Say Cheese!

There was a need for cheese, explains Sharon Johnson of Federal Hill who recently opened Cheese Galore & More, a new stall at Cross Street Market (1065 S. Charles St., 410-244-5515). Johnson had been in sales and food management for 20 years before becoming the victim of company reorganizations and the economy. “Food is in my blood,” she says. “I decided to try this.” The shop’s case is filled with delectable goat cheeses, Bries, Taleggio, and Stiltons. (The mango-ginger has been a sellout.) Even stinky Limburger is popular, Johnson says. She carries accompaniments like herbed olives, Peppadew peppers, pâtés, fresh-baked baguettes, and Zeke’s coffee. But the most requested item is “Federal Hill crack,” she says with a laugh, referring to the shop’s Asiago spread. After sampling it, we understand the addiction.