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During my trips to Paris I have discovered the joys of lounging on a nice summer evening with a hunk of cheese and a glass of red wine. You could say I have grown accustom to it. Naturally, I'm thrilled there's a cheese shop in Puyallup. My Cheese Shoppe - it's actually not mine but rather a shop opened by Laurie Sanders-Pole - has been the been the talk of the town since it opened June 15, 2011.

From the friendly service to the cute decorations, I could spend hours tasting the vast variety of cheeses. In fact, most customers do! "Try before you buy" is the shop's motto. Sometimes the staff spends 20-30 minutes with its customers for the right cheese. My Cheese Shoppe takes its cheese seriously. From cheddars to goat, strong to light tasting, the staff will match the perfect piece to a meal or party.

There's nothing better than cheese and crackers with a nice glass of wine. Thankfully, Corkscrew Cellars is just down the street. The two businesses have paired up for many events. Wednesday, Jan. 30, a cheese and wine tasting event will be held between the two shops.

Also, every Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Corkscrew hosts a wine tasting.  

If you are a first time cheeser, Laurie suggests the New Moon cheese made at Mt. Townsend Creamery. If you are a cheddar person, I would suggest the Wookey Hole signature Cave Aged cheese. Laurie and her daughter, Ashlynn, who also works at My Cheese Shoppe, helped me find the perfect cheese for my younger brother who had just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. To my luck the cheese they picked was low in carbs. My brother was able to eat it without any shots! And on top of that, he loved it, which is rare for him since he is the pickiest of picky eaters.

I highly suggest you visit My Cheese Shoppe. It has been such a pleasure getting to know them. With such a wide selection, I grantee you will find the perfect cheese for you and your family.

MY CHEESE SHOPPE, 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY-FRIDAY, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. SATURDAY, 202 S. MERIDIAN, PUYALLUP, 253.841.2011