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Les Amis Du Fromage
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
843 E Hastings StVancouver, BC V6A
Neighbourhood: Downtown Eastside
(604) 253-4218
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
14 reviews for Les Amis Du Fromage
Review Highlights
14 reviews in English
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Les Amis Du Fromage, what more could a girl want?
The store is nestled down on Hastings next to Au Petit Chavignol, who serves their cheese along a fairly bland stretch of Hastings. If you don't know what you're looking for it'd be easy to roll right by. But poke your head in and you wont regret it.
They've got a huge selection of cheeses, and the great thing about this place for someone who can't eat cows milk is they have a great selection of goats milk cheeses. I ended up with some goat gouda among other blue and sheep's milk cheeses. Running from about $3-$6 per 100g the cheese isn't cheap but as other reviewers have said, it's no more expensive than anywhere else in the city for specialty cheese. In fact I'd go so far as to say it's cheaper than Whole Foods or Choices.
The staff are awesome, super friendly and knowledgeable and are willing to help you find the perfect cheese for any occasion, and the store has a great selection of crackers and charcuterie to compliment your cheese. If you're looking for something specific just ask and they will be happy to give you a sample and help you plan your cheeseventure.
I love this place, I've been going long enough that I've tried the better part of their selection and am always happy. Merci beaucoup les amis du fromage! -
Review from Shannon B.
Vancouver, BC
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cheese, condiments, charcuterie......and its everywhere.
Upon stepping into this wonderful store, the smells are almost overwhelming, I've never seen such a large deli fridge filled with something for everyone. Since this was my first time into Les Amis Du Fromage and I was searching for a specific cheese, I figured the easiest way would be to ask the store clerk for my request. Unfortunately, Niagara Gold was not in stock and I learned sadly that they had some a couple weeks ago. Thankfully, the knowledgeable clerk was able to make some recommendations for something similar that I could use for a recipe to be part of Easter dinner. The clerk even offered to take my info down and call me the next time Niagara Gold was in stock.
We also perused the selection of house made to-go meals and opted to purchase some honey lager sausages made with Whistler brewing lager.
Success! The dish was fantastic. -
Review from Louise G.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great cheese selection. Nice variety of complimentary groceries and kitchen tools. Helpful staff.
Went in recently to try and find some dried mushrooms I've been using and am now out of. They were listed by the mushroom company as a supplier of the product and as I'm a cheese lover and hadn't yet frequented this store, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity.
Sadly, they did not have any of the variety of dried mushrooms that I wanted, but they were glad to take my name with an offer to call me when they resupplied.
Some lovely ginger cookes caught my eye before I could leave so I ended up buying a few things to nibble on, before heading to the restaurant next door.
YUM. I will return! -
Review from Wendy Y.
1/12/2012
My partner and I were driving home from downtown heading towards East Vancouver when I caught a big sign that said "Cheese" in the corner of my eye. I made him stomp on the brake and do a U turn just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. There is indeed a fine cheese boutique shop on East Hastings. You really wouldn't expect to find a place like this in a neighborhood where the reputation is predominately esbalished around sex-trade workers and the homeless. This little impromptu adventure was therefore exciting, to say the very least.
We were surprised by the cleanliness of the spacious place and the number of people that were shopping in there. The demographics of the shoppers were well dressed professionals in their thirties to forties (we saw a couple in their early thirties waiting to pick up their pre-ordered cheese platter at the check out counter). The cheese shop carries books, equipments, condiments, fresh deli, pate to frozen soups, sausages, soup stocks etc.
The staff there was friendly and helpful. We tried a blue cheese but didn't like it very much. As we were walking around the store we saw a glass window separating Les Amis de Fromage and Au Petite Chavignol. We saw people in white coat working on what we believed were h'ordeuvres.
After checking out this shop I was determined to try other cheeses so we went next door to get ourselves the real deal - a full on cheese/meat platter.Listed in: Grocery…
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Review from Jonathan W.
Vancouver, BC
2/10/2012
My darling Cheese,
I just wanted to write you to say how much I love you and miss you. You are one of my dearest and oldest friends. I can scarcely contain my excitement to see you again. Sadly, in those delicious hours when we are together, the time goes by so quickly that before I know it, you're gone. I must visit again soon. À la prochaine!
Hopelessly,
Your ardent admirer
I found this short note written on pale orange scented paper tucked away in a drawer recently, I'd forgotten it was there. I suppose I was too afraid to send it for fear I would be spurned. That crazy winter... It brought back such fond memories that I was moved to write this review of my favorite cheese shop.
