France 44 Cheese Shop

Located at 44th and France in Linden Hills, this expansive corner shop is half wine and liquor emporium, half specialty cheese, meat and sandwich shop. In the gourmet grocery, you’ll find knowledgeable staff at the cut-to-order cheese counter who can help you select the perfect amount of cream or funk for the occasion, from a decadent oozing Brillat Savarin brie to a hard-to-find aged Challerhocker. The space doubles as a whole animal butcher shop, stocking premium meat from humane local farms. Only a mile from my office, it’s also become my go-to lunch… If you ask nicely, they’ll make you the “Zimmern,” which changes based on availability, but features a couple different types of cured meats, tomatoes (or tomato confit if the fresh stuff isn’t around), mozzarella, olive oil and vinegar on a fresh baguette.

Note to self as we kick off the holiday season: their prepared foods section can be a godsend if you’re in a pinch on the way to a potluck or in need of a host gift. I don’t know anyone who can pass on their pimento cheese spread or the house specialty—fresh chèvre topped with a blend of dried fruit, herbs, honey and nuts.

If you live on the other side of the river, check out their sister stores, the St. Paul Meat Shop and just down the street on Grand Avenue, the St. Paul Cheese Shop. Both offer the same outstanding quality and selection of carefully curated epicurean goods.

Contact

4351 France Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612.925.3252
france44cheeseshop.com