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Everyone loves the guy who brings fancy cheese to the party. Be the big cheese by stopping by one of the city’s finest fromageries.
Les Amis du Fromage
This cheese emporium stinks up the city with about 500 varieties of cheese, including 150 from Canada, and an outlandishly good mac and cheese. The fromagerie also hosts wine-and-cheese soirees at Au Petit Chavignol. 1752 West 2nd Ave., 604-732-4218; 518 Park Royal South, 604-925-4218; 843 East Hastings St., 604-253-4218.
Mount Pleasant Cheese
France has nothing on Canada, say the folks at Mount Pleasant, which exclusively sells Canadian artisan cheeses, from local chèvre to Prairie cheddar to Quebec blues. Ask for a sample of the Comox Brie. 3432 Cambie St., 604-875-6363.
Pane E Formaggio
Pane sells a taste of Italy via cheese, bread and antipasti. The selection of European imports varies by the season; if your timing’s right, you might score a wheel of the Époisses de Bourgogne (pictured above), direct from a small French village, or the Malt Whiskey Cheddar. 4532 West 10th Ave., 604-224-1623.
Avalon Dairy
Looking for the best block of cheddar in town? Try B.C.’s oldest dairy. Certified organic and impossibly fresh, Avalon’s cheddar boasts a full and fine flavour. Skip the salami and add a few extra slices to your sandwich. 5805 Wales St., 604-434-2434.
Benton Brothers Fine Cheese
For a cheese platter that won’t merely impress your friends, but will shame them, work with Benton’s cheese curators to design a sophisticated selection, to be served alongside Turkish apricots, toasted organic walnuts and game terrines. 2104 West 41st Ave., 604-261-5813.
Image courtesy of hellabella.
