Looking for Beaufort

Hello everyone,

I've been reading LTHforum for years now, and I have had great luck following the restaurant recommendations and trying out GNRs. Now I need some help. My wife and I lived in Paris for a few months the year before last and fell in love with many of theaArtisanal cheeses, but the one we can't seem to find anywhere in Chicago is Beaufort, a brother of Gruyere with a uniquely sharp flavor and deep aftertaste. It's especially outstanding for fondues and tarts. Does anyone have any idea if it's carried anywhere in the city? We have tried Pastoral, The Cheese Stands Alone (before it closed), Fox & Obel, Whole Foods, Z&H, and I'm sure some other places that I'm forgetting.

We've been craving Beaufort for ages, but my desire was rekindled after my wife finally found some in Philadelphia at DiBruno Bros. I would love to find somewhere to buy it, or I would be just as happy to know if it's served at any Chicago area restaurants. Any ideas?

I don't know if this place is still open or not, but you might give a call to Cook au Vin. They pride themselves on all things French and cheese is one of the few things they actually stock in the store.

Cook au Vin
2256 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-489-3141

Track down some of Upland's Cheese Pleasant Ridge Reserve. It's made in WI but very much modeled after a Beaufort. It's generally considered one of the top cheeses in the USA. Pretty much all local cheese stores or Whole Foods will have.

Roth Kase's Private Reserve is a bit harder to track down, but it's about as good for this style.

iGourmet will ship it to you for $15.99 per 1/2 pound.

You could also call Binny's or Sam's -- maybe they might have it. I bet if you requested it at Fox and Obel or another cheese shop, one of them might get it in for you.