Take a look inside The Loyalist Market, a new cheese and charcuterie shop in Matthews

The Loyalist Market is home to 40 artisan cheeses, 15 – 20 charcuterie, 25 beers, 9 wines by the glass, and 13 wines by the bottle.

All items are subject to rotation, but you can guarantee Chris has picked out every piece with great care and knowledge.

Almost everything on the menu is clean and antibiotic-free.

Over the last eight years, owner Chris Sottile taught himself to make charcuterie and has become passionate about the art. He’s now looking to “blow people’s minds with pairings” and invites everyone in hang out and try new things.

The shop itself was put together thoughtfully, too.

The bar and table bases are all made by Southern Rust in Monroe, and the wood came from remnants of Hurricane Matthew.

The beautiful dishware came from hours of poring through antique shops and Craigslist listings to put together the perfect mix-matched set.

Lunch, which consists of sandwiches, salads, and meats and cheeses, is served from 11 AM – 2 PM.

The dinner menu, starting at 5 PM, includes small plates, snacks, and a hand-crafted cheese and charcuterie board. The selections rotate each night, but you’re sure to get a variety each time.

I tried a few things and was pretty blown away.

Devils on Horseback

Pig and Fig Salad

Muffuletta

Petite Burrata

Cheese and Charcuterie Board

If that’s not enough to convince you, they’ll soon be offering classes where Chris will pair specific wines and cheeses and even chocolate with blue cheese (I tried this, and yes, it works).

The name comes from being “loyal to authentic food, loyal to local food and loyal to our community,” and once you give this place a try, you’ll be loyal to this market, too.

The Loyalist Market is located at 435 Trade Street, Matthews, and is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Connect on Facebook and Instagram.