La Fromagerie

I love stopping by La Fromagerie and treating myself to some amazingly fresh, flavourful cheeses that you can’t find at the grocery store.
They have a huge selection of cheese that is largely from Quebec, including some organic raw milk cheddar, chevre noir and other pasteruized cheese. They also have a few different local cheeses from Ontario, including a raw sheep’s milk cheese and some classic aged cheddars.
From the imported selection, my favourites are some of the chevres from France, including Clochette (which is about $ 19), and the Applewood Smoked Cheddar from England, which is a little cheaper — a large triangle piece cost about $ 7.
The store also carries olive oils, vinegar, jams, specialty crackers (including gluten-​free), and olives. I bought a container of large, pitted green olives from Spain for about $ 2. Their baked items are brought in daily. The loaves of bread and baguettes are from Thuet Bakery and the croissants and danishes (which look amazing) are from Pain Perdu.
The girl who works at the front counter is also very friendly! She will even let you sample the cheese to help you decide.

Now, I like cheese. I also do not think cheese should be used as a status symbol, cuz frankly, that’s ridiculous. I like to eat it, not brag about it.
I was so beyond excited when this place first sprouted up in my neighbourhood, but soon realized that it really did not have much for my humble (read: empty) pockets to enjoy. Yes, the olives and little chunks of feta were great to have so close by, but most of what I really wanted to get my hands on was pretty out of reach. It doesn’t matter. I still find it rather lovely, with its tented window and delicate pastries and smelly (I mean this in a good way) dairy products.
Find instant class in «rose hangover drops» or try out the tubes of something called «vanilla chestnut spread» by the counter.
«What’s this chestnut spread?»
«It’s made out of chestnuts.»
«Mm…what do you mean?»
«You know, like Nutella?»
«Ohh, so its like hazelnut spread. Good.»
«Kind of… only it tastes different.»
«Ah. Like chestnuts?»
«…Yeah.»
Blame my inability to contain the excitement in discovering something interesting-​looking was finally vanilla flavoured (as opposed to chocolate, which I don’t like). That, or the fact that I hadn’t slept.

If you’re looking for a delicious and flaky almond croissant but don’t want to venture into the obnoxious stretch of Little Italy to find it, head to La Fromagerie. Make sure to bring a friend/​food-​chaperon along with you, one who has promised to hurt you if you try to make a break for it with that easy-​to-​carry croissant basket in tow. Trust me, you’ll feel your animal instincts kick in when you taste those bad boys.
Tip: Since they place their pastries in the window, they sell out quickly, so go early to avoid gut-​wrenching heartbreak.
I’ve heard complaints that the owners are snobby grumps… I’ve never had a problem, but even if I had, it’s College & Oz, who cares!
This can’t be a complete review without mentioning the cheeses: They sell cheeses. I’ve never bought any.