fancy! The other nice thing is they are just down the street from Sanagin's Meatlocker so you can get a nice cheese board and charcuterie together in one area. read more

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Patron for decades now. Every so often the call of "we need to go to the cheese shop" rings true at home. Great family business beyond cheese - you must try their varied and awesome olives and breads. Lastly, prices are very decent with other shops charging 20% for the same items minus the consistent quality at Global. Enjoy read more

Good cheese BUT BEWARE: 1./ I bought one of their on-sale cheeses (a Brie). When I got home and tried it, it was so old it was inedible. I called and they said bring it by -- as if I would spend 2 hours and TTC fare to return a $6 cheese. They shouldn't sell cheese that is way, way beyond its best-before date. 2./ I recently stopped in and a guy behind the counter offered a sample. It was good. He asked me if I wanted a slice off the wheel. It wasn't a big slice, perhaps an inch wide at the end. He said $10! I bought it because I agreed to the size of the slice but felt suckered by him -- he knew and chose one of the most expensive cheeses without telling me. Being manipulated by a counter person one would hope to be able to trust is disheartening. This is the second time I have been fooled by this business. I won't be going back ever again. read more

I love this place! It's my go-to place for anything cheese related. They have a vaste selection of delicious cheese with knowledgeable staff. If you're lucky, you'll get the dude and he won't cheap out on samples and remembers what you like every time. He also knows how to pair cheese with everything so that makes my life easier. read more

Thanks so much to Isabel, whose name I may have misspelled, for the very thoughtful advice in helping me select a wide variety of tasty cheeses for my Xmas party! Thank you! :) read more

I love the cheese here but they overcharge and have a sneaky system to overcharge. Few prices are displayed anywhere. So the customer has no idea what they'll eventually be paying. I've noticed cheese prices will literally double from one day to the next because nothing is labeled and they can make up whatever price they think suits what someone like you would pay that day. They don't tell you the final price once they weigh the cheese. Instead they make you walk around the long counter to the cash while they wrap up the cheese, withholding not just the price, but the cheese, from you until you've paid. Assuming you won't look at how much you're paying or gaslighting you into assuming that you accidentally asked for a larger volume than you did. If you want to buy your cheese here, call them out on this on every one of these steps because they are counting on you being too polite to think not voice, Omigod how did this become so expensive? Also they will give you a sample of the good cheese then sell you old gross cheese from a different block. All in all: they're shysters would don't care about you or even about cheese. Go somewhere else. read more

Been Chinese... A traditional Chinese that loves eating Asian food, I have been asked numerous time if I eat Cheese.. Yes I eat Cheese.. and kind of love eating Cheese especially if my Cheese is paired with wine tasting! I have to agreed with Janna S about how great the staffs at Global Cheese are!! I were offered to taste Janna's fave Gouda without even asking.. the staff just overheard me asking how the cheese she got tasted like..and then a slice suddenly appeared in front of my face! I definitely be back for more!! OK not just for the free tasting but to buy some and enjoy them with a glass of wine or 2!! read more

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This used to be my go-to place for cheese before Covid-19. Its sad to see how many business in the area do not take wearing masks seriously. On the past few visits, the same skinny short white staff member has been wearing his mask below his chin (i.e. without covering mouth or nose) and yelling in the store. If you can't bother wearing a mask correctly, don't count on me going back anytime soon! read more

I don't like to be told what to do; nevertheless, what if the order was given by a roaring Portuguese mamasota with a slice of cheese in her hand? After wondering around the premises, a lady making business took us under her wing, stole us from another more shy girl, gave us 2 samples of different cheese while asking if we liked wine -after our affirmation-, she proceeded to give us more slices and screamed to us : "no sharing" when we tried to get half of the 3rd sample: yes boss! That lady made my day more colorful. When I go to a street market that clamorous, didactic, welcoming feeling is the treatment I expect. Sellers screaming good deals, samples of the best of the west, good sense of humor, and why not, maybe some double sense phrases! The quality of the cheeses is remarkable, at least of those we acquired: cabra al vino and 12 month manchego. I've been in this store before and the image of good quality hasn't changed. Say cheese! read more

Global Cheese - Wide variety - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I've only eaten a shard of cheese here (offered by a worker without prompting!) mostly because I was here for the gift baskets but I can say I had a great experience! The workers I interacted with (I think three or four) were helpful, clear, and seemed knowledgeable. Wandering in, I was asked what I needed each time I went (around 3 short visits) and it was easy to just tell them what I wanted in terms of price and a couple other specifications, and they put it together. The baskets are beautiful and incredibly generously-proportioned! It was also clear they remembered my request/inquiry and what I looked like each time I went, which was nice as well. Highly recommend based off my experience! read more

