'Miss Cheesemonger' Blogger Vero Kherian's Guide To San Francisco

Blogger and photographer Veronique Kherian, otherwise known as Miss Cheesemonger, is a woman of many talents. Formerly an attorney, Kherian eventually traded in her suits and law books to pursue a creative career in the thing she loves most — tasting, photographing and celebrating cheese. (We know, we're jealous too.)

Although Kherian originally hails from New Jersey, San Francisco has been her home for the past seven-plus years. Her cheese-focused blog was inspired not only by her passion for cheese and photography, but by the city itself, and the vast cheesemakers, animals and farmland that it has to offer.

"For me, San Francisco is an artists’ community," Kherian explains. "It’s a city rich in many histories, with so much beauty on almost every street corner." As a Marina District resident, one of her favorite things about the place she calls home is its proximity to wildlife. Case in point: she can often hear sea lions barking from her own living room window.

When she's not photographing artisan cheese or performing in local operas (we told you she was a woman of many talents!), you can sometimes find Kherian whale-watching along Land's End or indulging in some dessert at Lush Gelato.

Take a look at this cheese lover's must-see destinations in the Bay Area, from her favorite Italian restaurant to the most romantic date spot:

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How long have you lived in San Francisco? Seven and a half years

What neighborhood do you live in? The Marina

What’s your occupation? Photographer and blogger at Miss Cheesemonger

Describe San Francisco in a few words: Creative, entrepreneurial, close to nature

What’s your favorite overall San Francisco restaurant? Shanghai Dumpling King. I don’t need frills or wonderful ambiance most of the time. Just give me delicious food, and quickly!

Best sushi: Ebisu

Best Italian food: The Italian Homemade Company

Best dessert: Lush Gelato

Best pizza: Pizzetta 211

Best spot for a quick lunch: Delarosa

Best spot for a romantic date: Atelier Crenn

Best glass of wine: Press Club

Best cheese board: I make my boards at home. I purchase most of my cheese at Cheese Plus, but sometimes I will go to Rainbow Grocery. Mission Cheese is another excellent San Francisco cheese shop. Fisher's Cheese and Wine is also excellent but it is in the North Bay in Larkspur.

Best Sunday brunch: Brenda’s French Soul Food

Best spot for a power business meeting: The Slanted Door

Best cup of coffee or tea: Song Tea, but you’ll need to stay for a tasting!

Best craft cocktail: Smuggler’s Cove

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: The SFMOMA Museum Store. It’s gorgeous.

Best gym or fitness studio: Outside near Crissy Field

Best spa: Kabuki Springs and Spa

Favorite charity event or organization: The San Francisco SPCA

Favorite cultural event: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Favorite cultural institution: The San Francisco Opera

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in San Francisco? Bouquets to Art at the De Young Museum
Best historic or iconic San Francisco landmark to see or explore: Sutro Baths, then go walk along Land’s End, where you may see some whales.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in San Francisco? The Presidio

The best aspect of San Francisco is: Its proximity to nature and abundance of marine life visible to us every day.

Main photo taken by Yann Kherian.