Cheese Roll Bake Shop

5/17/13:

Stars: 3.8 out of 5

Pros: Price, Out-of-the-boxness, Taste

Cons: Location, Variety

     Nowhere in this town is it possible to find a step-down adaptor for a camera lens. I would know because I looked everywhere. So, fueled by disappointment and the knowledge that many more errands lay ahead of me I decided to find myself a quick snack. It just so happened as I wandered to my car I saw a sign for the Cheese Roll Bake Shop (Cheese Roll Bake Shop) that directed me down the alley a little bit. A bake shop in an alley… what could possibly go wrong? I plunged ahead with thoughts of muffins and Danish dancing in my head.

     The Cheese Roll Bake Shop is very unassuming. It is tucked deep in the back of a strip mall with no gaudy advertisements proclaiming its greatness. Instead it has a modest sign that sits atop a green canopy. I will be honest; it’s not a great location. There are no stores next to it or past it that would draw foot traffic. If you weren't paying attention as you walked along the sidewalk of the main plaza you would easily miss the signs. I’m sure the rent is cheap, but aside from that I can’t see the positive to the location. That being said, I was still eager to step inside.

     The inside is very small with a counter directly in front of you when you enter. I was greeted right away by a young man who was standing at the counter. He was very friendly and allowed me a moment to look around before asking if he could help me. I told him I had never been here before and was a little unsure what a cheese roll was. And seeing as that was really the only product on their menu, I awaited his explanation. He told me that cheese rolls were also known as pao de queijo, which is Brazilian. He explained that all of the rolls are made with tapioca flour, which makes them gluten free. As it was my first time there, he offered me one to try for free. Never one to turn down a sample I gratefully accepted.

     It was delicious folks. They aren’t very big, maybe the size of a standard biscuit. The outside bakes up crisp and golden brown. The inside is fluffy and light. The cheese flavor is not overpowering, instead making its presence know and then wandering around unobtrusively as it greets the other flavors, like butter. It was fresh out of the oven so it was steaming hot. Truly, I can imagine no other temperature at which these should be enjoyed. It is truly unlike any type of roll I have had before. It’s out-of-the-box concept works so incredibly that you will question many bread-related choices up to now.

     I promptly ordered 4 more in a variety of flavors. I got jalapeno, garlic, black olive and onion. Each one was just as delicious as the last in its own unique way. When he rang me up my total was just under $3. $3 for a filling meal people!!! That’s hard to beat for a quick snack. The guy at the counter also told me that the sell them frozen to take home and bake in your oven. That would be an excellent addition to any meal. One thing that did disappoint me was that the Cheese Roll Bake Shop has such a limited variety of products for sale. I can easily see them branching out into different baked goods. If you read this and you either work there or own the place, try your hand at Danish. I beg you.

     If you find yourself in the West End hungry for a quick nosh, consider stopping over at the Cheese Roll Bake Shop. Grab yourself a quick sixer of rolls and some for the freezer. You will be so happy you branched out and let a bit of Brazilian baked goods into your life. I know I am.