Meet our Mongers

The cheese business brings together people from a myriad of backgrounds. The tie that binds though is simple - all we ask is that you love cheese.

We've asked a few questions of our mongers, so you can get to know the folks behind the counter.

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Juliana Uruburu

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 1987

First cheese memory: When I was three years old my dad used to take me to our favorite cheese shop every weekend. He would stand me on the counter and the cheesemonger would always hand me a big chunk of sharp cheddar to nibble on. I would savor it for most of the afternoon.

Favorite moment behind the counter: My favorite moment behind the cheese counter was meeting my husband.

When not mongering: I'm an expert organizer & color specialist.

Alma Avalos

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 1991

First cheese memory: I was a little girl shopping with my siblings and my mom and we used to run by the huge & stinky wheels of cotija cheese. We loved the taste but could not stand the smell….

Favorite moment behind the counter: One holiday season we received our British cheese selection from Neal’s Yard Dairy and we had to taste 40 wheels of Stilton and put them in order of ripeness. The entire building smelled like Colston Bassett Stilton – it was amazing.

When not mongering: I'm an adventurer and thrill seeker. 

Noelle Mosolf

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 2011

First cheese memory: Eating Monterey Jack when I was a little girl. I had been swimming all day with my sister and cousins at the community pool and I still remember how delicious that cool, salty simple piece of cheese was.

Favorite moment behind the counter: Too many to name just one -- many of them center around my coworkers, who are hilarious and very passionate people, and their stories about cheese, food or other random happenings.

When not mongering: I like to attempt to cook recipes that are way over my head, read, go camping or just hang out at home with my sister and fiancé.

Asha Loupy

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: March 2009

First cheese memory: My first memory of cheese beyond Tillamock extra sharp cheddar is watching Jacques Pepin make a dip out of all the odds and ends of cheese in his fridge. Gruyere, cheddar, blue cheese, chevre…it all went into the food processor. I was oddly disgusted and yet incredibly intrigued. I mean, how could Jacques Pepin go wrong?

Favorite moment behind the counter: My favorite moments behind the counter are helping people create cheese plates and pairings for their parties. Being able to be a part of someone’s celebration and make them look like a rockstar is priceless. Now that I am working with our e-commerce site, MarketHallFoods.com, I get to talk fromage and food with people aross the country and I love it.

When not mongering: I love making the most of my tiny kitchen and experimenting with odd ball ingredients. Blue cheese ice cream sandwiches anyone? You will often find me dancing in the kitchen to songs of my childhood and throwing fantastical dinner parties.

Jane Lyon

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 2012

First cheese memory: I remember being younger and dreading when my dad would come home from the cheese shop with all those “stinky” cheeses…our whole kitchen would smell of it. How could you be expected to eat something whose odor would "leak" from inside the fridge? I did not realize what I was missing, until I was finally convinced to taste one, and I haven’t stopped tasting since.

Favorite moment behind the counter: I love discovering all the new and unfamiliar cheeses. The fun is sharing those moments with the customers.

When not mongering: I love the outdoors, water and animals! A great day includes the lake, friends/family and my favorite Yellow Labrador, Maggie.

Andi Berlin

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 2012

First cheese memory: Making a caprese salad with string cheese, and being satisfied with the results

Favorite moment behind the counter: When a customer gets excited about their cheese samples, I feel like we're sharing a special moment. I love connecting with people and making an impact in their culinary lives. I also like saying, “Just a second, I'm cutting the cheese,” with a straight face.

When not mongering: I eat spicy Korean tofu soup about 80 percent of the time, and spend the other 20 percent listening to Shakira, pretending to be a food journalist, freezing things and then thawing them, collecting Japanese memorabilia and flossing.

Mika Kerautret

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 2012

First cheese memory: With my dad and sister in Seattle. We cut the top off a wheel of Chaource and savored bite after bite. It has been one of my favorite cheese ever since.

Favorite moment behind the counter: So far I would have to say on Christmas Eve when I got to speak French with customers all day.

When not mongering: I like to explore San Francisco, eat fine foods and drink cognac with my friends.

Jacqueline Taylor

Working at The Pasta Shop Cheese Counter since: 2013

First cheese memory: When I was probably 5 or 6 years old, I remember sneaking a round of smoked gouda up to my bedroom and nibbling away at it while reading "Horton Hears a Who."

Favorite moment behind the counter: The first time a little kid pointed to me and said to his mom, 'Can we go see the cheese lady?'  I'm pretty happy to be the cheese lady in his little world.

When not mongering: I'm eating Asian food and watching Sci-Fi movies.