The Best Cheese I've Ever Had

better than s*x

her

… in one of the weirdest towns I’ve ever been to in my life.

I tried this delicate, life-changing cheese in a tiny California town called Los Olivos while visiting wineries with my mom. I have been unable to find it since.

The day began like any other (in Santa Barbara). We hit the road to drive the hour plus to Solvang where we planned to stay two nights and go to Los Olivos (one town over, but slim accommodations). Los Olivos is tiny but known for a cluster of fun wineries and one fabulous restaurant, Bar Le Côte, which we had a reservation.

Solvang leaves much to be desired, unless what you desire is a Danish Disney World. We thought we had entered another planet; seriously, the entire town is a replica of an old Danish town. Without boring you or offending anyone with the details, we ended up shortening out trip to one night (which we never, ever do).

HOWEVER…. while I said I TRIED this cheese in Los Olivos, I found it in Solvang. And I will forever be indebted.

In an attempt to quell our disturbing feelings about Solvang, after dropping our bags at the hotel I searched Yelp for a Cheese Shop. That afternoon, we had a reservation at Carhartt Family Wines, a casual, funky spot where hot male staff wear Carhartt (men’s workwear brand). They allow you to bring in your own food so I thought cheese and crackers would be ideal.

Boom! Cailloux Cheese Shop was right across the street from our hotel. We I walked over. The woman behind the counter made a few random recommendations for fresh goat cheese (great, but nothing new) before smirking and saying, “Well…do you want to know what my FAVORITE cheese is?” Wasn’t that obvious? Yes!

OUT SHE PULLS…