I simply cannot go to Kensington or anywhere nearby without wanting to go to Global Cheese. One does not simply go into Global cheese and walk out with nothing. This place is nothing short of fantastic with such a diverse selection of quality food items and top notch service there it is an absolute delight to visit this store. One of the items I always pick up in addition to any new cheeses is the cream cheese spreads. My particular favorite is the one that already comes with the smoked salmon already in it. Another one of my favorite items are the garlic stuffed olives with mashed red peppers. Recently I was introduced to "Diablo" cheese from Switzerland. It is a really rich medium to hard cheese that I loved after the first sample so I had to buy some. This place is sort of dangerous for that.. you will get to try so many different samples as they are always allowing you to try their products in the store. It is a real pleasure shopping here and coming home with with imported treats from around the world. You simply can't find some of the food stuff they have in this store at just any grocery store and the prices are very reasonable as well. Many of the quality items are priced less than you would find in some of the higher end grocery stores too. The bottom line is they have high quality food, knowledgeable and friendly service, free sampling, good prices and a large variety to choose from. read more

Global Cheese - Global Cheese sidewalk sign - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Just updating to say: they still haven't gotten the memo about customer service. You walk in and stand there awkwardly for five minutes waiting for someone to notice you. They see you waiting but make no attempt to greet you or say "Be with you in a second." They serve whoever they want to serve, in no particular order. Infuriating. I walked out. Oh and they only take cash (or debit over $10). Nope, nope, nope. Cheese Magic all the way! read more

I'm not a cheese connoisseur by any means but I feel like cheese is necessary when serving charcuteries, so occasionally I like to buy a wedge here and there. I live in the College Park area, so my usual spot to go to is the giant Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens where they have a big cheese wall with a good selection of cheeses - but today I happened to be in Kensington, accidentally stumbled upon this place, and realized that I've been getting ripped off! I bought a 200g wedge of coconut brie (which actually tastes like coconuts), goat cheese, Oka, and a cup of shredded cheese and it all came to only $20!! It would've cost easily twice as much at a Loblaw's or a Whole Foods. I realized that I could even Uber here and back for the same amount of money I'd be spending at Loblaws, while having wider selection of cheeses. Everyone there was really helpful, and they were happy to give me recommendations when I asked. The layout of the store is quite open so you can clearly see every cheese that they offer with their prices. There was a really homey feel to the store, which I really enjoyed. The workers all seemed to have a great relationship with one another. The lady offered me to try any of the cheese I was interested in, and was very patient throughout the whole process. I'll definitely be making my way back to the store once I finish all the cheese I bought today. It's going to take me a while to finish them all, but I'm motivated to so that I can return to the store very soon. read more

Global Cheese - It doesn't look fancy from the outside, but it's a place worth checking out if you like cheese. - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Fantastic cheese market on every level. From the moment you arrive your greeted with a sample. Our first was spicy Havarti which was amazing . After that it was a whirlwind of sharp, creamy, sweet and dry. A few of the must tries. Sticky toffee cheese. A sweet and creamy dessert cheese. Surprising and amazing. The St Jacque crystal cheddar. So sharp it burns the tongue. The creamiest gouda ive ever had and the sharpest swiss are two I cant remember the name of. The Butter cheese if you like salt. Incredibly sharp and dense and strong while still tasting like butter They also had a deli section with crackers, a few dry goods, meats and olives. I stayed away because I was already overloaded and was going back to Vancouver in a day. It looked great from where I stood trying to ignore the gravitational pull that spicy olives and cured meats have on my wallet. We walked out with $45.00 worth of cheese . Then went looking for bread . We paired the bag of cheese with a bottle of Ontario wine and never left the hotel for dinner. Don't miss it! read more

