South End Formaggio

Specialties

South End Formaggio is a neighborhood shop and importer specializing in exclusive European cheeses, local New England cheeses, imported and natural domestic cured meats, organic & biodynamic wines, craft beers and dry goods. Our kitchen makes fresh breakfast pastries, paninis and take-​out food daily and offers an extensive catering menu specializing in fine cheese & charcuterie platters. We use naturally raised meats and local and organic produce whenever possible.

History

Established in 2000.

Formaggio Kitchen was established in 1978 in the style of specialty shops found throughout Europe. Ihsan arrived in 1982 and Valerie in 1984. Under the guidance of Ihsan Gurdal as manager and cheese buyer, the shop developed its import business. Throughout the 1980’s the store brought more and more exclusive items into the country from France, Italy and Spain. Eventually, Ihsan and Valerie took over the business and further built on their desire to bring the European-​style of neighborhood shopping to Cambridge and Boston.

In 1997 Ihsan built a cheese aging cave in the basement, the first of its kind in the U.S. At the cave opening, we were proud to have our loyal customer Julia Child in attendance.

In 2000, Valerie and Ihsan opened South End Formaggio in Boston’s South End. With daily deliveries from our Cambridge store we proudly offer all of the exquisite cheeses and other imports available at Formaggio Kitchen, but with a particular focus on artisanal New England cheeses.

Meet the Business Owner

Valerie G.

Business Owner

Valerie moved to the Boston area from Miami, FL in 1980 to pursue a college education. Before moving to Boston she spent 6 months living in Madrid with her aunt and uncle. While in Madrid she developed a love for the daily market experience of visiting her local cheesemonger, bakery, meat purveyor and various fruit and vegetable stands. After arriving in Boston she sought out similar shops with an eye for the unique and inspiring and she soon discovered Formaggio Kitchen. While working in the kitchen at the well-​respected Cambridge restaurant Chez Nous, she became acquainted with Ihsan Gurdal from her frequent trips to the shop. In 1984, she decided to work at Formaggio Kitchen full-​time. Throughout the late 1980’s the Valerie and Ihsan brought more and more exclusive items into the country from France, Italy and Spain.

In 2000 Valerie opened South End Formaggio, the first store of its kind in the neighborhood.