Ike Johnson joined Grape Vine Market in May of 2000 and took over as Cheese Monger and Executive Chef in November of the same year. He has spent the last four years developing and growing the Gourmet Department of Grape Vine. He carries over thirty estate olive oils and vinegars, fresh pates, dozens of dry cured imported meats, Russian caviar, fresh baked artisan breads, the world's finest estate chocolates, a collection of PEZ dispensers (Ike is a bit eccentric), and over two hundred domestic and imported artisan cheeses. Ike says, "You won't find every cheese in the world in my case. There is a lot of silly, bland cheese out there. I seek out the highest quality and most interesting, important, and authentic cheeses and let you choose from those." Ike credits his Grandmother for igniting his passion for food. His first memory, at age two, is standing on a chair in her farmhouse kitchen rolling out pie crusts. "My passion for food has continued to grow since I was a kid and has exploded during my four years at Grape Vine. The store revolves around education and that goes for the staff as well as our customers. Our goal is to demystify wine, cheese, pate, prosciutto and all the other things that people have made 'snobby.' We want to acquaint people with these beautiful jewels that have been treasured for centuries by other cultures. They enhance the important times in our lives. Cheese and wine were created by everyday people for everyday life. They are important because every day is important and should be lived to its absolute fullest." Ike has been featured in The Austin Chronicle, The Austin American Statesman, and on several local television stations. He also teaches cheese, wine and cooking classes at Grape Vine Market and throughout Austin and Texas.