Global Cheese - Salty buttery and sharp. No name on the package other than butter cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I have officially hit the cheese jackpot with this place. I am so in love. Everything is absolute amazing and so delicious! As a cheese fanatic, this place has everything to offer me. So many types of cheese that has my tastebuds wanting everything and the best part? It's so affordable! Their cream cheese is to die for, so light and almost fluffy texture, it's so much better than the Philadelphia brand you find at the supermarket. Goat cheese? Even better. I can't imagine myself going anywhere else for my cheese spreads and other dairy goods now that I have tasted heaven. For a total of two containers of cream cheese and a good chunk of goat cheese, my total came to be $23. This is not bad at all considering some of the local supermarkets in my area that would sell all three items for over $30. They consider it "homemade" as well but they are nowhere as good as this place. For all my fellow cheese lovers, be sure to check this place out! Everything is guaranteed to blow your tastebuds away for a good value. I'm definitely making this my go-to place for cheese goods! read more

My go-to stop in Kensington Market. So much cheese-y goodness. I've been here a few times, most recently on Christmas eve. The place was packed but all the staff were so calm and helpful. They have a good system that makes sure everyone gets served in order. Your cheese is taken to the cash for you and you are given a number for when you pay. Even when it's really busy, they always slice a piece of cheese for you to try while they are weighing whatever you purchased. They have a fantastic selection of cheeses from all over the world and it's well organized. There's also a deli at the back, halva, and a selection of accompaniments such as crackers, jellies, dips, etc. Basically anything you would need to make a kick-ass cheese board for entertaining. read more

This has been my go to cheese shop for ages, great selection, good quality good price. Not sure why they feel the need to do the hard sell all the time. The second you're through the door they're down your throat. Maybe I'd like to look at the options and see what grabs my interest, imagine that? And there is one woman in particular that when she cuts the cheese always lifts the knife and adds a couple extra centimeters to what you asked for. Hard to be mad at more cheese but sneaky none the less and something to watch out for read more

A lady who works here was rude to me and my wife the other day. I'm Canadian and grew up in Toronto, but I live in the US now, and me and my wife were visiting from the US for New Years. This shop only takes cash and debit cards. I tried to use my US debit card, which they didn't take. The lady informed me they don't take non-Canadian cards. I've never had a Canadian (or any) store not take an international card, but I didn't mind at all. It's their shop - they can take whatever form of payment they want. That was not the issue. I then tried to use my Canadian credit card, but it didn't work because it wasn't a debit card. The lady said they take US dollars but at a very unfavorable exchange rate. We politely said we would pass on buying anything this time. Everything until now was fine and how it should be. They wanted a form of payment. I didn't have it. We part ways politely. But she didn't leave it there. She made rude comments about how we Americans (I'm Canadian) need to be better prepared and exchange cash when we travel because when she and Canadians travel, they need to exchange cash. It came off as rude and out of the blue. We didn't say anything and just left because we didn't want to be rude back and make a scene. As mentioned, I'm Canadian and grew up in Toronto. I also visit Canada numerous times a year and have never had an issue using a US card, so when I come back to visit, I don't usually walk around with Canadian dollars. But again, the payment form isn't the issue - it's the fact that without knowing our back story, she made numerous false assumptions about us, who we are, where we're from, what we're like, then got herself riled up and offended, and spurt out rude remarks, all totally unprovoked. She brought her personal/emotional/political baggage and views into an interaction that simply didn't warrant it. We were just trying to buy cheese. We need to bring back respect and kindness to daily interactions. And we need to stop imposing our personal views and beliefs into random, everyday situations that don't warrant it. Please be better. read more

After tasting a sample, I bought some French blue cheese. When I got home and opened it up, it stank. It was almost rotten. The give you a sample from fresh stock and sell you the old cheese. I forgot to insist that I receive the same cheese from the block that was sampled. read more

Great selection. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Some really amazing cheeses. Great place if your a local or a tourist. read more

When you find yourself feeling disappointed by the fact that you have to buy an item, in this case cheese, at a grocery store you can surely say Global Cheese is doing something right. They are helpful and knowledgeable. They are generous with samples. They have olives and cured meats at the back. They have really yummy sour cream, greek yogurt, tzatziki, different cream cheeses and spreads, amongst other things in fridges to the left of the counter when you walk in. I would strongly recommend to go at less busy times so you can have the best possible experience. It can get crowded and it closes kind of early, so going morning or mid-day during the week is best. Bring cash or debit (or both)! PRO TIP! If you are on a budget be mindful of the accumulating items. It is not necessarily expensive, it is actually quite reasonable and even cheap for some items, but it is soooo easy to get carried away. If you have no budget... perfect! Get what you need and make sure to try something new read more

