The Cheese Shop
Carmel Plaza, Junipero and Ocean, Carmel (831) 625-2272, thecheeseshopinc.com
Chef Justin Cogley has been spotted in The Cheese Shop, which says a lot. That more than half of the Peninsula crams into the narrow counter area and willingly waits their turn says even more. The shop is an experience, one on the bucket list level. There are hundreds of cheeses from all regions and in all styles. And the staff knows all of them thoroughly, spewing information as you struggle to make decisions. Best of all, they feed you. Sample all you want. Have them carve off a section of a cheese you like and then sample some more – until you’ve fallen and you can’t get up.