Update from Steve Jones of Cheese Bar

“I was busily working with someone who was interested in taking over the Cheese Bar space, but unfortunately it did not materialize.”

I get so many questions about what is next for the vacant Cheese Bar space, I thought I’d post this update from Steve Jones.

Apologies for the long pause in getting this email out after the closure of Cheese Bar. I was busily working with someone who was interested in taking over the Cheese Bar space, but unfortunately it did not materialize. If anyone knows of someone looking to open a little coffee shop, bistro, cheese shop, etc. in the old space, let me know, and I will put you in touch with the landlord.

Meanwhile, as promised, here is a list of places to buy great cheese in Portland in our absence:

Providore Fine Foods – Providore has a beautiful, well appointed and cared for case with an attentive staff. This is a cut-to-order case, which is always my preference. They lean heavier on European cheeses but have some nice American artisan options also.

Cowbell Fine Cheese – Cowbell is an importer/distributor with a small but well executed retail space open Wednesday thru Sunday. Their display is non traditional i.e., no cheese case, but, they do have the cheeses close at hand so you can see them if you ask. Their variety is very solid, though often on the smaller side. Their pricing and quality are top notch. All cheeses are cut-to-order by knowledgeable staff.

Elephants Deli – Elephants is an old school Portland cheese case that keeps the tradition going. It is primarily cut-to-order, with good variety and helpful staff. This is a classic.

La Bouffe – La Bouffe is my go-to favorite for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cheeses. They stock a nice variety from those regions that are seldom seen elsewhere, and their prices are great.

Market of Choice, New Seasons, Whole Foods, World Foods, Zupans – These supermarkets all do very good work on purchasing, cutting, and presenting great cheeses. They are primarily pre-cut, but the cases are well maintained by well-trained mongers. My favorites from these chains are: New Seasons-Slabtown. Market of Choice-Belmont, Whole Foods-Hollywood, and Zupans-Burnside.

There are a handful of other shops around town that have small, well maintained selections. I always suggest talking to the staff, asking what they like, and befriending a monger.

I’m still tossing around ideas on how best to do a bi-monthly cheese pick up. I will keep everyone in the loop as I solidify those plans. In the meantime, keep buying great cheese from small producers, eat well, and be well.

All my best-
Steve

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