Love Global Cheese for their cheeses, but this afternoon was actually my first time buying olives which is hard to believe since I've been coming here for many years. Guess the cheese cravings trumps the olives any day. Yes, I bought more cheeses today :) Tucked in the back corner of the store, a display of various olives and they have quite the vast selection as well....pitted, unpitted and stuffed olives. Plus, you can sample the olives as well.....mmmmmm. Orders come in small, medium or large containers and mix and match if you like. read more

Global Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

On a hot day if you walk past global cheese in all likelihood a waft of its pungent aroma will fill your suddenly overloaded and confused nostrils. If the bizarre, even grotesque, smell horrifies you then run away fast but, if the odor makes your body tingle with intrigue then enter and don't turn back. Global Cheese is an old world cheese shop, run by virile Italian men who man their counters waiting for a pretty girl to taste from their seemingly infinite wares. The place is a cheese lover's heaven-- stocking cheese from Rotterdam to anywhere they damn well please. The cheese shop owners take pride in their work. The last time I was there I brought a tear to one of the worker's eyes by identifying a processed taste in some smoked gouda. This place is amazing! read more

Global Cheese - Cheese Shops Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I used to go to Global once every few months at the least, and once every couple weeks at peak times. The last few times I've gone in, the cheese I've bought has gotten mouldy in under a week. The second-last time this happened (after a few days) I tried taking the cheese back, and they tried to tell me it wasn't mould, it was solidified fat or sodium. It was 100% mould and I checked before I went in. Before you ask, yes I wrapped the cheese in saran wrap after I got it home, and no, it's not my fridge. The last time I went in, I saw one of the cheesemongers smoking outside, and when I went in and he asked to serve me, there's no chance he could have washed his hands for at least 15s with soap, as is required by health codes and law. I bought some cheese anyway, and it went mouldy as well. Despite the cheese not being as strong, you're better off going to Cheese Magic or another shop. Hate to write bad reviews, but this place has slowly and unfortunately fallen out of favour to me. read more

We had been going to this store for years and I love the vast selection of cheeses they have as well as the jellies, chutneys, crackers, dips and olives. Try their truffle selection including the flavourful chips. read more

If you love cheese, you have to come here. This is the best cheese shop in town. You cannot come to Kensington market and not visit the shop. They've got the world's cheeses in one joint. A lot of variety. I love that they give you samples before you buy anything. They are friendly. And the store is full of life. If you're looking for an experience this is the one. read more

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I am giving Global Cheese a full five stars because frankly I cannot see any improvements they could possibly make to make this a better place to buy cheese. A Couple we are friends with brings a wicked cheese platter to EVERY EVENT. Finally I demanded to know their secret and they told me. You can vist Global Cheese with a price in mind, and they will help you craft a selection of cheeses for you within your budget. Case Study, Christmas 2010. I visit Global Cheese which is BUSY in the afternoon before Christmas Eve. I tell the guy that I am going to a Christmas party and I want to bring four or so cheeses, I like bold flavours and I would love to bring my german Oma something she would recognize. I also mention that I want to spend $20. The cheese man, wielding a machete, visits the fridge, pulls out a selection and has me sample them all. DELIC!! "How about this artisanal Quebec Gem" DONT MIND IF I DO" "A Popular Roquefort? "BRING IT" In the end, me (slightly fatter and much happier) end up with a nice chunk of stinky Danish Blue, an Artisanl Quebec Cheese, a Smoked German cheese and some fantastically super creamy brie. I approach the counter and she rings in all of the weights and prices. Including tax $19.90. With plastic bag $20 cash. He got it Bang on $20. I thanked the cheese (whisperer) and promised to be back. I stank the entire way home on the Queen car but it was worth it. Seriously an entire platter of amazing cheese for $20? Leslieville heese Market charged me $12 last year for a "meh" slab of prepackaged Brie. MUST TRY is the Truffle Brie. You can call ahead and they will craft an entire platter for you with crackers and the like. Amazing. Cash Only. read more

If I only make one stop in Kensington, it's at Global Cheese. Granted, the smell inside is strong enough to knock you out, but the cheese is made to please (sorry - I could not resist the pun). I always get the spiced (cumin) Gouda but overall the prices here seem pretty fair. I love that the staff give you free samples without even asking; it's nice to try before you buy. I don't think I've ever seen this place without a lineup, but they know how to keep things moving. Bring cash! read more

