Every morning on my way to work the bus takes me past Janice Beaton’s Fine Cheese, a charming little shop located along 17th Avenue. I’ve seen it a million times and I am constantly reminding myself that I need to go in sometime. Well, sometime turned out to be the other weekend. It was cold and blowing outside and my friend and I were trying to decide what to do with our Saturday. It was the perfect time to put an end to my bus-window shopping.
What a great little shop! There was a huge selection of cheese, although after several apologies, we were informed that the supply was actually low! At first we wandered through the store looking curiously at the various cheese related thingamajigs. Then, when it was our turn to be helped, we were cheerfully invited to sample our way through the display case. We tried soft cheeses from France right through to the other side where the British cheddar resided. It was quite the workout for my taste buds and my brain learned some stuff too. I love cheese and I thought I’d sampled some good ones in the past, but these tinctures where a taste experience unlike any I’d had before. And if the cheeses were amazing, the staff at the store was that much more. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, pointing out subtle differences in texture and flavor to our inexperienced palates. It was much more than just buying cheese, it was like an all-enclusive cheese adventure.
And if you're really a cheese buff, they have classes too! For anyone that is a little uncomfortable about cheese and wine pairings, they offer services to help you find the perfect match for that bottle of wine that you have sitting at home.
When we left I had a little bag bulging with cheese. A slice of Amsterdam Reserve Gouda, with a rich, creamy texture and a delightful caramel aftertaste, accompanied by a sliver of Cave aged Gruyere with a sharp flavor with the odd crystal for a unique feel. I know it's nice to share, but I think I'm going to keep these little treasures to myself.
I am so glad I happened upon this post! I've been searching for some Pecorino ever since I got home from Italy, and haven't been able to find any here in Lethbridge. I'll definitely have to stop by JBFC next time I'm up in Calgary.
Posted by: Paige | June 21, 2006 at 05:41 PM
Hi Paige, I'm glad you happened here as well. I love cheese and JBFC seems to have one of the best selections, although the cheese shop located in the Crossroads Farmers' Market is also quite good and a bit less expensive.
Posted by: Liz | June 28, 2006 at 06:23 PM