Vromage

Youssef Fakhouri, the founder of Vromage, Los Angeles’s only vegan cheese shop, was inspired by the vegetarians and vegans of Los Angeles. In 2009, he rose to the challenge of creating “a delicious cheese that would taste like the original.” Fakouri’s background as a chef helped him create 17 varieties of nut- and seed-based cheeses that he now proudly sells in his shop and ships nationwide.

© Vromage | Veronica An

“Cheese is like wine, it’s a palate, a matter of taste,” explains Fakouri. From soft Gorgonzola to spicy Pepper Joe, Vromage has enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest cheesemonger. Each variety has a distinct taste, color and texture — there is no mistaking a Brie for a mozzarella. The beauty and art of making nut cheese is that no two batches are the same, Fakouri explains. The cheeses take seven to 10 days to make and stay fresh for about as long — there is always a high demand.

“I’m doing it to satisfy the people who thought they could not eat cheese again,” Fakouri says. The customer response is phenomenal; word of mouth and Instagram bring customers to Vromage’s door seven days a week. Their reactions inspire Fakouri to create more varieties; he is currently perfecting hard cheeses and pecorino, ash-dusted cheese.

© Vromage | Veronica An

“I thought I had a cheese shop but it’s a temple where the vegetarians convert to vegan,” Fakouri jokes. Yet, many of his customers are neither vegan nor dairy intolerant. Vromage is an entirely new food experience, not just a food replacement.

In addition to a daily selection of cheeses, Vromage sells grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas and cheese platters. The shop also has a thriving online store and Fakouri plans to expand his distribution network to bring Vromage to more people. In the meantime, visit Vromage and ask for a sample or two!

Vromage

7988 Sunset Blvd,

Los Angeles, Calif. 90046

917 450 0855