Van Hook Cheese — a cheese and specialty grocery store — is opening its first storefront this July at 528 Jersey Avenue (between Newark and Columbus Drive). Van Hook Cheese made its Jersey City debut this spring at the Grove Street Farmers’ Market and Hamilton Park Farmers’ Market.
The store will focus on high-quality, local cheeses and products. Van Hook doesn’t make the cheeses they sell, but instead sources them from local cheese makers.
I recently tried their Swiss-style cheese (called Crybaby), which is sourced from Connecticut-based Arethusa Farm. It’s a mild cheese with a subtle nutty and soft Swiss-like flavor. (As an interesting side note, CNN Money reports that Arethusa Farm is the side business of the CEO and vice president of Manolo Blahnik).
I also tried the Narragansett Creamery Salty Sea Feta (my favorite so far), which is made in Providence, RI, from cow’s milk (rather than goat or sheep) and sea salt. The feta is tangy, crumbly, salty, and offers everything that makes feta delicious. You can follow Van Hook via their Instagram account or find them at the Grove and Hamilton Park markets. —Van Hook Cheese
Note: Thanks to Jersey City Eats for the recommendation!