I REALLY wanted to love this place. I love coming to Kensington to get my meats and seafood so I thought why not start getting my cheese here too. I started small. I got a tub of freshly grated parmesan cheese and some brie. The prices were so reasonable - that much parmesan for only $5?! I would pay that much for a third of that at Loblaws. When I got home and opened the tub though, OH MY GOD. It stank. I thought maybe that's how fresh parmesan from the cheese shop is supposed to smell like and I added it to my alfredo sauce...thus ruining the entire sauce. My condo stank like feet for the entire night. I had to throw out the sauce I made :S I threw out the entire tub of parmesan as it seemed like it had gone bad. It was a very deep yellow colour and there were some clumps that didn't break apart anymore (apparently signs of spoiled grated parmesan). I had a similar problem with the brie. It was just so stinky and bitter. Maybe it's just me :S But I don't think I'll be coming back here. read more

Any mouse out there reading this review, there is a mouse God, and he resides within the walls of Global Cheese. There is so much cheese, so much variety, any cheese aficionado will start shivering with excitement the moment their nostrils flare with the pungent fragrance of cheddery goodness. The shop is small and set up like a shotgun bar. The way the attendants are working through the mass of baying customers, you almost expect to see Tom Cruise catching a deck of Stilton behind his back. You may wait a while but once it is your turn boldly step up to the counter and let the fun begin. You get to try everything before you buy. I had no idea what I wanted and blurted out random words such as 'Uhhh... Smokey, erm...., uhhh... Spicy! Errrr... Ch... Chives! This game went on for around 3-4mins. I eventually settled on a Prima Donna and a creamy Gorgonzola. The only draw back of Global cheese is that it isn't cheap, yet if they start selling Jager shots to go with the bubbling atmosphere and funky Kensington crowd, I may make it my regular. read more

I've concluded that the cheddar we purchased was "off". I had more cheddar today it's clear that it isn't fresh. The boyfriend and I have both had cheddar before. This didn't just taste bad, it tasted like moldy. I would give this place 0 stars if possible. read more

If given the option of Chocolate or Cheese, I will always choose the Cheese. I'm addicted to the chevre, sheep cheese, cheddars and all the rest. However, when asking for suggestions for specific dishes, I felt led astray by the Global Cheeseheads. The sale cheese was processed or just old, but I felt like it was suggested because they wanted to get rid of it. I'm also surprised that a lot of what they carry is available individually wrapped at Longo's or Sobey's, but they just cut you off a chunk of generic cheddar. More crackers and olives than most other cheese shops. read more

4.5 * Global cheese has renovated... and it's better than ever! The shop is much cleaner and better organized, and even the staff seem to be in a good mood. We got to try a few different items as we were making our choice and in the end we picked up about 400g of a tasty, creamy, slightly smoked Swiss variety for $5 and change! There is also a selection meats which is supposed to be expanding but at this point, is not particularly impressive. Global was not my first stop for cheese in the past, but I'll definitely be visiting more often. read more

Being a cheese lover, I'm not sure why I haven't ventured into Global Cheese until recently, especially since I walk past it... probably every day. I went in looking for a simple brie to go with my baguette from My Market Bakery next door. The service was very prompt, even though the store was busy (I've grown to expect this in Kensington Market shops on Sundays!). The brie was delicious, but more importantly to my starving-student self (ok, I'm not a student anymore, but still) - it was a really good price! I'm used to getting brie at a Loblaw's or some other grocery store, but the brie here was much cheaper, and more importantly, much tastier!! I will definitely venture back soon to explore the extensive selection of havarti! read more

This place is great! They have all sorts of cheeses in an amazing variety from fresh, soft, hard, old, smelly, soaked in port, even a select few raw-milk cheeses too. They have a small selection of canned goods including beans, tomatoes, bottles of olive oil, olives, antipasto, some frozen fish and an array of crackers. The only possible strike against them is that they are CASH ONLY. I have found this very discouraging in my nearly cash-less existence (both paper and electronic of which I have none). But I suppose on the other hand it prevents me from dropping $300 on cheese in one spree. And I guess this saves my life because I don't go home right away and polish off all that cheese in one sitting. Thanks to changes in Ontario health-code rubbish, they can no longer have stacks and stacks of cheese sitting on the counter. Before it was amusing watching short people try and communicate with the staff because the wall-o-cheese was very tall. This has vastly reduced the number of samples they offer because the cheese isn't sitting on display waiting to be taste-tested. The staff do know their product well and if you fancy something for a special purpose or occasion or specific dish or wine combination, they generally can help guide you to a fantastic selection. read more