Virgin Cheese debuts artisan lineup in Clarkdale.
Moving from Las Vegas for the town of Clarkdale, Virgin Cheese founder and owner Jodi Paige is excited to share her plant-based fermented, all organic cheeses that have fans from around the nation raving. This dairy-free all organic cheese factory was nominated for best artisanal vegan cheese in the country by VegNews Magazine.
Whipping up cashew and coconut cream and coconut oil as a base for her cheeses, Paige crafts her products in-house. “Our cheese is fermented and cultured, similar to making yogurt,” she said.
Top sellers are Smoked Gouda, White Cheddar Lemon Dill, Pepper Jack and Fig Brie. “Our latest favorite is jalapeno heart of palm artichoke dip.”
“Ditching dairy can eliminate bloating, flatulence, allergies, acne and eczema,” she said.
“Virgin Cheese really does own the balance of flavor and texture in the elusive vegan cheese category,” said Val Brooks Kennedy of Clarkdale. “The warm kick of Pepper Jack and the freshness of Lemon Dill and the tangy crumble of feta is my dream trio! My husband can polish off an entire cheese round with crackers and I like shredding cheese from a frozen round on my salads. What Virgin Cheese creates with cashew cream is one of those how-is-this-even-possible food miracles.”
Working alongside Paige is Virgin Cheese General Manager Anthony Guitrón, whom Paige met on a dance floor in Las Vegas. “We became best friends, and I courted him into the business,” she said. “Anthony brings a refined palate to the table, and we are marinating on evolving into a wine and cheese headquarters for our blossoming region.”
Paige was born in Pittsburgh and raised in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. As a teenager, she fell in love with the town of Jerome. Her background and education revolved around theater.
“In my past life I was an equity stage manager and worked in regional theater, art and music festivals. Creativity in the kitchen was a natural evolution for me.”
The big break for Virgin Cheese came in March 2014. “Las Vegas launched its first animal sanctuary with a grand opening private dinner for 150 health-conscious consumers. Guests were greeted with my vegan cheese appetizer tables. There were eight varieties of organic, plant-powered vegan cheeses. Guests kept going back for more and what was even more surreal was that my silent auction basket of cheeses sold for $400.”
“Virgin Cheese has been very popular with our vegan community here and they have attracted a lot of followers,” said Bronze Café owner David Moses of Las Vegas. “We sell their products, and they have a good following. Their cheese is flavor-forward, spreadable and it’s a great staple people can count on for their families and entertainment. We’ve had a great partnership with them since 2016.”
Online comments raving about the cheese are posted almost daily: “I’m so happy to have found you.” “It is a true treasure to have the true flavors of good cheese.” “Don’t be skeptical, Virgin Cheese is so tasty.” “Amazing cheese and even better customer service. Is it possible?” “This cheese is better than dairy cheese. The sandwiches and cheeses are exceptional.” “We first tried Virgin Cheese at a restaurant in Austin, Texas. We were excited to find that Clarkdale has an actual storefront!”
Paige lived in Las Vegas for 15 years and purchased property in Clarkdale to retire her horse. Her husband, John, is the director of production for Cirque du Soleil and other large-scale entertainment projects. “We are in the process of cultivating Hopewell Mine High Desert Hideout on our five acres. This would be a modern-day mining camp overlooking Sedona and the Mogollon Rim.”
The menu at Virgin Cheese begins with cheese balls in a variety of flavors and sandwiches such as a vegan version of a BLT with house-made eggplant bacon. Spanakopita, cheesecake cups, frownies (fudge in a brownie shell), protein power balls, plant powered Snickers bars and organic vegan milkshakes are available, and most items are gluten free. Their charcuterie board is a picnic favorite.
“You don’t have to be on a vegan or plant-based diet to enjoy our popular cheese boards and charcuteries,” said Paige. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Virgin Cheese is located at 915 Main Street in downtown Clarkdale. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday noon- 5 p.m.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Virgin Cheese owner and founder Jodi Paige grows herbs for some of her menu items outside her store.
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