Say cheese at these three New York City restaurants

There are few things in life that everyone can agree on, but a love of cheese has to be one of them. New York City has many fantastic fromageries, but these three highlight that wonderful and stinky dairy product the way it deserves.


Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro: Chef Terrance Brennan designed this midtown restaurant to mimic eateries in France that specialize in cheese. Mission accomplished: Artisanal reminded me of what a classic French restaurant must have looked and felt like back in the day. With a selection of over 200 international varieties of cheese, including some that are spectacularly stinky, chances are that even the pickiest cheese head will find something they like. Chow down on such items on the menu as mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and various fondues. For dessert order up the extremely tasty creme brulee. Tip: When making reservations, ask to be seated in the cheese cellar for a truly cheesy dining experience. 2 Park Avenue. Stay nearby at Affinia Dumont Hotel.


Lamarca Cheese Shop:For a more casual dining experience, head on over to this Gramercy "cheese-a-torium" that has been dishing out such delicacies as home made pastas, soups and Italian sandwiches since 1974. No visit to Lamarca is complete without partaking in a nibble or two of the roughly 100 types of cheeses on site. Order to go or grab a table for a quick bite, and bring cash -- Lamarca does not accept credit cards. 161 East 22nd Street. Stay nearby at the Gramercy Park Hotel.


Nolita House: Located in the former home of the original Knitting Factory, this cheese-friendly restaurant offers way more than your typical cheese plate. The dinner menu has a special macaroni & cheese section, and a special cheese menu offers five artisan cheeses, including creamy ewe's milk cheese from France and semi-soft Spanish goat's milk immersed in red wine. Try two cheeses and a glass of wine for $12 during the nightly happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m.), and enjoy free live music on Monday nights starting at 9:30. 47 East Houston Street. Stay nearby at the Mercer Hotel.


[Photo Credit: wEnDaLicious/Flickr]


_- Andrew Hickey of _The Brooklyn Nomad__