Summit Cheese Shop Offers More Than Just Cheese

When you leave the Summit Cheese Shop with your purchases, you also leave with a greater appreciation - and knowledge - for all things cheese-related. People have been buying gourmet cheeses and other foods at 75 Union Place in Summit since the late '60s.  The current owners of the shop, Paul and Pamela Pappas, renovated and reopened it as the Summit Cheese Shop in the spring of '98. Paul and Pam both have backgrounds in sales and retail food, and of course, both have great interest in food.

If you are planning to have a holiday party this year, definitely stop at the cheese shop for suggestions. Paul and Pam know their products and will make your party a culinary success. When I visited the Summit Cheese Shop one recent weekend the store was bustling. Even though there was a long line, people waited patiently and happily sampled the cheeses that Paul handed out. The holidays will bring on an even busier time, but Paul says they never let the volume affect the service: "We take our time with each and every customer because we want them to leave happy and satisfied."

Located across the street from the Summit train station, the shop stocks mostly European cheeses and also carries imported olive oils, vinegars, cookies, crackers, jellies, nuts, dried fruit, and even pasta.  They also carry a full selection of dried sausages, fresh specialty sausages, pates and mousses.  Paul and Pam also have french bread delivered fresh daily and offer lunch to go daily.  For your sweet tooth, they also sell fruit ice from Spain and a few specialty ice cream treats from Nasto's "Olde World" Desserts in Newark.

"Our shop is small and very well stocked," explains Paul. "We make sure everything is in optimal condition.  Our soft cheeses are ripened to perfection. We hand cut every piece to order including our parmigiano reggiano. We grate fondue cheeses (with advance notice) as well as Parmigiano and Romano."

"We treat every customer on an individual basis," Pam adds. "The atmosphere is relaxed, no pressure, no pretensions. We offer tastes and advice.  We want all our customers to know and like what they are buying.  That means no surprises when you unwrap your purchase at home."

If needed, the cheese comes labeled with its name and instructions for proper handling and storage. According to Pam, the prices are comparable to other cheese counters - but the service and knowledge that comes with it are invaluable.