The Big Cheese 

For those of us who've been pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a "sample" at the Loleta Cheese Factory — skewering cube after creamy cube while patient cashiers restock — the recent addition of the Queso Kings grilled cheese bar is a revelation.

With new owner chef Robert Stokes at the helm, the tiny town's beloved cheddars, havartis and fontinas are paired up with everything from lamb to brisket to honey, and grilled to buttery, melting perfection right in the shop.

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• Amy Kumler

Will it be the Mardi Gras? The Sweet Baby Cheesus? Grilled nuggets of mac and cheese? If you're overwhelmed by choices, you can't go wrong with the Smokin' Pig with Havarti, pulled pork, apples and chipotle on whole wheat. And if you've got a grilled cheese fantasy, make it come true by building your own sandwich of up to three cheeses on sourdough, wheat, buttermilk or marble rye.

Queso Kings Grilled Cheese Bar 252 Loleta Drive, Loleta, (707) 733-5470
Wednesday & Thursday | 7 am - 3 pm
Friday - Monday | 7 am - 5 pm
Closed Tuesday