Northwest of Old Town Alexandria, there’s a quaint, serene community known as Del Ray. This community grew up around the railroad and could be considered one of the first commuting suburbs in the area. Del Ray comes together on Mount Vernon Avenue, where you will find one independently-owned business after another. The selection of local businesses include award-winning restaurants, health and fitness studios and creatively-named specialty stores.
Off of Del Ray’s “Main Street” is one of the most unique dining establishments the area, Cheesetique. Whether you’re craving for a traditional grilled cheese sandwich or searching for some world-class fromage to complement your favorite vin rouge, this is the place to go.
History
Cheesetique was conceived and is owned and operated by Jill Erber. Jill is a proud resident of Del Ray, where the original shop is located. She graduated from The University of Chicago in 1998 with a degree in Computer Science and moved to Northern Virginia to work in software development. Jill eventually left her job in order to pursue her goal of working for herself and to be surrounded by her favorite food: cheese! Jill founded Cheesetique in 2004.
The original shoebox-sized location was exclusively a retail business that sold cheese and gourmet products. Hoping for more retail space and wanting to open a restaurant, Cheesetique relocated to its new, larger location at 2411 Mount Vernon Avenue in early 2008. Thus was born the new Cheesetique and the Cheese & Wine Bar that we see today.
Offerings
Cheesetique’s retail shop carries over 250 cheeses from around the world. They offer all the traditional selections but their passion lies in artisan, small production and raw milk cheeses from both domestic and European dairies. To complement the cheeses, they offer a bevy of accoutrements such as specialty spreads, antipasto items, charcuterie, artisan chocolate, fresh breads, wine and craft beer.
The Cheese & Wine Bar is a cheese-centric restaurant serving sandwiches, grilled cheese, mac ‘n cheese, small plates, soups and salads. Of course, cheese boards are the highlight of the menu, featuring some of the best cheeses and meats available anywhere. The restaurant wine list features over 40 wines by the glass and 20 craft beers to pair perfectly with any cheese.
Hailed by the Food & Wine magazine as having “The Best Mac N’ Cheese in the US”, Cheesetique is certainly one of the hottest spots in the laid back, eclectic Del Ray community.
Want to live in this cozy, small town close to the big city? Click here to see homes for sale in the Del Ray Neighborhood.