Les Amis Du Fromage is a well-stocked cheese shop tended by passionate and knowledgeable staff who are very helpful in selecting cheese. They have everything you need to enjoy cheeses from around the world, displayed in an enormous spotlessly clean space at the tail end of the Downtown Eastside, roughly halfway between Main and Commercial on Hastings. It's a smart move on their part to minimize overhead by choosing a slightly less desirable location which is still on a major thoroughfare, à la Gourmet Warehouse. As a resident of East Van, I'm delighted to see places like this opening up. It proves what we've known all along: you don't need to have a West Nth address to appreciate excellent food.
I've recently taken on the arduous task of educating myself about cheese, something I suddenly realized one day that I enjoyed a lot but knew very little about. I've had many suggestions from the staff here that have become favorites. Recently I was buying a cheese assortment for a dinner, and came out with several stellar pieces. A perfectly ripe Brie de Meaux that left us all gasping, a nice sharp Tasmanian blue called Roaring Forties (you learn something new every day), and a lovely ash-covered soft goat cheese from Humboldt county in California, with a Morbier-like layer of ash running through its middle, all recommended by a perfectly lovely woman who really took her time in assembling my order. Les Amis carries a great selection of olives, pickles, charcuterie, sweet and savory preserves, biscuits, (another recommendation was oat cakes for our Robbie Burns-themed dinner) and a very nice selection of tinned patés, rillettes and so forth, including foie gras. Oh, and not only do they have baguettes, I came away with two which they had hot from the kitchen of Au Petit Chevignol next door. If warm baguettes don't whet your appetite for cheese, check your pulse.
A note about prices: Les Amis du Fromage is a specialty cheese shop dealing in premium imported cheeses. The cheeses are expensive, but compared to the other places in the city that carry the same products, very reasonable. Places like Urban Fare, Choices and Whole Foods charge $5.99, $6.99 and $7.99 per hundred grams for cheeses that Les Amis sells for under $4/100 g. Do a comparison on cave-aged Gruyere. Bottom line: good cheese is expensive, but worth it. And think of this: If you do a little research and ask some questions, you can assemble a meat and cheese platter for your next get-together with friends like the ones they serve next door at Au Petit Chevignol. Oh, and there's an app for that: search "Fromage" on iTunes.
Consider me more than a friend. I'm not afraid to say it. I've taken a lover: her name is Cheese. -
Review from Kari C.
1/19/2011
I wandered in here on a brisk, chilly Vancouver morning in need of something delicious, versatile and comforting. After having read many reviews, cheese was a must!
My boyfriend and I are trying to learn more about cheese, bread, and wine. He had a bad experience with a rotten Camembert at Whole Foods Cambie (their fridges haven't been working for a few days) and I wanted to help him find a nice one, to prove that Camembert is not supposed to "smell like ass" and get thrown in the trash. I almost want to laugh, but cheese landing in the garbage is sad!
Rob at LADF was helpful. I already knew what type to look for, but am always interested in learning new things, and get this, people who are lactose intolerant are often able to have goat cheese or sheep's milk cheese without any sickness. Wow! His knowledge was impressive and the selection available was mind-boggling. I was very happy that he told me about that because I know a few people who love cheese but never get to enjoy it.
Aside from fruit and bread, everything that you need to host a cheese party/build a platter/have a fondue night is there. There are boards, knives, oils, jams (Vista d'Oro fig jam with walnut wine is a MUST!), pastas (de Cecco, they know good stuff!), crackers (Gone crackers and Leslie Stowes), frozen entrees from Vij's/Rangoli (after French and Italian food, Indian is my favourite!), balsamic vinegars (including a white balsamic infused with white truffles), cute little signs for labeling cheese plates, and this amazing, gorgeous, book about cheeses and the regions that they come from. I'm ashamed to admit that I forgot what the title was, but my mind may have done it on purpose so there is another reason to go back.
I ended up picking a wheel of Comox Camembert by Natural Pastures (a measly $10.20), it was awarded 4th place in the World Championship Cheese Contest, and is a 2002 champion of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix. It's very mild, soft, and not stinky at all (although cheeses that are supposed to be, can be great). I can't wait to smear this all over a warm baguette and eat and lounge in bed for the rest of the day, like some type of Parisian pajama princess.
Les Amis Du Fromage is a definite 5-star winner in my books. Great selection, reasonable prices, knowledgeable staff, friendly service! It's hard not to become a friend of the cheese.
Note: To be completely forthcoming and follow Yelp guidelines, I visited Les Amis right before a job interview at their restaurant, Au Petit Chavignol. I was hired after this review was posted, and now happily work there. I am not biased toward the company (hence the 5-star review), but am proud to now work for a company that was bleeping awesome enough for me to want to give them five stars. Yay!Listed in: Surefires, East Van, Yo!, House of Flying Daggers
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Review from Betty L.
