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.
The Cheese Stands Alone
September 25, 2005 by
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.