The Brazilian Cheese Roll Bakeshop — a New Kind of Yum!
Yesterday, I discovered a neat new locally owned shop baking a new delicacy for Richmond’s Near West End. The Cheese Roll Bakeshop is on the back of an alleyway in a strip mall off of Patterson Avenue, just past Parham. I only discovered it because my kids are huge fans of Bruster’s Ice Cream, which sits in front of the shop.
I went in and was surprised to see that this cute little shop really focused on just one thing — the cheese roll. When I asked about them, the owner, Filip Aszalos, offered me my very own sample of the Brazilian delicacy. I split it in 3 parts, and me and my kids each sampled this interesting new food. First I should tell you that these are not roles made with wheat, but with tapioca flour — so they are gluten free. The cheese is completely in the dough, and rather subtle. The roll is crispy on the outside but the inside is almost gnocchi-like starchy, creamy and moist all at the same time. These little rolls sell for .59 cents each, or .95 cents if you want hummus,or olive spread on them (or you can order it with turkey). Hoping the hummus and olive spread was homemade, I ordered another for the road. I was a bit disappointed when I saw Filip pull out familiar looking containers from the Costco out to supply the toppings. Still, it was really good, and offered a chance for my husband to taste The Cheese Roll.
So, now, Richmond has 4 more converts to really liking this neat new treat — the cheese roll. They come in original, jalapeno, black olive, onion and garlic. The other specialty at The Cheese Shop is Brazilian flan. I’m not a flan expert, but it looked good. I’m not sure how it would be different from traditional flan. The flan is cheap too at $1.90 a slice or $18.99 for an entire giant flan. I suggested to Filip that he start a box lunch business — if he made a slightly larger roll for sandwiches and then offered desert and fruit, he could charge $10 and expand his business, offering Richmonders something different than the traditional box lunch that everyone seems to be tired of.
If you get a chance, go stop by The Cheese Roll Bakeshop and say hi to Filip. He is a really nice guy, offering a great product. I hope it catches on here in Richmond, and he is able to make it. So far, he has no website, and most of his business comes in by word of mouth. So Richmond, get the word out. This is a great new local shop in Richmond, offering something we’ve never seen before. Pass it on. The Cheese Roll Bakeshop is at 8911-D Patterson Avenue, (804) 740-5444.
After reading this review, I went to the Cheese Roll Bakeshop. The had great tasting food for very reasonable prices and the shop owners were very nice.
My only two complaints:
1.If I had not read about the place, I would never have found it. They need a sign out front!
2. When I went through the little alleyway to get to the shop, the alleyway was full of teenage skateboarders. The skateboarders deter customers from going to the two little shops in that alleyway. It is also dangerous to skateboard in a pedestrian narrow alleyway between a parking lot and a steep, hilly back lot.
I just got home from my Cheese Roll Bakeshop trip and it was FABULOUS! The cheese rolls are warm and delightfully filling. The place is a bit hard to find, but if you are familiar with the immediate area you shouldn’t have a problem. They are open until 7:00 every day of the week and closed on Saturday and Sunday. The space itself is teeny tiny but the owner keeps it very clean. Also, make sure to try the canned Brazilian soda. It is pleasantly light and fruity. Please go support this local business. It is extremely cheap and definitely worth the trip to that part of the west end.
I love the Cheese roll shop! I need to eat Gluten Free, so It was wonderful to find a place that was very inexpensive and tasty! I love the Mediterian spread grilled like a panini. Small but oh so tasty! The frozen rolls come out great at home too!!
[...] Near West End News recently posted a review on its website. [...]
The Cheese Roll Bake Shop is EXTRAORDINARY…cheese rolls in various flavors, the cheese roll paninis…and don’t overlook the flan and other incredible desserts! No Bruster’s there anymore but go down the sidewalk along Richmond Camera.