Savannah is one of those people who puts her whole soul into everything she does. She took up yoga in the sixth grade and has been a devoted yogi ever since. As an adult she wasn’t satisfied to remain an instructor—she continued her education in the field by becoming a yoga therapist and studying human anatomy.
And when she decided she wanted to learn to bake, within a year she’d become the go-to favorite when someone wanted to serve artisan bread to their dinner guests. For a while she sold her loaves and rolls at the local farmers’ markets, skipping from one town square to another on Saturdays. Her sour dough became so much in demand that it just seemed more efficient to sell from a specific venue—and that’s why now, here in Marble Falls, we have the House of Cheese!
Petite and always wearing a big smile, Savannah was born in San Antonio. She moved to Marble Falls with her boyfriend, Meritt, four years ago. Meritt is from Marble Falls originally and graduated from the high school here—so a local guy going into business locally and selling locally supplied products. It doesn’t get more Americana than that!
Their shop is on Main Street, set into that new walkway that replaced the old police station. Because I sometimes like to showcase local businesses or events, I pay them a visit.
Because the shelving is new, the interior smells pleasantly of fresh-cut lumber. Bottles of wine are tucked into cubbies on the right; a display of wine-and-cheese paraphernalia is arranged invitingly on a center table; and on the shelves to the left are snacks to go with the wine, more gadgets and gifts dedicated to imbibing and cheese-eating, and the lovely packaging of different types of olive oil. Every surface in here is immaculate and each item is arranged with a caring eye.
The focal point is the gleaming glassed-in collection of cheeses. The cabinet is impressive in size with a curved frontage that gives it an old-fashion appearance. Within is every kind of cheese imaginable. And placed enticingly across from the cheese case is a rack of Savannah’s famous bread.
“Almost everything in our shop is locally sourced,” Savannah tells me proudly. “And if someone comes in to buy only a small amount of one of our specialty cheeses, we can advise them about what wine to pair it with.”
There are three cozy tables lined along the back wall and a couple of tables outside—with umbrellas because people enjoying their wine and cheese need to have comfortable shade!
“This is quite an undertaking,” I say. “What possessed you to take this on?”
“It’s always been our dream—a family-owned business where we’re in charge of every aspect. Eventually we can have our kids with us. We’ll be all about family and the community. Also, Meritt and I work well together and share the same vision.”
I try to imagine the life she has planned. David and I work well together, too, but only every once in a while and only when the situation demands it. Given my druthers, I’d rather he does his thing in his place and I do my thing in my place, and then we have something to talk about when we come together over our wine and cheese.
“Was it difficult getting the license to serve alcohol?” I ask, curious because a couple of restaurants in the area took ages to get their licenses.
“It took months and it wasn’t easy,” she says, laughing. “Only when we were almost finished with the process did we learn that most establishments get a lawyer to take care of it.”
This whole time Meritt has been working and moving stuff around behind the counter. Yesterday was their soft opening, and from Savannah’s account they were busy-busy, so I assume he’s still in recovery mode.
This has been an enlightening tour. I say thanks, then leave them to it. When I get home, I tell David all about the new wine and cheese shop in town.
“Let’s grab some friends and go right now!” he says.
Chances are I’m there right now!
Say cheese! Meritt and Savannah are excited about their new adventure. Sorry, this isn’t the best picture of the menu, but I assure you that the choices are delicious and the prices are reasonable.
A wall of wine.
Everything gleams and they’ve created a homey feel.
This all looks so yummy.
