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September 25, 2005
The Cheese Stands Alone
The Cheese Stands Alone isn't really a restaurant, it's a cheese shop in Chicago (Lincoln Square). I just discovered this little gem, and thought I would give it a plug because it has several really great things going for it, all of which I support.
First, it's owned by husband and wife Matt and Sarah Parker. They share a love of cheese and a love for each other, and I just think that's cool. I'd love to do something like this with my wife... maybe we'll open our own practice someday!
Second, it's a locally owned small-business, which in the day of economies of scale and megamart wholesale shopping is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit I like to support with my dollars.
Third, and most importantly, it's a cheese shop!
It's located in Lincoln Square on Western Avenue. They don't seem to have a web site (?!) but I guess that's because they spend their time finding great cheese. I spend too long in the shop this afternoon sampling cheeses and walked away with a pretty extensive array for tasting this week (reviews of individual cheeses to follow). Sarah was working today, and she was friendly, offered samples of cheeses I was interested in, and was knowledgeable about their stock--and cheeses they didn't have.
A great local Chicago find and well worth a visit. If you're a cheese fan in Chicago, you owe it to yourself to stop in.
Posted by Dave!
1 Comments
The Cheese Stands Alone is one of our early neighborhood gems - now the clothing boutiques have started moving in. I've also found the owners, as you do, pleasant to talk to and informative about what I'm buying.
I believe the female half of the partnership is also a baker - she spoke one time when I was there about the age of her sourdough sponge and working with a french baker and his 100 (?!) year old sponge.
The Western Ave location is a blessing and curse for them, I suppose. Not nearly as much foot traffic as if they were on Lincoln, but a much better rent cost I expect.