Sift flour, soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Cut in shortening. Add buttermilk and mix with a fork until well blended (should be wetter than an average biscuit dough). Fold in shredded cheese. Using a large cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop batter balls onto a baking tray lined with a silicone baking mat or cooking spray. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes. While they are baking, melt the butter with the garlic and Italian seasoning. After first 10 minutes of baking is done, pull out the biscuits and brush liberally with the garlic butter. Return to the oven for 2 or 3 more minutes, until butter just starts to brown on top. Makes about 20 small biscuits. Note: If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk; just omit the baking soda.