That’s right, citizen, John and Kendall Antonelli and their crew of professional cheesemongers in Hyde Park – smack between Hyde Park Bar & Grill and Uncle Nicky’s, a few steps away from Julio’s, around the corner from Quack’s Bakery – are giving away wedges of cheese.
Yes, the Antonellis present this amazing event once a year, but this year it’s also in celebration of the shop’s 14th anniversary. From now through Friday, Feb. 9, the first 75 people in the store each morning will get free cheese, and who knows what type of deliciousness you’ll be gifted with? Something creamy, something sharp, a toothsome portion of washed-rind brilliance or a thick morsel with blue veins riddling its exquisite paste? Humboldt Fog? Rogue River Blue? Vault No. 5 Cheddar from Jasper Hill?
Turophile, this is the cheesy opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Pro tip: Get yourself in the line that’s sure to form early (the store opens at 11am) at 4220 Duval and take a bunch of photos for socials. Well, of course you’d be doing that anyway – it’s what we all have cameras for, right? – but there’s an even better reason: Antonelli’s will give you a chance to win tickets to one of their acclaimed cheese tastings. Just snap a pic while you’re at the store (any time between 11am and 7pm) and share it on Instagram or Facebook (tag ’em as #FreeCheeseWeek and #AntonellisTurns14) – and they’ll announce the lucky winner on Feb. 12, thus making some Austinite’s Monday very happy indeed.
This article appears in February 2 • 2024.