The Place: Depending upon which entrance of Essex Market you use, you might walk by Rebel Cheese after Formaggio Essex and think this food hall has two cheese shops. You wouldn’t be wrong exactly, but Rebel Cheese is quite different from other cheese shops. It’s in a prime spot of the recently relocated Essex Market and it’s one of the most creative stalls – it’s a cheese shop, but all vegan. Rebel is actually a company that started in Austin, Texas, but it took over this stall from Riverdel who also made their own vegan cheeses.
The Menu: I don’t usually write about food from other cities in NYC, but I was impressed by these “cheeses” when I tried them as a series of tastings from the market at a special event. The display here features vegan takes (mostly made from oils, nuts, spices, and some black magic) on most of your favorite cheeses – pecorino, gruyere, smoked cheddar, etc. They offer tastings and they are definitely worth trying.
The Dish: After trying a few, I went home with the Truffle Brie. Evidently, when the business was featured on Shark Tank, this was one of the most beloved options. It features that cool textured experience with a firm rind and a soft creamy center. Rich and luscious, this is much more mild than “real” brie but makes up for it with aromatic truffles. This is fantastic spread on toast or crackers and offers both a familiar and brand new cheese experience. Price: $13 per 1/4 pound
| REBEL CHEESE |
| Inside Essex Market, Stall 35 88 Essex Street (at Delancey Street), Lower East Side (917) 716-6459 |
| rebelcheese.com |
