Saxelby Cheesemongers
“Anne's passion for American artisan and farmstead cheese really shines through in this tiny little corner of the Essex St Market.”
“She recently introduced me to Lazy Lady Farms' cheeses – and I've never been the same since!”
“All their cheese comes from small producers who farm sustainably.”
Saxelby Cheesemongers
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range Moderate
6 reviews
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We discovered Saxelby Cheesemongers while on "The Melting Pot" tour offered by The Enthusiastic Gourmet. While on the tour, we tasted many cheese samples and learned the history of the place.
Saxelby's focuses on cheeses produced in the Northeastern US. The varieties of cheeses change throughout the year. All their cheese comes from small producers who farm sustainably.
Luckily, we had a refrigerator in our hotel room. This meant that we could buy some cheese here and store it until it was time to go home. When we got to the store, they weren't busy. I asked them what they had available in mild cheeses. The recommendation was for a cheese called "Landaff" made from cow's milk. We were offered a sample and liked what we tasted. It reminded us of a mild cheddar but with a salty undertone. Sold! We bought a wedge that was almost 1/2 pound. Today I bought some crackers and can't wait to enjoy this cheese!
I wish we lived nearby so that I could sample and buy a wider variety of cheeses!
"American cheese" typically conjures up images of plastic wrapped individual slices of 'cheese product' – but Saxelby's proves this impression OH SO WRONG. American cheese (like American craft beer) is breaking the mold (sorry, couldn't resist) of stifled European traditional styles, while utilizing the knowledge and skills honed over the centuries by our friends across the sea. The result is an exciting array of new cheeses that demonstrate the distinct American terroir, while catering to an increasingly complex palette of customers who have ditched that processed crap into the bin where it belongs.
Saxelby's offers a healthy variety even for such a cramped location. Somehow it doesn't FEEL cramped, although the counter can serve perhaps 2 people at a time, this guarantees you will receive individual attention from the experts manning (and womanning) it. They're so knowledgeable and friendly, you won't get the feeling of being "up-sold" like at a sleazy car dealership – instead, like any expert consultant, they actually seem to have YOUR best interests (eating GOOD cheese and pairing it with appropriate accompaniments) at heart. If that results in the purchase of an extra hunk of blue, or another jar of chutney – well good for them and good for YOU!
I have yet to try their prepared foods, but my experience with purchasing cheese for my family's Thanksgiving was so enjoyable, I know I could spend hours picking their brains (and nomming on bits of cheese) except I wouldn't want to run the risk of becoming "that guy" – so like an early date, I'll slow my roll and try my best to play it cool. But you can see that longing glint in my eye, can't you Anne Saxelby? *creepy wink*
Oh yeah, there's tons of other stores to visit while in Essex, and I bet every one of them has something that will play well with anything from Saxelby – even the Tuna.
I had been looking for the perfect place to get my cheese on for months, and I had read a few reviews about this place and figured it was worth my time for the trek.
I have to admit that it was a little bit difficult to find; it's one of the many stands in Essex Market. After finding it, I was surprised that I had heard about it given the limited selection and small space. They have most cheeses that someone would ask for here, but if you're looking to compare different ages of the same style or looking for a very specific cheese or accompaniment for cheese, this is certainly not the best place. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, but that couldn't make up for the limited selection at this site. Others have commented that the location is a benefit because you can find spreads or other items in Essex to go with your cheese selection, but I think I'd rather have it all at one shop.
The staff here were helpful and friendly, but that couldn't make up for the limited space and selection at this cheese shop. If I lived closer, I could see myself stopping by more frequently, but I think there are better cheese shops in the city.
Anne Saxelby knows what she's doing! This stall is amongst finest purveyors of gourmet cheese in New York. If you don't trust me I'm sure you'll trust the countless write-ups in the Times and New York Magazine. Stop by for tastings during market hours and don't be afraid of the grilled cheese menu. They also serve a marvelous creation at local events that consists of raclette melted fresh in front of you on a Pain D'Avignoin baguette with a pickle in between! There are very few things that make me happier than cheese so I suppose there's very few places I'd rather shop than Saxelby.
Cheeeeese!
So nice.
So lovely.
Such butter.
Such large tastes.
Such devoted turophiles.
Such amazingly fresh chevre.
Such spot-on recommendations.
I love you.
I adore this little stand at the Essex Street Market. Anne is such an amazing cheesemonger- and always has such a wonderful selection and suggestions. She recently introduced me to Lazy Lady Farms' cheeses – and I've never been the same since!
It's especially nice that they have fresh organic eggs and Sullivan Street Bakery breads… it's one stop gourmet shopping.