Just say ‘cheese’ at G. J. Andrews

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/05/2017 (3366 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The chalk board reads “Over 120 Cheeses, Try One of Our New Cheeses” but, if truth be told, 120 is on the low side and you can actually try any of their cheeses — new or old.  

Where is this mecca for cheese? None other than G.J. Andrews Food and Wine Shoppe, at 384 Academy Rd.

With over 30 years of experience behind him, George Andrews has succeeded in cultivating a very loyal clientele by offering a variety of unique, quality products, of which cheese is just one. And, it is delivered with the high level of service that they have come to expect.

Whether it is Camembert, Stilton or Oka, the selection is impressive and could be daunting if not for the team behind the counter. They are open to questions and quick to offer a tasting to help your selection process.

We have been known to place our trust in their suggestions as well. 

Both the BellaVitano with Merlot and the Dutch gouda with coconut are recent examples that come to mind. In fact, the gouda came so highly recommended, by Nicki, that there was no way we could not try it.

Recommendations are not limited to staff, as fellow shoppers have also been quick to share their favourites. That was how we discovered a North Yorkshire cheddar made with caramelized onion. In my humble opinion, it is a cheese that should be included on every cheese platter. It is perfect!

I have to be honest in saying that there have also been a few misses along the way — even though we tried them before buying them. But, the way we look at it, it’s all a part of the cheese experience. They simply didn’t work out as we had envisioned. No harm, no foul.

It will be very interesting to see what new selections will be available to Winnipeg’s cheese lovers once the trade deal with Europe is in place.

We are looking forward to our next foray into the world of cheese and it just may be to try out a recommendation from George himself.

Close your eyes and imagine… fresh baguette spread with savoury pâté and Cambazola which, I understand, is a combination of brie and blue cheese.

Of course, it would not be complete without a nice glass of wine.

Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?

Debbie Ristimaki is a community correspondent for Bridgwater Forest.