Scardello, a Cut-to-Order Cheese Shop in Dallas

Scardello is a family-owned cheese shop on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas, run by owner and cheesemonger Rich Rogers. The main draw is the cut-to-order service. The case holds about 150 cheeses, roughly 55 to 60 percent American and the rest European, and you can ask the staff to cut exactly the amount you want. Reviewers on Google give the shop 4.7 out of 5 from 239 reviews, and the staff, including Rich, Saul, Andrew, Josh and Alex, are described as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

The shop is in a building from 1929. It still has its original tin ceiling, wood floors and exposed brick walls, and there is plenty of natural light during the day. Some cheeses are popular with regulars. Brillat Savarin is a classic French triple cream, buttery and smooth. Cremeux de Bourgogne is a luscious triple cream cow's milk cheese with a bloomy rind, and the shop suggests pairing it with Pinot Noir. Prairie Breeze by Milton Creamery is a sweeter cheddar with crystals through the paste. For something stronger, Epoisses is smelly and boozy with brothy notes, which the shop calls a "desert island cheese."

For a quick bite, a Cheese Plate To-Go costs $18, and an Assorted Cracker Bowl is $10. A Personal Platter for 2 to 4 people costs $50 to $60, while the small platter for 4 to 8 people ranges from $85 to $130. The Trinity Cheese Kit is $35 to $50. The shop also runs classes. A private class costs $55, is limited to 24 guests and includes 5 oz of two wines. Upcoming public events include Cheese and Wine from Piemonte on October 22 and Halloween Candy, Cheese and Wine on October 23, both in person at $55. Scary Cheese and Wine is on October 30, in person for $55 or virtual for $35. Tempranillo Wine and Cheese is on Thursday, November 5, Composing the Perfect Board on Thursday, November 12, and Orange Wine and Cheese on Friday, November 20, all at 7 pm.

The main store is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. There is also a kiosk at the Dallas Farmers Market, at 920 S. Harwood St. #131, open Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can call 214-219-1300 for questions. The shop has received the Best Cheese Shop award in the 2018 Best of Big D competition and has been featured on the Food Channel. Rich Rogers has also served as chair and judge on the American Cheese Society's Judging and Competition Committee. Individual cheeses are not sold online, but a monthly cheese club can be shipped. Perishables cannot be returned.