1/7/2011
Les Amis Du Fromage does have a very good selection of cheeses and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They let you sample cheese before purchase. They were patient enough with me to let me sample a few before I got a few cheeses. They also have a good selection of crackers and frozen gourmet foods. I feel like I've been transported to France. I couldn't believe they have imported butter from France, even though it was kind of pricey but I could taste the difference. What a treat!!
A heaven for cheese lovers and foodies. They are indeed friends of the cheese. -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
Cheese whores in the house!!..?! I am, I am! And I love, love this store. They just opened their newest store beside Au Petit Chavignol along E. Hastings, and are holding a grand opening sale today, with 15% off on ALL items, and a free insulated bag if you spend more than $25 (which trust me comes easy when you visit the store).
I could spend hours at this shop, with their friendly, helpful, and most importantly, knowledgeable staff. Superb and patient service as you explore and sample cheeses you like or may not like. (I recommend asking them for suggestions based on your taste and preferences). May I recommend my current fave - mango ginger stilton? Mmm, mmm, mmm... Sorry, it's the cheese whore in me!
Aside from the excellent selection of local and imported cheeses, there are tons of charcuterie items and cheese pairings, from olives and pickles, crackers and nuts, honey and mostarda, tapenades and pastes, pates and terrines, ready to eat pastas and Vij's frozen meals, wine, flavoured oils including a bountiful array of vinegars and extra virgin olive oils, refreshing beverages such as Oranginas, cheeseboards and Raclette maker from France. I tell you it's endless! A one stop shop for parties, and good tastings of the finest of things.
Did I mention I'm a cheese whore...?Listed in: French Connection
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Review from Amy T.
4/3/2011 1 photo
Another 5/5 on my list. This is a GOOD weekend!
My girlfriends and I decided to have wine and cheese night for a birthday. We each were responsible to bring something. Someone had meat duty, another had alcohol duty and so on... Lucky me, I was in charge of cheese! And am I glad I went to Les Amis Du Fromage!
There were so many variety of cheeses in there that I just stood in awe for about 5 minutes. The woman behind the counter noticed me and was extremely helpful. I told her we were very adventurous and wanted to try lots of unique cheeses. She spent a good 20 minutes with me helping me decided on my list which ended up with:
Applewood smoked cheddar (needed the basics), honey goat gouda, gorgonzola (blue cheese), morbier-livradoise (blue cheese mixed with a lighter creamier taste), bleu de sassenage (more blue!), quarto (60% cow's milk and 40% buffalo milk), white Stilton apple and pear and espresso cheese. They even let you try a few cheeses just to make sure you will like it before buying.
All the cheeses were AH-MAZING! There are also a lot of crackers, pre-packaged soups, sausages, appetizers so I think I will try something else next time. With a few cheeses on the side as well. -
Review from Janice F.
7/28/2009
My first 5 * review - this is how much I love this place. It's become my savior from the crowded, overpriced, traffic hell that is Oyama on Granville Island.
It's almost a one-stop shop for me for a perfect gourmet picnic.. if only they carried baguettes. To their credit, they do have a lot of crackers and rainforest crisps available. The cheese ladies here are lovely, friendly and helpful. Unlike the one at Oyama that pointedly ignores my 5'1 frame and then mutters about the difficultly to cut cheese into a 100 gram portion. Well, HAH! I've found somewhere now that carries my beloved Delice de Bourgogne, for a cheaper price.. AND they carry truffled salami from Moccia (but it is sold by the whole piece only here). AND they actually act like they want my business here. Super score!
They've also got a fascinating array of frozen, ready to eat meals, some from Rangoli and some from their own kitchen. I'm already salivating at the thought of my next visit. I can also recommend the Boschetto Tartufo (Italian sheep cheese with truffles) that I've sampled before at their cheese & wine bar next door. They didn't have it available last weekend, but I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
I love this place!Listed in: The coveted 5* list
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Review from Daniel L.
11/9/2009 6 Check-ins Here
If you like great cheese lots of varieties & low prices.. then this is probably the only company in town. They have two locations, great selection and the best price point.
Plus a great pre-made frozen food section, open 7 days a week -
Review from Emily S.
Vancouver, BC
10/9/2009
The Yelpers are right. The older lady that helped me is a gem. I never knew there were "cheese brokers" in Canada until I walked into this cheese heaven. They must be some of the best cheese customers these brokers have ever had.
Italian cheeses come in every 3 weeks. They have honeycomb (heaven) locally and from Georgia (the US state). Just leave one for me or I'll be an unhappy camper if they are sold out :) -
Review from Mary P.
2/20/2011
So much cheese! Cow, goat, sheep, Spain, France, etc. Have your pick. I think I'm cheesed out. They certainly took my "cheese" in exchange for some Manchego and firm goat cheese. So far, so good! I'd definitely splurge on cheese if I was a habitant of this area.
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Review from Dan F.
Vancouver, BC
Nice gem in the east side--classy and clean interior with high quality products.
