Bay Gourmet

Wha Wha Wha Whaaaannnn… This place falls flat on its face. It calls itself a cheese shop, but unfortunately they have one of the smallest selections of cheese I have ever seen (And that includes chain grocery stores!). Admittedly, it is quality queso, but seriously? A Cheese Shop? Me thinks not… Better off still heading out to Trader Joes or the Nugget.
Can I ever find a respectable cheese shop in Sacramento? Makes me miss the Bay Area just that much more… The Cheeseboard, Cheese N’ Stuff, Ferrari Foods and Lucca’s just to name a few. Can one of these shops franchise and get out to Sacramento already?

We bought some ACME bread here. and some chevre herb cheese spread. and dill crackers for a summer afternoon indoor picnic.
They carry a lot of neat things here. I hope they stay open! I can’t wait to go back!

Here’s a cute little gem, but I wonder how long it will stay open. I have visited a few times, and on each visit I was the sole customer. It’s a shame, because this could be something special. The biggest problem is that there are no stop lights to enter or exit the plaza, and you face busy, speeding traffic. It’s sort of in the middle of nowhere – adjacent to some very wealthy homes. All the surrounding stores in the plaza are equally cute and gourmet – a Peet’s Coffee & Tea, a fresh fish and meats market, and a produce grocer.
Bay Gourmet itself features lots of California gourmet products, such as Point Reyes Blue cheese, local olive oils (all of which are set out for tastings), fancy mustards, gourmet chocolate-​covered fruits and nuts, and other packaged goods. They have a lovely gourmet cheese case, a salami and meats case, as well as a deli case with prepared dips and side dishes. The variety is not vast, but selective and of good quality. There is a lone dessert case, too, filled with single serving, eye-​pleasing treats like carrot cake squares, lemon bars, pecan bars, crème puffs, and more. Yummers!
On my first visit to the store (midday), a chef stepped from behind the counter to point out various sample items – a homemade ceasar dressing she had made, the olive oils, a creamy gouda cheese, and some chocolate malt balls. She offered to answer any questions, and gave a helpful, tempting tour. I felt very welcomed, which is why I came back again, in the evening. However, on the latter visit, there were very few samples available – perhaps too close to closing? The staff were equally attentive and friendly, though.
I hope this spot picks up. It has potential. And they sell Point Reyes Blue – that alone is worth the trip.